While Kazakhstan isn’t typically known for thermal resorts, the country is home to several natural hot springs with healing properties. Some are part of well-developed resorts with modern amenities, while others are hidden in remote corners, ideal for those seeking solitude and serenity.

Most of Kazakhstan’s hot springs are located in the south and southeast, regions that sit on tectonically active zones. Cracks in the Earth’s crust allow heated groundwater to rise to the surface. In certain areas, magma lies closer to the surface, further warming the underground water.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most well-known thermal springs in Kazakhstan – how to reach them, what to expect, and how to enjoy them safely.

Important Safety Tips:

Take your time when entering the water, especially if it’s hotter than 38°C (100°F). Limit your soak to 15-20 minutes at a time, and if you have heart problems or high blood pressure, pay close attention to how your body responds.

1. Chunja Hot Springs (Almaty Region)

Location: About 260 km (162 miles) east of Almaty, near the Chinese border. The resorts are located along the Chunja-Koljat highway, roughly 60 km (37 miles) east of the village of Chunja.

Water temperature: 37-50°C (99-122°F)

Water type: Hydrogen sulfide, bromine, radon

Chunja is the most popular thermal resort area in Kazakhstan. The region offers a wide range of accommodations and facilities from basic bathhouses to fully equipped spa complexes. The mineral water, which rises from depths of over 1,000 meters (3,280 feet), is rich in hydrogen sulfide, silicon, bromine, and other trace elements known to benefit the skin, joints, and respiratory system.

Temperatures across the resorts range from moderately warm (20-37°C / 68-99°F) to hot (38-50°C / 100-122°F), and in some places even reach up to 100°C (212°F). Several resorts feature pools with varying mineral compositions and temperatures.

The Chunja hot springs operate year-round. In summer, some resorts cool the water for more comfortable bathing.

You can learn more about specific resorts in our article “The Best Hot Springs Resorts in Chunja.”

How to get there from Almaty:

By car: Leave Almaty via the Kuldja Tract or the Almaty-Khorgos highway. After the village of Shelek, you can either:

• Turn left onto a new toll road for a smoother (but slightly longer) drive, or
• Turn right onto the old highway through the village of Baiseit and over the scenic Kokpek Pass.

Both routes are around 260 km (162 miles) and take approximately 4-5 hours.

By public transport: Take a bus to Chunja from Almaty’s Sairan bus station, then continue by taxi to your selected resort.

By taxi: Available from any major bus station in Almaty.

By transfer: Some resorts offer direct transfers from Almaty. Check in advance when booking.

With a tour group: Many Almaty-based travel agencies offer all-inclusive tours to Chunja, typically with transportation included.

2. Alma-Arasan springs (Almaty)

Location: Alma-Arasan Gorge (also known as Prokhodnoye Gorge), just outside Almaty

Water Temperature: 33-40°C (91-104°F)

Water Type: Hydrogen sulfide, sulfate, siliceous, radon

If you don’t have time for a trip to Chunja, the thermal springs in the scenic Alma-Arasan Gorge offer an accessible alternative right near Almaty.

Along the trail to the Maiden’s Tears waterfall, you’ll find barrels filled with natural hot spring water. Nearby, there's also a cold-water plunge pool sourced from a mountain river for contrast therapy.

The path to the springs is well-maintained, with stairs and small bridges along the way. The hike is gentle enough for older visitors and families with children. On-site facilities include changing cabins, gazebos, and a small sports area. Swimming is free of charge, but it can get quite crowded on weekends.

Tip: Bring warm clothes. Even in summer, the mountain air can be unexpectedly chilly.

How to Get There:

By car: From central Almaty, head south on Dulati Avenue toward the mountains. Once you reach the gorge, park your car in the designated lot. From there, it’s a short walk to the hot spring barrels.

By public transport: Buses #211 and #108 go to the gorge. Get off at the Alma-Arasan stop and walk a few hundred meters (5-10 minutes) along the mountain path.

3. Gorelnik Hot Spring (Almaty)

Location: Between the Medeu skating rink and the Shymbulak ski resort, near Kerey and Zhanibek Khandar Street. The spring is located close to the trailhead leading to the Gorelnik Waterfall.

Water Temperature: 20-27°C (68-81°F)

Water Type: Radon, silicon, hydrogen sulfide

The Gorelnik Gorge has long been a favorite weekend escape for Almaty locals. Just a few kilometers from the city center, it offers fresh mountain air, shady forests, and spectacular alpine views. At the base of the trail to the Gorelnik Waterfall lies a small but well-loved natural hot spring.

The mineral water rises from a depth of 320 meters (1,050 feet) and is believed to offer gentle therapeutic benefits, especially for skin and joint health.

For visitors' convenience, the area around the spring is equipped with a wooden deck, a small outdoor gym, a changing cabin, and both hot and cold water fonts. Bathing is free of charge but expect crowds during warm weekends. The most peaceful time to visit is early on a weekday morning.

How to Get There:

By eco-shuttle or electric taxi: Gasoline-powered vehicles are not allowed in the mountains. Shuttle buses and electric taxis run between Medeu and Shymbulak, making stops near the spring.

On foot from Medeu: It’s about a 3 km (1.9 mi) walk along the shortest route. Follow Edelweiss Street, then turn onto Kerey-Zhanibek Khandar Street and continue straight until you reach the spring.

4. Barlykarasan springs (Abay region)

Location: Barlykarasan village, Makanchinsky district. Near the eastern shore of Lake Alakol, about 16 km (10 miles) east of the village of Kabanbay.

Water Temperature: 20-42°C (68-108°F)

Water Type: Sodium sulfate with silicic acid and radon

The Barlykarasan springs have been known for their healing properties since the 17th century. In 1963, the Barlyk-Arasan balneological resort was officially established here, specializing in the treatment of rheumatism, dermatological issues, and musculoskeletal disorders.

The local thermal water contains a unique mix of silicic acid, radon, and sodium sulfate. This combination is especially valued for its gentle yet noticeable therapeutic effects on the skin and joints.

Over the decades, the resort has developed a full-fledged wellness infrastructure. Guests will find medical treatment facilities, bathing areas, comfortable accommodation, and a dining hall. In addition to therapeutic baths, the resort offers a range of treatments, including:

• Charcot’s shower
• Inhalation therapy
• Physiotherapy
• Underwater massage
• Therapeutic exercise programs

Contacts:

Phone numbers: +7 (707) 880-22-70, +7 (705) 699-57-41

Instagram: @barlykarasan_alakol

How to Get There:

By train + taxi: Take a train to Jalanashkol station. From there, taxis are available for the 30-40 minute drive to Barlykarasan.

By plane + taxi: The nearest airport is in Urjar, which has regular flights from Astana, Almaty, Semey, and Ust-Kamenogorsk. From Urjar, you can take a taxi directly to the resort.

5. Jarkent-Arasan Hot springs (Jetysu region)

Location: On the southern slopes of the Dzungarian Alatau mountains, about 40 km (25 miles) northwest of the town of Jarkent.

Water Temperature: 37-53°C (99-127°F)

Water Type: Chloride-sulfate-sodium, radon

Nestled in a scenic mountain gorge, the Jarkent-Arasan Resort offers a serene wellness retreat surrounded by mixed forests and a mountain river. Free from industrial pollution and far from major highways, the area is rich in clean air.

The resort’s main therapeutic assets are its radon- and sulfate-sodium-rich mineral waters, drawn from wells at the Ku-Arasan deposit. These waters are used in a variety of treatments: bathing, inhalation therapy, and even internal use under medical supervision. The resort also uses silt mud sourced from two lakes in the Ili River floodplain, located about 70 km (43 miles) from the resort.

Jarkent-Arasan’s waters are especially beneficial for conditions affecting the nervous system, respiratory tract, and cardiovascular system.

Contacts:

Phone number: +7 (777) 263-33-43

Website: zharkentarasan.kz

How to Get There:

By car: Leave Almaty heading east along the Kuldja Tract. After passing the village of Shelek, stay to the left and continue on the new concrete road. Along the way, you’ll pass the scenic Derevyannoye Lake and, closer to your destination, the 700-year-old tree called Aulie Agash.

6. Saryagash (Turkistan region)

Location: About 130 km (81 miles) southwest of Shymkent, near the border with Uzbekistan.

Water Temperature: 37-42°C (99-108°F)

Water Type: Sulfate-calcium-sodium

Saryagash is one of the largest and most well-known balneological resorts in Kazakhstan. The mineral springs here were discovered by accident during the Soviet era, when geologists, drilling in search of oil, stumbled upon underground waters.

Today, Saryagash has grown into a full-fledged wellness destination. Dozens of resorts, guesthouses, and rehabilitation centers are clustered in the village of Kokterek (formerly known as Kazminvody), about 14 km (9 miles) from the town of Saryagash.

The mineral water here is used for both bathing and drinking, and is especially effective in treating gastrointestinal, liver, and biliary tract conditions, as well as metabolic disorders. The well-known bottled water "Saryagash" also originates from this region.

How to Get There:

By train + taxi: Direct trains run to Saryagash from Almaty, Astana, Shymkent, and Taraz. From the station, it’s a 20–30 minute taxi ride to most resorts.

By bus: Regular buses connect Saryagash with Shymkent, Bishkek, Turkistan, and Kyzylorda.

By transfer: Many resorts offer pickup services from the train station or nearby airports. Be sure to confirm this when booking.

7. Hot springs in Arys (Turkistan region)

Location: the town of Arys, 32 Baidauletov Ospan Street. About 85 km (53 miles) northwest of Shymkent and 150 km (93 miles) southeast of Turkistan.

Water Type: Chloride-sulfate, iodine, calcium-sodium

In the town of Arys, you'll find a resort of the same name, built around a thermal well that reaches a depth of more than 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). Arys thermal water is used for both bathing and drinking. The water’s composition makes it particularly effective for improving kidney function, circulation, and metabolism.

The Arys Resort offers more than just balneotherapy and mud treatments. It also provides paraffin therapy, laser therapy, and hydrotherapy, including ascending and circular showers.

But the experience isn’t only about medical care. The resort features an outdoor swimming pool, billiards and table tennis, evening entertainment, concerts, and discos.

Optional excursions and nature trips around the Turkistan region, organized on request

How to Get There:

By train: Arys is easily accessible by rail, with direct trains from Astana, Almaty, Karaganda, Pavlodar, Shymkent, Turkistan, Semey, Kyzylorda, Atyrau, and Aktobe.

By taxi or bus: Regular connections are available from Shymkent and Turkistan.

8. Hot spring in Kyzylkum (Mangistau region)

Location: About 50 km (31 miles) south of Aktau, near the coast and close to the O’mir Glamping site.

Water Type: Radon

Water Temperature: Up to 50°C (122°F)

This natural hot spring has been known to locals for generations. For many years, it was freely accessible, but unfortunately, a lack of visitor etiquette led to the area becoming overused.

In 2024, the nearby O’mir Glamping resort took responsibility for revitalizing the spring. The team turned the surrounding area into a proper recreation zone. Since the renovation, the spring has become part of a managed site with an entry fee, ensuring cleanliness, safety, and a more pleasant experience for visitors.

How to Get There:

By car: From Aktau, head south along the road to Kyzylkum. The spring is located near the coastline, just before you reach O’mir Glamping.

9. Apankak Hot Spring (Kyzylorda Region)

Location: About 80 km (50 miles) south of the village of Zhanakorgan and around 90 km (56 miles) northwest of Turkistan.

Water Temperature: 42°C (108°F)

Tucked away in the heart of the Kyzylkum Desert, surrounded by sand dunes and silence, lies the small village of Apankak. It’s home to a natural thermal spring that draws curious travelers and wellness seekers alike. Despite the complete lack of formal infrastructure, the spring attracts hundreds of visitors each year.

There are no paved roads and spa complexes here. However, residents often rent out rooms to travelers and welcome guests with traditional Kazakh warmth.

The mineral water of Apankak is known for treating joint and skin conditions. This isn’t a resort destination in the conventional sense, so it’s probably not worth a dedicated trip unless you're already exploring the region. But for those nearby, it offers a rare opportunity to blend off-the-beaten-path travel with natural therapy.

How to Get There:

By car: The route runs along unmarked steppe tracks. A 4WD or SUV is strongly recommended.