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A historical scene with watchtowers, barbed wire, and soldiers in uniform, indicating a period of surveillance or military presence. 1
Four people seated at a wooden table with food and drinks, in a room with floral curtains and a cityscape view. 2
A snow-covered sculpture in a park with a building in the background. 3
Two people standing in front of a building with a red star on the roof. 4
A man in a military uniform sitting at a desk with a telephone, a glass, and a typewriter. 5

KarLag & USSR History Tour + Authentic Russian Lunch

By Astana Horizons
10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
Free cancellation available
Price is €224 per adult* *Get a lower price by selecting multiple adult tickets
See tickets

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 1d
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Selective hotel pickup
  • Multiple languages

Overview

  • Learn about the history of the Soviet Union and its impact on Kazakhstan
  • Explore the monuments of Karaganda and learn about its coal-mining past
  • Visit the KarLag Museum and learn about the dark history of Stalin's labour camps
  • Enjoy a traditional Russian lunch at a local restaurant in Karaganda
  • Live English-speaking tour guide

Activity location

    • Astana
    • Astana, Astana, Kazakhstan

Meeting/Redemption Point

    • Astana
    • Astana, Astana, Kazakhstan

Check availability

KarLag & USSR History Tour + Authentic Russian Lunch

  • Activity duration is 1 day1d
    1d
  • English
Price details
€224.27 x 1 Adult€224.27
Total
Price is €224.27
Until Mon, 27 Jul

What's included, what's not

  • Inclusions
    Tour guide
  • Inclusions
    Pickup and drop-off from Astana
  • Inclusions
    Traditional Russian lunch
  • Inclusions
    Bottled water
  • Inclusions
    Entry tickets to the KarLag Museum
  • Exclusions
    Service charge for the guide/driver

Know before you book

    • Not allowed: Smoking
    • Not suitable for: Children under 4 years, Wheelchair users
    • In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.
    • This activity is provided by a professional trader (a party acting within their trade, business or profession).

What you can expect

  • Travel back in time on this fascinating day trip to Karaganda and the KarLag Museum, perfect for history enthusiasts intrigued by Kazakhstan’s Soviet past. Located just 2.5 hours from Astana, Karaganda was once a major coal-mining centre and still bears the marks of its industrial and ideological legacy.

    Our journey will take us through key Soviet-era landmarks in the city, including the striking Gagarin’s Monument and the grand theatres built during the USSR period. Along the way, your English-speaking guide will share insights into the city's role in shaping Kazakhstan’s 20th-century history.

    The highlight of the tour is the KarLag Museum, located 35 km from Karaganda. Once a central administrative hub for Stalin’s forced labour camps, it now serves as a powerful memorial and educational site. You'll explore exhibits that bring to life the harsh realities faced by prisoners and the broader impact of political repression in the Soviet Union.

    We'll also pause to enjoy a hearty lunch at a local restaurant, giving you a taste of the region’s rich culinary influences.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    • Astana
    • Astana, Astana, Kazakhstan

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    • Astana
    • Astana, Astana, Kazakhstan