5 Best Himalayan Hot Springs
Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, Nepal offers not just breathtaking landscapes and ancient wonders, but also a hidden gem - its natural hot springs. Known locally as "tatopani," these geothermal oases provide a unique blend of relaxation, rejuvenation, and cultural immersion.
People from all over the world visit Nepal in order to admire the natural beauty and experience the cultural heritage and diversity of the society and the socio-cultural environment. During their visits, people often use the hot springs for spa and wellness purposes, mostly along the famous trekking routes such as:
Annapurna circuit (the Ghorepani Tatopani and Bhurung Tatopani - Dana Tatopani)
Singha hot spring along Myagdi Khola, close to Beni Bazaar
Tatopani along the Kaligandaki River Valley towards upper Mustang
Syabrubesi hot spring along the Bhotekoshi River - Langtang Valley
Kodari hot spring along the Bhotekoshi Nadi (Nepal - China boarder).
Singha Hot Spring
Nestled in a remote village, Singha offers a historical experience with a 150-year-old stone pool. Enjoy the rustic charm and stunning mountain views while soaking in the mineral-rich waters. Singha boasts a rustic setting with multiple pools of varying temperatures. Locals believe the waters possess healing properties, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike.
Beni – Singa (taking 30 minutes by taxi or 1 half hours by bus on Myagdi riverside)
Rich in sulfur, calcium, and sodium, the waters offer potential benefits for skin conditions, muscle relaxation, and joint pain.
Secret Tip: Combine your visit with exploring the nearby Rupse Chhe waterfall and experiencing the local way of life.
Best Time to Go: Mid-October to May offers pleasant temperatures and clear skies, while the monsoon season (June-September) can be wet but provides lush landscapes.
Water Quality: 4 stars (minor sediment, slight sulfur smell)
Ease of Access: 3 stars (short hike on well-maintained path, limited parking)
Ability to be Alone: 3 stars (moderate crowds, some designated quiet areas)
Water Temperature: 4 stars (multiple pools with varying temperatures)
Health Benefits: 4 stars (sulfur, calcium, sodium for skin, muscle relaxation)
Nearby Amenities: 2 stars (limited options in village, camping available)
Myagdi Natural Hot Water Spring
Almost 60,000 people all over the country visit this spring that can hold up to 100 people at an elevation of 2,743 meters (9,050 feet). The potential participants stay within the premises for a period varying from few days to few months for the treatment.
Easily accessible by paved road, 244 miles west of Kathmandu, Myagdi offers multiple pools with varying temperatures, perfect for a relaxing soak. Enjoy the scenic surroundings and nearby amenities.
The waters are rich in sulfur, sodium, and potassium, offering potential benefits for muscle relaxation, stress relief, and pain management.
Secret Tip: Visit during the weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Hike through the scenic Kaligandaki Valley to reach this hidden gem, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. Enjoy the revitalizing waters in a natural rock pool.
Best Time to Go: Year-round, as the pools have varying temperatures for comfortable soaking regardless of the season.
Water Quality: 4 stars (minor sediment, slight sulfur smell)
Ease of Access: 2 stars (moderate hike on uneven terrain, limited parking)
Ability to be Alone: 4 stars (secluded pools, minimal crowds)
Water Temperature: 4 stars (multiple pools with varying temperatures)
Health Benefits: 4 stars (sulfur, calcium, magnesium for skin, muscle relaxation)
Nearby Amenities: 2 stars (limited options in village, camping available)
Tatopani and Paudwar Hot Spring
Located at a staggering 3,710 meters, Tatopani offers a unique hot spring experience with breathtaking Himalayan panoramas. The name "Tatopani" itself translates to "hot water" in Nepali, perfectly reflecting the natural treasure that awaits visitors.
Enjoy the warmth and stunning scenery after a day of exploring the region. After conquering the Annapurna Circuit trek, indulge in the natural hot springs of Tatopani and Paudwar, offering breathtaking mountain views. Enjoy the invigorating warmth at this high altitude.
The spring has three levels of bathing areas separated for men and women, ranging from 45 to 48 degrees Celsius (113 to 118 degrees Fahrenheit). However, this spring is not well maintained and the changing room facilities are really not motivating to want to use. Bring your own soap and towels.
Just a few meters to the north of these hot pools are the Paudwar Hot Springs, which include open-air concrete baths with a roof above for shade. There are also showers on-site and lots of rich sulfuric water.
The waters are rich in sulfur, calcium, and magnesium, offering potential benefits for altitude acclimatization, muscle relaxation, and stress relief.
Secret Tip
Enjoy charming tea houses and small eateries in Tatopani offer a taste of authentic Nepali cuisine, allowing you to savor local delicacies while engaging in warm conversations.
Visit during the Annapurna Circuit trek for a rejuvenating soak after reaching high altitudes. Experience the unique Tibetan culture of Mustang while soaking in the naturally heated pools. Enjoy stunning mountain views and a peaceful atmosphere.
A short distance away lies the Rupse Waterfall, where the Kali Gandaki River dramatically cascades down a cliff face, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
Combine your visit with a tour of the nearby monasteries and gompas. Visit during the full moon for a magical nighttime soak under the stars.
Visit one of the most remote parts of the Nepal Himalaya, including pilgrimage site Muktinath Temple, the whitewashed stone buildings of Marpha, and the Buddhist monasteries of Kagbeni.
Best Time to Go: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer pleasant temperatures, while the winter (December-February) can be cold and the monsoon season (June-August) can be wet.
Water Quality: 4 stars (minor sediment, slight sulfur smell)
Ease of Access: 5 stars (easy paved road access, ample parking)
Ability to be Alone: 3 stars (moderate crowds, designated quiet areas)
Water Temperature: 4 stars (multiple pools with varying temperatures)
Health Benefits: 4 stars (sulfur, calcium, sodium for skin, muscle relaxation)
Nearby Amenities: 4 stars (restaurants, shops, hotels)
Tapovan
Embrace the off-the-beaten-path adventure to Tapovan, reachable by a moderate hike through the jungle. Experience the remote setting and immerse yourself in the natural beauty.
The area in and around Topavan has many hot water springs. This particular place was dug by the Geological Survey of India to study and explore the possibility of generating power using the geothermal energy.
At 'Tapovan' hot springs, there is a small temple and 2 separate pools for men and women. People often use the soil as a cleansing mask - Multani Mitti.
Farther away from town is a hotter springs. At this one, some people bring eggs wrapped in cloth and place them near the hot water and in a short while we would get boiled eggs - same with rice. Close to this hot spring you will come across Parvati Temple where Maa Parvathi is believed to have done Tapasya to get lord Shive as her husband and thats why the place is named as Tapovan.
Close to Tapovan is also the starting point for the Bhavishya Badri Trek. It is beyond Tapovan, up the Dhauliganga river and involves a track of about 3 km from the road. It has an altitude of 2744m and is located within dense forest.
It is believed that on the onset of Kalyug, the ever-withering arm of the Narasingha idol at Joshimath will finally fall off and the mountains of Jay and Vijay at Patmila near Vishnuprayag will collapse making the present shrine of Badrinath inaccessible, resulting in Badrinath’s reappearance and consequent worship at Bhavishya Badri. After Vishnu, in his incarnation as Kalki, destroys the world bringing Kalyug to an end satyug will begin again and Badrinath Dham will be reestablish at Bhavishya Badri.
The waters are rich in sulfur, calcium, and magnesium, offering potential benefits for skin conditions, muscle relaxation, and stress relief.
Secret Tip: Combine your visit with exploring the nearby Shuklaphanta National Park for wildlife encounters. The name Shuklaphanta is taken from the largest grassland of Nepal Shuklaphanta which is a home to the largest herds of Swamp Deer in the world. Embark on a challenging trek through remote villages to reach this hidden gem nestled amidst the Himalayas. The reward is a solitary soak in a natural rock pool with stunning views.
Best Time to Go: October to May offers dry weather and clear skies, while the monsoon season (June-September) can be challenging for access.
Water Quality: 3 stars (noticeable sediment, moderate sulfur smell)
Ease of Access: 1 star (long and strenuous hike, remote location)
Ability to be Alone: 5 stars (secluded pools, minimal crowds)
Water Temperature: 4 stars (multiple pools with varying temperatures)
Health Benefits: 4 stars (sulfur, calcium, magnesium for skin, muscle relaxation)
Nearby Amenities: 1 star (extremely remote location, limited options)
Rasuwa Hot Spring
On the way to Rasuwa fort, a border point with Tibet located northwest of the Langtang valley, there is a small and beautiful hot spring. It's completely natural, without any items. Ask the locals for the exact location.
Nestled in a Tamang village, Rasuwa offers a unique opportunity to experience local culture while enjoying the hot springs. Engage with the community and learn about their traditions. It may be this spring has dried up due to earthquakes. Check with the tourism board before going.
Rasuwa can be reached by bus from Kathmandu (the capital) via the Pasang Lhamu highway (H21), with its headquarters (Dhunche) about 120 kilometres (75 miles) away.
The waters are rich in sulfur, magnesium, and calcium, offering potential benefits for skin conditions, muscle relaxation, and stress relief.
Hike through the Langtang National Park to reach this remote hot spring, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
To the north of Rasuwa is the Langtang mountain range. Langtang National Park encompasses a significant portion of the northern part of the area.
Rasuwa's tourism highlights include Gosainkunda Lake, Ganja La Pass, and Tamang village in Bridim. Gosainkunda Lake, also known as "Frozen Lake," is one of the most beautiful mountain lakes. In this region, there are approximately 108 kundas (lakes).
If you go to the park, you may get to see a number of animals such as wild dog, red panda, pika, muntjac, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan tahr, ghoral, serow, rhesus monkey, langur monkey, and snow leopard. But you will likely need a guide to find them.