Radon Springs Near Bishkek
Thermal radon water springs around Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, both heal various diseases and attract local and foreign tourists. The radon thermal water spring is located 35 kilometers from Bishkek, at an altitude of 1,761 meters above sea level, in the Alamüdün Valley at the foothills of the Tian Shan Mountains.
Rich in calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, silicic acid, and fluoride salts, these thermal waters are known to be used in the treatment of joint and nervous system disorders. Interest in these hot waters, which have been used for therapeutic purposes since ancient times, increased further in 1977 when the “Teplıye Klyuçi” (Warm Springs) sanatorium was built and put into operation as a treatment and health facility for employees of the energy sector.
The Sanatorium and Its History
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the number of visitors to the sanatorium declined due to the deterioration of its infrastructure. After being transferred to the Administration of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic in 2023, the sanatorium underwent overall renovations and was reopened in 2024. With its modern infrastructure, it now serves both as a treatment center and a recreational facility. The sanatorium complex includes a 25-meter-long indoor thermal radon pool, restaurants, and villas.
How the Water Is Used for Treatment
“The water comes from 700 meters deep at 50–55 degrees.”
Stambek Jailobaev, manager of the “Teplıye Klyuçi” facility, said, “When the water emerges from underground, its temperature is 50–55 degrees Celsius. The water is transported through pipes and collected in our reservoir, where it is cooled down to 40–43 degrees before being filled into the pool. The pool water is changed every two days.”
Describing the health benefits of the pool water, Jailobaev said, “Visitors come to the facility mostly on weekends. Since it is close to Bishkek, city residents come here to swim, relax, and take care of their health. The radon water in the pool is healthful for musculoskeletal disorders and diseases such as rheumatism, polyarthritis, and radiculitis. Therefore, elderly people in particular come here for treatment.”
Services Throughout the Year
Jailobaev noted that the number of visitors has increased since the sanatorium was completely renovated in 2023. “During the comprehensive renovation, the villas, furniture, and electrical equipment were renewed. There are 30 villas in total, both luxury and standard. The sewage and water systems were repaired and cleaned, and electricity and internet connections were installed. Radon baths, mud therapy, and massage rooms were reconstructed, and the kitchen was modernized. Internal roads were asphalted, paving stones were laid, and landscaping was carried out with the planting of new trees,” he said.
Jailobaev added that interest in the thermal water sources and the sanatorium has been increasing every year among both local and foreign visitors. “Tourists come from China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine, Arab countries, and Turkey. Apart from the pool, the surrounding nature with its fresh air is beautiful. There is a waterfall located seven kilometers uphill. Visitors can take walks in the valley. We provide services in all four seasons,” he said.
He also noted that pool use is limited to one hour and added that people with high blood pressure, heart disease, and pregnant women are not allowed to use the pool. Pointing out that, in addition to the hot pool, procedures such as radon baths, phytotherapy barrels, massage, and paraffin treatments are also available at the facility, Jailobaev said that salt or coniferous plants are added to the radon baths and that radon baths are especially beneficial for skin diseases.
Medical Use of Radon Water
Klara Izrailova, who works as a nurse at the “Teplıye Klyuçi” sanatorium, said that radon baths and phytotherapy treatments are provided to visitors and patients. “Here, patients are given baths prepared from a mixture of radon water with salt or coniferous plants. The procedure lasts 10–15 minutes. Radon baths are beneficial for musculoskeletal system diseases. They are not suitable for cancer patients. It is best to take the bath in a sitting position, because the chest area where the heart is located should not be submerged in water. After the procedure, patients feel well,” she said.