15 years of journeys beyond borders and within
15 years of journeys beyond borders and within
Tour Operator License No. 22007631, issued on April 20, 2022
Contacts & Social Media:
+7 777 640 0440
15 years of journeys beyond borders and within

We Make Your Journey Unforgettable

Gagarin’s Launch Pad No. 1
The legendary site where humanity’s journey into space began
Cosmodrome Museum
Immerse yourself in the history of space exploration through unique exhibits, rocket models, and archival documents
Buran 1.02 Spacecraft
For participants of the extended program — a rare opportunity to see the legendary orbital spacecraft in person
Authentic "Energia" Rocket
Part of the extended program — a monumental exhibit displayed inside the dynamic testing facility
Rocket Launch into Space
The highlight of the tour — a breathtaking spectacle of liftoff, raw engine power, and the moment the rocket leaves the ground
An experience worth traveling to the stars for

What Awaits You on This Journey

Expert guide at the cosmodrome
Comfortable hotel accommodation
Chef-prepared meals
Unlimited drinking water
Full-route transportation
No age restrictions
Easy tour difficulty level
Official tour operator
The cosmodrome is an active restricted facility. Due to this, changes to the visitation program of certain sites may occur as a result of technical work or operational activities.
Arrival in Kyzylorda
On the first day, you arrive in Kyzylorda and make your own way to the hotel, where you check in and rest after the journey. You will have free time to explore the city or enjoy dinner at a place of your choice.
At night, the group departs from Kyzylorda to the cosmodrome. The exact departure time depends on the launch schedule and may be around 2:00–4:00 a.m.
Day 1
Exploring the Cosmodrome
The second day features the highlight of the tour — the rocket launch. Depending on the launch time, part of the excursion takes place before the launch and part after. You will visit the cosmodrome museum, see the legendary Gagarin’s Launch Pad.
Participants of the extended program will also visit the Buran 1.02 spacecraft and the Energia rocket.
In the evening or at night, after the cosmodrome program is completed, the group returns to Kyzylorda and checks into the hotel. The tour program ends here.
Day 2
Farewell to Baikonur
The third day is free time and a relaxed conclusion of the journey. You wake up in Kyzylorda, have breakfast at the hotel, and share impressions of the rocket launch, excursions, and the unique atmosphere of the cosmodrome. The rest of the day is at your leisure — you may explore the city, visit a café, or head to the airport at a convenient time.
Day 3

Express Tour Program by Day

Choose convenient Baikonur tour dates and secure your spot in advance

Upcoming Rocket Launches

Uncrewed launch
Progress MS-33 cargo spacecraft
Uncrewed launch
Progress MS-34 cargo spacecraft
Uncrewed launch
Progress MS-35 cargo spacecraft
Crewed launch
Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft
Uncrewed launch
Progress MS-36 cargo spacecraft
Uncrewed launch
Progress MS-37 cargo spacecraft

960$

per adult

-30%

children aged 5–15
For citizens of Kazakhstan and Russia

1250$

per adult

-30%

children aged 5–15
For citizens of other countries
Additional Locations
Please submit your request in advance to allow timely access permit processing

0$

Buran 1.02 orbital spacecraft at the MIK hangar (included in the tour price)

+200$

"Energia" rocket and dynamic testing facility

Express Tour to Baikonur — Pricing:

Booking
The tour price is indicated in US dollars. Payment is made at the exchange rate on the day of payment. To reserve a place on the tour, please submit an application 25 days before the start of the tour and make a 30% prepayment.
Contract
After you confirm your participation, we issue an invoice for the prepayment and sign a contract. We value our reputation and always fulfill our obligations.
Payment
In the event of an official closure of the Baikonur Cosmodrome, cancellation of the launch, or cancellation of air travel, we guarantee the transfer of your prepayment to any other trip or a refund.

Booking and Payment Procedure

These Rules of Conduct for visitors arriving at the "Baikonur" complex and Vostochny cosmodrome (hereinafter also Cosmodromes) for excursion and educational purposes (hereinafter — Rules) are mandatory for compliance by all visitors located on their territory.

"Visitors" — citizens of the Russian Federation, citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan, citizens of other foreign states, residents of the city of Baikonur and the Tsiolkovsky CATF, personnel of the Baikonur and Vostochny cosmodromes, as well as members of their families; officials, delegations, stateless persons, representatives of mass media, tourists, persons staying in the city of Baikonur and Tsiolkovsky CATF on private business, in the meaning defined by the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the procedure for visiting the "Baikonur" complex dated 21.05.2009 and the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated December 18, 2020 No. 2169 "On approval of the Regulation on the procedure for ensuring a special regime for the safe functioning of organizations and (or) facilities of the State Corporation for Space Activities 'Roscosmos', located in a closed administrative-territorial formation".

Non-compliance with these Rules by visitors entails administrative liability in accordance with current legislation.
1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
The Cosmodromes are specially equipped territories, with special structures and technological systems of increased danger located on them, intended for the assembly, testing, preparation, and launch of launch vehicles and spacecraft.

Citizens from 5 (five) years of age and older at the time of the end of the visit are admitted for visiting. Citizens under 14 (fourteen) years of age are admitted only accompanied by an adult chaperone bearing responsibility for the life and health of the child during the stay at the Cosmodrome facilities. With the aim of preventing accidents and unlawful actions of visitors, access and intra-facility regimes operate on the territory of the Cosmodromes, defining the procedure excluding the possibility of uncontrolled bringing in/transporting of property at guarded facilities, as well as rules fulfilled by persons located at guarded facilities.

Visitors arriving at the "Baikonur" complex, located on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, are obliged to:
  • take into account national features and the religion of the local population;
  • know information about the laws and customs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, features of behavior in public and other places;
  • not show arrogance and disdain for the local culture;
  • show friendliness in relations with the local population;
  • not allow offensive statements in relation to them and the leaders of the state.
From the moment of crossing the border, the operation of the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan extends to the visitor.
2. RULES FOR CONDUCTING BRIEFING OF GROUPS ARRIVING AT THE COSMODROMES FOR EXCURSION PURPOSES
2.1. The Organization that has concluded an agreement with JSC "TSENKI" for the provision of services for organizing visits to Cosmodrome facilities for excursion purposes (hereinafter — Organization), prior to the start of the visit program, is obliged to conduct a briefing of each group sent by it, including the driver of the motor vehicle on which the group moves. A copy of the registration sheet on passing the briefing, with signatures of persons included in the group, is submitted to the responsible chaperone from the branches of JSC "TSENKI" immediately before the start of the stay program at the Cosmodrome. In the absence of provided filled registration sheets on passing the briefing, the group is not admitted to the execution of the program.
2.2. The text and format of conducting the briefing are developed by the Organization independently, taking into account the Rules provided by JSC "TSENKI".
2.3. Each visitor is obliged to pass the briefing and place their signature in the registration sheet of group briefing. In relation to citizens under 14 years of age, the signature in the registration sheet is placed by the adult chaperone bearing responsibility for the life and health of the child.
2.4. Participants of the group who have not passed the briefing are not admitted to the Cosmodrome facilities.
2.5. The Organization is obliged to ensure the presence of its representative during the period of stay of each of its organized tourist groups at the cosmodromes.
3. PROCEDURE FOR PASSAGE/ENTRY AND TRANSPORTATION OF PERSONAL BELONGINGS ONTO THE TERRITORY OF THE COSMODROMES
3.1. Upon passage/entry onto the territory of the Cosmodromes at the checkpoint, security workers carry out an inspection of visitors' personal belongings visually and/or using technical means.
3.2. Upon the demand of security workers performing their duties, as well as officials exercising powers for admission to the territory of the Cosmodromes, visitors are obliged to present documents certifying their identity, and personal belongings for inspection. In case of disagreement of the visitor with the requirements indicated above, they may be refused passage/entry. Note: It is prohibited to use documents belonging to other persons for passage/entry through checkpoints.
3.3. In the presence of sufficient grounds, a repeat inspection may be performed in accordance with current legislation.
4. EVERY VISITOR LOCATED ON THE TERRITORY OF THE COSMODROMES IS OBLIGED TO:
4.1. Have with them a minimal amount of personal belongings.
4.2. Be mutually polite, observe cleanliness and public order, treat structures and equipment with care, strictly fulfill the requirements of security workers and the group chaperone, not allow actions creating danger for oneself and those around.
4.3. Have with them original documents certifying identity and declared in the application for visiting Cosmodrome facilities.
4.4. Fulfill the requirements of the access and intra-facility regimes.
4.5. Observe the requirements of the chaperone concerning the Rules of conduct and stay on the territory of the Cosmodromes.
4.6. Move around the territory of the Cosmodromes only:
  • as part of their group;
  • on motor transport for which a permit has been issued;
  • according to the approved Program of visit;
  • in the presence of a regime escort worker.
4.7. At ground space infrastructure facilities, be strictly at observation platforms or platforms defined for the group.
5. ON THE TERRITORY OF THE COSMODROMES IT IS PROHIBITED:
5.1. To transport/carry in large-sized luggage, except for cases indicated in the permit for the visit.
5.2. To transport/carry in photo and video equipment, except for cases indicated in the permit for the visit.
5.3. To transport/carry in information carriers (laptops, tablets, power banks, USB flash drives and other information carriers), except for cases of using these carriers in hotels located on the territory of the Cosmodromes. To transport/carry in any Kind AND type of weapon, flammable, explosive, poisonous, toxic substances, piercing and easily breakable items.
5.4. To transport/carry in liquid/drinks in any opaque container (thermos, tin can, etc.). To drink alcohol-containing products, use narcotic or psychotropic substances, be in a state of alcoholic, narcotic or toxic intoxication.
5.5. To accept things, items from unauthorized persons and pass them to anyone. To smoke outside designated places.
5.6. To climb over, cross over barrier fences and enter prohibited zones.
5.7. To use radio communication, radio technical devices and other means of information transmission (except for personal mobile phones in accordance with the stay program).
5.8. To transport/carry in and launch any types of unmanned aerial vehicles.
5.9. To create situations interfering with the work of Cosmodrome personnel.
5.10. To pass and be on technical territories and special facilities of the Cosmodromes outside zones defined by the Program of stay, to touch any operating equipment.
5.11. To carry out film, video and photo shooting without permission for conducting amateur photo, video shooting.
5.12. Not to fulfill the requirements of security workers performing their official duties, as well as officials exercising powers to ensure the access and intra-facility regime on the territory of the Cosmodromes.
5.13. To apply inscriptions, images, place informational and advertising materials on buildings and structures of the Cosmodromes.
5.14. To move on bicycles, scooters, roller skates and other transport and sports means, except for wheelchairs.
5.15. To visit cosmodrome facilities with animals.
5.16. To be in dirty clothes, with luggage, items, food products (including drinks and ice cream in open packaging).
5.17. To litter and pollute the territory, buildings, structures and equipment of the Cosmodromes.
5.18. To independently cross the checkpoints of the city of Baikonur and Tsiolkovsky CATF, as well as the Cosmodromes without an accompanying person and/or the presence of documents giving the right to stay in the city/CATF and/or at the Cosmodromes.
5.19. For persons residing in hotels located on the territory of the Baikonur cosmodrome, to leave the territory of the hotel if entry/departure is not provided for by the Program of stay.

Rules of Conduct for Visitors Arriving at the Baikonur Complex for Excursion Purposes

Emotions you will never forget

Photosafari Travel — an agency of author-led journeys across Kazakhstan and around the world

We help people discover the world around them and within themselves
years
We take you to places where mass tourism does not go, so that every journey feels like a true discovery
Our videos have showcased Kazakhstan to the entire world
Join us to discover the magic of adventure and learn to see beauty in every moment

Our parthners and rewards:

Reviews that make you want to pack your bags

What is important to know about this journey

During our express tour to Baikonur, you will become a guest of the closed cosmodrome for one day and will see:
  • Historic sites of the cosmodrome: the Museum of Cosmonautics, the houses of Korolev and Gagarin, the underground command post, the “Road of Life,” and the legendary Gagarin’s Launch Pad;
  • Visit several launch sites;
  • Enter the hangar with the authentic Buran orbital spacecraft;
  • Witness a rocket launch from the cosmodrome with your own eyes;
  • Visit the dynamic testing stand (DTS) with the Energia rocket.

The full program is available via this link

Other tours you will fall in love with

Author-led routes without crowds of tourists: choose a trip that matches your pace, budget, and comfort level

Leave a request and we will call you back

By submitting this request, you agree to the Privacy Policy
Tour operator license No. 22007631 dated April 20, 2022
© 2014-2025 "Photosafari Travel"
Photosafari Travel
For travel agencies and partners:
Contacts and social media:
+7 777 640 0440

Leave a request and we will call you back

By submitting this request, you agree to the Privacy Policy
Tour operator license No. 22007631 dated April 20, 2022
For travel agencies and partners:
Contacts and social media:
+7 777 640 0440

Leave a request and we will call you back

This is where space history began
A place that changed history. Here, at Launch Pad No. 1 of the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Yuri Gagarin said his famous “Poyekhali!” (“Let’s go!”) and set off on the first human spaceflight.

Today, you will be able to feel the atmosphere of this legendary site: see the launch structure where rockets were prepared, look into the shaft from which they rose into the sky, and sense how great the dream was — to break beyond the limits of Earth.

During the tour, our guide will tell the story of this launch. You will hear not only the official facts, but also what is usually not written in textbooks.

The Legendary Gagarin Launch Pad

The entire history of space is here
The museum of the Baikonur Cosmodrome offers an in-depth look into rocket engineering, the history of space technologies, and the process of space exploration, as well as the opportunity to see items that have been to space.

The open-air exhibition impresses with the scale of rocket engines, and by boarding the mock-up of the Buran space shuttle, you will even be able to sit in the pilot’s seat. Visiting the houses of Sergey Korolev and Yuri Gagarin will give you an understanding of the modest conditions in which the pioneers of the space era lived and worked.

Baikonur Museum Complex

What happens underground
The Baikonur Cosmodrome has more than 20 launch sites. Some have been in operation for over half a century and have served as the starting point for hundreds of launches. Others were built for special projects, not all of which were successful. During the tour, you will see several of these launch sites.

A particularly strong impression is made by visiting the launch control command post. Here, you can feel what it is like to be the one who presses the “Launch” button. The building is multi-level, with thick walls and a labyrinth of corridors. All of this serves as protection in case of an emergency, even though the rocket is more than 3 kilometers away.

Launch Sites of the Cosmodrome

Buran 1.02 in the Baikonur hangar
For more than thirty years, it has not moved from its place. This is model BTS-002 — a flight-ready spacecraft from the Buran program, almost prepared for its first mission. Everything has been preserved — the outer skin, the cockpit, and the thermal protection tiles. You will be able to take photographs, walk around the spacecraft, and examine the details. The guide will explain how the spacecraft works, why it was needed by the USSR, and why it was ultimately left in a hangar, where it is now strangely quiet.
We have described the entire Buran program in detail in the article “Buran 1.02 in the Baikonur Hangar: Where It Is Located and Why the Project Was Closed.”

We will visit the hangar with the authentic Buran orbital spacecraft

60 meters of power inside the dusty dynamic testing hangar
On the outskirts of Baikonur stands a massive structure — the Dynamic Testing Stand, or DTS. Before launch, this is where engineers tested how the Energia rocket would withstand vibrations, overloads, and the stresses of flight. Today, the hangar is empty and abandoned, yet inside still towers an authentic flight-ready Energia rocket — over 60 meters long.

This is the very rocket that was meant to carry Buran into space. But the project was canceled, and it remained here, frozen in time inside the hangar. Seeing it in person means witnessing the power of Soviet engineering, suspended on the threshold of an era.

The Energia Rocket in a Closed Hangar at Baikonur

Emotions you will never forget
The climax of the tour will be watching the rocket launch from a Kazakh launch site, inside a specially equipped giant yurt that can accommodate up to 400 people.

You will feel the true "roar of the cosmodrome"