Baikonur Launch & Kazakhstan Highlights Tour – nine days of genuine adventure, packed from start to finish. You’ll see the country’s great cities, stand at the edge of landscapes that stop you in your tracks, and watch a rocket climb into space. Few trips anywhere deliver this kind of range.
Everything starts in Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital – a city built to project ambition, with wide boulevards, bold architecture, and cultural landmarks on a grand scale. From there, a flight to Kyzylorda and a drive to Zhosaly village shift the mood entirely: quiet, unhurried, and a world away from the capital. The road then leads to Baikonur Cosmodrome, one of the oldest active spaceports on earth, where the Soviet space race left its mark and rockets still launch today. The launch itself is something else – the noise and vibration reach you even at 1.5 km, and no video quite prepares you for it. Almaty comes next, Kazakhstan’s former capital, a city with more texture and a faint Soviet-era undercurrent that gives it character. The final stretch heads into the countryside: Charyn Canyon, then Kolsay and Kaindy Lakes – each one worth the drive on its own. The tour closes with a day at Ethno Village “Huns”, where Kazakh traditions, crafts, and horsemanship come to life in a way that feels far from staged.
Baikonur Launch & Kazakhstan Highlights Tour – covers more ground, in every sense, than any other Kazakhstan tour we know of. Check the full itinerary and book early: there are only two departures in 2026, and both fill up fast.
Documents of foreign citizens must be submitted 61 days before the launch. Document submission deadline: May 31 and July 28.
Tour itinerary:
Arrival at Astana International Airport. Customs and Passport Control. Transfer to the hotel. Early check-in (before 06.00). Extra night included. Breakfast at the hotel.
11:00 – 19:00 Full-day excursions in Astana:
- Start your day at the National Museum of Kazakhstan, the largest in the country. Its 10 themed halls showcase everything from ancient history and ethnography to Kazakhstan’s journey toward a modern state.
- Continue to the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, an impressive glass pyramid designed by Norman Foster. Built with the proportions of the golden ratio (62 meters in height and width), it serves as a global center for interfaith and cultural dialogue.
- Pass by the Hazret Sultan Mosque for an exterior view: the second-largest mosque in Central Asia, known for its majestic domes and elegant Islamic architecture.
Lunch at the local restaurant.
- Visit the Baiterek Tower, Astana’s most iconic symbol. Standing 97 meters tall, this futuristic monument represents the mythical Tree of Life and offers panoramic city views from its golden orb observation deck.
- Enjoy a leisurely walk along Nurzhol Boulevard, Astana’s central promenade stretching from the Presidential Palace to Khan Shatyr. The boulevard features fountains, public art, and striking modern architecture.
- Continue to Khan Shatyr, the world’s largest tent-shaped structure and a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment – all housed beneath its translucent canopy.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
11:00 – 19:00 Full-day excursions in Astana:
- Start your day at the National Museum of Kazakhstan, the largest in the country. Its 10 themed halls showcase everything from ancient history and ethnography to Kazakhstan’s journey toward a modern state.
- Continue to the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, an impressive glass pyramid designed by Norman Foster. Built with the proportions of the golden ratio (62 meters in height and width), it serves as a global center for interfaith and cultural dialogue.
- Pass by the Hazret Sultan Mosque for an exterior view: the second-largest mosque in Central Asia, known for its majestic domes and elegant Islamic architecture.
Lunch at the local restaurant.
- Visit the Baiterek Tower, Astana’s most iconic symbol. Standing 97 meters tall, this futuristic monument represents the mythical Tree of Life and offers panoramic city views from its golden orb observation deck.
- Enjoy a leisurely walk along Nurzhol Boulevard, Astana’s central promenade stretching from the Presidential Palace to Khan Shatyr. The boulevard features fountains, public art, and striking modern architecture.
- Continue to Khan Shatyr, the world’s largest tent-shaped structure and a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment – all housed beneath its translucent canopy.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Breakfast at the hotel. Check out.
09:30 – 14:00 Excursion in Astana:
- Visit the Central Mosque of Astana, the largest in Central Asia, known for its impressive white marble facade, golden domes, and intricate Islamic designs.
- Make a brief stop at the Open-Air Space Museum, featuring full-scale models of legendary spacecraft such as the Proton, Soyuz, and Buran, a tribute to Kazakhstan's role in global space exploration through the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
The city tour wraps up with a 40-minute boat ride on the Ishim River, the second-largest river in Kazakhstan.
- A walk across the Atyrau Bridge, which connects the historic and modern parts of the city – a symbolic link between Astana’s past and future.
Lunch at the local restaurant.
15:15 Transfer to the airport.
17:30 Flight to Kyzylorda.
19:10 Arrival in Kyzylorda. Transfer to Zhosaly village (175 km, 2.5 hours).
Accommodation at the “Alma-Ata” hotel. Dinner at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
09:30 – 14:00 Excursion in Astana:
- Visit the Central Mosque of Astana, the largest in Central Asia, known for its impressive white marble facade, golden domes, and intricate Islamic designs.
- Make a brief stop at the Open-Air Space Museum, featuring full-scale models of legendary spacecraft such as the Proton, Soyuz, and Buran, a tribute to Kazakhstan's role in global space exploration through the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
The city tour wraps up with a 40-minute boat ride on the Ishim River, the second-largest river in Kazakhstan.
- A walk across the Atyrau Bridge, which connects the historic and modern parts of the city – a symbolic link between Astana’s past and future.
Lunch at the local restaurant.
15:15 Transfer to the airport.
17:30 Flight to Kyzylorda.
19:10 Arrival in Kyzylorda. Transfer to Zhosaly village (175 km, 2.5 hours).
Accommodation at the “Alma-Ata” hotel. Dinner at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Baikonur (85 km, 1 hour).
Excursion to Baikonur and Rocket Launch Observation. Panoramic tour of the city of Baikonur: Learn about the history of the cosmodrome city and monuments dedicated to space exploration.
Transfer to the cosmodrome and visit the “Gagarin Launchpad” and Control Center, the site of Yuri Gagarin’s first crewed space flight.
Visit the Buran assembly and fueling complex and the Energia rocket dynamic test stand (SDI).
Lunch at a café. Transfer to the viewing platform to observe the Soyuz MS-29 rocket launch (scheduled for July 14, 2026).
*The program may change depending on the official launch schedule and weather conditions.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Excursion to Baikonur and Rocket Launch Observation. Panoramic tour of the city of Baikonur: Learn about the history of the cosmodrome city and monuments dedicated to space exploration.
Transfer to the cosmodrome and visit the “Gagarin Launchpad” and Control Center, the site of Yuri Gagarin’s first crewed space flight.
Visit the Buran assembly and fueling complex and the Energia rocket dynamic test stand (SDI).
Lunch at a café. Transfer to the viewing platform to observe the Soyuz MS-29 rocket launch (scheduled for July 14, 2026).
*The program may change depending on the official launch schedule and weather conditions.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Breakfast at the hotel. Check out.
09:00 Depart for Kyzylorda airport (175 km, 2.5 hours). En route, stop at the “Korkyt-Ata” Memorial Complex to learn about the life and legends of Korkyt-Ata, the renowned Kazakh poet, musician, and philosopher, regarded as a symbol of the country’s wisdom and cultural heritage.
15:55 Flight to Almaty.
17:25 Arrival in Almaty.
Transfer to the hotel, check in, and overnight.
Meals: breakfast
09:00 Depart for Kyzylorda airport (175 km, 2.5 hours). En route, stop at the “Korkyt-Ata” Memorial Complex to learn about the life and legends of Korkyt-Ata, the renowned Kazakh poet, musician, and philosopher, regarded as a symbol of the country’s wisdom and cultural heritage.
15:55 Flight to Almaty.
17:25 Arrival in Almaty.
Transfer to the hotel, check in, and overnight.
Meals: breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 – 18:00 Excursion in Almaty. Departure from the hotel to the Medeo (25 km from the city). The Medeo Skating Rink is the highest in the world and one of the city’s main attractions.
A cable car (total length 6,200 m) carries you up to Shymbulak Ski Resort, set in the picturesque Trans-Ili Alatau valley at an altitude of 2,200 m above sea level, with glaciers visible at the summit. From there, ride further up to Talgar Peak (3,200 m).
Lunch at the restaurant.
Next, visit the old town center and explore one of the main sites that best reflects the history of Almaty. The first stop is Panfilov Park of 28 Guards, named in honor of the World War II division formed by men from the Almaty region under the command of General Ivan Panfilov. The park itself is popular among locals and city visitors. Inside the park, visitors will find the Eternal Flame, monuments to various heroes, the Ascension Cathedral – a wooden Orthodox church that miraculously survived a major earthquake in the 20th century – and the Musical Instruments Museum, where one can admire a collection of over 1,000 pieces, including some rare instruments dating back to the 17th century.
Within walking distance, the “Green Bazaar” offers a vivid taste of an authentic Eastern market. Browse the stalls, sample local foods, haggle a little, and pick up some excellent local produce at very good prices.
The day ends at Kok Tobe, a park perched at 1,100 meters on a green hilltop, beloved by locals and visitors alike. A short gondola ride of just 10 minutes brings you to the top, where panoramic views of the city spread out below.
Once we descend from the hill, we will return to the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
09:00 – 18:00 Excursion in Almaty. Departure from the hotel to the Medeo (25 km from the city). The Medeo Skating Rink is the highest in the world and one of the city’s main attractions.
A cable car (total length 6,200 m) carries you up to Shymbulak Ski Resort, set in the picturesque Trans-Ili Alatau valley at an altitude of 2,200 m above sea level, with glaciers visible at the summit. From there, ride further up to Talgar Peak (3,200 m).
Lunch at the restaurant.
Next, visit the old town center and explore one of the main sites that best reflects the history of Almaty. The first stop is Panfilov Park of 28 Guards, named in honor of the World War II division formed by men from the Almaty region under the command of General Ivan Panfilov. The park itself is popular among locals and city visitors. Inside the park, visitors will find the Eternal Flame, monuments to various heroes, the Ascension Cathedral – a wooden Orthodox church that miraculously survived a major earthquake in the 20th century – and the Musical Instruments Museum, where one can admire a collection of over 1,000 pieces, including some rare instruments dating back to the 17th century.
Within walking distance, the “Green Bazaar” offers a vivid taste of an authentic Eastern market. Browse the stalls, sample local foods, haggle a little, and pick up some excellent local produce at very good prices.
The day ends at Kok Tobe, a park perched at 1,100 meters on a green hilltop, beloved by locals and visitors alike. A short gondola ride of just 10 minutes brings you to the top, where panoramic views of the city spread out below.
Once we descend from the hill, we will return to the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Today starts early – a long but rewarding drive to one of Kazakhstan’s true “must-see” destinations, and a highlight of any visit to the Almaty region.
08:00 – 20:00 | Excursion to Charyn Canyon. (lunch boxes included) Charyn Canyon is one of the most popular and magnificent natural attractions of Kazakhstan, located 220 kilometers from Almaty. Often called the “little brother” of the Grand Canyon in the USA, it stretches 154 kilometers in length. Yet, its beauty is unique and incomparable.
After leaving the hotel in Almaty, a 3-4 hour drive brings you to the “Valley of Castles” – the canyon’s most famous site. The bus stops at the parking lot near the descent into the canyon – be sure to bring drinking water for the walk down (153 steps) into the gorge. The trek is leisurely, with short stops along the 2 km trail to the Charyn River (around 50 minutes one way). Along the way, your guide will share the canyon’s most fascinating features.
Prefer not to walk? Eco-taxis (UAZ vehicles) are available for approximately 2 USD per person.
After enjoying lunch by the river and admiring the breathtaking views, we head to Saty village.
Overnight.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
08:00 – 20:00 | Excursion to Charyn Canyon. (lunch boxes included) Charyn Canyon is one of the most popular and magnificent natural attractions of Kazakhstan, located 220 kilometers from Almaty. Often called the “little brother” of the Grand Canyon in the USA, it stretches 154 kilometers in length. Yet, its beauty is unique and incomparable.
After leaving the hotel in Almaty, a 3-4 hour drive brings you to the “Valley of Castles” – the canyon’s most famous site. The bus stops at the parking lot near the descent into the canyon – be sure to bring drinking water for the walk down (153 steps) into the gorge. The trek is leisurely, with short stops along the 2 km trail to the Charyn River (around 50 minutes one way). Along the way, your guide will share the canyon’s most fascinating features.
Prefer not to walk? Eco-taxis (UAZ vehicles) are available for approximately 2 USD per person.
After enjoying lunch by the river and admiring the breathtaking views, we head to Saty village.
Overnight.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Breakfast at the hotel.
Head to Kolsay Lake (Lower Kolsay Lake, 10 km) for a walk along the shore.
Next, continue to Kaindy Lake (12 km) and walk down to the water.
You can take an eco-taxi (UAZ), but there will still be about a 10-minute walk to the lake.
Return to the guesthouse in Saty village (15 km).
Lunch at the guesthouse in Saty village.
Return to Almaty.
Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Head to Kolsay Lake (Lower Kolsay Lake, 10 km) for a walk along the shore.
Next, continue to Kaindy Lake (12 km) and walk down to the water.
You can take an eco-taxi (UAZ), but there will still be about a 10-minute walk to the lake.
Return to the guesthouse in Saty village (15 km).
Lunch at the guesthouse in Saty village.
Return to Almaty.
Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Breakfast at the hotel. At 10:00, depart for the Kazakh ethno village “Huns” (35 km from the city) – a living cultural village designed for those who want to take part in Kazakh rituals, national games, and traditions. Arrival at the village. You will be welcomed with the traditional “Shashu” ritual, where candies are thrown in front of the guests, and tourists must pick them up. According to ancient beliefs, these candies bring good luck.
Entertainment program:
Guests will try their hand at felt-making, explore a traditional yurt, and learn the art of assembling and dismantling Kazakh yurts – including how they differ from a Mongolian ger. The program also includes traditional rituals such as “Besikke salu” and “Tusau kesu”.
A Kazakh horsemen show follows, featuring traditional games including “Kyz Kuu” – where a boy chases a girl on horseback and must kiss her while riding; if he fails, the roles reverse and she gives him a light whip on the back – and “Atpen Audaryspak”, Kazakh wrestling on horseback.
The visit continues with traditional dance, music, and lunch.
After lunch, guests will learn how to prepare “Baursak” (traditional Kazakh bread). Those who wish to spend more time in the wild can book a horseback ride in the mountains, with or without a guide.
The program also includes the Kazakh equestrian performance “Dzhigitovka”, featuring multiple complex tricks on a moving horse, including target shooting. From the early 18th century to the present, it has been considered a national equestrian sport among Kazakhs, Cossacks, and other peoples of the Caucasus and Central Asia, practiced by both men and women. Optional: Guests may request a 30-minute or 1-hour horseback tour to explore the area and enjoy nature.
Walking Tour in Almaty (1–1.5 hours):
Discover Almaty’s cultural heart on foot, starting at the Abay Opera and Ballet Theatre – a landmark of Stalinist architecture and performing arts. Stroll along lively Panfilov Street with its cafés, street art, and musicians, before ending at the vibrant Arbat, known for local crafts and souvenirs.
Transfer to the hotel. Overnight.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Entertainment program:
Guests will try their hand at felt-making, explore a traditional yurt, and learn the art of assembling and dismantling Kazakh yurts – including how they differ from a Mongolian ger. The program also includes traditional rituals such as “Besikke salu” and “Tusau kesu”.
A Kazakh horsemen show follows, featuring traditional games including “Kyz Kuu” – where a boy chases a girl on horseback and must kiss her while riding; if he fails, the roles reverse and she gives him a light whip on the back – and “Atpen Audaryspak”, Kazakh wrestling on horseback.
The visit continues with traditional dance, music, and lunch.
After lunch, guests will learn how to prepare “Baursak” (traditional Kazakh bread). Those who wish to spend more time in the wild can book a horseback ride in the mountains, with or without a guide.
The program also includes the Kazakh equestrian performance “Dzhigitovka”, featuring multiple complex tricks on a moving horse, including target shooting. From the early 18th century to the present, it has been considered a national equestrian sport among Kazakhs, Cossacks, and other peoples of the Caucasus and Central Asia, practiced by both men and women. Optional: Guests may request a 30-minute or 1-hour horseback tour to explore the area and enjoy nature.
Walking Tour in Almaty (1–1.5 hours):
Discover Almaty’s cultural heart on foot, starting at the Abay Opera and Ballet Theatre – a landmark of Stalinist architecture and performing arts. Stroll along lively Panfilov Street with its cafés, street art, and musicians, before ending at the vibrant Arbat, known for local crafts and souvenirs.
Transfer to the hotel. Overnight.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Price includes:
- 2 nights’ Hotel accommodation on BB (DBL/TWN) in Astana;
2 nights’ Hotel accommodation on BB (DBL/TWN) in Zhosaly village;
4 nights’ Hotel accommodation on BB (DBL/TWN) in Almaty;
1 nights’ Mountain hotel accommodation “Kolsay Prestige” on BB (DBL/TWN) in Kolsay Lake; - Meals: 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 3 dinners;
- Private A/C transport with driver as per program:
8-12 pax – minibus, up to 18 seats;
13-16 pax and more bus, up to 35 seats; - Eco fees according to the program;
- Tickets for museums, cable cars to Kok Tobe, Medeu – Shymbulak – Talgar Pass;
- Locals English-speaking guides ;
- Mineral water 1 L p/p daily;
- Roscosmos permission to visit the Baikonur station;
- Space launch observation;
- Entertainment programs at the “The Huns” Ethnic Village.
Price doesn't include:
- International flights;
- Single accommodation;
- Domestic flights: Astana – Kyzylorda, Kyzylorda – Almaty from 250 USD per person (Exact fare can be confirmed after 100% prepayment and issuance of the airline ticket) (Astana – Kyzylorda with Fly Arystan; airline tickets are non-refundable);
- Meals: full board: +1 lunch and 5 dinners: 190 USD per person;
- Personal expenses.
Important:
- If the hotels indicated in the program are not available on the booking date, other hotels of the same category or an optional hotel will be reserved.
- Meals during the tour are planned at local restaurants.
- The itinerary is subject to change depending on any alterations airlines may make to flight schedules and operating days.
- The company is not responsible for weather conditions during the tour.
- Before booking, please check the availability of seats on the flight.
Documents of foreign citizens must be submitted 61 days before the launch.
From 46 days before the launch, a 100% penalty applies.
Important Information:
- Launch dates are preliminary and may be adjusted by Roscosmos.
- If there are changes in Kazcosmos fees, the program cost may be revised.
- If the launch is canceled or postponed due to technical reasons beyond our control, no refund will be provided.
- The program and schedule of visits may be adjusted according to the decisions of the cosmodrome authorities.
- Due to the large area of the Baikonur territory, long transfers between different locations may occur.
- Temperature conditions in the region can be extreme (very hot in summer and cold in winter).
Prices, per person
Prices are for 2026 in US$ per person, with discounted prices for larger groups available on request.
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