Тур на запуск ракеты: экскурсия на космодром Байконур с посещением стартовых площадок и Бурана

Baikonur sightseeing tour (no launch) — 2026

Duration
3 days | 2 nights

Cosmodrome (no rocket launch) and Baikonur city tour, with access to the Buran spacecraft.

The Baikonur Cosmodrome is the starting point of global space exploration. It is a land that remembers the launch of the first satellite and the historic flight of Yuri Gagarin. On this trip, we will explore the restricted territory in detail: from massive launch complexes and a secret underground bunker to the unique artifacts of the space museum.

Touch the cosmos

Baikonur

Tour program

In-depth immersion into space

Tour Organization

3 days
2 nights

age: over 5 years

группа до 45 человек

easy difficulty level

round-trip transfers

official tour operator

Comfort & Amenities

cosmodrome expert guide

meals by a chef

unlimited drinking water

site 1 launch pad infrastructure at baikonur cosmodrome

Gagarin's Start #1

Site 1 is the absolute symbol of space exploration and the launch site of Yuri Gagarin. You will be able to walk right up to the edge of the launch structure, closely examine the giant mechanisms used for preparing rockets, and personally feel the atmosphere of the great dream that forever changed the history of our planet.

From the outside, this facility looks like an ordinary earthen hill, but beneath it lies a colossal multi-level bunker the size of a football field. Behind massive blast doors are labyrinths of corridors, spacious halls, and concrete walls of incredible thickness. Such unprecedented security measures were implemented by the designers in case of an unforeseen accident or a rocket crash, even though the nearest launch pad is located at a safe distance of over three kilometers from the shelter.

launch control consoles inside the underground bunker
multi level underground bunker structure for rocket launch control
thick concrete walls and corridors of the launch command center
massive blast doors of the underground command bunker at baikonur

Descending into the underground command bunker is an opportunity to experience the tension of the pre-launch minutes firsthand and mentally press that very launch button.

Underground command bunker

scale models of soviet space rockets at the cosmodrome museum complex
authentic space suits and technical equipment inside the baikonur museum
baikonur cosmodrome museum building exterior and outdoor space exhibits

At the outdoor exhibition, the full scale of engineering thought is revealed — the massive rocket engines impress with their sheer size, and inside the mockup of the legendary Buran shuttle, you can sit right in the pilot's seat. Visiting the memorial cottages of Sergei Korolev and Yuri Gagarin is a particularly moving experience: it is striking to see the modest, ascetic living conditions where the most grandiose projects of the space age were born.

The halls of the cosmodrome museum house a detailed chronicle of space exploration. Here, you can trace the evolution of rocket science and examine authentic artifacts that have returned to Earth from space.

Cosmodrome museum complex

Inside the deserted dynamic testing stand (SDI), the 60-meter Energia still towers. This is an authentic flight model that never left Earth. Seeing this masterpiece of engineering in person is an incredible experience and a rare chance to touch history. The building is located a few dozen meters from the MZK facility, and the two main symbols of the ambitious program now silently neighbor each other in the quiet of abandoned hangars.

60 meter energia rocket supported by metal structures in the sdi hangar
auxiliary towers and lifting mechanisms around the energia rocket
flight model of the energia rocket stored in the baikonur testing facility
energia super heavy launch vehicle inside the dynamic testing stand

A grandiose structure at Baikonur, where the super-heavy Energia rocket was once tested for structural integrity. Today, an authentic model of the legendary rocket is still hidden within its walls. A visit to this facility is an additional option and is paid separately.

Enter the hangar with the 59-meter Energia rocket

This flight model has stood motionless for over thirty years. It was built right here, and we will be able to approach the authentic spacecraft at arm's length. You will examine the famous heat-shielding tiles, hull elements, and the cabin, and you will be able to freely photograph and study the details of the legendary shuttle. In the deep silence of the enormous hangar, the guide will reveal the secrets of the project: how the vehicle was designed, why the country needed it, and why it was ultimately forgotten. We have analyzed the history of the Soviet shuttle and the fate of this specific 1.02 model in detail in the article "Buran 1.02 in the Baikonur hangar: where it is located and why the project was closed".

heat shielding tiles on the hull of the buran space shuttle
front landing gear and cockpit windows of the buran shuttle
flight model of the soviet buran spacecraft in the hangar

An essential part of the itinerary will be the city's Museum of Cosmodrome History, founded in 1968. Its halls house over 15,000 authentic artifacts: from models of early rockets and rare archival documents to the personal belongings of cosmonauts. The exhibition smoothly guides visitors through the eras: it details the evolution of rocket technology, introduces the stories of the outstanding builders of Baikonur, and also reveals the culture and ethnography of the steppe region in separate halls and modern temporary exhibitions.

space exploration monuments in the baikonur city center
exhibition halls of the baikonur city museum of cosmodrome history
architectural landmarks and soviet space era memorials in baikonur

The tour program includes an introduction to the city of Baikonur — a legendary science town that remained strictly classified for decades. You will walk unhurriedly along its historical streets, view significant monuments, and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the city where global space exploration was forged.

Baikonur city and museum tour

buran 1.02 orbital spacecraft inside the mzk assembly facility

The giant MZK (Assembly and Fueling Facility) conceals the orbital shuttle 1.02. This fully assembled spacecraft from the Buran program never left Earth. Please note: the excursion to this location is booked for an additional fee.

See the authentic Buran spacecraft

metal service structure and crew elevator at the launch pad
access bridge and boarding area for rocket crew
launch pad tower against the baikonur steppe landscape
view of the cosmodrome infrastructure from the cosmonaut elevator tower

It is along this service structure that the crew spends their final earthly minutes before flight. An elevator takes the cosmonauts to the so-called "ninth floor," where boarding the rocket begins. We have scheduled the ascent to the tower at the very break of dawn — the perfect time for those who appreciate heights and industrial aesthetics. At the top, you can truly feel the grandiose scale of Baikonur and take in the morning panorama of the complex in absolute silence.

Visit the cosmonaut elevator tower

A unique opportunity to see Baikonur from the inside. We will visit museums, launch pads, hangars, and authentic sites connected to the history of space exploration.

Day one

We will meet you at the Kyzylorda airport or the Toretam railway station, and from there we will transfer to the Baikonur cosmodrome. We will check into the Yuzhnaya hotel and have lunch.

We begin our activities by visiting the memorial to the fallen rocket engineers and then head to the Zenit Assembly and Testing Facility. Here, we will explore the railway equipment used for transporting rockets and an exhibition of rocket technology, including the Almaz station and rocket engines. Next, we drive to the Zenit launch pad to inspect the launch table, the destroyed launch site, and parts of the Buran spacecraft. After that, we visit the Zenit rocket service tower, known as the "birdhouse".

In the evening, dinner and time to rest await you. You will have time to appreciate the quiet atmosphere, the starry sky, and the environment of an authentic space town.

Day Two

After breakfast, we head to the Baikonur museum, where we visit the historic cottages of Yuri Gagarin and Sergei Korolev. We will examine the mockup of the Buran spacecraft and other large-scale exhibits, and stop by the souvenir shop. We then proceed to Gagarin's Start, the exact place where the era of manned spaceflight began.

In the afternoon, we will take a tour of the Baiterek assembly and testing facility. Afterward, we head to a closed hangar where a real orbital spacecraft from the Buran program still stands. We will see the flight model 1.02, which was almost ready for launch, walk along its hull, and learn why it remained waiting for a launch that never happened. Following this, we will visit one of Baikonur's most impressive technical structures — the Dynamic Testing Stand (SDI). Everything inside has been preserved: the giant Energia launch vehicle, support structures, towers, and lifting mechanisms.

In the evening, you will have dinner and time to relax.

Please note: the cosmodrome is an active restricted facility. Therefore, changes to the itinerary regarding specific sites are possible due to ongoing technical work and other operational activities at the cosmodrome.

Day Three

In the morning, we have breakfast, pack our belongings, check out, and drive to the city of Baikonur. There, we will visit the Museum of Cosmodrome History and take a city tour.

In the afternoon, we will have lunch at a city cafe, take a walking tour through the streets, explore the local architecture and space exploration monuments, and conclude our tour by returning to Kyzylorda.

Tour Organization

3 days
2 nights

no age restrictions

max 45 people per group

easy difficulty level

round-trip transfers

official tour operator

Comfort & Amenities

cosmodrome expert guide

meals by a chef

nlimited drinking water

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.

Program by days

Тур на запуск ракеты с Байконура
yuzhnaya hotel exterior building at baikonur cosmodrome
memorial plaque for rocket constructor mikhail yangel on the hotel facade

Tour Conditions

Included in the price

  • 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.

Not included in the price

  • 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

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.
During our three-day stay at Baikonur Cosmodrome, choose between the historic Hotel 'Yuzhnaya' (former home of spacecraft designer M.K. Yangel) or Hotels #1 and #10 at Launch Site #2. All options include meals.

Accommodation in Hotels at Baikonur Cosmodrome

Accommodation & Tour Details

Excursion without a rocket launch
Baikonur Excursion Tour: Cosmodrome and City
April 1-3, 2026
Tour is over
The number of places is limited
Excursion without a rocket launch
Baikonur Excursion Tour: Cosmodrome and City
April 27-29, 2026
Tour is over
The number of places is limited
Excursion without a rocket launch
Baikonur Excursion Tour: Cosmodrome and City
August 5-7, 2026
The number of places is limited
Private or corporate tour
Baikonur tour on your preferred dates
Dates upon request
For private groups and companies

Upcoming tours of the city and Baikonur Cosmodrome - choose convenient travel dates and book your place now

Upcoming Tours

Additional locations

Price

Dynamic testing stand (SDI) with the Energia rocket
+100$
Children under 5 are not allowed. 30% discount for participants aged 5 to 18.

Locations and activities

Price

Visit the cosmodrome museum complex
Visit Korolev and Gagarin's cottages
Watch the sunset on the tower
See Gagarin's Start
Go down into the underground rocket launch command bunker
Tour of the Baiterek assembly and testing facility
MZK hangar with the real Buran 1.02 orbital spacecraft
Посещение и экскурсия по городу и музею Байконура
Cost (with hotel accommodation)
Cost of the Baikonur sightseeing tour
Including hotel accommodation

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.

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

A sculpture made from spacecraft parts at Baikonur. The history of rocket tests and launches.
Baikonur – a place where history and modern technology intersect. A photo of a warning sign on the asphalt.
Monument to Yuri Gagarin at Baikonur – a landmark site for tourists, symbolizing the beginning of the space era.
An original test engineer’s booklet at Baikonur – a rare document from the era of active space launches.
A real Buran spacecraft cabin at Baikonur. A unique opportunity to feel like a cosmonaut.
Tourists in front of the Soyuz rocket with the inscription \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Baikonur – the path to the stars\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\' during a tour with Photosafari Travel
Ruins of old space facilities at Baikonur. The atmosphere of abandoned launch sites and the history of space exploration.
Monument to the Soyuz rocket at Baikonur – a symbol of Russia and Kazakhstan\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s space achievements. A must-see tourist attraction when visiting the cosmodrome.

Got questions?

Корпоративные туры на космодром Байконур

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.

Almaty
Astana
Karaganda
Kyzylorda
Baikonur
Moscow
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.

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.

Туры photosafari

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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

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