The Wakhan Valley in the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan is an enchanting place full of rugged foothills, crumbling hilltop fortresses and sacred steamy hot springs that pour down from the mountains. Two such hot springs – the Bibi Fatima Zahra hot springs and the Garm Chashma hot springs – are a couple of the most famous hot springs in the Wakhan Valley and well worth visiting on your next trekking adventure in Tajikistan.
Both can be visited on a Tajikistan tour but as the valley is so far from civilization, trekking here can be challenging. But that does not have to stop you from exploring this relatively untouched part of the world. Paramount Journey can arrange jeep tours and private helicopter transfers between some of the most exotic attractions of the Wakhan Valley.
The Bibi Fatima Zahra Hot Spring
The Bibi Fatima hot springs are one of Tajikistan’s most impressive natural landmarks. Situated just a short distance from Yamchun village, the region is a highlight for tourists as it is home to both the hot spring and the Yamchun Fortress nearby, two of the most famous attractions in Tajikistan.
Named after the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, a famous Arabic religious leader, this Wakhan Valley hot spring is a famous pilgrimage site for Muslims around the world. Because of its link to the Prophet, the hot spring waters are believed to have powerful healing properties. People travel from far and wide to soak in the hot spring – the clear mineral-rich waters are thought to be beneficial for digestive health and have curative powers for urological and gynecological diseases.
A more likely explanation for the healing properties of the hot spring is due to the fact that the water is rich in minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and other acids. But we will let you be the judge of that – the spiritual version is much more romantic.
Despite its location high up in the mountains and close to several peaks, the waters of the Bibi Fatima Zahra hot spring in the Wakhan Valley still maintains a scorching temperature of 40 degrees Celsius and is far enough away from civilization as to provide a true escape for the senses.
If you trek here with your partner, be aware that Tajikistan is a Muslim country so there are separate bathing areas for men and women. You likely won’t be able to stay in the water for long – half an hour to an hour at most – but there is a spot to relax above these Wakhan Valley hot springs when you have had your fill. There is also a five-meter waterfall with both hot and cold water as well as a flower-filled garden to explore.
The Bibi Fatima Zahra hot spring is encompassed in local legend. One legend states that if a woman bathes naked in the water, she will increase her fertility, while another says that if you pray in a specific section, a narrow crevice in the wall, your prayers will be answered. For this reason, this hot spring in the Wakhan Valley is often filled with religious and spiritual travelers looking to improve their health and fertility.
The Garm Chashma Hot Spring
The Garm Chashma hot springs are another famous hot spring in the Wakhan Valley. This thermal spring is lovely to look at, mostly because of its powdery blue waters. Located 45 kilometers south-east of Khorog at 2,323 meters above sea level, this mountain hot spring is many thousands of years old – the exact age is unknown.
Unlike the Bibi Fatima Zahra hot spring with its clear water, the Garm Chashma hot spring is made up of a travertine mound that spills hot water into murky chalk-filled pools. While the water is a fiery 60 degrees at the source, it cools down as it pours into the pools below – each pool has a temperature that ranges from 38 to 50 degrees Celsius.
The largest pool at the Garm Chashma hot springs measures 20 square meters wide and half a meter deep. It contains high volumes of hydrogen sulfide, silicon acid, iron, magnesium, and other healing qualities. As with Bibi Fatima Zahra, there are separate pools reserved for men and women – the men’s pool is out in the open, while the women’s pool is inside and a lot more private.
In 1957, the people of Tajikistan realized the importance of these medicinal springs of Tajikistan and set up a sanatorium that is available today. You will also find a range of cafes at these hot springs, providing some much-needed refreshments.
Smaller, Lesser-Known Hot Springs
In addition to Bibi Fatima Zahra Hot Spring and the Garm Chashma Hot Spring, there many more small and lesser-known hot springs in other villages of the Wakhan Valley. For example, there are eight in Zong village, one in Shirgin, and two in Avj, one of which is famous amongst Tajiks for eye treatments. While these hot springs are popular amongst the locals, they are not the top attractions Tajikistan tourism.
If you are looking to take advantage of the therapeutic properties of these two Tajikistan hot springs in the Wakhan Valley, you can combine them on a tour with Paramount Journey. A trekking adventure or jeep tour here will also visit the Yamchun Fortress and other noteworthy sites. Take a look at our website for more ideas and itineraries!
