Tour Operator License No. 22007631, issued on April 20, 2022
Return of the
Cosmonauts
Exclusive Tour
A unique expedition to welcome cosmonauts from space: a 3-day tour with absolute comfort from an official operator.
The cosmonaut landing is a moment where technology meets nature, and the sheer scale of the event takes your breath away. In the boundless steppe, where the horizon stretches beyond sight, we wait in silence to watch a fireball appear from the sky — the descent module bringing the cosmonauts home. There is no city noise here, only the steppe wind and quiet anticipation of where the capsule will touch down.
Return from Space
Tour Organization
3 days
2 nights
2 nights
Ages 12
and up
and up
Group up
to 12 people
to 12 people
Easy
difficulty
difficulty
Full-route transfer
Official tour operator
Tourist Comfort
Internet access
Three meals a day
Unlimited drinking water
Hotel accommodation
After the rescue operation is complete and the cosmonauts are on their way, we may be granted the opportunity to get closer to the charred descent module. You will see the soot on the hull with your own eyes and look into the capsule's hatch where history was made. This is a literal touch of space, accessible to only a few.
After spending months in zero gravity, the cosmonauts feel Earth's pull once again. Caring hands help the crew take their first breath of steppe air; they are examined by doctors and carefully wrapped in warm blankets. It is an overwhelmingly emotional moment for everyone present.
First Minutes on Earth
Witnessing the Landing
Right before your eyes, an event unfolds that occurs only a few times a year: the return of cosmonauts to Earth. The massive parachute gently lowering the capsule, the silence of the steppe broken only by the wind and rustling grass — this scene will stay with you forever.
Tour Organization
3 days
2 nights
2 nights
Ages 12
and up
and up
Group up to 12 people
Easy
difficulty
difficulty
Full-route transfer
Official tour operator
Day 1: The Journey Begins
▪️We fly from Astana to Zhezkazgan and arrive around lunchtime.
▪️We check into the hotel, with time to settle in calmly and rest after the trip.
▪️We have lunch in the city or at the hotel and regain our energy.
▪️In the evening, we have dinner: a chance to get to know each other, discuss the plans for tomorrow, and get into the mood for the journey.
▪️Optional: a short city tour can be arranged.
▪️We check into the hotel, with time to settle in calmly and rest after the trip.
▪️We have lunch in the city or at the hotel and regain our energy.
▪️In the evening, we have dinner: a chance to get to know each other, discuss the plans for tomorrow, and get into the mood for the journey.
▪️Optional: a short city tour can be arranged.
Day 2: Landing of the Cosmonauts
▪️Early departure from the hotel; a night departure is also possible.
▪️We head to the landing area and wait for the cosmonauts’ return.
▪️The most exciting moment: we will see with our own eyes the huge parachute opening in the sky, the descent of the capsule, and the actual touchdown! We will also observe the coordinated work of the search and rescue teams and the crew’s reception.
▪️Lunch in lunch-box format: we will have a snack on the road.
▪️In the evening, we return to the hotel, with time to freshen up and recover a little.
▪️Dinner: a calm end to the day and a chance to share impressions.
▪️We head to the landing area and wait for the cosmonauts’ return.
▪️The most exciting moment: we will see with our own eyes the huge parachute opening in the sky, the descent of the capsule, and the actual touchdown! We will also observe the coordinated work of the search and rescue teams and the crew’s reception.
▪️Lunch in lunch-box format: we will have a snack on the road.
▪️In the evening, we return to the hotel, with time to freshen up and recover a little.
▪️Dinner: a calm end to the day and a chance to share impressions.
Important: Since the spacecraft landing is a complex technical operation, the itinerary may be adjusted based on the actual landing time, weather conditions, and safety requirements. We appreciate your understanding.
Day 3: Return to Astana
▪️Breakfast at a relaxed pace before the road.
▪️Optional: if the timing before the flight is comfortable, a city tour can be arranged on this day.
▪️Flight Zhezkazgan → Astana: departure at 17:20.
▪️Optional: if the timing before the flight is comfortable, a city tour can be arranged on this day.
▪️Flight Zhezkazgan → Astana: departure at 17:20.
Tourist Comfort
Internet access
Three meals a day
Unlimited drinking water
Hotel accommodation
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Our journey begins in Astana. The tour program includes observing the space capsule's descent, seeing the rescue teams at work, and witnessing the crew's first moments back on Earth. You will learn about mission preparations, experience the scale of this historic event, and enjoy the vast beauty of the steppe.
Tour Conditions
Included in the price
▪️Transfer from Astana along the entire route and back.
▪️Hotel accommodation in Zhezkazgan.
▪️Three meals a day at the hotel or in cafés.
▪️Unlimited drinking water.
▪️Electricity for charging gadgets.
▪️Free high-speed internet.
▪️Hotel accommodation in Zhezkazgan.
▪️Three meals a day at the hotel or in cafés.
▪️Unlimited drinking water.
▪️Electricity for charging gadgets.
▪️Free high-speed internet.
Not included in the price
▪️Flights or other travel arrangements to Astana.
▪️Accommodation in Astana before or after the tour.
▪️Medical/travel insurance (arranged independently at your discretion).
▪️Personal expenses during the trip.
▪️Accommodation in Astana before or after the tour.
▪️Medical/travel insurance (arranged independently at your discretion).
▪️Personal expenses during the trip.
Important information
▪️There are no large supermarkets or well-equipped pharmacies in the steppe area, only small village shops.
▪️There is no stable internet or cellular connection outside the base camp.
▪️Drinking water is provided without restrictions.
▪️If you do not eat meat or have specific food intolerances, please let us know in advance.
▪️There is no stable internet or cellular connection outside the base camp.
▪️Drinking water is provided without restrictions.
▪️If you do not eat meat or have specific food intolerances, please let us know in advance.
Overnight stays during the trip will be in Zhezkazgan. Here, participants will have time to unwind, prepare for an early departure, and get ready for the main event of the route — awaiting the cosmonauts’ landing in the Kazakh steppe.
Comfortable stay and peaceful rest after the journey
Hotel Accommodation
Comfort and Tour Conditions
Upcoming Tours
Upcoming cosmonaut landing tours — choose convenient dates and book your spot in advance.
"Standard" Package
For citizens of Kazakhstan and CIS
The price includes the basic tour services: Astana — Zhezkazgan — Astana flights, hotel accommodation, transfers along the route, meals according to the program, and support from the organizers. On the second day, the group travels to the landing area to witness the cosmonauts’ return and the work of the search and rescue teams.
"International" Package
For foreign citizens
This package includes all basic services, as well as additional administrative costs for foreign guests. We handle the permits required to visit restricted areas and provide the group with an English-speaking guide-interpreter throughout the program.
Cosmonaut Landing Tour Pricing
Guest reviews
Booking and Payment Process
Booking
The tour price is stated in US dollars. Payment is made at the exchange rate on the day of payment. To reserve your spot, submit a request and make a 50% deposit. Please note that credit cards are not accepted.
Agreement
Once you confirm your participation, we will issue an invoice for the deposit and sign an agreement. We value our reputation and always fulfill our obligations.
Guarantees
In the event of the official closure of the Baikonur Cosmodrome, a launch cancellation, or flight cancellations, we guarantee the transfer of your deposit to any other trip or a full refund.
Ekaterina Koshko
Co-founder, Photosafari.kz
Konstantin Kikvidze
Co-founder, Photosafari.kz
Baybolatov Rakhman
Guide, Administrator, Driver
Damir Karimov
Space and land expedition guide
The Photosafari team is a community of adventurers drawn to untrodden paths. For over a decade, we have explored uncharted Kazakhstan and remote corners of the globe, capturing unique footage that showcases the true spirit of expedition to the world.
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.
We take care
of everything
Transfers, meals, accommodation, drinking water, showers, internet, and more — we ensure everything is arranged for your comfort.
Safety
& Well-being
We prioritize the safety and well-being of our guests at every stage of the trip, including excursions and accommodations.
Unique
itineraries
We design unique programs for adventure seekers, sharing our expertise and ensuring memorable experiences.
Payment
& Guarantees
Choose a convenient payment method. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, we guarantee a refund.
Complete Immersion
Experience a captivating journey that connects the origins of the space age with the innovative technologies of the future.
Tour Team
Photosafari-travel
Got questions?
There are several ways to get from Shymkent to Astana:
- By Air: Direct flights take approximately 1-1.5 hours. Ticket prices start from 8,865 ₸ one-way.
- By Train: Travel time is about 18-20 hours. Ticket prices start from 8,250 ₸ for a third-class compartment.
- By Bus: Travel time is around 20-22 hours. Ticket prices range from 5,000 to 7,000 ₸.
- By Car: A journey by private vehicle takes approximately 12-14 hours.
Shymkent
There are several ways to get from Atyrau to Astana:
- By Air: Direct flights take approximately 2 hours 18 minutes. Ticket prices start from 26,000 ₸ one-way.
- By Train: Travel time is about 1 day 14 hours. Ticket prices start from 9,800 ₸ for a third-class compartment.
- By Bus: Travel time is around 24-26 hours. Ticket prices range from 7,000 to 10,000 ₸.
- By Car: A journey by private vehicle takes approximately 16-18 hours.
Atyrau
Moscow
There are several ways to get from Moscow to Astana:
- By Air: Direct flights take approximately 4 hours. Ticket prices start from 10,000 ₽ (approximately 42,000 ₸) one-way.
- By Train: Travel time is about 2 days. Ticket prices start from 3,000 ₽ (approximately 12,600 ₸) for a third-class compartment.
- By Bus: Travel time is around 2 days. Ticket prices range from 10,000 to 15,000 ₽ (approximately 42,000–63,000 ₸).
- By Car: A journey by private vehicle takes approximately 2-3 days.
Almaty
There are several ways to get from Almaty to Astana:
- By Air: Direct flights take approximately 1-1.5 hours. Ticket prices start from 125,802 ₸ one-way.
- By Train: Travel time is about 15-20 hours. Ticket prices start from 6,262 ₸, depending on the class.
- By Bus: Travel time is around 20-24 hours. Ticket prices range from 5,000 to 7,000 ₸.
- By Car: A journey by private vehicle takes approximately 14-16 hours.
Once you arrive in Astana, you will be met at the airport and then transferred to our steppe camp via comfortable transportation.
Astana
How to get to Astana
Our journey begins in Astana. Please note that flight tickets are not included in the tour cost and should be purchased independently. Our administrators will provide information on suitable dates and times for flights.
We travel deep into the steppe in specialized off-road vehicles, set up our base camp, and await the estimated landing time. You will witness the capsule descending by parachute, the operations of search and rescue teams involving helicopters and all-terrain vehicles, the cosmonauts' first minutes back on Earth, and the charred descent module itself. View the detailed day-by-day itinerary
No special physical preparation is required; the tour's difficulty level is easy. Age restriction: strictly 12 years and older. What you need to be prepared for:
- The journey in specialized vehicles takes over 5 hours one way.
- There is no permanent infrastructure (shops, cafes) along the route.
- Sudden temperature changes in the steppe (extreme heat during the day, severe cold at night).
The weather in the steppe is unpredictable, so layering your clothing is essential. The basic packing list includes:
- Clothing and footwear: thermal underwear, a warm jacket, a hat, light clothing for the daytime, comfortable trekking shoes, and spare footwear for the camp.
- Protection: sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF), moisturizing cream, and lip balm.
- Personal items: your original passport/ID, a personal first-aid kit, a reusable water bottle (at least 1.5 liters), a headlamp, and a power bank. We provide sleeping bags, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.
The group is accompanied by experienced expedition guides who know the specifics of the steppe and the strict protocols for operating within the spacecraft landing zone. A mandatory safety briefing is held before departure. Basic medical insurance is not included in the price—we highly recommend purchasing a travel insurance policy independently.
The cosmonaut landing takes place in the wild steppe, far from any settlements or paved roads. The price reflects the actual costs of complex logistics and building infrastructure from scratch:
- Specialized transport: Transporting people and heavy equipment off-road requires fully equipped expeditionary vehicles.
- Building an autonomous camp: We bring everything needed for living in the steppe—generators for uninterrupted electricity, hundreds of liters of water, equipment to set up a hot shower and bio-toilets, and folding beds.
- Field kitchen and staff: Providing three full meals a day far from civilization requires a professional chef and the transportation of specialized kitchen equipment.
- Permits and clearances: The price covers legal support and obtaining the necessary permits to legally be in the restricted search and rescue operation zone.
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