Baikonur for tourists:
What to know before you go
Practical tips and recommendations for an unforgettable visit to the cosmodrome
43.37° N, 63.19° E
Location: Kyzylorda Region, Kazakhstan
Location: Kyzylorda Region, Kazakhstan
Year founded:
1955
1955
Area:
Approximately 6,717 km²
Approximately 6,717 km²
Content
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Find out how to prepare for a trip to Baikonur: necessary documents, best seasons to visit, attractions, and tips for tourists. Plan your journey correctly!
Preparing for a trip to Baikonur
A trip to Baikonur is a unique opportunity to touch the history of space exploration and see the place where the space age began. However, it is important to remember that Baikonur is a strict, restricted, and guarded facility, and it is impossible to enter without a pre-arranged pass.
Keep in mind that the city of Baikonur and the Baikonur Cosmodrome are two different objects located at a considerable distance from each other. The city of Baikonur is approximately 45 km from the cosmodrome itself, and both of these facilities have access control.
Keep in mind that the city of Baikonur and the Baikonur Cosmodrome are two different objects located at a considerable distance from each other. The city of Baikonur is approximately 45 km from the cosmodrome itself, and both of these facilities have access control.
How can a tourist get to Baikonur?
You need to submit an application and provide the necessary documents. If you are a citizen of Kazakhstan or Russia, this must be done at least 20 days before the trip. For foreign citizens, the process takes even longer—documents must be submitted 35 days in advance. When planning your trip, be sure to clarify what specific data and documents are required for the application. Errors in the documents can lead to denial of access.
Photosafari Travel can assist you with organizing and processing all necessary passes for both the Baikonur Cosmodrome and the city of Baikonur. Contact us using the details provided on our website.
Photosafari Travel can assist you with organizing and processing all necessary passes for both the Baikonur Cosmodrome and the city of Baikonur. Contact us using the details provided on our website.
Best time for tourists to visit Baikonur
If you want to witness a rocket launch, check the launch schedule in advance, but keep in mind that various circumstances can change the time or date of the launch. Launches occur several times a year, and each mission becomes a real celebration.
The best seasons for a trip are:
🌸Spring (March – May)
Comfortable temperatures, blooming steppe, and little dust. A good time for excursions and walks.
☀️Summer (June – August)
Intense heat (up to +40°C), with little shade. Suitable for those who can easily endure the heat.
🍂Autumn (September – November)
Optimal weather and beautiful landscapes. A good time to visit if you want to avoid extreme temperatures.
❄️Winter (December – February)
Cold winds, with rare snowfall. The cosmodrome takes on a unique atmosphere, but warm clothing is necessary.
The best seasons for a trip are:
🌸Spring (March – May)
Comfortable temperatures, blooming steppe, and little dust. A good time for excursions and walks.
☀️Summer (June – August)
Intense heat (up to +40°C), with little shade. Suitable for those who can easily endure the heat.
🍂Autumn (September – November)
Optimal weather and beautiful landscapes. A good time to visit if you want to avoid extreme temperatures.
❄️Winter (December – February)
Cold winds, with rare snowfall. The cosmodrome takes on a unique atmosphere, but warm clothing is necessary.
How to get to Baikonur: all options
The nearest city with developed transport infrastructure and an airport to Baikonur is Kyzylorda. For the convenience of travelers, below is a table with possible ways to get from Almaty to Kyzylorda, including approximate travel time, cost, and comments:
Method
Cost
Travel Time
Comment
Train
Almaty – Toretham st.
Almaty – Toretham st.
8 000–25 000 KZT
22–27 hours
+ transfer
+ transfer
Convenient for a relaxed journey. A transfer to Baikonur is required
Car
Almaty – Baikonur (via Kyzylorda)
Almaty – Baikonur (via Kyzylorda)
Fuel cost
13–17 hours
The road may be challenging due to its condition
Plane
Almaty – Kyzylorda
Almaty – Kyzylorda
15 000–50 000 KZT
1–2 hours
+ transfer
+ transfer
Fast, but requires organizing a transfer to the cosmodrome
Think about how you will get to Baikonur. One of the most popular options is the train to Toretham Station, which is located near the city of Baikonur. If you prefer to travel by car, the route through Kyzylorda is an excellent choice: the journey will take several hours, and the endless steppe landscapes outside the window will add a special charm to your trip. For those who want to save time, a flight to Kyzylorda is suitable. However, whether you choose the train or the plane, you will need to organize an additional transfer: hire a taxi or use an intercity bus to get to the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
What to pack for Baikonur
Don’t forget to prepare for the trip. There are no shops, pharmacies, or supermarkets in Baikonur, so it’s better to bring everything you need in advance. To simplify your preparation, below is a proven list of items for summer and winter periods in a convenient table:
Category
Summer Season
(May–September)
(May–September)
Winter Season
(November–April)
(November–April)
Footwear
Trekking shoes & light sandals
Trekking shoes & warm footwear
Clothing
Long-sleeve shirt or T-shirt, windproof jacket, fleece jacket
Thermal underwear, windproof pants, fleece jacket, down jacket
Headwear
Sun hat
Warm hat or buff
Sun protection
Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm
Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm
Insect protection
Insect repellent spray
—
Accessories
Water bottle or mini thermos
Water bottle or mini thermos
Extras
Camera, binoculars, power bank
Camera, binoculars, power bank
Personal hygiene
Hygiene products
Hygiene products
First aid kit
Necessary medications, including summer-specific ones
Necessary medications, including summer-specific ones
Other
Personal items you may need
Personal items you may need
By following these recommendations, you will be prepared for any weather and circumstances in Baikonur.
Important information about Baikonur
Is the water in Baikonur drinkable?
The water in Baikonur is not drinkable. It is technical water and is not intended for consumption. Even the water in hotel rooms, although it undergoes purification, is still not considered safe for drinking. This is due to the specifics of the water supply in the region, where the system is oriented towards the technical needs of the cosmodrome.
Drinking water is provided by tour operators in unlimited quantities, so you won’t have to worry about its availability during excursions. However, it is recommended to bring a water bottle or a mini thermos to conveniently use drinking water during walks.
Drinking water is provided by tour operators in unlimited quantities, so you won’t have to worry about its availability during excursions. However, it is recommended to bring a water bottle or a mini thermos to conveniently use drinking water during walks.
Is there mobile coverage in Baikonur?
Mobile coverage in Baikonur is practically non-existent. Only a weak Beeline signal sometimes allows sending a message or making a call. Plan your trip knowing that you will be almost completely disconnected from the outside world. This is a great opportunity to focus on the impressions of the trip, but it is important to inform your loved ones in advance about your limited access to communication.
Accommodation and rules of conduct
Where to Stay in Baikonur?
One of the most popular options is the "Baikonur" hotel. This is not just a place to sleep, but a true monument to an era. Many legendary cosmonauts lived and rested here, preparing for their flights. The rooms are decorated in a thematic style, and the hotel's atmosphere helps you feel part of space history. On the walls, you can see photos and autographs of those who conquered the stars.
For those looking for more budget-friendly options, there are other hotels and guesthouses in the city of Baikonur.
However, it’s important to consider the distance between the city of Baikonur and the cosmodrome. Moving between these locations without a car can be challenging and costly. For tourists without personal transport, it is often more convenient to pay extra for accommodation at a hotel on the cosmodrome territory rather than renting a place in the city and spending time and money on travel. This is especially relevant during launch periods when the schedule of tours and movements is strictly regulated.
Book your accommodation in advance, as demand for rooms significantly increases during launch periods.
For those looking for more budget-friendly options, there are other hotels and guesthouses in the city of Baikonur.
However, it’s important to consider the distance between the city of Baikonur and the cosmodrome. Moving between these locations without a car can be challenging and costly. For tourists without personal transport, it is often more convenient to pay extra for accommodation at a hotel on the cosmodrome territory rather than renting a place in the city and spending time and money on travel. This is especially relevant during launch periods when the schedule of tours and movements is strictly regulated.
Book your accommodation in advance, as demand for rooms significantly increases during launch periods.
Rules of Conduct
Strict rules are in place at Baikonur. For example, it is prohibited to approach technical equipment, take photos in restricted areas, or disregard the instructions of guides. Any deviation from the rules can lead to serious consequences, so take this with full responsibility. Tourists need to understand that the cosmodrome is not just a tourist attraction but a working facility where every detail matters. Following the rules ensures safety and comfort for everyone.
Strict rules are in place at Baikonur. For example, it is prohibited to approach technical equipment, take photos in restricted areas, or disregard the instructions of guides. Any deviation from the rules can lead to serious consequences, so take this with full responsibility. Tourists need to understand that the cosmodrome is not just a tourist attraction but a working facility where every detail matters. Following the rules ensures safety and comfort for everyone.
Attractions in Baikonur
When you arrive at the cosmodrome, you will step into a fascinating world filled with history and legends. For tourists, the history of Baikonur begins at the Museum of Cosmonautics.
Museum of Cosmonautics
Here, you can see exhibits related to the first space flights, learn more about famous cosmonauts and their missions. Each artifact tells its own unique story, from the first steps into space to modern achievements. The exhibits include rocket models, spacesuits, and personal items of cosmonauts.
At the Museum of Cosmonautics, you can also purchase souvenirs that will serve as great reminders of your journey. Among the most popular are:
At the Museum of Cosmonautics, you can also purchase souvenirs that will serve as great reminders of your journey. Among the most popular are:
- Rocket Models: Unique replicas reproducing the appearance of legendary spacecraft.
- Postcards and Magnets: Great gifts for friends or additions to your photo album.
- Space Patches and Badges: Many tourists buy them as symbols of their connection to space achievements.
- Handmade Items: Crafted souvenirs inspired by space, including wooden and metal compositions.
- Books and Posters: Literature and posters dedicated to the history of Baikonur and cosmonautics, perfect for those who want to delve deeper into the topic.
Cosmonauts' Alley
A walk along Cosmonauts' Alley is an opportunity to feel the spirit of generational continuity. Each tree planted by cosmonauts symbolizes a contribution to the conquest of the stars. Here, you can see plaques with names and mission dates, making the walk even more impressive. The alley is especially beautiful in spring when the trees begin to bloom, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and inspiration.
Gagarin's Start
Special attention should be paid to the launch pads. "Gagarin's Start" is the place from which Yuri Gagarin embarked on his historic flight. The feeling of standing in the same spot where a new era of humanity began is indescribable. In addition, you can see monuments dedicated to cosmonauts and rockets that have become symbols of Baikonur. Pay attention to the details: each monument carries its own story, whether it's a tribute to the first engineers or the crews who made the impossible possible.
The Legendary Space Shuttle "Buran"
One of the most impressive parts of the tour is getting acquainted with the legendary "Buran" project. This space shuttle was created as part of the reusable spacecraft program in the Soviet Union. "Buran" was a response to the American "Space Shuttle" and turned out to be a true engineering masterpiece.
The first and only flight of "Buran" took place on November 15, 1988. The launch was fully automatic—the shuttle had no crew on board, which was a unique achievement in the history of cosmonautics. The flight was successful: the shuttle completed two orbits around the Earth and returned to the cosmodrome, landing precisely on the runway. However, due to economic and political difficulties in the 1990s, the "Buran" program was discontinued, and no further missions took place.
Today, a replica of the actual "Buran" stands near the Museum of Cosmonautics at Baikonur, accessible to tourists. This enormous spacecraft is awe-inspiring in its size—standing next to it or being inside evokes unforgettable sensations. You can climb into the cockpit, explore the control panels, and feel like a part of the great space era. The interior of the shuttle, with its numerous sensors and control panels, gives an idea of how complex and advanced this project was.
The first and only flight of "Buran" took place on November 15, 1988. The launch was fully automatic—the shuttle had no crew on board, which was a unique achievement in the history of cosmonautics. The flight was successful: the shuttle completed two orbits around the Earth and returned to the cosmodrome, landing precisely on the runway. However, due to economic and political difficulties in the 1990s, the "Buran" program was discontinued, and no further missions took place.
Today, a replica of the actual "Buran" stands near the Museum of Cosmonautics at Baikonur, accessible to tourists. This enormous spacecraft is awe-inspiring in its size—standing next to it or being inside evokes unforgettable sensations. You can climb into the cockpit, explore the control panels, and feel like a part of the great space era. The interior of the shuttle, with its numerous sensors and control panels, gives an idea of how complex and advanced this project was.
Don’t forget to take photos: Shots with "Buran" will become a true gem of your photo album. Such an impression stays in your memory for a lifetime and allows you to touch the legacy of one of the most ambitious space programs in history.
Near the museum, you’ll find the legendary cottages of Gagarin and Korolev. In a small wooden house, Yuri Gagarin spent the last night before his historic flight into space, while in Sergei Korolev’s house, key decisions about the launch of the first spacecraft were discussed. These places preserve the atmosphere of that era and remind us of the people who stood at the dawn of the space age.
You can explore the main locations and attractions of the cosmodrome on the map below.
Near the museum, you’ll find the legendary cottages of Gagarin and Korolev. In a small wooden house, Yuri Gagarin spent the last night before his historic flight into space, while in Sergei Korolev’s house, key decisions about the launch of the first spacecraft were discussed. These places preserve the atmosphere of that era and remind us of the people who stood at the dawn of the space age.
You can explore the main locations and attractions of the cosmodrome on the map below.
Useful tips and facts
Visiting Baikonur is not just an adventure but also an opportunity to learn many fascinating facts. The cosmodrome follows numerous traditions and superstitions that are still observed today. Some of them, such as the blessing of the rocket, may seem surprising, but they are an integral part of the culture. These traditions highlight the importance of every launch and create a special atmosphere of respect for the work of engineers and cosmonauts.
Unique facts about Baikonur
-
The largest cosmodrome in the World
Baikonur covers an area of approximately 6,700 square kilometers, making it the largest spaceport on the planet. -
Historic Gagarin Launch
On April 12, 1961, Yuri Gagarin launched from Baikonur, embarking on his legendary flight that marked the beginning of the space exploration era. -
Joint operation
Today, the cosmodrome is used by both Russia and Kazakhstan, emphasizing its international significance. -
Cosmonauts' Alley
Each tree in the alley is planted by a cosmonaut before their flight. These trees symbolize the connection between humans and Earth, even in the age of space exploration.
Additional tips for Baikonur tourists
A trip to Baikonur requires careful preparation, as it is a restricted area with special entry regulations. To avoid any issues and fully enjoy the experience, it’s important to keep a few key points in mind.
Tip
Explanation
Plan your trip in advance
Applying for a cosmodrome visit takes time, and hotel rooms get booked quickly.
Ensure you have all necessary documents
A permit to Baikonur is your key to a unique experience.
Dress for the weather
Expect heat in summer and cold steppe winds in winter.
Follow the guides’ Instructions
Baikonur is a restricted area, and following the rules ensures your safety.
Bring cash
There are no ATMs at the cosmodrome, and some shops and souvenir stalls do not accept cards.
Prepare for limited connectivity
Internet and mobile networks are unstable in Baikonur. Inform your family in advance that you may have interruptions in communication.
Take necessary medications
There are few pharmacies in the city of Baikonur, and none at the cosmodrome itself. Bring all essential medications with you.
Visiting Baikonur means touching the history of space. Seeing where the first cosmonauts began their journey, walking the same paths, hearing the roar of rocket engines as they ascend into the sky, or witnessing the return of a crew to Earth.
We have prepared three tours for those who dream of this journey:
We have prepared three tours for those who dream of this journey:
Choose your route and witness how the dream of space becomes reality. Baikonur is waiting for you! 🚀
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