Hot Springs in Tibet 2024-2025
Hot springs are the best spots for real relaxation. Those in Tibet will also provide you with scenic views and are perfect during the cooler winter months
Best time: October–December
If you want to relax after a long trip or just a reprieve from the daily routine, the best way to do so is to visit one of the hot springs in Tibet. With over 1,000 hot springs, Tibet can offer you fantastic options for relaxation.
There are also some traditional spots like the hot springs at Tirthapuri where pilgrims bathe after completing the Mt. Kailash's kora. This site is fantastic and is one of the most popular.
One of the most sacred sites in Tirthapuri is the Sweet Earth Hole known for its medicinal properties. This place is worshipped and treasured by local people and millions of pilgrims. Another unique spot found here is the Karma-testing Hole. Located in the Guru Rinpoche Monastery, this special rock with a hole in it can tell you the truth about your karma. Just put a hand into the hole and pull out two stones. If they are white, your karma is perfect, one black and one white, means that everything is ok, but if the stones are both black, you have some karma issues.
Another famous spot is the Yangpachen hot springs. A unique fact about this place is the natural phenomenon of hot springs located on the cold plateau. The view is spectacular during winter. Snow-capped mountains seen from a distance create a perfect atmosphere together with the white haze, which usually appears in the early morning. Hot Springs in Hailuogou are hidden in virgin forests. They provide a special experience—watching the snow falling from the sky while bathing. The resort is located in the Hailuogou National Glacier Forest Park.
These are just several of some of the best spots to enjoy relaxation in its purest and most ideal way. Choose fall or early winter for your spa trip since January and February are already too cold to travel to the mountains.
Practical info
What is the best time of the year to visit hot springs in Tibet?
Oct-Dec is the prime season to visit hot springs in Tibet. This period offers excellent temperatures for a mountain trip, with stunning views providing a perfect relaxation experience. Pilgrims should avoid visiting in January and February as it's too cold for mountain visits.
Where can I find some of the most popular hot springs in Tibet?
Tirthapuri is home to some of the most famous Tibetan hot springs. It's a pilgrimage destination renowned for hot springs, including the Sweet Earth Hole, which many people cherish and worship. Yangpachen hot springs are another popular attraction in Tibet, located on a chilly plateau. Hailuogou's hot springs hidden within virgin forests offer a unique experience. They're particularly enjoyable during winter as it's less crowded.
How many hot springs does Tibet have?
Over 1,000 hot springs are in Tibet, providing relaxing getaways for travelers. Although some springs require strenuous treks to access, many others are closer to nomadic tents, though the water might be cold. From a comfortable soak to a stunning view, there's a spring for everyone!
What is the meaning behind the Karma-testing hole located in Tirthapuri?
The Karma-testing hole is a unique hole located in Tirthapuri's Guru Rinpoche Monastery. By placing your hands into the rock's hole, you will pull out two stones that indicate your karma. Two white stones signify good karma, while one black and one white represent negligible karma. Visitors with two black stones may have karmic problems requiring attention. It's a special spot that encourages self-reflection.
What makes Yangpachen hot springs unique compared to other hot springs in Tibet?
Yangpachen hot springs are unique to other Tibetan hot spring sites due to their location on a cold plateau. The stark contrast of snowcapped mountains against the white haze creates a beautiful scenery. The area is also geothermally significant, with approximately 30 springs producing boiling water from below the surface. Visitors can enjoy relaxing in the warm water while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
