The Town of Kurchatov
Kurchatov, located in the Abay Region of Kazakhstan, is a small town situated northwest of Semey. It gained prominence as the base city for the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site in 1947, with its original code name being «Semipalatinsk-21». The town was closed for many years and not even shown on geographical maps due to its sensitive military establishments and secret research installations.
Named after the physicist Igor Kurchatov, who is regarded as the «father» of the Soviet nuclear bomb, the city later fell into disrepair after the closure of the Semipalatinsk test site. However, in recent years, Kurchatov has been experiencing a rebirth with six industrial enterprises engaged in water supply, heat supply, and electricity generation.
A memory of the Soviet past
Kurchatov's main attraction is the museum of the Semipalatinsk test site, which contains exhibits showcasing the impact of nuclear bombs. The museum also features the office of Igor Kurchatov, where visitors can see his gramophone, workbooks, and a calendar opened on the day of the first nuclear bomb test. Another attraction is «Beria's house», a two-story white mansion where Lavrenty Beria, the head of the Soviet security apparatus and secret police (NKVD), lived during business trips. Today, the building serves as a Christian church.
Hope for the future
Despite its past, Kurchatov has transformed into a nuclear-free city. It now has a nuclear center that works to eliminate the consequences of nuclear contamination, promoting its commercial and industrial growth. The town has seen a significant facelift with the restoration of abandoned houses, the renovation of the square, and the construction of a monument to Kurchatov in front of the town's administration.
Although the entire town's upgrading will take a long time, visitors can witness the challenging years Kurchatov and its residents experienced in the past. Kurchatov was featured in Netflix's documentary series «Dark Tourist» (season 1, episode 4, «The Stans») when David Farrier visited Kurchatov and the nearby Semipalatinsk test site during his tour of Kazakhstan.
How to get there?
Kurchatov is easily accessible by car from several cities such as Semey, Pavlodar, and Ekibastuz, although the journey may be long. It is also possible to reach Kurchatov by train from cities like Semey, Astana, Ust-Kamenogorsk, and Pavlodar, with Degelen station being the nearest stop.
For those who want to visit Kurchatov and explore the city's interesting sights, we offer a comprehensive 6-day tour. The tour not only includes a visit to the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site and the ghost town of Chagan but also takes you to explore the Stalinist camps of the Gulag system and some of the natural wonders of central Kazakhstan.
Other tourist destinations near the town of Kurchatov:
- Semipalatinsk Test Site
- Lake Сhagan
- The Town of Chagan
- Irtysh River
- The City of Semey
Recommended tours:
View all offers
On request
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.