Hot Springs of Kazakhstan: List, Prices and Routes from Almaty

Kazakhstan's hot springs are natural thermal baths with water temperatures of 36–45°C, operating year-round. The main locations near Almaty are: Arasan-Turgen (90 km), Almaarasan (25 km), and Mankent (120 km). Entry costs from 1,500 to 5,000 tenge, and a tour with toor includes transfer and tickets from 8,000 tenge per person.

What are Kazakhstan's hot springs and how are they beneficial

Kazakhstan's thermal springs are natural geothermal waters that heat up to 30–45°C and emerge along tectonic faults. Let's explore where the heat comes from and how the mineral composition affects the body.

What are thermal springs and why is the water hot

Thermal springs are underground waters heated by the geothermal heat of the Earth's crust to temperatures above 20°C, and in Kazakhstan, at popular resorts, the water stays at 36–45°C year-round. Heating occurs at depths of 1–3 km: the deeper the aquifer lies, the higher the temperature — on average, the geothermal gradient is 3°C per 100 meters. In the Almaty region, water at the "Goryachiy Klyuch" and "Arasan" springs rises through faults of the Zailiysky Alatau, retaining heat along the entire path. The maximum temperature is recorded in the springs of Mangystau — up to 70°C, but for bathing, it is lowered to a comfortable 38–42°C. Unlike artificial pools, natural thermal water contains dissolved minerals — silicon, sulfur, calcium — which provide a therapeutic effect when immersed.

How hot springs benefit health

Regular visits to thermal springs improve blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, and help with musculoskeletal disorders: arthritis, osteochondrosis, and injury aftermath. The mineral composition of Kazakhstan's waters varies by resort: in "Kapal-Arasan," siliceous compounds predominate, accelerating skin and joint tissue regeneration, while in "Mankent," hydrogen sulfide compounds dominate, dilating blood vessels and lowering blood pressure. The temperature contrast between hot water (38–42°C) and cool air (10–20°C in spring and autumn) additionally trains the cardiovascular system — an effect comparable to a sauna. Maximum therapeutic effect is achieved with a course of 5–7 visits at intervals of 1–2 days: during this time, minerals accumulate in the skin and joints, and blood vessels adapt to thermal load.

Complete list of Kazakhstan's hot springs: from Almaty to Astana

We list the main thermal springs of Kazakhstan by region — from the Almaty region to Astana. We provide a brief description of each.

Thermal springs of the Almaty region

• Arasan-Turgen (90 km from Almaty): the most equipped complex with indoor and outdoor pools, water temperature 36–42 °C, open year-round.
• Chundzha (250 km from Almaty): natural baths in the floodplain of the Chilik River — water at 37 °C emerges from the ground directly into concrete outdoor pools.
• Almaarasan (25 km from Almaty): a resort in the gorge of the Zailiysky Alatau, water 35–37 °C with high silicon and radon content, open only in the warm season.
• Kapal-Arasan (350 km from Almaty): springs in the mountains of the Dzungarian Alatau with a temperature of 37–43 °C, surrounded by a pine forest — the trip requires a full day.
• Mankent (120 km from Almaty): a recreation center with a thermal pool at 38–40 °C, suitable for a day trip without an overnight stay. Almost all of these thermal springs in Kazakhstan are of natural origin — water emerges from faults in the Earth's crust in the foothills of the Zailiysky and Dzungarian Alatau, so check the operating season before your trip: Almaarasan and Mankent are closed in cold weather.

Thermal springs in other regions of Kazakhstan

Outside the Almaty region, the main thermal resort is Saryagash in the Turkestan region (120 km from Shymkent), where water at 38–42 °C rises from a depth of 800 meters and has a chloride-sodium composition with iodine and bromine. In the Zhambyl region, the "Merke" base operates with pools at 40–43 °C and a mud therapy clinic, while in the north, in the Akmola region, there is the "Zerenda" complex with heated pools (37–39 °C) — these are not natural springs but engineered heating of artesian water. In Astana, there are no natural hot springs, but large water parks (Ailand, "Dolphin") maintain pools at 30–34 °C year-round. Saryagash is considered a balneological resort of national significance — if traveling there from Almaty, plan at least three days: the one-way drive takes 8–9 hours by car.

Comparative table of hot springs: distance, temperature, price

We summarize the key parameters of five main springs in one table: distance from Almaty, water temperature, entry cost, and approximate taxi price.

Comparison of Kazakhstan's hot springs by distance, temperature, and price

Which spring to choose based on your budget and time

If you only have half a day, go to Almaarasan (25 km, from 1,500 KZT). For a full day with a budget of up to 5,000 KZT per person — Arasan-Turgen (90 km, from 3,000 KZT with spacious pools and cascading bowls). For a weekend with an overnight stay — Chundzha (250 km, 37–45°C) or Kapal-Arasan (350 km, 40–45°C), where the temperature is higher and there are separate cottages. Consider not only the entrance fee but also the road: a taxi to Arasan-Turgen costs 8,000–12,000 KZT one way, and to Kapal-Arasan — 20,000–30,000 KZT. At the same time, a group tour with transfer and entrance ticket is often more profitable and convenient than going on your own, especially if you don't have a car.

Hot springs near Almaty: Arasan-Turgen, Almaarasan, Mankent

We break down the three most accessible springs within a 120 km radius of Almaty — their features, infrastructure, and prices for a self-guided trip or with a tour.

Arasan-Turgen — the most popular spring 90 km from the city

Arasan-Turgen is located 90 km from Almaty (1.5 hours by car), water temperature 36–42°C, entrance fee — 3,000–5,000 tenge. This is the most well-equipped spring with several outdoor pools — during the season, two large tanks and one smaller one with hotter water up to 42°C are open. The area has changing rooms, dressing cubicles, benches, and a cafe with hot drinks and pastries. From late October to April, it's especially crowded — on weekends, up to 200 people visit at once, so it's better to plan a trip on weekdays. A taxi to Arasan-Turgen costs 8,000–12,000 tenge one way without a return transfer. At toor, we take groups to Arasan-Turgen every weekend — a tour from 8,000 tenge per person includes transfer and entrance ticket, which is cheaper than a taxi for 8,000–12,000 tenge one way.

Almaarasan — the closest spring 25 km from the city

Almaarasan is the nearest spring to Almaty, just 25 km (40 minutes by car). Water temperature 37–39°C, entrance fee — 1,500–3,000 tenge. An ideal option for a spontaneous half-day trip. Almaarasan has two pools — a large common one measuring 10×5 meters and a smaller one with hotter water up to 39°C. On weekends, it's crowded, especially after noon when families with children arrive — finding a free spot in the pool is difficult. On weekday mornings, it's quiet, and you can comfortably swim without a queue. The water is soft in mineral composition, without a sharp hydrogen sulfide smell — suitable for a first introduction to thermal springs. The area has changing rooms, a shower, and benches, but no cafe — bring water and snacks with you.

Mankent — a cozy spring 120 km from Almaty

Mankent is located 120 km from Almaty (2 hours by car), water temperature 38–42°C, entrance fee — 2,000–3,500 tenge. The spring is smaller and quieter than Arasan-Turgen, suitable for a relaxing getaway. Here there is one large pool about 8 meters in diameter, equipped with a wooden deck around the perimeter and handrails for descent. On weekdays, 10–15 people visit, on weekends — up to 50, so there's enough space for everyone. The infrastructure is modest: wooden changing rooms, cold shower, no cafe — only a water dispenser. In Mankent, the water is softer in mineral composition than in Arasan-Turgen — no white residue remains on the skin after swimming. This is a plus for those sensitive to hard water.

How to get to the hot springs from Almaty: car, taxi, tour

We break down three ways to reach the thermal zones: by personal car, by taxi, or with a tour. We compare by price, time, and convenience.

By personal car — routes and roads

To Almaarasan — 25 km along the Kuldzha highway with asphalt all the way to the entrance, the journey takes 30–40 minutes without traffic jams. To Arasan-Turgen — 90 km along the Almaty — Narynkol highway: the first 85 km are good asphalt, the last 5 km are a dirt road, passable for any car in dry weather. To Chundzha — 250 km along the Kuldzha highway to the turn, then 10 km of asphalt to the complex, travel time — 3–3.5 hours. To Kapal-Arasan — 350 km along the Almaty — Ust-Kamenogorsk highway with the last 15 km of gravel, the journey takes 4.5–5 hours. In rain, the dirt road to Arasan-Turgen becomes muddy, and a regular sedan may not pass — it's better to go in a car with a ground clearance of at least 160 mm. Parking at all five springs is free, but at Chundzha on weekends, spots are taken by 10 a.m.

By taxi — prices and nuances

A taxi from the city to Arasan-Turgen costs 8,000–12,000 tenge one way, to Chundzha — 15,000–25,000 tenge, to Kapal-Arasan — from 25,000 tenge, prices depend on the car class and time of day. To Almaarasan, the trip will cost 3,000–5,000 tenge, to Mankent — 10,000–15,000 tenge, and during evening rush hour (5:00–7:00 p.m.), the cost is 20–30% higher due to traffic jams at the city exit. The downside of a taxi is the return call from remote springs: in Chundzha or Kapal-Arasan, there are practically no drivers available for hire, ordering through an app can take 30–40 minutes and cost 1.5 times more. Order a taxi with a fixed price in the app — drivers at the spring parking lots often inflate the price by 1.5–2 times, knowing that the tourist has no other option.

With a tour from toor — transfer, guide, and entrance included

A tour to Arasan-Turgen from toor costs from 8,000 tenge per person and includes transfer in a comfortable minibus with air conditioning, entrance ticket, and guide accompaniment. The trip starts at 9:00 a.m. from the city center, return — at 4:00 p.m., total time at the spring — about 4 hours, which is enough for 2–3 dips in the pool and a snack. Compare for yourself: a taxi to Arasan-Turgen one way — 8,000–12,000 tenge, while a tour — from 8,000 tenge per person round trip plus entrance. For a group of 2–3 people, the tour is 2–3 times cheaper than a taxi, plus you don't need to worry about the return trip.

When to go to the hot springs: seasons and weather by month

People visit Kazakhstan's hot springs year-round, but depending on the season, the experience changes dramatically — from steaming pools in the frost to cool water in the summer heat.

Seasonality — when is the best time to go

All thermal springs in Kazakhstan operate year-round, but the peak visiting season is from October to April. During this time, the contrast between the cold air and hot water provides maximum relaxation: outside it's -5…+10°C, while the pool is 38–42°C — this is exactly the effect tourists come for. In December–February, when the thermometer drops to -20°C, Arasan-Turgen, Almaarasan, and Mankent are especially popular — the water in them doesn't cool down thanks to constant geothermal replenishment. In summer (May–September), there are fewer people at the springs, but at +30°C outside, 38°C water doesn't feel hot — more like a warm pool. In severe frosts (-20°C), you need to get out of the water and change quickly — bring a warm robe and waterproof change shoes, otherwise you'll freeze within a minute.

Weather by month and recommendations

What to bring to hot springs: a complete list

We're putting together a checklist of things to take to thermal springs. Separately — a winter version.

Basic set for any season

• Swimsuit or trunks: a must-have item — you won't be let in without them at the entrance. Take one you don't mind ruining: mineralized water washes dye out of fabric after just one visit.
• Towel and slippers: at springs like Arasan-Turgen, towels aren't provided, and the tiled floor is slippery — flip-flops with a ribbed sole will prevent falls.
• Drinking water 1–1.5 L: in hot water, the body loses moisture faster than on the beach — in an hour at 40°C, the body becomes noticeably dehydrated. Buying water on-site costs two to three times more.
• Light snack: fruit or nuts — after 30 minutes in thermal water, appetite spikes sharply. It's better to leave sandwiches in the car: in the changing rooms, they spoil within an hour due to the heat.
• Hygiene kit: shampoo and shower gel will come in handy after swimming — rinse off with fresh water, otherwise a white salt residue will remain on your skin, and your swimsuit may fade after just one visit.

Winter set — what to add in cold weather

• Warm robe with a hood: terry or fleece — when getting out of the water into -15°C frost, you need to be wrapped up, otherwise the first steps to the pool become a trial. A short bathrobe won't help — cover your knees.
• Wool socks and a hat: while you're sitting in water up to your neck, your head and feet remain in the air — a fleece hat will prevent freezing, and wool socks over closed slippers will protect your toes from frostbite on the snowy path from the changing room to the pool.
• Thermos with hot tea: after getting out, a cup of sea buckthorn tea warms you up faster than coffee. Almaarasan has a café, but you have to walk through snow to get there — a thermos solves this problem.
• Change of underwear and dry clothes: change into dry clothes immediately — a wet swimsuit under a robe will chill you within 10 minutes. Take a fleece jacket and waterproof pants: in winter, the air is humid, and jeans get wet quickly.

Common tourist mistakes at hot springs

We're breaking down five typical mistakes beginners make at thermal springs in Kazakhstan. Forewarned is forearmed.

Mistake 1 — staying in the water too long

The optimal continuous time in thermal water is 15–20 minutes; longer risks overheating and fainting at temperatures above 40°C at Almaarasan or in the indoor pools of Arasan-Turgen. The body dilates blood vessels, blood drains from the head, and the strain on the heart increases by 30–40% compared to regular swimming — tourists who stay for 40–50 minutes come out with reddened skin and a pulse above 100 beats. Alternate sessions: 15 minutes in the pool, 10–15 minutes of rest in the air; over 2–3 hours, 3–4 sessions are enough for a therapeutic effect without harming your health.

Mistake 2 — not bringing water and a snack

In hot water, the body loses moisture faster than during regular swimming — without drinking water and a light snack, the risk of dehydration increases after just the first hour, especially at Mankent, where there's no permanent café (only a seasonal kiosk with soda). At Almaarasan, the selection is limited to a couple of plastic-bottle options; at Arasan-Turgen, there is a café, but prices are 1.5–2 times higher than in the city: tea from 500 KZT, a hot dog from 1200 KZT. Bring 1–1.5 liters of water per person and salty crackers or nuts for 300–500 KZT at the supermarket — mineral water leaches salts, and you need to replenish them.

Mistake 3 — going during peak season without a reservation

During peak season (October–April) on weekends at Arasan-Turgen and Almaarasan, queues at the entrance reach 30–40 minutes, pools are overcrowded with 50–60 people at a time, and available spots run out by 3:00 PM on Saturday. On weekdays, the load is lower: at Mankent on a Tuesday or Wednesday in January, there might be 10–15 people in the entire complex. Call the spring 1–2 days before your trip and reserve spots — some complexes accept a 50% prepayment via Kaspi or bank transfer, which guarantees entry without a queue even on weekends.

Conclusion

We've gathered key facts to help plan your trip without surprises — from season to budget.

Key takeaways

• Season: thermal complexes operate year-round, but the peak comfort period is from October to April, when the temperature contrast provides maximum effect.
• Nearest: the closest to Almaty is Almaarasan (25 km, from 1500 KZT), the best-equipped is Arasan-Turgen (90 km, from 3000 KZT).
• Transfer: a taxi to Arasan-Turgen costs 8000–12,000 KZT one way — for a group of 2–3 people, a tour is 2–3 times cheaper.
• Booking: during peak season, book your entry in advance — without a reservation, you risk waiting in line for 30–40 minutes.
• Gear: bring a swimsuit, towel, slippers, 1.5 liters of water, and a snack — prices on-site are 1.5–2 times higher.