Day 1: Nur-Sultan (Astana) - Karaganda

Karaganda Regional Kazakh Drama Theatre S. Seifullin - Begin the day with a 9:00 am meeting with the driver at the hotel lobby in Nur-Sultan city (Astana) for a transfer to Karaganda, which takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours by car. Upon arrival in Karaganda, an English-speaking guide will join the group for this enriching 2-day tour. The guide can also accompany the group from Nur-Sultan to Karaganda if preferred.

The first day kicks off with a visit to the Palace of Culture of the Miners, a significant symbol of Karaganda dedicated to the miners who essentially founded the city. The roof is adorned with statues of Soviet workers from various nations that once comprised the USSR, symbolizing the friendship among Soviet nations. The Soviet-era ‘Monument to the Fallen Miners’ highlights the crucial role of coal mining in the city’s history.

The next destination is the Karaganda Regional History Museum, the largest in the region. This museum is highly recommended for those interested in Soviet history, featuring numerous halls dedicated to that era, including unique Soviet posters like “Quiet, Don’t Blab!”. The museum provides an excellent introduction to the following day’s visit to Karlag and recounts the tragic history of Soviet repressions and the 1930s famine that claimed millions of Kazakh lives.

After lunch, the tour explores Karaganda’s connection to the Soviet era of space exploration, starting with the hotel “Chaika” and its historical significance. The next stop is the Ecomuseum, arguably the most unique museum in the former USSR. While it may initially appear unremarkable, the guide’s narrative reveals the significance of its enigmatic objects, many of which are linked to outer space and the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

Throughout the tour, participants will encounter numerous Soviet monuments, including those of Lenin and M. Gorky, and a favored monument to Soviet hero Nurken Abdirov, a World War II pilot. A large mural of a Soviet woman with a sickle is also featured.

Karaganda is renowned for its Soviet and Cosmonaut-themed statues. The final stop of the first day is the Cathedral of Our Lady Fatima, the largest Catholic cathedral in Central Asia, with a history closely tied to the prisoners of the Karlag labor camp.

Day 2: Karlag-Spassk-Nur-Sultan

• Private transportation
• All fees and/or taxes
• Transfer from Nur-Sultan to Karaganda & from Karaganda to Nur-Sultan
• Karaganda tour as per itinerary
• Drinking water 1L per person per day
• English speaking guide service during the 2 days tour

• Meals are not included but our Guide can make good suggestions of nice cafe where you can eat.
• Accommodation - Hotel accommodation starts from 50USD per double room in 4* hotels.
• Detour to Temirtau city listed as optional in a program.For visit of Temirtau, prices are at request

In this comprehensive two-day tour of Karaganda, you will explore ‘Stalinka’ buildings(named after Stalin), colossal murals with a Soviet theme, understand the strong ties Karaganda has with Baikonur Cosmodrome. Experience the days of the Soviet era on Lenin Avenue, visit distinct museums like the Ecomuseum, and discover the grim past of the Soviet times at the Karlag labor camp-museum and the Spassk cemetery-memorial. Essentially, it is an indispensable tour in Kazakhstan!

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.