Hot Springs of Mongolia: Where to Soak

Mongolia has 47 natural hot springs. Eight are developed, three are world-class. Our guide to the best soaks in Khangai, Khentii, and Gobi.

Bayartsogt Ganbold

Tsenkher Jiguur (Khangai)

Our pick. Water emerges at 86 Celsius, cooled to a plunge-able 40 C through a series of pools. A wooden bathhouse over a cliff edge, a simple ger camp adjacent. We book the private pool sessions at our Otugi Camp.

Khujirt (Orkhon Valley)

A village built around hot springs that have been used for 1,000 years. The traditional Mongolian bath house features steam, mineral pools, and Buryat-style bathing rituals. Local and atmospheric.

Shargaljuut (Bayankhongor)

108 hot springs in a single valley, each with a specific healing tradition (one for eyes, one for the stomach, one for skin). Most bring a sleeping mat and a thermos. Remote but extraordinary.

Uurgamal (Khentii)

Eastern Mongolia's hot spring, in a forested setting. Smaller, less developed, more natural. Often combined with our Eastern Steppe journey.

Other notable springs

Tsagaansuvarga (Dundgovi), Khanbogd (Omnogovi), Bugat (Khuvsgul), Yestiin (Zavkhan). All less developed but worth visiting if you are in the region.

Etiquette

Most Mongolian hot springs are gender-separated bathhouses. Nudity is normal inside the single-sex pools. Modesty covers are accepted. Silence is welcomed. No drinking in the pools.

When to visit

Year-round. Winter is extraordinary: steam rising into minus 30 air, ice crystals forming in the breeze. Summer is gentle. Avoid April mud.

Our hot springs itinerary

We incorporate hot springs into our Khangai, Orkhon, and Khentii tours. Dedicated Hot Springs Circuit available as a 10-day private journey. From 5,200 USD per person.