Dipping in the hot springs, aka ‘tatopani’, in Nepal is a popular post-trek activity. It’s the perfect way to relax your body and ease leg pain after long hiking days.
I had my first hot spring experience very recently at Bhurung Tatopani, Myagdi, right after completing the North ABC trek. It was absolutely worth the dip. I felt incredibly refreshed, though it was also a bit challenging since the water was boiling hot!
What fascinated me the most was a belief that the hot spring in Beni Tatopani can help cure various diseases. I have stretch marks on my shoulders and back acne that I was hoping to treat.
Turns out, it’s not just a belief! Hot springs do carry therapeutic properties that can support long-term healing. This practice is popular all over the globe, and the bathing process is known as ‘balneotherapy’.
Through this article, I’ll highlight the benefits of the hot spring in Beni Tatopani. And hopefully, inspire you to try this rejuvenating experience for yourself!
Key Facts About Hot Spring in Beni Tatopani
| Location | Bhurung Tatopani, Annapurna-2, Myagi District, Gandaki Province |
| Number of hot springs | Scattered across multiple locations (Location #2 that we visited has two springs) |
| Temperature at surface | 72°C (second hottest, source) |
| Flow Rate | 1.8 litre/sec |
| Distance (from Pokhara) | 100 km approx. |
| Distance (from Beni Bazaar) | 22 km approx. |
| Distance (to Muktinath) | 73 km |
| Price | For Nepalese: NPR 50 |
| For Tourists: NPR 150 | |
| Total Mineral Content | 1.146 gm/litre |
| Best Time | All seasons (mornings and evenings) |
How to Get to Bhurung Tatopani?
Let’s begin with the transportation details to Bhurung Tatopani, often simply called Tatopani. It’s a village development committee in the Myagdi district, accessible via long-distance bus from both Kathmandu and Pokhara.
To be precise, all you need to do is catch a bus heading to Mustang. You can get tickets from Gongabu Bus Park. Just make sure to inform them that you’ll be getting off at Bhurung Tatopani.
Keep in mind that there’s another Tatopani in Beni known as Singha Tatopani. While there are hot springs here too, Bhurung Tatopani is generally the better choice.
Why? Because it fits perfectly into your travel plan, whether you’re returning from Mustang or wrapping up a trek like the North ABC or Annapurna Circuit.
How Much Does Natural Hot Spring in Bhurung Tatopani Cost?
Booking your dip in the natural hot spring is pretty straightforward. No need for any online process!
Even for my international readers: if you’re planning to include Bhurung Tatopani’s hot springs in your itinerary, make sure to inform your travel agency. Some might overlook it, so push them.
All you have to do is head to the entrance gate, located right by the Kaligandaki Riverbank.
Pay the designated fee: Rs. 50 for Nepali citizens and Rs. 150 for international tourists. Once paid, the guard will hand you a ticket. Be sure to keep it safe.
Is the Hot Spring in Beni Tatopani Really Therapeutic?
You’ve probably heard about Tatopani’s medical magic. In fact, many patients have claimed relief from various conditions, including bone and joint aches, persistent skin diseases, and more, after regularly involving in thermal bathing.
During my visit, I still remember the exact words of an elderly man: “I feel so much relieved on my knees that have been paining for so long, even after just one dip.”
And this isn’t just unique to Bhurung Tatopani. Across Nepal, natural hot springs are widely believed to help treat joint issues, gastritis, gout, arthritis, ligament injuries, skin diseases, paralysis, rheumatism, sleep disturbances, weight issues, viral prevention, and even boosts immune system by eliminating harmful germs from the body.
But what does the science say? Surely, those making these claims don’t seem to be exaggerating. Or are they? Let’s dig deeper and understand the facts.
First, Balneotherapy is a Global Tradition
A natural hot spring is essentially a geothermal spring with water at or above body temperature making it ideal for bathing. These springs are natural sources of underground water heated under pressure by geothermal energy.
When you immerse your body (or even just parts) into these geothermal waters, minerals transfer into your skin and bloodstream through a process called osmosis. This entire healing-based bathing process is known as balneotherapy.
In fact, there exist certified medical balneotherapists who claim that even small amounts of therapeutic minerals absorbed into the body can carry significant health benefits (source)!
And no! These magical mineral ponds aren’t exclusive to Nepal. They’re found worldwide!
Some globally known examples include Monghopir (Pakistan), Shargali Juul (Mongolia), Ranong (Thailand), Kusatsu (Japan), Southern and Northern Limpopo (South Africa), Arkansas (USA), Selangor (Malaysia), and Ikogosi (Nigeria).
Therapeutic Minerals Are Found in Bhurung Tatopani!
When visiting the hot spring in Bhurung Tatopani, your eyes will immediately catch a large board displaying the water analysis conducted by the Nagano Prefecture Chemical Association in Matsumoto City, Japan.
The analysis was performed using a sealed one-liter container sample, and here are the results dated October 2, 2015 (source):
| Specifice | Measurements |
| pH | 8.22 g/l |
| Sodium Ion | 277.0 g/l |
| Potassium Ion | 73.9 g/l |
| Magnesium Ion | 30.2 g/l |
| Calcium Ion | 44.9 g/l |
| Ferruosion | 0.1 g/l |
| Ferric Ion | |
| Fluoride Ion | 1.6 g/l |
| Silica Acid | 51.6 g/l |
| Chlorine Ion | 481.8 g/l |
| Sulphur Dioxide | 63.8 g/l |
| Sulphate Ion | |
| Bicarbonate Ion | 195.3 g/l |
| Carbondioxide Ion | 2.4 g/l |
| Carbontrioxide Ion | |
| Sulphur | 0.1 g/l |
| Carbon Dioxide | 4.7 g/l |
| Total Mineral Content | 1.146 g/l |
Among all the minerals, the presence of Sulphur is what truly stands out. That’s because Sulphur has been used for centuries to treat skin conditions, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Reportedly, it has shown promising results in helping with acne, psoriasis, eczema, atopic dermatitis, and even osteoarthritis.
In fact, Sulphur plays an essential role in various medical applications. It supports the synthesis of proteins, enzymes, and hormones, making it highly beneficial for overall human health. (source)
With that in mind, it’s safe to say that Sulphur-containing hot springs, like the one in Beni Tatopani, can contribute to improving skin conditions, wound healing, digestive issues, respiratory problems, and even parasitic infections.
Positive Effects of Hot Springs on Human Body
As soon as you dip into the hot spring, the minerals in the water begin to seep into your skin in small amounts.
These minerals settle beneath the skin and start bringing subtle yet powerful effects to your body (source):
- Boosts metabolism and strengthens your immune system.
- Helps balance hormones by improving endocrine gland function.
- Soothes the nervous system, relieving stress, anxiety, and fatigue.
- Reduces pain, swelling, and joint stiffness. So, great for arthritis and rheumatic problems.
- Sulphur-rich water can ease skin issues like psoriasis, dermatitis and even help with wound healing.
- Supports heart, digestive, kidney, and even thyroid health over time.
Stats Say Many Feel Relief After Hot Spring Dips
While the aforementioned statements do suggest that the minerals present in hot springs have properties that may help treat different kinds of diseases, the question remains: Has anyone actually been cured?
Well, many certainly claim so. In fact, multiple studies have been conducted to explore this further.
Let’s take a closer look at one such research conducted by the National Center for Rheumatic Diseases in Myagdi’s Tatopani:
- All 126 participants had some form of musculoskeletal issue.
- Of them, 31% had inflammatory arthritis, 29.4% had degenerative disorders, and 12.7% suffered from soft-tissue rheumatism.
- More than three-fourths (75%) believed the natural hot spring had genuine healing powers.
- Some local inhabitants and frequent visitors reported that while pain relief is evident, consistent and repeated visits are often needed.
- A few did report intolerance, but most experienced no side effects, even after multiple dips.
Therapeutic, Yes! But Medicinal Claims Are Unproven
Based on my research, I’m now fully assured that the hot spring in Beni Tatopani has therapeutic effects. It’s not just the budapaka saying this, scientific studies and water analysis back it up!
And since balneotherapy has been practiced globally, even as part of immune-boosting programs during the COVID-19 pandemic, I’m more convinced than ever. I genuinely can’t wait for my next dip!
While the minerals in hot springs do hold medicinal properties, there are still no definitive claims that they can medically cure diseases.
Sure, you feel better, and the long-term benefits are real. But it’s still unclear whether hot springs can fully replace clinical treatments.
Hopefully, future research will give us a more conclusive answer. For now, though, we can confidently say that hot springs are therapeutic, just not yet entirely medicinal.
Don’t Skip the Precautions: Possible Side Effects to Know
Human bodies react differently, and it’s true that some people can’t tolerate hot water at all. This naturally raises concerns about potential side effects of hot springs, right?
Reportedly, Sulphur can irritate the skin for some individuals, worsening conditions by causing increased redness, itching, and inflammation.
In fact, hot spring baths may aggravate symptoms in people with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, kidney or liver conditions, during pregnancy, or lactation. And don’t forget that some individuals might even be allergic to Sulphur or other minerals present in the water.
What I want to emphasize is that hot springs can affect each body differently. So, the safest option is to consult a medical professional before taking the dip.
Consistency Matters for Results!
And even if you feel relaxed or refreshed, that doesn’t mean your skin issues or musculoskeletal problems have been completely healed!
Take my case, for example. I went in hoping to clear up stretch marks and back acne, but it was naive to think a single bath would work like magic.
Reports indicate that thermal baths need to be taken consistently for 3 to 4 weeks to show real effects. The more regular the sessions, the better the results!
That said, while consistency is key for benefits, overdoing it may trigger allergic reactions. So, it’s essential to monitor your health closely when indulging in hot spring dips, including the one in Beni Tatopani.
Sharing My Hot Spring Experience in Bhurung Tatopani
Sharing my story, it was me and one of my friends who planned for this hot spring experience. For both of us, it was the FIRST TIME!
As I mentioned earlier, we had just returned after completing the North ABC trek. And since I knew about Tatopani for a long time, I wanted to take a dip in and somehow convinced my friend.
After completing the Annapurna First Base Camp Trek in just two days, we spent the night in one of the hotels in Bhurung Tatopani. Since it was already late, we didn’t get the chance to do it in the evening.
So, we woke up early the next morning and headed straight to Location #2 in Bhurung Tatopani. We got ourselves the entry and were among the first few to get the dip in.
First Impressions and Hygiene Concerns
Before the bath, I was a bit uncomfortable thinking about the sanitation there. Let me tell you: multiple people dip in the same pool.
And since I had a history of fungal infection that I got after visiting a water park, public pools are something that I always try to avoid.
However, to my surprise, the hot springs at Bhurung Tatopani weren’t anything of that sort. I loved how the management team has been able to keep the pool so clean, and even the surrounding area is in top condition.
That too with just a minimal fee of NPR 50 per person. Seriously, kudos to the team! Here’s what I saw:
- There’s a changing room available, kept neat and tidy.
- You’re supposed to wash yourself before entering the pool and after coming out to remove additional Sulphur from your body (just like at normal swimming pools).
- Even though you’ll find multiple people in the same pond, the water keeps flowing out from one end, keeping it naturally clean.
- There were two pools, but depending on the number of people, they might operate only one (which happened in our case).
- Everyone’s supposed to bring their own soap and shampoo (there’s a shop available in case you’ve forgotten).
- One risk: there’s no locker system. So, make sure you keep your belongings safe.
The Dip: A Scorching Yet Soothing Experience
When I took the dip, I actually wasn’t aware that the water would be so hot. The water at the natural pond was indeed at a high temperature, and I felt the burn immediately.
It was a challenge to keep myself in the pool during the first few minutes. But as they say, “time heals everything.” So, I kept my patience and was able to enjoy the hot spring.
Swimming? It’s practically impossible considering the temperature. However, there was an old man who actually shocked everyone by floating for a few seconds.
I know his face felt that burn, so he stopped immediately. This is a clear example that you shouldn’t get too excited. Remember that you shouldn’t immerse your face and hair as the water here is again: just too hot!
Hot Water Isn’t for Everyone!
While I was able to take a proper dip for more than half an hour, my friend on the other hand decided not to.
He did try it, but like I mentioned earlier, for some people, the hot water acts differently. And perhaps that’s what happened to him.
One thing to note is that after my trek, I had a slight sunburn. So, those parts of my hands were burning after coming in contact with the hot water and its minerals.
A tip for you is to apply sunscreen before you take the dip. It should add to the comfort.
Don’t Forget to Hydrate!
I was actually imagining to realx in the hot springs for hours. Turns out that’s not possible. Just after 10–15 minutes, I started feeling dizzy.
I thought it was a post-trek symptom, but NO!
Our eyes fell upon the board that asked to carry drinking water. That’s when we realized I was dehydrating due to the excessive heat.
So, please bring a bottle of water and make sure to drink plenty while enjoying the hot springs.
Overall, I felt very relaxed after the dip, which was the same case for my friend who only dipped his legs. But like we concluded earlier, one dip won’t cure my stretch marks and back acne. If I really want results, I’ll have to dedicate a few weeks.
Final Words
Did this article excite you to try the hot spring in Beni Tatopani? And do you also now believe that the practice of balneotherapy has therapeutic effects on the human body?
Well, there’s no harm in giving it a try. However, if you have any acute health conditions that could worsen, I strongly recommend consulting your physician first.
Nepal is home to many natural hot springs. Don’t worry! We’ll cover them all on this site soon, and I’ll even rank the best ones in an upcoming article.
So, if you know of a spot more worthy than Bhurung Tatopani, please suggest it in the comments below.
Happy traveling to Myagdi!
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