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Tour to USSR: Explore Soviet History in the City of Karaganda
Select Date and Travelers
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn More
8 to 10 Hours
Mobile ticket
Pickup offered
Offered in: Russian, English
Overview
In this captivating tour, we will explore the city of Karaganda, a favorite among many history enthusiasts intrigued by the USSR's past. Located just a two-hour drive from Astana, Karaganda offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich historical heritage.
Once an industrial heartland, the city boasts a rich history that we'll explore through its many Soviet-era buildings, such as majestic theaters and monuments. During our tour, we'll take a break to indulge in a delicious lunch, providing you with the energy to continue our adventure.
But the most poignant part of our trip awaits at the KarLag museum, a powerful testament to the human spirit and the hardships endured in Stalin's labor camps. The visit to the museum will be an emotional and eye-opening experience, providing profound insight into a dark chapter of history.
What's Included
Meeting And Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
We'll contact you a day before your pickup with information about the car and the driver. The driver will notify you upon arrival and will be waiting for you at the pickup location of your choosing.
What To Expect
Shalkyma Concert Hall
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.
20 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free
K. Stanislavskiy Drama Theatre
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.
10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Monument Mining Glory
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.
30 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Monument to Expression Gde-Gde? V Karagande!
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.
1 Hours • Admission Ticket Free
KarLag / Museum of Political Repression Victims’ Memory of the Dolinka Settlement
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.
1 Hours 30 Minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Travel time is included in the total duration.
Operated by Astana Horizons
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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