Legacy of the USSR Tour

Embark on an exploration of the Soviet legacy on Kazakh soil! This tour takes you to the infamous labor camps of the Stalin era, Karlag and Alzhir, the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, and various other landmarks from the Soviet era.

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  • Starting Point: Hotel Pickup (Astana)
  • Tour Duration: 6 Days
  • Available: From June to October
  • Private Tour
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Highly qualified staff
We invest over 300 hours each year in training our staff and guides to ensure top-notch service.
Charity
Our company contributes up to 1% of your service cost to support charitable causes and create a positive impact.
Guarantee
We guarantee the quality of our services. If we do not meet your expectations, we will refund your money.
Experience
With over 26,000 satisfied guests from 67 countries and 10,000+ tours completed, our experience speaks for itself.

Cost Estimate and Online Booking

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July 2025
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On request
General information and booking terms
  • Tour Date:
  • Departure Time:
  • Adults:
  • Children (aged 4-11):
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General information and booking terms
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Key Details
Included Features
Booking Procedure
Clothing Recommendations
Tariffs and service levels
Purchase Instructions
Why Choose Us?
Cancellation Policy

6 Days

Distance

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Legacy of the USSR Tour
Age restriction: 16+
Ensure that you have a current and valid passport with you on the day of travel
Part of the tour passes through the former Semipalatinsk test site. With basic safety protocols, a brief stop is safe, guided by trained staff equipped to ensure security
If you have any specific dietary requirements, please inform us at the time of booking so that we can make appropriate arrangements. Local cuisine typically includes lamb or beef, dough, and milk products

Group size: 1-5 people

What's Included in the Price?

  • Airport transfer; private transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
  • Twin or triple hotel accommodation
  • Meals and drinking water
  • Services of a professional English-speaking guide
  • Environmental and admission fees and tickets
  • Individual protective equipment (respirators and shoe covers)

Not Included:

  • Personal expenses of tour participants
  • Plane or train tickets to/from Astana
  • Visa services and registration in Kazakhstan (if required)
  • Additional services not specified in the itinerary

Booking Procedure

  • Select the tour you want to book.
  • On the tour page, use the calendar to choose your desired date and the number of participants. Fill in your personal information and click the Buy Online button.
  • To secure your booking, you need to pay the full cost of the tour. For details on the online payment process, refer to the Purchase Instructions tab.
  • After payment, save your voucher and the electronic receipt containing your order details and payment information.

Alternative booking options:

You can also book a tour by contacting our managers and paying in cash or via bank transfer. To reach our managers, click the round button in the lower right corner of the screen or message us on WhatsApp at +7 (700) 348-00-00 (responses available in English).

Alternatively, you can call us at:

+7 (727) 326-96-16, +7 (702) 006-57-87 (Almaty)

+7 (7172) 76-00-56 (Astana)

Essential items for your tour:

  • Comfortable clothing (such as shorts, pants, leggings, a T-shirt, or a light long-sleeved sweater). A waterproof and windproof jacket. In colder weather, wear an insulated jacket or down jacket, along with a hat, scarf, and gloves.
  • A cap or hat for sun protection.
  • Comfortable boots or sneakers with hard soles and high lacing.
  • Extra socks.
  • Several sets of underwear.
  • Water container or thermos.
  • Sunscreen.
  • A personal first aid kit.
  • Personal hygiene kit.
  • Insect repellent.

The guide will provide protective equipment during your visit to the Semipalatinsk Test Site.

Tour Pricing Options

The prices for this tour are based on the Standard tariff, which includes reliable tourist transport in good condition, the services of an experienced guide and driver, hotel stays, and meals.

In addition to the Standard tariff, we offer the following options:

  • Economy: We provide lower-class vehicles for transfers, and accommodations consist of more budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses. This option is ideal for tourists looking to minimize costs.

Note: Be cautious of companies that misrepresent their Economy tariff as Standard. These companies may offer lower-priced tours with poor service quality, such as outdated vehicles and inexperienced guides. They might also operate illegally and neglect essential safety standards.

  • Comfort: This option features high-comfort vehicles in excellent condition, with the most experienced guides accompanying tourists. Tourists stay in high-class hotels.
  • VIP: Luxury transport is provided, and guests stay in upscale hotels. Premium services are offered throughout the entire trip.

If you wish to adjust your tariff, please inform your manager before booking the tour.

For more information about our rates and transport options, refer to this section.

Purchase Instructions

  • Choose your desired date and fill in all required information. The total order amount will be displayed based on your selections.
  • Click the Buy Online button to be redirected to a secure payment page. Here, choose a payment method and enter your bank card details to complete your payment.

We accept payments via Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Union Pay, and other electronic payment systems. The total amount will be charged in the national currency of Kazakhstan – tenge. The conversion to Kazakhstani tenge will occur at the official exchange rate set by the National Bank of Kazakhstan on the day of payment. You can view the current exchange rates for the Kazakhstani tenge against other currencies on this page.

  • Once your payment is successful, an electronic receipt with your order details and payment information will be sent to the email address you provided. Additionally, you can download and print a voucher for the paid service during your browser session. Please ensure you save this voucher.

For details about the payment options and the security measures for electronic transactions, refer to this page.

Why Choose Us?

Highly Qualified Staff
We invest over 300 hours each year in training our staff and guides to ensure top-notch service.

Charity
Our company contributes up to 1% of your service cost to support charitable causes and create a positive impact. 

Guarantee
We guarantee the quality of our services. If we do not meet your expectations, we will refund your money.

Experience
With over 26,000 satisfied guests from 67 countries and 10,000+ tours completed, our experience speaks for itself. 

Cancellation Policy:

  • If you cancel the tour less than 7 days* before its start, 50% of the total cost will be retained.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours* before the tour or do not show up, 100% of the total cost will be retained.

*Please note that if a cancellation notice is received outside of our working hours (evening, night, or weekends) and our managers have not confirmed receipt of your cancellation or change request in writing, the company reserves the right to consider the request when business hours resume. Therefore, we encourage you to notify us of any changes or cancellations as early as possible.

During non-working hours, you can try to reach us through our duty phone, corporate email, or corporate messengers. Duty managers monitor these channels and can respond promptly. If you have the contact information for your guide, driver, or other responsible parties (often listed in your voucher), we recommend reaching out to them directly as well.

Tour Schedule

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6

Upon your arrival in Astana, your guide will meet you at the airport. You will be transferred to the hotel to have breakfast and rest. The day's itinerary includes a half-day city tour featuring key sites from the Soviet period. You will visit the Memorial of Victims of Political Repression, Presidential Center of Culture, Congress Hall, Esil Hotel, Pioneers’ House, National Security Committee headquarters, Oktyabr cinema, Molodezhny Palace, Steam Locomotive Monument, and the new administrative center on the left bank of the Esil River.
After lunch, the tour route will take you to the Akmol village, specifically to the former ALZhIR forced labor camp. After you explore the museum, we will return to Astana, where you can enjoy dinner and relax.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Astana

After breakfast at the hotel and completing the check-out process, we will embark on a journey to Aksu (440 km, approximately 6 hours on the road). Upon reaching the town, we will start with lunch, followed by a visit to the square showcasing monuments from the Soviet era. Then, we will head to Kurchatov (195 km, about 2.5 hours), where the first leg involves your accommodation in a hotel. After settling in, you will partake in a walking tour of the town where the first Soviet atomic bomb was developed. On our first day in Kurchatov, you will see the National Nuclear Center, the residence of Lavrentiy Beria, and the abandoned part of the town.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Kurchatov

Today after breakfast at the hotel, you will go to the Atomic Lake, the result of the first Soviet industrial thermonuclear explosion in 1965 and located at the Balapan test site. You will stay here for a short time. Although the radiation background is no longer a risk, the danger comes from the other side: radioactive dust that can get on your skin or inside your body and cause irreparable damage to your health. That is why it is strictly forbidden to touch the ground when visiting the landfill, and you may not eat or drink anything (even brought with you). We will quickly explore the site before returning to Kurchatov. Another lunch awaits you, after which we'll drive to the ghost-town Shagan, once home to a long-range aviation aerodrome. In the evening, we'll return to Kurchatov.

The radiation levels at the Experimental Field remain elevated. Please follow your guide's instructions to stay safe. Your guide will provide you with protective equipment and indicate which areas are comparatively safer for your presence.

Following breakfast and completing the hotel check-out, we will proceed to Bayanaul National Park. A lunch break will be incorporated along the journey. Upon reaching the park, you will check in at a guest house, enjoy dinner, and then have the opportunity to rest.

Overnight stay in the national park

In the morning, you can explore the national park once again at your leisure. After lunch, we will bid farewell to Bayanaul and proceed to Karaganda (290 km, 5 hours on the road). Upon reaching the city, you will be checked into a hotel before embarking on a city tour. Highlights of the excursion include the Palace of Culture, the Stanislavsky Theatre, the City Akimat, the Chaika Hotel, the Monument to Nurken Abdirov, the Circus, the Monument to Miners (a symbol of Karaganda), and visits to the industrial sector and the Old Town. The day concludes with a dinner before returning to the hotel.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Karaganda

After breakfast at the hotel, prepare for a journey to Dolinka village, where the Karlag forced labor camp is located. Here, you will engage in an excursion to the Karlag museum, the former Karlag administration building, the maternity hospital, the Mamochkino cemetery, and the Spassk memorial. After the sightseeing experience, we'll return to Karaganda for lunch.

Next on the itinerary is a visit to the Karaganda Ecological Museum. Spend an hour immersing yourself in the museum's exhibits, followed by some free time for souvenir shopping. As the day concludes, enjoy a farewell dinner before going to the airport.

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Day 1

Upon your arrival in Astana, your guide will meet you at the airport. You will be transferred to the hotel to have breakfast and rest. The day's itinerary includes a half-day city tour featuring key sites from the Soviet period. You will visit the Memorial of Victims of Political Repression, Presidential Center of Culture, Congress Hall, Esil Hotel, Pioneers’ House, National Security Committee headquarters, Oktyabr cinema, Molodezhny Palace, Steam Locomotive Monument, and the new administrative center on the left bank of the Esil River.
After lunch, the tour route will take you to the Akmol village, specifically to the former ALZhIR forced labor camp. After you explore the museum, we will return to Astana, where you can enjoy dinner and relax.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Astana

Day 2

After breakfast at the hotel and completing the check-out process, we will embark on a journey to Aksu (440 km, approximately 6 hours on the road). Upon reaching the town, we will start with lunch, followed by a visit to the square showcasing monuments from the Soviet era. Then, we will head to Kurchatov (195 km, about 2.5 hours), where the first leg involves your accommodation in a hotel. After settling in, you will partake in a walking tour of the town where the first Soviet atomic bomb was developed. On our first day in Kurchatov, you will see the National Nuclear Center, the residence of Lavrentiy Beria, and the abandoned part of the town.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Kurchatov

Day 3

Today after breakfast at the hotel, you will go to the Atomic Lake, the result of the first Soviet industrial thermonuclear explosion in 1965 and located at the Balapan test site. You will stay here for a short time. Although the radiation background is no longer a risk, the danger comes from the other side: radioactive dust that can get on your skin or inside your body and cause irreparable damage to your health. That is why it is strictly forbidden to touch the ground when visiting the landfill, and you may not eat or drink anything (even brought with you). We will quickly explore the site before returning to Kurchatov. Another lunch awaits you, after which we'll drive to the ghost-town Shagan, once home to a long-range aviation aerodrome. In the evening, we'll return to Kurchatov.

The radiation levels at the Experimental Field remain elevated. Please follow your guide's instructions to stay safe. Your guide will provide you with protective equipment and indicate which areas are comparatively safer for your presence.

Day 4

Following breakfast and completing the hotel check-out, we will proceed to Bayanaul National Park. A lunch break will be incorporated along the journey. Upon reaching the park, you will check in at a guest house, enjoy dinner, and then have the opportunity to rest.

Overnight stay in the national park

Day 5

In the morning, you can explore the national park once again at your leisure. After lunch, we will bid farewell to Bayanaul and proceed to Karaganda (290 km, 5 hours on the road). Upon reaching the city, you will be checked into a hotel before embarking on a city tour. Highlights of the excursion include the Palace of Culture, the Stanislavsky Theatre, the City Akimat, the Chaika Hotel, the Monument to Nurken Abdirov, the Circus, the Monument to Miners (a symbol of Karaganda), and visits to the industrial sector and the Old Town. The day concludes with a dinner before returning to the hotel.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Karaganda

Day 6

After breakfast at the hotel, prepare for a journey to Dolinka village, where the Karlag forced labor camp is located. Here, you will engage in an excursion to the Karlag museum, the former Karlag administration building, the maternity hospital, the Mamochkino cemetery, and the Spassk memorial. After the sightseeing experience, we'll return to Karaganda for lunch.

Next on the itinerary is a visit to the Karaganda Ecological Museum. Spend an hour immersing yourself in the museum's exhibits, followed by some free time for souvenir shopping. As the day concludes, enjoy a farewell dinner before going to the airport.

ALZhIR
Kurchatov
Semipalatinsk Test Site
Bayanaul National Park
Karaganda
Karlag Labor Camp
ALZhIR
ALZhIR stands for Akmola Camp of Wives of Traitors to the Motherland, where over 18 thousand women were imprisoned at various times. These women, solely guilty of being wives to arrested "enemies of the people," included spouses of well-known state, political, and public figures whose names resonate across post-Soviet countries. The camp ceased operations in 1950.
The museum entrance features the Arch of Sorrow, leading to two compositions – Despair and Powerlessness, and Fight and Hope – commemorating families forever separated by the Soviet regime. Then, you will walk through a tunnel and see depictions of tragic partings, unjust trials, prison cells, and punishment cells. Visitors will also see everyday items, watchtowers, barbed wire fences, barracks, and even a replica of the "Stalin carriage" used for transporting women to the camp.
Kurchatov

The town of Kurchatov bears the name of Soviet physicist Igor Kurchatov, who resided and worked there. Collaborating with other scientists, Kurchatov played a pivotal role in the creation of the first atomic bomb in the USSR. The town is also the former administrative center of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, where nuclear bombs underwent testing.

During the Soviet era, Kurchatov was a closed, top-secret town with strict access control measures. Encircled by barbed wire, it was marked on maps as a simple railway station. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the nuclear bomb project was closed, leading to a decline in the town's population. Consequently, houses were left abandoned, soldier's camps stood empty, and certain structures, including architecturally notable ones, were demolished.

Semipalatinsk Test Site

The Experimental Field at the Semipalatinsk test site played a crucial role in conducting nuclear tests from 1949 to 1962. This complex comprised various engineering and construction facilities aimed at testing and documenting the parameters of nuclear explosions. Out of the 456 trials conducted at the Semipalatinsk site, three stand out as particularly significant: RDS-1 (the first ever Soviet nuclear device), RDS-6 (the first Soviet test of a hydrogen bomb), and RDS-37 (a "true" hydrogen bomb in the megaton range).

As of now, remnants of equipment and structures bearing traces of nuclear explosions are still preserved at the Experimental Field, serving as tangible historical artifacts from this era of nuclear testing.

Bayanaul National Park

Established in 1985 as Kazakhstan's first national park, Bayanaul National Park is situated in the Pavlodar region, approximately 100 km from the city of Ekibastuz. Bayanaul captivates visitors with its remarkable rock formations. These rocks and stones have evolved into peculiar shapes over centuries, shaped by the forces of wind and water. The rocks often resemble animals, people, or even a truck descending a mountain.

Among the sights is the Konyr Auliye Cave, a local attraction steeped in folklore. Legend has it that entering the cave, making a wish while touching its walls with one's palm, and exiting without turning one's head will lead to the fulfillment of that wish.

Karaganda

Karaganda, the fifth-largest city in Kazakhstan by population, is situated in the heart of the country. Its advantageous location has established it as a central hub in Kazakhstan. Often considered the coziest city in the country, Karaganda has retained its charm with beautiful streets and meticulous construction, reflecting the original vision outlined in the 1934 general plan.

The city's cultural development was significantly influenced by two Soviet forced labor camps, Karlag and ALZhIR. These camps served as places of confinement for talented individuals from across the USSR. Even after the easing of the regime, many exiled artists, ballet dancers, directors, actors, and other creative minds stayed in Karaganda.

Karlag Labor Camp

Karlag was part of the extensive network of camps collectively known as the Gulag, organized by Joseph Stalin during a period of widespread political repression. While there were numerous camps in Kazakhstan, Karlag distinguished itself due to its immense scale and significance. The administrative hub of Karlag was situated 50 km southwest of Karaganda in the village of Dolinka. From this central point, the extensive camp system, spanning numerous branches in Central Kazakhstan, was managed.

In Dolinka, you can explore various historical sites, including the museum, the Officers' House, and the children's cemetery, known as the Mamochkino Cemetery (Mommy's Cemetery), where the remains of thousands of infants born and perished in the camp are interred. You'll also see numerous ruins of saman barracks constructed by prisoners themselves. These sites collectively offer a glimpse into the challenging history and human experiences associated with Karlag.

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Our guides

You can select a guide based on feedback from previous program participants or share your experience by leaving a review after completing the tour.

Almaty
Astana
Guide's Card: Dilyara

Dilyara

Guides - Almaty
9.8
Reviews: 80

Dilyara was very knowledgeable and fun! We had a great time exploring the city on a beautiful day and learning about the history of Almaty and Kazakhstan. Thanks Dilyara!

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Guide's Card: Aidyam

Aidyam

Guides - Almaty
9.9
Reviews: 26

Aidyam was great. Very open to our many questions about the sites as well as specifics on personal experiences of living in Kazakhstan.

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Guide's Card: Dina

Dina

Guides - Almaty
9.8
Reviews: 15

Very nice and practical. She worry much about the group. Very good driver. ...

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Guide's Card: Gulmira

Gulmira

Guides - Almaty
9.7
Reviews: 32

Service from tour guide Gulmira and driver are exceptional and excellent.

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Guide's Card: Maksim

Maksim

Guides - Almaty
10
Reviews: 4

Max is absolutely outstanding driver, guide, translator and fixer of all things. He is reliable, patient, considerate and also fun.

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Guide's Card: Diana

Diana

Guides - Almaty
10
Reviews: 3

An excellent guide with excellent knowledge of the city. I conducted the tour very efficiently and energetically. I advise everyone

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Guide's Card: Alibek

Alibek

Guides - Astana
10
Reviews: 1

Thanks to Alibek for a pleasant meeting, a great tour, a delicious lunch at the best national restaurant

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Guide's Card: Yernur

Yernur

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9.9
Reviews: 14

everything was wonderful! Thank you! Great!

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Guide's Card: Olessya

Olessya

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Very lovely and well informed. Helpful in everything and excellent english!

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Guide's Card: Nazerke

Nazerke

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Service from Nazerke and driver is exceptional and excellent. Nazerke is very knowledgeable and explained everything in detail.

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Reviews

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10/10

Urs Buehrer
21 october 2024, 12:44

10

Many thanks to Olga and Dina, that you have made this unforgettable journey possible for me. Even everything had to be organized on very short notice.

Please let guide and driver know that I enjoyed this tour and their accompaniment very much. I'm looking forward to meeting them again one day in Kasachstan.

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    Purchase Instructions

    We accept payments via Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Union Pay, and other electronic payment systems. The total amount will be charged in the national currency of Kazakhstan – tenge. The conversion to Kazakhstani tenge will occur at the official exchange rate set by the National Bank of Kazakhstan on the day of payment. You can view the current exchange rates for the Kazakhstani tenge against other currencies on this page.

    For details about the payment options and the security measures for electronic transactions, refer to this page.

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