Embark on a remarkable journey with our exclusive tour to Baikonur Cosmodrome, where you will experience the most captivating sights and events firsthand! Each day of our tour is packed with exciting activities, ensuring you will never be bored.
Over the course of five unforgettable days at Baikonur, you will explore fascinating locations and witness historic events. Our knowledgeable guides will share engaging stories about the conquest of space, and you will visit iconic launch pads and memorial complexes. When it comes to space, an excursion can never be dull!
One of the highlights of your experience will be watching the transportation and installation of the Soyuz rocket on the launch pad. Feel the adrenaline rush as this colossal spacecraft passes just meters away from you, and enjoy the unique opportunity to observe the crew’s official report to the state commission just three hours before liftoff.
Each launch has a specially tailored program based on the date and time of the event. While the order and timing of activities may vary from tour to tour, the key highlights remain consistent. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Early in the morning, we will head to the cosmodrome to catch the thrilling moment when the gates open, and a locomotive enters the assembly building to attach the platform with the rocket. This majestic vehicle will then transport the rocket to the launch complex, accompanied throughout the journey by technical specialists and security personnel. The locomotive and rocket platform move at a leisurely pace of approximately 5 km/h, giving you ample time to take in the sights and capture stunning photographs!
Next, we will take a bus to Launch Complex 31, where a specialized lift will install the rocket onto the launch pad. You will have the chance to witness this incredible process up close, providing yet another fantastic photo opportunity. As a bonus, enjoy breathtaking sunrises over the steppe, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some “ships of the desert” (camels). Immerse yourself in the excitement of the event, attended by key figures from the space industry. An abundance of emotions is guaranteed!
During our bus tour, you will get acquainted with the city of Baikonur, learning about its history and unique features while visiting its main attractions and memorial sites, including:
If the word “school” fills you with dread, prepare for a pleasant surprise at the International Space School (ISS)! The ISS offers three specialized programs: physics and mathematics, chemistry and biology, and aerospace studies for students from grades 5 to 11. It is also a profile school affiliated with Bauman Moscow State Technical University, one of the leading technical universities in the country.
During the tour, you will learn how the educational process is structured, how lessons are conducted, and the opportunities available to graduates of this remarkable institution. Notably, the ISS features its own extensive space museum, showcasing unique exhibits of rocket and space technology. To top it off, you will have the chance to launch a model rocket under the guidance of an experienced rocketry instructor.
Our comprehensive tour of the cosmodrome will take you to its most intriguing complexes and launch pads, with a qualified guide providing detailed insights into each site, including:
Depending on the program, the tour of the cosmodrome may be conducted over one or two days for the convenience of participants.
Continue your exploration of the history of space exploration at the museum complex located at Site 2. This museum houses rare artifacts from the history of domestic astronautics, including a full-scale model of the Soviet reusable spacecraft “Buran,” which you can even enter, as well as the memorial houses of Yuri Gagarin and Sergei Korolev.
No trip would be complete without bringing back souvenirs! We will take you to the vibrant local market in search of unique treasures. What can you bring back from Baikonur? You’ll find a variety of space-themed souvenirs to suit every taste and budget—ranging from detailed rocket models to simple magnets, keychains, and calendars. Additionally, traditional Kazakh souvenirs like camel wool blankets, items from national costumes, hand-painted boxes, Christmas ornaments, and sweets are also available.
Located within the city limits, this museum offers insights into the construction of the cosmodrome, various rockets, and the engineers behind them, as well as the current state of domestic astronautics. The museum also features a national hall designed to resemble a traditional Kazakh yurt, where you can learn about Kazakh customs and traditions.
What is the “Cosmonaut” hotel, and why can’t an ordinary “earthling” stay there? Typically, cosmonauts arrive at Baikonur two weeks before their launch, living under strict observation conditions at the “Cosmonaut” hotel (Site 17). This observation mode is akin to quarantine, where the operational group from the Cosmonaut Training Center and the crew cannot leave the premises, and unauthorized individuals are not allowed entry.
The crews depart the hotel six hours before launch, accompanied by the traditional song “Grass by the House” by the Soviet band “Zemlyane.” Each crew boards their respective buses and heads to Site 254, where the main crew will don their spacesuits and hold a closed press conference attended only by immediate family members and officials.
After the crews depart for the cosmodrome, we will stroll through the famous Cosmonauts’ Alley. Every cosmonaut and astronaut embarking on their first journey into space aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft plants a tree along this path. This tradition was established by Yuri Gagarin when he planted his tree before his flight. We will walk through this historic site, filled with a unique atmosphere, allowing you to find the trees planted by your favorite cosmonauts.
On launch day (or night, depending on the schedule), we will closely follow the cosmonauts to Site 254. There, our heroes, dressed in their “Sokol” spacesuits, will report their readiness for flight to the state commission before proceeding to the launch complex. This is the final stretch before their journey into space!
Finally, the moment you have been waiting for has arrived—the exhilarating rocket launch! We will arrive at the observation point, where you will witness the rocket, poised for liftoff, from a safe but close distance. Just minutes remain until the moment when the rocket, enveloped in clouds of smoke, ascends into the sky. The roar of the engines and the tremor of the earth, along with the countdown—this is all real and happening right before your eyes.
In just 528 seconds after launch, the Soyuz will enter orbit, at which point the specialists will congratulate each other on a successful launch.
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Day 5
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Day 5
The schedule and timing for visiting sites at the Baikonur Cosmodrome may be subject to change due to the unique characteristics and technical specifications of this complex.
For detailed information regarding specific tours, please consult with our specialists.
Additionally, upon request, we can offer alternative program options, such as joining a group for fewer days or developing a customized itinerary tailored to your group’s needs.
| Length of Tour | 3 Days / 2 Nights | 5 Days / 4 Nights | 5 Days / 4 Nights (budget option) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price per tourist | €3800 | €4500 | €3600 |
• Dinner (Available at local cafés and restaurants in the city)
• Currency Exchange: Local exchange offices are available with a favorable rate
The standard program for crewed launches is designed for 5 days and 4 nights. Upon request, various options for the duration of the program are available.
To arrange your trip to Baikonur, please send an application via email, along with a completed table (in MS Word format) containing the passport details and copies of the passports of all program participants. Documents must be submitted no later than 35 days prior to the start of the program for Russian citizens and 60 days for foreign nationals. During the tour, you must carry the original documents submitted.
You can reach Baikonur by one of the following means:
Our tour includes single accommodation at the “Central” hotel with breakfast. Upon request, double accommodation can be arranged. Additionally, if you prefer, accommodation can be provided at the more comfortable “Sputnik” 4-star hotel, although this will significantly increase the cost of the program.
Amateur photography and videography are permitted at all locations within our program. Any specific restrictions at certain sites on the cosmodrome will be communicated by the staff from the support and security department.
Yes, you can arrive at Baikonur independently. A permit will be arranged for you according to your program. We will need precise information about your arrival to organize your meet-and-greet and entry into Baikonur, which is a closed restricted area.
Baikonur has a sharply continental climate, so it is essential to bring clothing suitable for the season—very warm outerwear and footwear from November to March, and sun protection items such as sunglasses and hats from May to September. No specific dress code is required.
The currency used in Baikonur is the Russian ruble. It is advisable to carry cash, as card payments are rarely accepted. There are ATMs in the city (only for rubles and Russian cards), which can be used if you need to withdraw cash.
Internet access is available at the “Central” hotel. Wi-Fi is also offered in some cafes around the city and at the “Sputnik” hotel. Additionally, using local Beeline SIM cards for calls and internet access is convenient.
