Astana: KarLag and Karaganda - Private USSR history tour

At a glance

Astana: KarLag and Karaganda - Private USSR history tour is a 10h – 11h private experience in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, operated by Astana Horizons. Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 26 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $199 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Private transportation, WiFi on board, Bottled water.

Quick facts

Duration

10h – 11h

Group

Private tour — only your group

Languages

Russian, English

Pickup

Hotel pickup included

Confirmation

Instant confirmation

Ticket

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Travellers

1–11 per booking · adult required

Ages

Infant 0–2 · Child 3–10 · Youth 11–14 · Adult 15–100

Cancellation

Free cancellation (see policy)

Options & availability

• Astana: KarLag and Karaganda - Private USSR history tour

  from $145

  Pickup included

  Days:

  Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun

  Start times:

  07:00, 07:30, 08:00, 08:30, 09:00, 09:30, 10:00

  Check availability →

Times and prices come from the operator’s live schedule and are confirmed when you book.

Overview

Itinerary

1. Stop 1 · 20m

   Our expedition begins at the iconic Shalkyma Theater. Alongside stands the famous monument to Yuri Gagarin, and a monument to the most prominent Kazakh poet, Abay Kunanbayev, located on an alley right across from the theater.
   
   Here, we embark on a captivating journey through time, encountering numerous Soviet-era monuments that bear witness to the region's rich cultural heritage. Among these stands this Shalkyma theater, which played a vital role in supplying troops during World War II.

2. Stop 2 · 10m

   The Stanislavsky Theater stands as a testament to history, being one of the first Russian drama theaters in Kazakhstan, having opened its doors in 1930. This magnificent building continues to serve its purpose today, preserving the legacy of its inception. In addition to its significance in the realm of theater, Karaganda, as a former coal mining heartland of Soviet Kazakhstan, held equal importance as one of the most prominent cultural centers in the predominantly Russian Kazakhstan of that era.

3. Stop 3 · 30m

   During your exploration, you'll encounter the iconic "Glory to the Miners" monument, a symbol deeply ingrained in the city's identity. Positioned opposite another notable landmark, the Miners' Palace of Culture, this monument pays homage to the tireless efforts of the miners who formed the backbone of Karaganda throughout its history. As a city that once thrived as a coal mining heartland of Kazakhstan and the USSR, this tribute stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of its people.

4. Stop 4 · 1h

   Every Russian speaker is familiar with the phrase "Gde-gde? V Karagande!" ("Where-where? In Karaganda!"). While its origin is linked to the infamous KarLag labor camp, its widespread use is more humorous. A monument dedicated to this enduring phrase can be found in the inner courtyard of a restaurant, where you'll have the opportunity to see it while indulging in a delicious lunch.

5. Stop 5 · 2h

   The most poignant part of our journey unfolds at the KarLag museum, located just a 30-minute drive outside of the city of Karaganda in the so-called village of Dolinka. Here, it serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit amidst the hardships endured in Stalin's labor camps. A visit to the museum promises to be an emotional and eye-opening experience, offering profound insight into a dark past. Our guides will walk you through lifelike exhibits, where you'll hear the heart-wrenching stories and witness the anguish of countless lives torn apart, offering a vivid glimpse into this dark era of Soviet history.

Meeting point

Traveller ratings

Good to know

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Travel time is included in the total duration.

Cancellation policy

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

Frequently asked questions