Chundzha Hot Springs: How to Get There from Almaty, Prices, and What to Know Before Your Trip

The Chundzha hot springs are located 200 km from Almaty — a 2.5–3 hour drive along the A-3 highway. The water here is +38…+45 °C year-round, with a full-day entry fee of 1500–2500 tenge. We, toor, organize trips with transfer and a guide from 12,000 KZT per person. The best time is from October to April.

What are the Chundzha hot springs and why are they interesting

Let's figure out where the Chundzha thermal springs are located, what kind of water they have, and why tourists from all over Kazakhstan — from Almaty to Astana — come here.

Where are the Chundzha thermal springs and what kind of water do they provide

The Chundzha hot springs are natural thermal pools 5 km from the village of Chundzha, at an altitude of ~700 m above sea level, with water at +38…+45 °C year-round. The water rises from a well about 1000 m deep, is low-mineralized, chloride-sodium, with a total mineralization of 1.2–1.5 g/l — its composition is close to the water of the Radon Springs resort, but without radon. The site has two covered pools (3×6 m and 5×10 m) and one open pool of 50 m², with the temperature in each regulated separately: the covered ones maintain +40…+42 °C, the open one +38…+40 °C. The low-mineralized chloride-sodium water of Chundzha is considered therapeutic — it helps with diseases of the musculoskeletal system and nervous system, but before the trip, it's worth consulting a doctor: for people with hypertension and cardiovascular pathologies, prolonged stays in hot water (more than 20 minutes) can be harmful.

Why do tourists from Almaty and other cities come here

We at toor see that tourists choose Chundzha for three things: accessibility (200 km from the southern capital, 2.5–3 hours by car), therapeutic water, and the opportunity to relax year-round — even in winter, the pools are open, and when it's −10 °C outside, the water is +42 °C. The flow doesn't decrease from October to April: in cool weather, the temperature contrast provides a noticeable relaxing effect; in summer, the water feels less hot due to the heat, and many come more for a swim than to warm up. They often bring children — there is a separate shallow pool (depth 60 cm) with a lower temperature of +36…+38 °C, and the site has two cafes with lunch from 1500 tenge. Unlike sea resorts, Chundzha requires no acclimatization and is suitable for a one-day trip — you leave in the morning and return in the evening.

Where are the Chundzha thermal springs: location and how to get there from Almaty

Let's break down the exact location of the springs, the route along the A-3 highway, and how long the journey takes from the city by different means.

Exact location and landmarks on the ground

The Chundzha hot springs are located in the Uygur district of the Almaty region, 5 km from the village of Chundzha and 200 km from Almaty along the A-3 highway (Almaty — Khorgos). The most noticeable landmark is that after entering the village of Chundzha, you cross a bridge over the river, then after 500 meters you see a sign saying "Thermal Springs" with a right turn to the south. The road from the sign to the parking lot is asphalted, 5 km, passable for any car — sedans and hatchbacks go through without issues. Coordinates for the navigator: 43°32'15"N 79°26'30"E — enter them into 2GIS or Yandex.Maps before leaving. The springs site has parking for 50-60 cars, free of charge. A landmark on the road — after the village of Chundzha, you need to turn south following the "Thermal Springs" sign; the road is asphalted all the way to the parking lot.

Route from Almaty: A-3 highway and travel time

The road from the city to Chundzha takes 2.5–3 hours along the A-3 highway — it's a good quality asphalt road, passable for any vehicle. You leave along Raiymbek Avenue to the east, after 15 km you get onto the A-3 highway, running along the Ili River all the way to the village of Chundzha. The asphalt quality is excellent throughout — it was repaired in 2023-2024, with no potholes or ruts. The only tricky section is a 10-kilometer stretch before the village of Chundzha, where the road goes in a serpentine through the Arkharly Pass: there's a speed limit of 60 km/h, but the asphalt is smooth. During rush hour (from 8:00 to 9:30), there may be a 15-20 minute traffic jam at the police checkpoint on the A-3 highway at the exit. We recommend leaving no later than 8 AM — at this time, the highway is clear, there are still few people at the springs, and you'll have time to swim before lunch.

How many kilometers from Almaty to Chundzha

From the city center to the Chundzha thermal springs — exactly 200 km along the A-3 highway towards Khorgos. Of these, 195 km are good quality asphalt, the last 5 km — from the village of Chundzha to the springs themselves — is a local road with occasional potholes, but passable for any car. By taxi, the trip will cost 10,000-15,000 tenge one way, with the same 2.5-3 hours. Keep in mind that the last 5 km — from the village of Chundzha to the springs themselves — is a local road with small potholes, but passable for any car.

Weather and seasons: when is the best time to go to the springs

We'll tell you in which months the water is most comfortable, when there are fewer tourists, and whether it's worth planning a trip in winter or summer.

Best time for a trip: October — April

We recommend going to the Chundzha thermal springs from October to April — in cool weather, the contrast between the air and the water at +38…+45 °C feels most comfortable. In December — February, the thermometer outside drops to −5…−10 °C, and the pools maintain a stable +40…+45 °C: steam rises above the surface, and your skin doesn't have time to cool down during the swim. In October and November, the daytime temperature is +10…+15 °C, which is ideal for those who want to combine swimming with a walk through the village of Chundzha or along the bank of the Ili River. Through toor, organized tours with transfer from Almaty, entry ticket, and time at all pools are available for this season — no waiting for a bus or searching for the ticket office on site. During peak season (December — February), the springs are crowded on weekends, so if you want solitude — plan your trip on a weekday or in the morning hours.

Can you go in summer and during the off-season

In summer, the water in the Chundzha springs may feel less hot due to the heat, but the pools operate year-round — at +30…+38 °C outside, water at +38…+40 °C no longer provides the contrast that people seek in cold weather. Swimming from June to August is more like a warm shower than a thermal treatment, and many locals switch to the Ili River, which flows 2 km from the pools. May and September are the optimal compromise: the air warms up to +18…+25 °C, water is +38…+42 °C, there are fewer tourists than in the peak of winter, and accommodation prices in guesthouses drop to 5000 tenge per night instead of 7000-8000 in December.

Monthly weather calendar for Chundzha

In December — February, the water feels hottest to the touch, but you need to get out of the pool quickly — bring a robe or a large towel to avoid freezing in the cold.

Water temperature, composition, and health benefits

Let's break down the composition of the water in the Chundzha thermal springs, its temperature in different pools, and which body systems it affects.

What is the water temperature in the Chundzha pools

The water in the Chundzha thermal springs stays at +38…+45 °C year-round — this is the natural temperature of the spring, which does not depend on the weather. In different pools, the readings differ by 2-3 degrees: in open pools, the water is slightly cooler (+38…+40 °C) due to contact with the air, in covered pools it is hotter (+42…+45 °C) because heat is retained in the enclosed space. For comparison: in the Almaty pool "Arasan," the temperature stays at +36…+38 °C, in the Shymkent thermal springs — +40…+43 °C, and in Koktel (Turkestan region) — +42…+47 °C. When entering a Chundzha pool, first get used to the water for 2-3 minutes — the difference between +38 in the open and +45 in the covered pool is noticeable, especially when moving between them.

Water composition: chloride-sodium and low-mineralized

The water in Chundzha is low-mineralized chloride-sodium, with a total mineralization of about 2-3 g/l, which makes it gentle on the skin and suitable for prolonged swimming. This composition is typical for thermal springs in foothill areas — the water becomes saturated with minerals as it passes through rock formations at a depth of 800-1000 meters and emerges to the surface already heated. Unlike highly mineralized waters (for example, in Saryagash — 4-6 g/l), Chundzha water does not leave a salt residue on the skin after drying and does not require a mandatory fresh-water shower after a session. Due to its low mineralization, you can stay in the water at Chundzha for up to 40-60 minutes without the risk of overloading the cardiovascular system — this is important for elderly tourists and people with hypertension.

Health benefits of thermal water

Our guides note that after swimming in Chundzha, tourists with joint and spine diseases often feel noticeable relief — the warm mineral water relieves muscle tension and improves blood circulation. Chloride-sodium ions penetrate the bloodstream through the skin, stimulating metabolism and accelerating the removal of lactic acid from muscles — so after a 20-minute swim, fatigue disappears even after a long drive from Almaty. Chloride-sodium water is also beneficial for chronic fatigue and stress — 20-30 minutes in the pool relaxes the nervous system no worse than a massage session. In toor itineraries, for example, 2-3 hours of free time at the springs are included — this is enough for 2-3 sessions of 20-30 minutes with breaks to get a therapeutic effect without overheating.

Pools and infrastructure: what is available on site

Let's break down which pools operate at Chundzha, what amenities are available, and how dining is organized — so you know what to expect from the trip.

What pools are at Chundzha: open and covered

At the Chundzha springs, two types of pools operate: open (under a canopy, with a temperature of +38…+40 °C) and covered (indoors, +42…+45 °C) — both are filled with natural thermal water. The open pools are round, 8-10 meters in diameter, up to 1.5 meters deep — they are comfortable to be in during cool weather when the temperature difference between air and water creates contrast. The covered ones are located in a small building, the water is hotter, and steam is thick — especially noticeable in winter when it's below zero outside. On weekends and holidays, the pools are crowded, but there is enough space: each can accommodate 15-20 people at a time. There is no separate children's pool, but in the general pools, the depth starts from 1.2 m, and children in armbands or vests feel comfortable — the main thing is to monitor the time spent to avoid overheating.

Changing rooms, showers, and luggage storage

On the premises there are changing rooms, showers, and luggage storage — usage is paid, 200-500 tenge per item, payment by cash or transfer. The changing rooms are common rooms with benches and hooks, there are only two shower stalls, and during peak hours (11:00-14:00) a queue of 10-15 minutes forms. Luggage storage is convenient if you came with an overnight stay and want to leave things for the day — the lockers are small, enough for a backpack or bag, but a suitcase won't fit.

Café and dining on the premises of the springs

There is a café on the premises where you can have lunch from 1500 tenge — the menu includes beshbarmak, lagman, manti, tea, and pastries. Portions are average, dishes are cooked to order, waiting time is 15-20 minutes. On weekends at lunchtime there may be a queue, there are only six tables, and many tourists eat outside at wooden tables. Nearby there is a small shop with water, snacks, and disposable tableware, but prices are 20-30% higher than in the city. Through toor you can check the menu for the day of the trip in advance and, if necessary, order an additional snack. We advise bringing your own snack and water — prices at the café are higher, and on weekends there may be a queue at lunch.

Prices in 2026: entrance, accommodation, dining

Let's summarize all current prices for Chundzha in a table — from entrance ticket to accommodation and dining, so you can calculate your trip budget.

Cost of a full-day entrance ticket

A full-day entrance ticket to the Chundzha thermal springs costs 1500-2500 tenge — this price includes unlimited use of all pools and the premises. Children under 5 enter free, schoolchildren and students get a 20-30% discount upon presenting an ID, and luggage storage and towel rental will cost an additional 200-500 and 300 tenge respectively. Many tourists change clothes right in the car to avoid paying for the paid changing rooms on the premises. In toor tours, the entrance ticket is already included in the price — you don't pay on site and don't stand in line at the ticket office.

Accommodation in guest houses and hotels nearby

Guest houses in the village of Chundzha and near the springs offer rooms from 5000 tenge per night — basic conditions (bed, nightstand, shared shower and toilet). More expensive options, from 8000-12,000 tenge, include a private bathroom, air conditioning, and a kettle in the room — these are booked on Booking and Olx 2-3 weeks before the trip. Only 3-4 guest houses right on the premises of the springs rent rooms with two meals a day for 15,000-20,000 tenge for two, but spots are taken a month in advance. If you plan to stay overnight, book accommodation in advance — during the season (October-April) available spots run out 2-3 days before the weekend.

Table: total cost of a trip to Chundzha

How to get there independently: by car, taxi, or with a tour

Let's compare three ways to get to Chundzha from Almaty — by your own car, by taxi, and with a tour — by price, convenience, and time.

By your own car: route and road features

By your own car to Chundzha is the most flexible option: you leave when convenient, on the A-3 highway with good asphalt, the journey takes 2.5-3 hours one way. The route is simple: along Raiymbek Avenue east to the junction with the A-3 highway, then straight 180 km through the village of Asy-Saga, past the turn to Bakanas, and to the sign "Chundzha — 5 km". The asphalt is smooth throughout, no potholes, the only tricky section is the turn to the spring itself: the exit from the highway is unpaved, can be washed out in rain, so a car with ground clearance of 160 mm or more is preferable. Consider fuel consumption: 200 km × 2 = 400 km, with an average consumption of 10 l/100 km — about 40 liters of gasoline for approximately 4000-5000 tenge. At the entrance to Chundzha there is a "Helios" gas station with 92 and 95 gasoline, on the way back it's better to refuel there — the next gas station is only in the village of Asy-Saga until the outskirts.

By taxi from Almaty: price and nuances

A taxi from Almaty to Chundzha costs 10,000-15,000 tenge one way — the trip takes the same 2.5-3 hours, but the driver waits for you for an additional fee of about 1000 tenge/hour. It's better to order via Yandex.Taxi or inDriver with the "intercity" note, since city tariffs don't calculate such a route. A return call from Chundzha is harder to find — there are few cars, the price can rise to 18,000-20,000 tenge, so it's more profitable to negotiate with the same driver for waiting or pay for both ends at once. If traveling with a group of 3-4 people, a taxi is comparable in price to a tour, but without an organized program and guide.

With a toor tour: what's included and why it's convenient

A tour to the Chundzha thermal springs from us costs from 12,000 tenge/person and includes transfer by minibus from the center, a full-day entrance ticket, and guide accompaniment. The minibuses are comfortable Hyundai Staria for 7-12 seats with air conditioning and USB sockets at each seat, the driver knows the road and doesn't use a navigator on the unpaved section. The program includes swimming in open and covered pools, lunch at the café on the premises for an additional fee, and a sightseeing walk through the village of Chundzha with a story about the history of these places. We pick up the group at 8:00 from a convenient point in the center — usually from the Palace of the Republic or the Kazakhstan Hotel, return by 19:00-20:00 — you don't think about the road, parking, and queues, but just relax.

What to bring: a checklist for a comfortable vacation

We have compiled a complete list of things you need to take to the Chundzha hot springs — so you don't end up without a towel or water at the worst possible moment.

Essential kit: swimsuit, towel, flip-flops

We always remind tourists of three essential items: a swimsuit or trunks, a large towel, and shower flip-flops — without them, you'll be let onto the grounds, but your rest won't be comfortable. In the Chundzha changing rooms, the floor is concrete and wet, and in winter the air temperature drops to −5 °C — you won't be able to run barefoot to the pool. A terry towel 70×140 cm absorbs moisture instantly after getting out of +45-degree water, while a thin beach towel stays wet all day. Owners of guesthouses in the village of Chundzha (5 km from the springs) warn: flip-flops with a ribbed sole are the only option to avoid slipping on the tiles. Take a terry or waffle towel — thin beach towels don't warm you after stepping out into the cold air.

What is often forgotten: water, food, spare footwear

The most common mistake is not bringing drinking water and spare footwear: after swimming, you get thirsty, and walking barefoot on the wet floor in the changing room is unhygienic. In a day, the body loses up to 1.5 liters of fluid through sweating — without water, you'll feel dizzy after just 2-3 sessions of 15-20 minutes each. The café on site offers tea for 300 KZT and samsa for 500 KZT, but the selection is limited and prices are higher than in Almaty supermarkets. Spare footwear (crocs or slippers) is needed for walking to the café — concrete paths are icy in winter. We advise taking at least 1.5 liters of water per person and a light snack — fruit, sandwiches, nuts.

Checklist: complete list of things for Chundzha

• Swimsuit / trunks: without them, you won't be allowed into the pool — bring a spare in case you stay overnight.
• Large towel: terry 70×140 cm — keeps you warm after the water; waffle dries faster.
• Flip-flops: ribbed sole doesn't slip on the wet tiles near the pools.
• Drinking water: 1.5-2 liters per person — the body loses fluid while swimming.
• Snack: fruit, sandwiches, nuts — there's a café nearby, but the selection is limited.
• Spare footwear: crocs for walking around the grounds in cold weather.
• Robe or wrap: in winter, temperatures drop to −5 °C — a terry robe saves you between pools.
• Wet wipes: to clean your hands before eating if the café is far from the changing room.
• Bag for wet laundry: so the wet swimsuit doesn't soak other items.
• Post-shower cream: mineral water dries out the skin — a moisturizing lotion relieves tightness.
• Documents: ID card — only if you plan to stay overnight at a guesthouse.

Safety, rules of conduct, and contraindications

We'll tell you about safety rules at the hot springs, who should avoid swimming, and how to behave properly in the pools.

Who should not swim in the hot springs

We strongly recommend that people with cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, arrhythmia, post-heart attack condition), active-phase cancer, acute inflammatory processes, and skin infections avoid visiting Chundzha — hot water increases blood circulation and can trigger a flare-up. Pregnant women, especially in the first and third trimesters, should also skip the thermal pools: temperature changes and the mineral load on blood vessels can cause an unpredictable reaction. For varicose veins, swimming is only allowed in cool pools up to +34 °C and for no longer than 10 minutes — in such water, veins dilate and swelling increases. Even if you are healthy, you should not stay in a pool with water temperatures above 40°C for more than 10-15 minutes at a time — take breaks and drink water to avoid dizziness.

Safety rules in the Chundzha pools

We recommend following simple rules: don't dive into the pools (the depth is shallow, about 1.2-1.5 m, and the bottom is slippery from mineral deposits), don't mix alcohol and hot water — heatstroke can occur after just 100 g of strong alcohol, and for children under 3, use separate shallow pools with a temperature no higher than 36°C. At the entrance to the area with open pools, there are warning signs about slippery surfaces — don't ignore them; ankle injuries are recorded here every season. Before entering the thermal water, be sure to take a shower to remove cosmetics and cream: mineral salts react with chemical components, causing skin irritation. For children under 7, 10-15 minutes of swimming is enough, followed by a break of at least half an hour, otherwise overheating is possible.

Healing properties of Chundzha water

The water in Chundzha is low-mineralized, bicarbonate-sodium, containing silicic acid and iodine ions — it helps with diseases of the musculoskeletal system (arthritis, osteochondrosis, consequences of injuries), skin problems (psoriasis, eczema, neurodermatitis), and nervous exhaustion. Silicic acid stimulates collagen production in joint cartilage, and iodine normalizes thyroid function — so after a course of bathing, many notice a reduction in pain in the knees and lower back. Almaty rheumatologists often recommend Chundzha as an auxiliary therapy during remission of chronic arthritis, but you should consult a doctor before the trip. We recommend a course of 5-7 visits with an interval of 1-2 days for a lasting therapeutic effect — a single swim provides only relaxation, not treatment.

Conclusion

Let's summarize the main points for a trip to Chundzha — from the road to safety, so you feel confident from your first visit.

Key takeaways

• Дорога from Almaty занимает 2,5-3 hours — выезжайте рано утром, чтобы успеть на первую смену и избежать пробок на трассе А-3.
• Бюджет на одного человека — от 3000 до 5000 тенге (вход + транспорт + перекус), берите наличные — терминалы есть не везде, особенно на входе.
• Лучшее время для поездки — будни с мая по сентябрь (тёплая погода, меньше людей) или зима для контраста тёплой воды и морозного воздуха.
• Обязательно возьмите купальник, полотенце, сланцы и воду — без них отдых будет некомфортным, а покупка на месте обойдётся в 1,5-2 раза дороже.
• Проверьте здоровье перед купанием — при хронических заболеваниях проконсультируйтесь с врачом и не находитесь в термальной воде дольше 15 минут за раз.