The Baikonur Cosmodrome is one of the most significant sites in the world of space exploration, where Yuri Gagarin embarked on his historic flight aboard Vostok-1 and the first artificial Earth satellite was launched.
The tour includes visits to launch complexes, the Cosmonautics Museum, the Mission Control Center, and other key landmarks.
Excursion to the launch pads
There are over 20 launch pads at the Baikonur spaceport. Some of them have been in operation for more than 50 years and have served as the launch point for hundreds of rockets. Other launch pads were designed for special projects, which were not always successful. During the excursion, we will explore several of these launch pads, both from the outside and the inside.
Underground command post
By visiting one of the command posts, you will be able to feel like a rocket engineer pushing the "Start" button to launch a super-heavy rocket into space
The command post is a massive fortified bunker, the size of a football field, which looks like a large mound from the outside. Inside, it consists of several floors with thick walls, heavy doors, corridors, and halls. Such robust protection is provided in case of an explosion or rocket failure, even though the launch pad is more than 3 kilometers away
Tour of the Energia assembly and testing complex
We will see the assembly stands where the Energia launch vehicle was built and tested. We will explore the vast halls where engineers prepared spacecraft for launch and learn how the testing process was conducted. The guide will explain the assembly technology and the fate of the Soviet reusable spacecraft program.
Here, at Launch Pad No. 1 of the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Yuri Gagarin uttered his famous "Poyekhali!" and embarked on the first human spaceflight. Today, you can experience the atmosphere of this legendary site: see the launch structure where rockets were prepared, look into the shaft from which they soared into the sky, and feel the immense ambition behind the dream of breaking beyond Earth's boundaries.
The Baikonur spaceport museum will provide the opportunity to delve into rocket engineering, the history of space technologies, and the process of space exploration, as well as see items that have been in space.
The outdoor exhibition will impress you with the size of rocket engines, and by boarding the "Burán" space shuttle, you will even be able to sit in the pilot's seat. Visiting the houses of Korolev and Gagarin will give you an insight into the modest conditions in which the pioneers of the space age lived and worked.
cosmodrome expert guide
shower or bath in the room
meals by a chef
unlimited drinking water
comfortable hotel room
by car around Baikonur
Tourist comfort
Join our tour to Baikonur and witness all the most exciting and remarkable places and events of the legendary cosmodrome with your own eyes!
The tower is a special structure that astronauts use to ascend by elevator, as they say, "to the 9th floor," from where they transfer to the rocket. For those who want to challenge themselves with roof-spotting, we will climb the tower at dawn. You will get to feel the unique atmosphere and enjoy the breathtaking view of Baikonur. It promises to be an unforgettable experience, combining adventure with the beauty of the early morning sky.
We will meet the sunrise at the abandoned lift tower!
One of Baikonur’s main museums, opened in 1968, houses over 15,000 unique exhibits. Here you’ll find scale models of legendary rockets, personal belongings of cosmonauts, rare documents, and archival photographs. The museum features four exhibition halls:
Development of rocket and space technology and the history of space exploration
Labor glory of Baikonur — the people who built the cosmodrome
Ethnographic collection — the culture and everyday life of the steppe region
A gallery of temporary exhibitions and modern space projects
Excursion in Baikonur City with a Visit to the Museum
Our tour includes a visit to Baikonur — once a closed city with a rich history of space exploration. You’ll see its main landmarks, feel its atmosphere, and learn about its vital role in the Soviet and international space programs. This is a rare opportunity to step inside a city that was once shrouded in secrecy.
For over thirty years, this spacecraft hasn’t moved. This is BTS-002 — a nearly completed orbital vehicle from the “Buran” program, built right here at Baikonur. It remains exactly where it was assembled. You'll be able to get up close — just a few steps away from the real thing. The structure, the cabin, and the thermal protection tiles have all been preserved. You’re allowed to take photos, walk around the fuselage, and examine every detail. Our guide will explain how the orbiter was built, why it was important to the Soviet space program — and how it ended up abandoned in a silent hangar.
We’re heading to the hangar with the real “Buran” orbital spacecraft
Inside the Assembly and Fueling Complex (MZK) at Baikonur, a spaceplane from the legendary “Buran” program still stands — the 1.02 model, known as “Burya.” It waited for its launch command... but it never came.
Day One
We meet you at the airport in Kyzylorda or at the railway station in Tyura-Tam, and then head to the Baikonur Cosmodrome in a comfortable transfer vehicle. Check-in at the cozy "Yuzhnaya" hotel and lunch.
The day starts with a visit to the memorial to fallen rocket scientists and then continues with a tour of the Zenit Assembly and Testing Complex, where we explore the rail-based transport system for rockets, the launch vehicle exhibition, including the Almaz station and rocket engines.
Next, we visit the Zenit launch pad, where the launch table still stands, along with the remains of the destroyed "Buran" launch site. We’ll also see the Zenit service tower ("crawler").
In the evening, we enjoy a delicious dinner and time to relax. Take in the silence, the starry sky, and the atmosphere of a real space town.
Day Two
After breakfast, we head to the Baikonur Museum, where we’ll visit the houses of Gagarin and Korolev, view the scale model of the Buran spacecraft and other large exhibits, and stop by the souvenir shop. Then we head to the Gagarin Launch, the very site where the era of human spaceflight began.
After lunch in the canteen, we go on a tour of the "Baiterek" Assembly and Testing Complex, located on the territory of the legendary MZK, where the real orbital spacecraft "Buran" still stands today. We’ll see the flight-ready test unit BTS-002, explore the interior of the spacecraft, and hear stories from the guide about the project’s fate.
In the evening — dinner and free time to rest.
Day Three
After breakfast, we pack up, check out, and head to Baikonur city, where we visit the Museum of the City’s History and take a walking tour through the town.
We have lunch at a local café and go on a short walk through the central part of the city to explore its Soviet-era architecture and monuments dedicated to cosmonautics. The tour ends with our return trip to Kyzylorda.
Excursion in Baikonur with photosafari-travel
We’ll dive into the atmosphere of those who saw space as a dream, feel like spacecraft pilots, immerse ourselves in the history of space exploration, and explore the incredible launch structures.
A unique opportunity to see Baikonur from the inside. We’ll visit museums, launch pads, hangars, and real sites connected to the history of space exploration.
Tour Organization
3 days
2 nights
no age restrictions
group size: up to 30 people
easy tour difficulty level
transfer from the city of Kyzylorda
Official tour operator
Tourist Comfort
by car around Baikonur
cosmodrome expert guide
meals by a chef
shower or bath in the room
comfortable hotel room
Accommodation and Tour Price
Accommodation in Hotels at Baikonur Cosmodrome
Part of the program takes place on the territory of the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Accommodation and meals will be provided at the "Yuzhnaya" hotel, where the prominent scientist and spacecraft designer Mikhail Yangel once lived and worked.
Tour Conditions
Tour Inclusions
Round-trip transfer to the Baikonur Cosmodrome and back to Kyzylorda airport or Tyuratam railway station
Accommodation at the "Yuzhnaya" hotel with the selected room type
Three meals a day at the hotel and clean drinking water
Issuance of passes to access the Cosmodrome
Excursion at the museum complex
Guided tours of Baikonur facilities
Tour guide services from Photosafari.kz
Not Included
Flight to Kyzylorda or train to Toretam station
Optional lunch on the third day at a roadside café (if time allows)
Insurance (at your discretion, to be arranged independently)
Personal expenses during the trip or at the sites
Important Information
At the Cosmodrome:
There are no stores, pharmacies, or supermarkets.
No internet signal, only mobile coverage from the Beeline operator.
The water in the rooms is purified but not drinkable. We provide unlimited drinking water.
During summer tours, it is necessary to bring protective clothing.
If you do not eat meat or have food intolerances, please inform us in advance.
The "Yuzhnaya" hotel once housed and served as a workplace for the outstanding Soviet rocket and space technology designer Mikhail Yangel. His personal room has been preserved in its original state to this day, featuring authentic furniture, work tools, and details that recreate the atmosphere of that era. The room also contains his personal library, showcasing books that inspired Yangel in the development of powerful rockets, including the legendary R-16 and Zenit.
Upcoming Tours
Upcoming tours to the Baikonur Cosmodrome — choose your preferred dates and secure your spot
We will greet the dawn at the abandoned lift tower
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We’re heading to the hangar with the real “Buran” orbital spacecraft
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Excursion around the city of Baikonur with a visit to the museum
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Price with accommodation Adults (18+ years old)
600 $
Price with accommodation Children (under 18 years old)
485 $
Team Photosafari-travel
We, the Photosafari team, are a family of road lovers and true adventurers, exploring unexplored paths and new discoveries. Every journey we undertake is infused with a spirit of adventure and an atmosphere of expeditions.
Over 10 years of traveling through the Untamed Kazakhstan and dusty corners of the planet, we have captured tons of unique material, including videos that have glorified Kazakhstan worldwide.
Ekaterina Koshko
Co-founder of Photosafari.kz
Konstantin Kikvidze
Co-founder of Photosafari.kz
Konstantin Ludanov
Guide, Administrator, Driver
Damir Karimov
Space and land expedition guide
Why choose us
With us, it's half the price
We work without intermediaries and are a tourism partner of JSC Kazkosmos for the program described above.
Taking Care of Everything
We handle transfers, meals, accommodation, drinking water, showers, internet, and much more to ensure every participant feels comfortable and cared for.
Safety and Health
We prioritize the safety and health of our guests at every stage of the journey, including excursions and accommodations.
Unique Tour Programs
Unmatched programs that other companies won’t offer. As true adventurers, we are eager to share our experiences and emotions with our guests.
Payment and Guarantees
Choose a convenient way to pay for the tour. In case of unforeseen circumstances, we guarantee a full refund.
Complete Immersion
We will immerse you in an exciting journey from the origins of the space age to the innovative technologies of the future, connecting the great history of space exploration into a single narrative.
Booking and payment procedure
Booking
The tour price is indicated in US dollars. Payment is made according to the exchange rate on the day of payment. To reserve a spot on the tour, please submit an application and make a 50% prepayment.
Contract
Once you confirm your participation, we will issue an invoice for the deposit and sign a contract. We value our reputation and always fulfill our commitments.
Guarantees
In the event of the official closure of the Baikonur Cosmodrome, cancellation of the launch, or cancellation of flights — we guarantee the transfer of your deposit to any other trip or a refund.
Our journey starts in the city of Kyzylorda. Please note that tickets for the flight or train to Kyzylorda are not included in the package price and must be purchased separately. Our administrators will provide information on suitable dates and flight times.
Almaty
Corporate tours to the Baikonur Cosmodrome
Strengthening team spirit through a shared excursion to Baikonur city and Cosmodrome is an excellent HR solution for your company. Photosafari-Travel will organize a custom tour tailored to your team’s needs and preferences.
There are several ways to get from Almaty to Kyzylorda:
By Plane: A direct flight takes about 1-1.5 hours. Ticket prices start from 15,000 to 20,000 tenge one way.
By Train: The travel time is around 18-20 hours. Tickets cost from 5,000 to 10,000 tenge depending on the class.
By Bus: The travel time is approximately 21-23 hours. Ticket prices vary from 5,000 to 7,000 tenge.
By Car: Traveling by your own car will take about 12-14 hours.
There are several ways to get from Karaganda to Kyzylorda:
By plane: There are no direct flights; a transfer in Almaty is required. The travel time can be around 5-6 hours including the transfer.
By train: The travel time is 18-20 hours. Ticket prices vary from 5,000 to 10,000 tenge.
By bus: The travel time is about 22-24 hours. Tickets cost approximately 6,000 to 8,000 tenge.
By car: Traveling by car can take about 14-16 hours.
There are several ways to get from Astana to Kyzylorda:
By plane: A direct flight takes about 1-1.5 hours. Ticket prices start from 25,000 to 30,000 tenge.
By train: The travel time is 20-22 hours. Tickets cost from 5,000 to 10,000 tenge.
By bus: The travel time is approximately 24-26 hours. Ticket prices range from 7,000 to 9,000 tenge.
By car: Traveling by car will take about 16-18 hours.
We will meet you at the airport in Kyzylorda or at the Toretam train station. Then we will transfer to the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
We go through the checkpoint and enter the territory of the cosmodrome.
There are several ways to get from Moscow to Kyzylorda:
By plane: A direct flight takes about 4-5 hours. Ticket prices start from 25,000 to 40,000 rubles.
By train: There are no direct trains, but with transfers, the travel time can take 2-3 days.
By bus: It is possible to travel with transfers, and the travel time will take 3-4 days.
By car: Traveling by your own car will take 30-40 hours, depending on the route and conditions.
Three days — and dozens of vivid moments. You’ll visit the Cosmodrome Museum, see the real Buran spacecraft inside its hangar, step inside the houses of Korolev and Gagarin, walk the legendary "Road of Life", and descend into the underground command post.There will be excursions to launch pads and the Baiterek Assembly and Testing Complex, a walk through Baikonur city, an evening under the stars — and much more.
For citizens of Kazakhstan and Russia, applications must be submitted at least 20 days before visiting the cosmodrome. For foreign nationals, it must be submitted 35 days in advance.
When planning your trip, please consider that on the territory of the cosmodrome:
There are no shops, pharmacies, or supermarkets.
There is no internet or mobile phone signal.
The water in the rooms is purified and not potable. We provide drinking water without restrictions.
During the summer tour period, it’s necessary to bring protective gear.
We recommend the following items for visiting the Baikonur Cosmodrome during the hot period (May-September):
Trekking shoes and lightweight sandals;
Long-sleeve shirt or T-shirt;
Windproof jacket, fleece;
Sun hat;
Sunglasses;
Sunscreen, lip balm;
Insect repellent spray;
First aid kit with necessary medications;
Personal hygiene items;
Special equipment – cameras, binoculars, charging station;
Water bottle or mini-thermos;
Other personal items that may be needed during the trip.
We recommend the following items for visiting the Baikonur Cosmodrome during the cold period (November-April):
Trekking shoes and warm footwear;
Thermal underwear;
Windproof jacket, fleece, down jacket;
Warm hat or buff;
Windproof pants;
Gloves, scarf;
Sunglasses;
Sunscreen, lip balm;
First aid kit with necessary medications;
Personal hygiene items;
Special equipment – cameras, binoculars, charging station;
Water bottle or mini-thermos;
Other personal items that may be needed during the trip.
As tourism on the territory of the cosmodrome in Kazakhstan is just beginning to develop, we will be staying at the only hotel located near the launch pads. This is the Soviet-era "South" hotel, where the scientist and designer of space technology M.K. Yangel once lived and worked. The hotel has been renovated, and most rooms are equipped with a shower or bathtub, toilet, and air conditioning. It's really great not to leave the cosmodrome at night and to constantly be in this atmosphere.
We will organize meals on-site ourselves, and we will have a cook with us. The hotel has a dining room. If you do not eat meat or have an intolerance to certain foods, please let us know in advance.
Mobile service is available only with the Beeline operator. The internet sometimes works, but it's only enough for text messages on WhatsApp. There are no stores on the territory, so all necessary items must be purchased in advance.
Photosafari Tours
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