Private Tour
Astana: KarLag and Karaganda - Private USSR history tour
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Prepare to travel back in time on this captivating tour, where we will explore the historic city of Karaganda and the nearby KarLag Museum, a must visit for history lovers fascinated by the Soviet era. Located two and a half hours from Astana, Karaganda was once a coal-mining industrial heartland and offers a fascinating glimpse into its past with landmarks such as the famous Gagarin’s Monument and impressive Soviet-era theaters.
The highlight of our journey will be a visit to the KarLag Museum, located 35 km outside Karaganda. This vast museum provides a deeply moving and detailed look into the history of Stalin’s labor camps, offering invaluable insights into a dark chapter of Soviet history.
We'll also take time to enjoy a delicious lunch, giving us the energy to continue our exploration of this city steeped in history and resilience.
Additional Info
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.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
WiFi on board
Bottled water
Snacks
Lunch
Air-conditioned vehicle
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
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.
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.
Options
Astana: KarLag and Karaganda - Private USSR history tour
Pickup included
Reviews
21 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highly recommend
Peta415,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My Guide Abzal from Astana horizons took me to the Karlag museum. His commentary on the way there and back was interesting and informative. There’s so much to see on the drive. The museum tour which was 2 hours, led by Anna a guide from the museum was very knowledgeable A very interesting day and well worth the drive. The lunch on the way back was also fantastic. I would highly recommend this day for a better understanding of Kazakhstans past. Also the communication from Astana horizons tours was fantastic. From the moment they contacted me after booking.
Great Tour of Kazakhstan's Soviet Past
Munro1344,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I really enjoyed this tour and thought it was good value for money. I had wanted to get to understand more of Kazakhstan's history and this day-long trip delivered - Kadirbek was a great guide, very informative and with superb English (he also indulged my desire to practice Russian which was a great help). I particularly recommend the Karlag museum but also enjoyed the atmosphere of the restaurant Kadirbek chose for some authentic Russian food. I'd recommend this tour to anyone looking to learn more about Kazakhstan from an informative and friendly guide.
So much more than Karlag!
Cineplex27,
Aug 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour is much more than Karlag. On the drive you see so many things that widen your understanding of Kazakhstan. I'm a prairie girl so I loved the scenery - wide expanses big, blue sky & vast wheat fields. There was coal mining,the white- headed cow that was bred here, graveyards, villages, dachaus. The stops are interesting with historical statues and parks (astrnaunts! tribal wartiors, ankle bone shooting & more). My guide, Adil, had an indepth knowlege, an excellent command of English, was pleasant and gracious as we also explored many topics about traditions, culture, politics, religion and everyday life in Kaz. The lunch was delicious and the tour of Karlag was revealing and very educational. I highly recommend this tour and this company!
Touring Karaganda City and the Karlag Museum
MARIO P,
Jun 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A week ago today, my tour guide (Kadyrbek), took me on a guided tour to Karaganda City, including the Karlag Museum, on the periphery. Anna, the museum volunteer, generously guided us through the entire building; she explained pretty much everything there is to know. The visit lasted about two (2) hours. We then left the historical site to satisfy our appetite with some borscht soup accompanied by a traditional dish. Before heading back to Astana, we drove around town to admire a few monuments, including the opera house. There's so much to discover, to witness, in the region of Astana. Having a person with local knowledge by your side is a true blessing.
KarLag & Karaganda tour
yssaaaay,
Jun 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a 3-hour drive to KarLag, and the weather was foggy and quite cold. The tour was very informative, especially about the events that took place in the labor camps. Sultan gave us a tour around Karaganda, where we learned about many historical figures of Kazakhstan. We walked through the park and visited several interesting sites. And most importantly, we enjoyed a delicious meal at Lumi. It was my first time trying Russian cuisine, and I loved it!
Kazakhstan labor camp touching history
Voyager687950,
Jun 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you're visiting Karaganda and have even a passing interest in history, the KarLag Museum in Dolinka is an absolute must. Housed in the former administrative building of one of the largest Soviet labor camps, this museum offers a deeply moving and its impact on Kazakhstan and its people. The exhibits are incredibly detailed, with authentic documents, personal stories, and artifacts that bring the harsh realities of the camp to life. The basement level, featuring original prison doors and interrogation room reconstructions, is especially haunting. Our English-speaking guide was phenomenal—knowledgeable, respectful, and passionate about preserving this history. To top it all off, we were treated to a free lunch as part of our tour. It was simply tasty and memorable as the museum itself. It’s an emotional and educational experience that stays with you.
Amazing tour experience at Karlag & Karaganda
857ezequiell,
Jun 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I booked a tour to Karlag museum and they accommodate to my needs in short time. Communication was great from the beginning. Amir picked me up on time, he was very polite and professional. We visit the museum with an English speaking guide, we had a great lunch and visit monuments in Karaganda. I will definitely recommend these guys!
One day tour
xys2025,
May 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a last minute plan to arrange for this trip and Kadyrbek gladly accepted and arranged for Nursultan as the tour guide for the trip. Even though the guide at Karlag spoke in Russian, he translated to English accordingly. Overall the trip is good especially for those who have interest in history.
Great trip
Joanna B,
Apr 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very good trip, well planned and well worth it. It was a long day, but we saw everything we wanted. Karlag Museum visit was very thorough; Karaganda stops - quick for the photos; lunch very delicious in a Russian restaurant. Our guide Amir was very good and knowledgable. Children enjoyed the trip as well.
Great tour - very informative about the USSR period
pedrorX819TV,
Mar 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour with Damir was fantastic. He is very knowledgeable and provided very detailed explanations about Karaganda, the Karlag, and Kazakhstan in general. The tour focused on the Soviet past of Kazakhstan, and Damir's knowledge of that era is very thorough - when visiting the Karlag, there were so many questions I wanted to ask, and I was impressed by his knowledge of this period. In short, an amazing tour, which I greatly recommend!
Related Experiences
Operated by Astana Horizons