Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Northern and Central Asia
Visiting Baikonur Visiting Baikonur
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Northern and Central Asia Topics specific to Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, China, Japan and Korea
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree1Likes

Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11 Jun 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: London
Posts: 621
Visiting Baikonur
Hi all

I am currently travelling around Kazakhstan in my own car (UK passport). I want to see the Baikonur Cosmodrome and museum, but have been told it's horrendously difficult and expensive to get permission. Does anyone have any experience of this? If so, is it a complete no-no, or is it possible? If possible, please advise me of the procedure.

Thanks

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11 Jun 2008
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Philadelphia, US
Posts: 646
Baikonur Cosmodrome - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I remember wanting to visit there, but you will probably have to commit 1-2 weeks just getting there and back from Almaty...as the road that gets near that is awful....and then you have to deal with the Russians who have claimed that area as sovereign territory...
__________________
edde
93 BMW K75s
www.motoedde.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11 Jun 2008
Robbert's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Gent, Belgium
Posts: 523
We turned up at the gate to just give it a try. We where'nt allowed in, but the sight of a perfect functioning Russian city with traffic lights and all at the other side of the gate was 'interesting'.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12 Jun 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: London
Posts: 621
Thanks for info. Bloody irritating how all the articles I have read about visiting the place on the internet rave about how interesting it is, but neglect to point out that you can't actually get permission to visit unless you've got a spare 2000 USD.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 Jun 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Latvia
Posts: 8
we still are hoping to get in there. Some people from my country who were going to Baikonur last year (though they didn't make it at the end because of some injury) said that they will search for contacts they have somewhere for me. They also said that it would cost ~100$/pers. Unfortunately I have not got the contacts yet. But I think that the possibility holds as you can buy almost anything in those countries (corruption).
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 24 Jun 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: London
Posts: 621
Sure enough, I tried to get in but couldn't. Typical f**ing Soviet mentality - build a museum, then forbid people from visiting it!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 6 Jul 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: London
Posts: 621
Baikonur viewpoint - for interest
A follow-up to what I wrote earlier about Baikonur. I did in fact stay the night at Baikonur, at a roadside cafe on the main road. This main road runs east to west, and passes south of the Cosmodrome but north of Baikonur town. The cafe is at N45.67345 E063.29187, and is run by a very pleasant Kazakh family who even have a dog called Laika - how perfect is that?! The ground this cafe stands on is a little elevated above the cosmodrome, which is on very flat ground. None of the launch pads are more than 30 KM north of this cafe.

For those of you who happen to be passing through Baikonur when a rocket launch is happening but don't want to shell out x-thousand dollars to go in to see it, I am 99% sure that any rocket launch taking place at the cosmodrome could be seen from this cafe, at least once the rocket got a few metres into the air.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 28 Feb 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Germany
Posts: 30
Visiting Baikonur Cosmodrome
Hi,

Any news on this? Does somebody has some newer information about the chance to visit the Baikonur Cosmodrome?

On the web there are several travel agencys offering expensive trips frome Europe to a rocket launch in Baikonur or just for a visit of the Cosmodrome. So it must be generally possible to get in.

But what about just showing up at the gate? Is it necessary / possible to get a permit there or in advance? We will pass Baikonur in May and this would be a nice stop along the way

Thanks!

@ilesmark: Thanks for the GPS coordinates of the cafe, already saved them


See you

Bjoern
__________________
GET OUT THERE and EXPLORE
Safe journey! bon voyage! Gute Reise! buen viaje! Счастливого пути!
Last edited by El-Dracho; 28 Feb 2010 at 16:13. Reason: misspelling
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 28 Feb 2010
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Cracow, Poland
Posts: 202
Late May Dnepr • TanDEM-X End of May, Baykonur
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan

An ISC Kosmotras Dnepr rocket will launch the TanDEM-X satellite for the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and Astrium. TanDEM-X stands for TerraSAR-X add-on for Digital Elevation Measurement. The satellite will fly in close formation with the TerraSAR-X spacecraft launched in 2007 to gather precise elevation data. Delayed from Oct. 20 and December. [Feb. 24]
Check it Spaceflight Now | Tracking Station | Worldwide launch schedule


It would be good to coordinate your journey wit this launch. I have travelled there but there were no start...
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 28 Feb 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: London and all over West Africa
Posts: 678
The agent I used to get my visa in Almaty for Russia said a visit is quite possible, but needs to be pre-arranged (1 month before hand!), and at that time costed the equivalent of 345 pounds sterling.

The road that passes the turn off for Baikonur which comes in rom the north of Kazakhstan from Samara (Russia)....yep, pretty shitty, even has weeds growing from the tarmac at times! But they were working on upgrading it in many places (2009)....but jeez its a long road, many years work methinks.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 1 Mar 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: London
Posts: 621
Hi all - didn't realise my thread would arouse so much interest after all this time.

If anyone manages to get into the Cosmodrome, please do let us all know how you got on - in particular, some pics/videos would be really interesting.

And if anyone stays at the cafe, do say hello from me to the Kazakh family
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 1 Mar 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Germany
Posts: 30
Have heard now that it is not supposed to be possible to get a permit from here via the consulate

So additional ideas how to get in the cosmodrome are most welcome
__________________
GET OUT THERE and EXPLORE
Safe journey! bon voyage! Gute Reise! buen viaje! Счастливого пути!
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 2 Mar 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: London
Posts: 621
Follow-up to what I wrote earlier - if you have a look at the Kazakhstan section of my website, there's a few articles about Baikonur - go to near the bottom. I was disappointed not to get inside there - it would have been interesting.

overlandcruiser.net
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 17 Mar 2010
usl usl is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Turkey
Posts: 337
i tried at 2005....and was turned back, even before the gates and politely warned by the police not to try again, unless having a valid permission.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 28 Apr 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 602
Just to follow this thread up...

Yesterday I watched a Soyuz launch from the road outside the cosmodrome. The cafe ilesmark mentioned was not serving food, and there is a better viewpoint (you can see part of the cosmodrome facility) from about 1km further along the road, around the overpass where the M32 crosses the access road and railway line running from Baikonur city to the cosmodromw itself.

The rocket was distant, and soundless, but it was spectacular all the same. By coincidence, I received a personal invitation today to visit Baikonur, so hoping to get in the facility in autumn.

Daniel
__________________
4.5 years around Eurasia in a Toyota Hilux|http://eurasiaoverland.wordpress.com/
Pictures Here|https://picasaweb.google.com/113619413612674951960
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Visiting Buenos Aires from UK? SandyM Travellers Seeking Travellers 2 23 Mar 2005 10:58
Visiting Chile DiasDePlaya South America 7 27 Feb 2003 22:28

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 15:11.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top