Email address: [email protected]
© SAIGA Tours
Start
Jul 6, 2025
Almaty
Almaty
2025-07-06
End
Jul 11, 2025
Astana
Astana
2025-07-11
Duration
6 days
Price
US$1295.00
TOUR OVERVIEW
Heard of Chernobyl? You know, possibly the most famous accident in recent history, so disastrous that it’s almost unbelievable. Well this is Kazakhstan’s answer to Chernobyl – but it was done on purpose. The test site at Semeypalatinsk, or the Polygon, is where the Soviet Union did the majority of their nuclear testing, performing 456 nuclear tests between 1949 and 1989, with a total of 2,500 times the power of the bombs dropped at Hiroshima. The area used to be closed off, but is now open to those with permits.
Although our tour is centred around exploring the test site and surrounding areas, we’ll start off in the cosmpolitan city, and former capital, of Almaty, and will finish up in futuristic Astana (formerly known as Nur Sultan, formerly known as Astana, formerly known as Akmola, formerly known as Tselinograd).
This tour can be done alone or in conjunction with our 5 Stans Summer Tour .
If you like the look of this tour but the dates don't work for you, or you'd like to do part of the tour, please get in touch and let us know. All our tours are able to be split into smaller sections, we're always scheduling new tours and your dates might work for one of them, or we can always organise an independent tour.
INCLUSIONS:
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✓ |
Accommodation in twin share at roughly 3 star hotels/guesthouses, breakfast included |
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Permits for Polygon Test Site Area |
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✓ |
Transport as per itinerary, including internal flight between Almaty and Semey |
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✓ |
Entrance fees to most sites (as per itinerary) |
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✓ |
SAIGA guide and local guides |
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $250
EXCLUSIONS:
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⨯ |
Visa fees if necessary |
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⨯ |
Visa support if necessary |
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Meals other than breakfast |
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Transport to and from the start and end of tour |
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Personal expenses such as souvenirs or any optional activities |
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PCR Tests and any other COVID related expenses |
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
See the surreal Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site
Visit the futuristic purpose built capital Nur-Sultan
Find Lenin: Although hidden there's still much left over from the Soviet Union
Itinerary
Extensions
Turkmenistan Extension
For those who want to see more of Turkmenistan while you're already there for the 5 Stans Summer Tour, exploring the west of the country, as well as Ashgabat and the Gates of Hell.
Turkmenistan Summer Tour
Where better to spend your summer holidays than in Turkmenistan?
5 Stans Summer Tour
This is the tour for anyone who wants to get a great snapshot of what Central Asia has to offer. Can be done all in one whack, or in smaller sections, whatever you like!
Other Tours
Afghanistan July Summer Tour
This is the tour for those wanting to explore the natural beauty that is Bamiyan and Band e Amir. Escaping the summer heat in the cool mountains, you'll see traditional village life, while also experiencing the bustling cities of Kabul and Mazar i Sharif.
5 Stans Summer Tour
This is the tour for anyone who wants to get a great snapshot of what Central Asia has to offer. Can be done all in one whack, or in smaller sections, whatever you like!
Turkmenistan Extension
For those who want to see more of Turkmenistan while you're already there for the 5 Stans Summer Tour, exploring the west of the country, as well as Ashgabat and the Gates of Hell.
Turkmenistan Summer Tour
Where better to spend your summer holidays than in Turkmenistan?