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.
Pickup included
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.
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.
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.
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
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.