About this experience
The city, which is firmly associated by the older generation with the raised goalpost and the romance of conquering the steppe lands, has today become a center for important political, economic, and sporting events. On this excursion with a spacecraft design engineer, you will learn how this happened. And of course, you will see the main attractions of the old right bank of Astana and the new dynamically developing left bank.
What to Expect
Architectural Attractions of the Right Bank
In the old part of Astana, you will visit the Holy Assumption Cathedral, take a look at the central square with the Kazak Eli monument and the gleaming Hazret Sultan Cathedral, as well as learn about the history of outstanding creations by Norman Foster and Manfredi Nicoletti, who have left a mark on the city's architecture. The architectural history of the city will be revealed to you through stories about the master plan by Japanese architect Kise Kurakawa, and you will understand how typical Soviet five-story buildings have been transformed into attractive modern structures. Undoubtedly, you will also see several preserved merchant houses from the tsarist period.
"Space Stories" of the Left Bank
During the walk, you will get acquainted with technologies from the aerospace industry that were used in the construction of the world's largest tented structure - Khan Shatyr. You will learn about the unique opportunities of the National Space Center and how modern technologies are changing the city's appearance. In addition, you will see the stunning Opera and Ballet Theater, the Presidential Residence building, and the House of Ministries. Visit the symbol of Astana - the Bayterek Monument, where you will learn about its history and symbolism.
Museum Stories
At the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, you will visit the Gold Hall, where unique artifacts of the Scythian-Saka culture are kept, and the unique "Golden Man." At the end of the excursion, you will head to the national pavilion - the Nur-Alem sphere of EXPO-2017. Here, exhibitions dedicated to various types of energy and the exploration of space are presented. I will tell you about the exhibition as a whole and about each interesting stand: you will learn about the challenges faced by astronauts and the technologies that influence everyday life. You will understand why flights to Mars are not possible in the next 12 years and why the efficiency of solar panels in space increases many times over.
Organizational Details
How the Excursion is Conducted
- The excursion is conducted by the guide's car
- When visiting Hazret Sultan Mosque, women must wear headgear, and men are not allowed in shorts
- In summer, the program includes a visit to the botanical garden and a park overlooking the government complex
What is Included in the Price, and What is Not
- All transportation costs are included in the price
- Entrance tickets to sites and museums are paid separately: Bayterek Monument - 1500 tenge (280 rubles) per adult; Nur Alem Pavilion at EXPO-2017 - 1500 tenge (280 rubles); National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan - 1500 tenge (280 rubles).
