The 3-day tour to Baikonur offers a fascinating journey into the origins of space exploration, providing deep insights into its history in both the USSR and Russia. The itinerary includes visits in Baikonur city, home to those who operate the cosmodrome, as well as several cosmodrome sites open to tourists.
In Baikonur city, you can still sense the spirit of the Soviet era – old houses, monuments to rocket engineers, rocket models, and a distinctive neighborhood layout. At the cosmodrome, the sheer scale of the massive launch sites and the vast Kazakh steppe are truly awe-inspiring, as you'll travel dozens of kilometers between key locations.
This tour is designed for those who are passionate about space and history – those who want to see firsthand the conditions in which humanity took its first steps from Earth to the stars.
Tour itinerary:
You will be met by a Russian-speaking driver, and you will stay in contact with our English-speaking manager.
Please note that it is not possible to buy a SIM card at Kyzylorda Airport, as it is a small regional airport. If you are flying via Almaty or Astana, we recommend purchasing a SIM card there. Alternatively, you may arrange an eSIM in advance so that you have mobile connection on arrival.
An English-speaking guide will accompany you on Days 2–3.
Transfer to the settlement of Zhosaly (175 km, approx. 2 hrs 30 min).
Check-in at Alma-Ata Hotel. Dinner at the hotel.
Meals: dinner
Meet your Russian-speaking driver and transfer to Baikonur (85 km, approx. 1 hour).
Meet your English-speaking guide and a representative of “Infrakos” for document verification required to visit the city of Baikonur and the Kazakhstani part of the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
City tour of Baikonur (1 hour).
Baikonur is a closed city in southern Kazakhstan, built in the 1950s to serve the Baikonur Cosmodrome. It is home to engineers, military personnel, and cosmonauts working on space missions. The city has its own infrastructure, including schools, museums, hotels, and monuments dedicated to space exploration. Entry is restricted and requires a special permit, as the territory is leased by Russia until 2050.
Transfer to the Cosmodrome.
- Visit to “Gagarin’s Start” and the Command Post. “Gagarin’s Start” (Launch Pad No. 1) is the site of Yuri Gagarin’s historic first human spaceflight on April 12, 1961. Today, the launch pad is retired and serves as a monument to the beginning of human space exploration.
- Command Post – the key launch control center where specialists monitored the rocket systems, tracked flight parameters, and made critical decisions during the launch.
Lunch-boxes included.
- Visit to the Buran Assembly and Fueling Building. This facility was used for assembling, fueling, and preparing the Buran space shuttle for launch. Engineers performed system checks, propellant loading, and integration with the Energia launch vehicle here.
- Visit to the Energia Dynamic Test Stand (SDI). The Dynamic Test Stand was used to test the structural strength and stability of the Energia rocket. Engineers examined how the rocket responded to vibration, pressure, and conditions simulating a real launch.
The Korkyt-Ata Memorial Complex is a cultural and historical site dedicated to the legendary philosopher and founder of kobyz music, Korkyt. Located near Kyzylorda, it represents an important symbol of Turkic spiritual heritage. The central element is a tall stele made of four structures that create a sound effect when the wind blows, symbolizing the melody of the kobyz. The site also includes a small museum and ethnographic exhibits. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Price includes:
- 2 nights’ Hotel accommodation on BB as per chosen category (DBL/TWIN) in Zhosaly settlement;
- Transfers: Kyzylorda airport – Zhosaly - Kyzylorda airport;
- Meals: 2 Breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners;
- Transport with driver as per program with AC: 1 pax - Changan X5 Plus; 2-3 pax - Honda Elysion; 4-5 pax - Hyundai Grand Starex; 6-10 pax – Mercedes Sprinter;
- English speaking guide;
- Entrance fees;
- Mineral water 1.5 L p/p daily;
- Permit documents (city + KazCosmos);
- Access to the official viewing platform;
- Photo and video shooting permits.
Price doesn't include:
- International air tickets;
- Domestic air flights;
- Meals not indicated in program;
- Personal expenses;
- Any service not specified in the program.
Important Informations:
1. Baikonur Cosmodrome is a restricted area, and entry to both the city and the cosmodrome requires special permits.
Documents must be submitted 45 days prior to the planned trip.
List of required documents:
- Scan copy of passport;
- Country of residence;
- Position and place of work;
- Contact details (phone and e-mail).
2. At the Baikonur Cosmodrome, there are two zones: the Kazakh and the Russian territory. Unfortunately, citizens of countries included on Russia’s list of “unfriendly states” are not permitted to enter the Russian-controlled zone of the Cosmodrome. This restriction applies to locations such as the Crew Send-Off Ceremony, the Crew Report, the Cosmonautics Museum, and the historic cottages of Gagarin and Korolev.
All other locations situated on the Kazakh territory, which are open for visits, are included in the tour program.
Sites within the Kazakh zone that belong to the Bayterek Complex (Memorial to the Testers of Site No. 41; Monument to Mikhail Yangel; Liquid Rocket Engine RD-0120; and the Destroyed Launch Pad Site 45/2) are currently under renovation, and their availability for 2026 is not yet confirmed.
Important:
- Some changes are allowed in the program, except reduction of number of booked excursions
- In case place of visit is closed to visitors it will be replaced with an alternative. During big events proposed accommodation may be changed and replaced with a similar category
- Sequence of itinerary and hotels given is subject to change without prior notice.
- Hotel booking is subject to availability. No reservations are made before confirmation and 100% prepayment received from client
- Domestic flights are subject to change in timing and availability. If mentioned flight is not available, it will be changed to convenient one, depending on tour program
- Proposed hotels are not available; it will be substituted with another hotel of same category.
Payment and Cancellation Policy:
A non-refundable fee of 200 USD per person is charged at the time of document submission. The remaining balance must be paid in full no later than 65 days before the start of the tour (during the launch period). Once full payment has been made, a 100% cancellation fee applies, and the paid amount is non-refundable.
