Day 1: Nur-Sultan (Astana) - Karaganda

Karaganda Regional Kazakh Drama Theatre S. Seifullin - At 9:00am, meet your driver in the hotel lobby in Nur-Sultan (Astana) for a transfer to Karaganda, which takes approximately 2-2.5 hours by car. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by our English-speaking guide who will lead you through this 2-day tour. (Alternatively, the guide can accompany you from Nur-Sultan to Karaganda).

Our first day begins with a visit to the Palace of Culture of the Miners, a symbol of Karaganda dedicated to the miners who essentially founded the city. The roof is adorned with statues of Soviet workers from various nations that once comprised the USSR, symbolizing the friendship among Soviet nations. The Soviet-era ‘Monument to the Fallen Miners’ highlights the significance of coal mining to the city.

Next, we’ll visit the Karaganda Regional History Museum, the largest museum in the region. This museum is one of the best places in Kazakhstan to learn about the Soviet era. It features numerous halls dedicated to Soviet times, including unique Soviet posters like “Quiet, Don’t Blab!” The museum provides a good introduction to the next day’s visit to Karlag and also covers the tragic history of Soviet repressions and the 1930s famine that claimed millions of Kazakh lives.

After lunch, we’ll explore Karaganda’s connection to the Soviet space exploration era. Our first stop will be the historic hotel “Chaika.” Next, we’ll visit the Ecomuseum, arguably the most unique museum in the former USSR. While it may seem unremarkable at first glance, our guide’s narrative will reveal the significance of its exhibits, many of which are connected to outer space and the Baikonur cosmodrome.

During the tour, you’ll also see numerous Soviet monuments, including those of Lenin and M. Gorky, as well as our favorite monument to Soviet hero Nurken Abdirov, a World War II pilot. You’ll also find a large mural of a Soviet woman with a sickle.

Karaganda is particularly renowned for its Soviet and Cosmonaut-themed statues. The final stop of the first day will be the Cathedral of Our Lady Fatima, the largest Catholic cathedral in Central Asia, with a history closely linked to the prisoners of the Karlag labor camp.

• Private transportation
• All fees and/or taxes
• Transfer from Nur-Sultan to Karaganda & from Karaganda to Nur-Sultan
• Karaganda tour as per itinerary
• Drinking water 1L per person per day
• English speaking guide service during the 2 days tour

• Meals are not included but our Guide can make good suggestions of nice cafe where you can eat.
• Accommodation - Hotel accommodation starts from 50USD per double room in 4* hotels.
• Detour to Temirtau city listed as optional in a program.For visit of Temirtau, prices are at request

In this comprehensive two-day tour of Karaganda, you will explore ‘Stalinka’ buildings(named after Stalin), colossal murals with a Soviet theme, understand the strong ties Karaganda has with Baikonur Cosmodrome. Experience the days of the Soviet era on Lenin Avenue, visit distinct museums like the Ecomuseum, and discover the grim past of the Soviet times at the Karlag labor camp-museum and the Spassk cemetery-memorial. Essentially, it is an indispensable tour in Kazakhstan!

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.