Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site
About this tour
Underground test site
Atomic lake
Place of the last Soviet test
Technology of underground testing
Elevator silo of underground laboratory
Command point
ICBM launchers
Mobile command point
KGB office
Statue of Kurchatov
Guest house of Beria
National Nuclear Center
TOCAMAC
Long range bombers base
Stronghoder Than Death monument
Soviet military machinery exhibition
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Semey, Kazakhstan to Kurchatov, Kazakhstan
We will begin this day with Underground test site. I will present its general info, aim, history and role in nuclear arms race, political context of 50's t late 80's, review industrial use of nuclear weapons, disarmament treaties and describe peaceful ways of using nuclear energy. We will then proceed to the Atomic lake, where I'll tell the technical part of the project, make instruction on radiation safety. Here we will dress in individual safety gears and head to the LAKE. Our next stop will be the spot of the last Soviet atomic test. Here I wll describe its technology and ways USA and USSR cheated each other. Here I also will tell about tunnel technology of nuclear tests. Further, we will visit a sank test borehole that will give you visual understanding of how test were conducted. Underground laboratory and the command point are very picturesque, telling for themselves. These are very goood examples of engineering geniality of human mind. I'll explain why they were build in such way and how are they different from safety standard of nuclear power stations. WE will also see ICBM launchers, impressive ones!! On the way to Kurchatov we will pass by a coal quarry and former check point of Balapan site. On the way I am sure to see many golden eagles, sometimes foxes, hares, cranes and saiga (Central Asian specie of antilopa). We will overnight in the corporate hotel of Natinal Nuclear Center, very Soviet one! It has same interior like 40 years ago, down to every minor detail!!
Day 2: Kurchatov, Kazakhstan to Semey, Kazakhstan
We will start this day seeing the place of first settlers' tent camp, former KGB office, statue of Kurchatov, head staff of the Polygon and guest house of Beria. Then we will visit a mobile command point. We will end this excursion by seeng the Peaceful Atom statue and TOCAMAC that is Kazakhstan contribution into ITER project. We continue the day in abandoned long range bombers base. AFter the base we head to Semey, where complete the tour with visiting Stronger Than Death monument and the Victory park - our lastr connection to nuclear subject. If time allows, we will visit Soviet military machinery museum.
What's included
Obtaining legal visit permit is a must!! It can be issued only to local providers. Radiation safety. Although we will travel through clean lands, one of sites is contaminated. At this point radiations safety service in included. I'll make an instruction and help you dressing in individual safety gear. Every visitor is gifted with a Soviet item. Accomodation in three beds rooms. Single supplement is EUR 40. Transfers from and to Semey ariport or train station are included.
Meals are not included, except a breakfast in the hotel. But upon request it is possible to include the dinner of first day and lunch on the second. WE will travel through uninhabited lands, no service are available there. No cafe, no even toilets. Please care of having some water and snacks for the lunch time.
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Semey, Kazakhstan to Kurchatov, Kazakhstan