Touch the cosmos

The Baikonur Cosmodrome is one of the most significant places in the world of astronautics, where Yuri Gagarin embarked on his flight aboard "Vostok-1" and where the first artificial satellite of Earth was launched.

The tour includes visits to launch complexes, the Space Museum, the underground command post, and other attractions. You will witness the preparation and launch of a rocket

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
Gagarin’s Start – the legendary Launch Pad No. 1 at Baikonur Cosmodrome, from where Yuri Gagarin embarked on the first human spaceflight.

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.

We will take a look at the Gagarin launch site

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.

Visit to the museum complex of the spaceport

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
cosmodrome expert guide
shower or bath in the room
shower or bath in the room
meals by a chef
meals by a chef
unlimited drinking water
unlimited drinking water
comfortable hotel room
comfortable hotel room
by car around Baikonur
by car around Baikonur

Tourist comfort

Rocket launch tour: excursion to the Baikonur Cosmodrome with visits to launch sites and the “Buran” shuttle

3 days
2 nights
Duration
Duration
no age restrictions
no age restrictions
group of up to 30 people
group of up to 30 people
easy tour difficulty level
easy tour difficulty level
transfer from the city of Kyzylorda
transfer from the city of Kyzylorda
official tour operator
official tour operator
Launch of the Progress MS-31 cargo spacecraft
Upcoming Launch
July 03, 2025
Three-day tour to Baikonur from Almaty and Astana
Baikonur

Tour organization

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!

For more than thirty years, it hasn't moved an inch. This is BTS-002 — a flight-ready vehicle from the Buran program, nearly complete and once prepared for its first mission. It was assembled right here at Baikonur — and here it remains. We'll stand right next to it: just an arm’s length away from a real orbital spacecraft. The structure is still intact — the hull, the cockpit, the thermal protection tiles. You’ll be able to take photos, walk along the fuselage, and examine the details up close.
Your guide will explain how the shuttle was built, why the USSR needed it, and how it ended up abandoned in a hangar where the silence now feels oddly out of place.

We’ve covered the full story of the Buran program — and this specific model, 1.02, which still stands inside the MZK hangar — in our article: Buran 1.02 in the Baikonur Hangar: Where It Is and Why the Project Was Shut Down. If you haven’t read it yet, we highly recommend starting there.

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.

Watch a rocket launch at Baikonur!

The highlight of the tour is watching a real rocket launch from a Kazakhstan launchpad — from inside a specially equipped giant yurt that holds up to 400 people.

Let’s gaze at the Baikonur night sky through a telescope

We won't be able to rocket into space, but an exciting journey to the stars awaits us at Baikonur: through a powerful telescope, we'll observe the Moon, planets of the Solar System, binary stars, and star clusters. During the day, we'll take a closer look at the Sun's surface, examine sunspots, and even capture them with a special filter.

Day One

Icon for the morning part of the Baikonur tour — departure, arrival, and start of the program
We meet at Kyzylorda Airport or the Toretam railway station, from where we head to the legendary Baikonur Cosmodrome in a comfortable transfer.
Icon for the daytime part of the Baikonur tour — excursions, cosmodrome sites, rocket launch
Upon arrival, we check into the cozy "Yuzhnaya" hotel and begin our fascinating journey into the history of space exploration. The program includes a visit to the cosmodrome museum, a tour of the orbital spacecraft Buran, and the houses of Sergei Korolev and Yuri Gagarin.
Icon for the evening part of the Baikonur tour — Buran hangar, telescope observation, dinner
In the evening, a delicious dinner awaits, followed by free time to relax and enjoy the tranquility, starry sky, and unique atmosphere of the space town.

Day Two

Icon for the morning part of the Baikonur tour — departure, arrival, and start of the program
For those eager for an active adventure, the morning will start with a sunrise viewed from an abandoned tower. Afterward, we’ll have breakfast and head to the launch pads of the cosmodrome, where we’ll learn in detail about the preparation process for rocket launches. Next, we’ll visit the underground command post and walk along the "Road of Life".
Icon for the daytime part of the Baikonur tour — excursions, cosmodrome sites, rocket launch
After the excursion, we’ll have lunch. Then, we will observe a rocket launch from the Kazakhstan launch pad. A special giant yurt, accommodating up to 400 people, is prepared for the occasion, offering a comfortable space to witness this spectacular event.
Icon for the evening part of the Baikonur tour — Buran hangar, telescope observation, dinner
In the second half of the day, we’ll visit the Baiterek assembly and testing complex, and then head to a restricted hangar where a real orbital spacecraft from the Buran program still stands. We'll see BTS-002, a flight-ready vehicle that was nearly completed for launch, walk along its fuselage, and learn why it remained waiting for a mission that never happened.

After dinner, we’ll end the day by observing the night sky over Baikonur through a powerful telescope.

Day Three

Icon for the morning part of the Baikonur tour — departure, arrival, and start of the program
An early rise awaits, with the second group greeting the sunrise from the tower. Following this, breakfast will be served at the hotel, and then it’s time to pack up and head back home.

Baikonur with photosafari-travel

We will see with our own eyes the launch of a gigantic rocket into space, feel like pilots of space vessels, immerse ourselves in the history of cosmonautics, and explore the fantastic launch facilities.

Program by days

For all three days, we will be on the territory of the Baikonur Cosmodrome, staying and dining at the "Yuzhnaya" hotel, where the scientist and space engineering designer M.K. Yangel lived and worked

Tour Organization

Three-day tour duration – The tour lasts for three days in the mountains.
3 days
Two-night camping stay – Tour includes two nights in tents.
2 nights
Age limit 12-60 years – Participants must be between 12 and 60 years old.
no age restrictions
Group of up to 30 people – Small group for a better experience.
group size: up to 30 people
Easy difficulty level – The tour is moderately challenging.
easy tour difficulty level
 Transfer from Kyzylorda– Transport from the city to the mountains.
transfer from the city of Kyzylorda
Official tour operator – Organized by a licensed travel company.
Official tour operator

Tourist Comfort

by car around Baikonur
by car around Baikonur
cosmodrome expert guide
cosmodrome expert guide
Field meals included – Meals provided during the trip.
meals by a chef
shower or bath in the room
shower or bath in the room
comfortable hotel room
comfortable hotel room
Зарядные станции для гаджетов в кемпинге
nlimited drinking water

Accommodation and Tour Price

Accommodation in Hotels at Baikonur Cosmodrome

For three days, we will be staying on the territory of Baikonur Cosmodrome. Travelers can choose to stay at Hotel "Yuzhnaya", where the renowned scientist and spacecraft designer M.K. Yangel once lived and worked, or opt for one of the hotels located at Launch Site #2—Hotel #1 or Hotel #10. All accommodation options include meals.

Tour Conditions

Что входит в стоимость тура

Tour Inclusions

  • Transfer to Baikonur Cosmodrome and back to the airport in Kyzylorda or the Toretam train station.
  • Accommodation at the "Yuzhnaya" hotel with the chosen type of lodging.
  • Three meals a day at the hotel, clean drinking water.
  • Obtaining passes for the cosmodrome.
  • Excursion to the museum complex.
  • Tours of the Baikonur facilities.
  • We will watch the rocket launch from the official observation deck, located 2.5 km from the launch complex.
Не входит в стоимость тура

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
Важная информация

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.
We have provided detailed information on how to prepare for the trip in this article: Baikonur through the eyes of a tourist: What you need to know before your trip
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
July 02-04 2025
Deadline: 20 days before the tour
Action Tour
Transport spacecraft
"Progress MS-31"
September 10-12 2025
Deadline: 20 days before the tour
Action Tour
Transport spacecraft
"Progress MS-32"
November 26-28 2025
Deadline: 20 days before the tour
Action Tour
Launch vehicle
"Soyuz MS-28"
Desember 18-20 2025
Deadline: 20 days before the tour
Action Tour
Transport spacecraft
"Progress MS-33"
Dates to be confirmed
Deadline: 20 days before the tour
Action Tour
Launch vehicle
"Soyuz MS-5" Bion-M
April 07-09 2025
Applications closed
Deadline: 20 days before the tour
Action Tour
Launch vehicle
"Soyuz MS-27"
Tour Price
Accommodation included

Locations and Activities

Basic Program

Full Program

Visit the cosmodrome museum complex
Step inside the houses of Korolev and Gagarin
See the Gagarin launchpad and other rocket launch sites
Go down to the underground command post for rocket launches
Take a guided tour of the Baiterek integration and test facility
Witness a rocket launch into space 🚀
Observe the perfect night sky through a powerful telescope
Watch the sunset from a high vantage point
Enter the hangar with the real orbital spacecraft Buran, closed to the public for over 30 years
🚫
Price with accommodation in a 2- or 3-person room
860 $
1 060 $
Price with accommodation in a single room
1 060 $
1 260$
If you’re traveling
with children
Up to 18 years old — 30% discount
Up to 5 years old — free
No separate bed provided

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.

Customer reviews

Booking and payment procedure

Бронирование

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.
Договор

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.
Гарантии

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.
It was incredible! My childhood dream came true - I visited the Baikonur Cosmodrome and felt its atmosphere. 🪐😁☄️ I promise to return for a crewed rocket launch! Wait for me, Baikonur! Without the team @photosafari.kz, this would have been impossible. Thank you, you are the best! This trip also brought new acquaintances and friends who share my passion for space. P.S. Why do all the cool moments go by so quickly? I'm stamping my feet in frustration! Also, I heard the news that Progress MS-27 has arrived at the ISS!
My name is Madikhat. I won a trip to Baikonur in your competition. I wanted to sincerely thank you for this unforgettable experience! The trip was amazing 😍 Everything was perfectly organized. I never thought there would be so many fascinating places there or that it would be so interesting to explore them all. For several days now, I've been telling all my friends and family about this trip. A special thanks to Damir. He is such a versatile and fascinating person. There wasn't a single moment when I felt bored or wanted to go back. The program was engaging and exciting. Another big thank you to Oleg for his dedication and involvement in the excursions. When, God willing, my daughter grows up, I’ll definitely come again with her.
Guys, thank you once again for such a unique trip! 🚀 I remember it and tell all my relatives and friends with such emotions, and I realize that all of this is thanks to your thoughtful organization and involvement in what you do ❤️ This is something that will be remembered for a lifetime; Thailand and the Maldives just don’t compare—it’s only about space now! 🪐😁
Thank you very much for the tour. I am completely thrilled, especially by the museum and the launch pad. The rocket didn't turn out well in the photo; I think I need to go to another launch 😁 Send me the videos if anyone got good shots. The museum is a must-visit. Everything was organized super well, the food and hotel were 🔥; I was expecting worse! ))
My trip to Baikonur was a truly remarkable event for me. I have always been fascinated by space and dreamed of witnessing a rocket launch. I joined the tour with @photosafari.kz and have no regrets whatsoever. I didn't expect such an immersion into the world of cosmonautics. I learned a lot of interesting things about the preparation and history of the launch, and even had a chance to talk to several specialists. The highlight of the trip was the powerful rocket launch. 🚀 I can still remember the sounds and vibrations that pierced me to the depths of my soul. It was something incredible! 🌟
Visiting Baikonur and witnessing a rocket launch has been my dream for many years. 🌠 I decided to make it happen and signed up for the tour with @photosafari.kz. It was simply wonderful! 🌼 I learned a lot about space, as well as about the work of cosmonauts and engineers. The moment of the launch was breathtaking! 🎉 I have never experienced anything like it—the sound, the fire, and the energy were so powerful! I felt like a part of something great. ❤️ Huge thanks to @photosafari.kz for such unforgettable experiences! 🌌
tasha.antoni
It was incredible!
My childhood dream came true - I visited the Baikonur Cosmodrome and felt its atmosphere. 🪐😁☄️
I promise to return for a crewed rocket launch! Wait for me, Baikonur!
Without the team @photosafari.kz, this would have been impossible. Thank you, you are the best! This trip also brought new acquaintances and friends who share my passion for space.
P.S. Why do all the cool moments go by so quickly? I'm stamping my feet in frustration! Also, I heard the news that "Progress MS-27" has arrived at the ISS!
Мадихат
My name is Madikhat. I won a trip to Baikonur in your competition. I wanted to sincerely thank you for this unforgettable experience! The trip was amazing 😍 Everything was perfectly organized. I never thought there would be so many fascinating places there or that it would be so interesting to explore them all. For several days now, I've been telling all my friends and family about this trip.
A special thanks to Damir. He is such a versatile and fascinating person. There wasn't a single moment when I felt bored or wanted to go back. The program was engaging and exciting. Another big thank you to Oleg for his dedication and involvement in the excursions.
~Vika
Guys, thank you once again for such a unique trip! 🚀 I remember it and tell all my relatives and friends with such emotions, and I realize that all of this is thanks to your thoughtful organization and involvement in what you do ❤️ This is something that will be remembered for a lifetime; Thailand and the Maldives just don’t compare—it’s only about space now! 🪐😁
~Viktoriya
Thank you very much for the tour. I am completely thrilled, especially by the museum and the launch pad. The rocket didn't turn out well in the photo; I think I need to go to another launch 😁 Send me the videos if anyone got good shots. The museum is a must-visit. Everything was organized super well, the food and hotel were 🔥; I was expecting worse! ))
Konstantin
My trip to Baikonur was a truly remarkable event for me. I have always been fascinated by space and dreamed of witnessing a rocket launch. I joined the tour with @photosafari.kz and have no regrets whatsoever.
I didn't expect such an immersion into the world of cosmonautics. I learned a lot of interesting things about the preparation and history of the launch, and even had a chance to talk to several specialists.
The highlight of the trip was the powerful rocket launch. 🚀 I can still remember the sounds and vibrations that pierced me to the depths of my soul. It was something incredible! 🌟
~Anna
Visiting Baikonur and witnessing a rocket launch has been my dream for many years. 🌠 I decided to make it happen and signed up for the tour with @photosafari.kz. It was simply wonderful! 🌼 I learned a lot about space, as well as about the work of cosmonauts and engineers.
The moment of the launch was breathtaking! 🎉 I have never experienced anything like it—the sound, the fire, and the energy were so powerful! I felt like a part of something great. ❤️ Huge thanks to @photosafari.kz for such unforgettable experiences! 🌌
Andrey Zorin
Hello from Moscow! We’re already home and had a smooth journey back.
A huge thank you to everyone! We had such a warm and interesting group, and it was a pleasure spending these days together. Kazakhstan became a real discovery for us—we now want to return and explore it further.
This was an incredible experience, with emotions that will stay with us forever. Just think—so few people in the world have had the chance to witness this with their own eyes and touch history, and now we are among them!
Aisha
Even though visiting Baikonur was a must on my personal life list, I wasn’t very well-prepared in terms of theory before the tour.
And I received so much new and fascinating information! Not just learned it, but actually saw it with my own eyes and touched it with my own hands! Just imagine—being able to touch objects that have been to space! That in itself is just out of this world!
There were moments when hearing the phrase, "Friends, we have a bit of a situation here..." made my heart skip a beat. 😀
Natalya
Despite the fact that visiting the cosmodrome was a must on my life’s agenda, I arrived on the tour not very well-prepared theoretically.
And I gained so much new and fascinating information! Not just learned it, but saw it with my own eyes and touched it with my own hands! Just imagine—being able to touch objects that have been to space! That in itself is simply out of this world! There were moments when hearing the phrase, "Friends, we have a bit of a situation here..." made my heart skip a beat 😀 But everything went smoothly, and we saw everything we wanted to see! 🚀
Arman
Konstantin, Damir, Malika — huge thanks to you all! It was a cosmic experience and pure joy from start to finish.
Everything was amazing — from the telescope to the rocket launch itself.
You’re not just running a tour — you’re creating emotions and taking people on a time-travel journey to an era when trees seemed taller and we all lived in one country.
A special shout-out to Oleg — the man, the legend, the keeper of the cosmodrome’s history.
See you on the next adventure! 💐🔥🥳
Карта как добраться до Байконура
How to get to Baikonur
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 joint observation of a rocket launch from the cosmodrome is an excellent HR solution for your company.

Photosafari-travel organizes individual tours, taking all your wishes into account.
Astana
Karaganda
Kyzylorda
Baikonur
Moscow

Frequently Asked Questions

Трансфер до Байконура из Кызылорды
Самолет до байконура из Астаны
Самолет до байконура из Караганды
Самолет до байконура из Алматы
Самолет до байконура из Москвы
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.
Baikonur is not just about rocket launches. It’s also about seeing a place that’s rarely open to outsiders. You’ll spend three days inside the active cosmodrome — staying at the Yuzhnaya Hotel, where Mikhail Yangel, one of the founders of the Soviet rocket program, once worked.

On this trip:
  • Explore the cosmodrome: museum, Korolev and Gagarin’s houses, underground command post, the “Road of Life,” and the Gagarin launch pad
  • A guided tour of the launch sites
  • Visit to the Baiterek assembly and testing complex
  • Enter the hangar with the real “Buran” orbital spacecraft
  • Watch the sunset from an abandoned tower lift
  • Observe the night sky over Baikonur through a powerful telescope
  • Watch a rocket launch at the cosmodrome

For the full program, click here

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