Hot water seeps out of the hillsides in several places along the Bhote Koshi valley, and near Syabrubesi it has been channelled into simple concrete pools used by villagers and trekkers. After a week of cold-water washes and long descents, half an hour in warm water is one of the most welcome moments of the whole trip. Ask your guide which pool is open, because the river and the monsoon regularly rearrange the banks.
Facilities are basic: a pool or two, a place to change and sometimes a small fee collected by the local committee. Bring a towel, sandals and a swimsuit; nudity is not acceptable and women usually bathe in a sarong or swimsuit with a T-shirt. Locals come in the evenings, so going in mid-afternoon gives you more space. Keep valuables at the lodge.
The best time is October to April, when the air is cool and the river is low. In the monsoon the river rises and pools can be flooded or closed. If you are trekking the Tamang Heritage Trail, the larger Tatopani hot springs at 2,607 m are on the route and make a fine comparison. Either way, a soak before the long drive back to Kathmandu helps stiff legs.
Good for
- Couples
- Solo
- Groups
Questions travellers ask
Are there hot springs near Syabrubesi?
Yes, there are natural hot water outlets along the Bhote Koshi near Syabrubesi that have been made into simple pools. Their condition changes with floods, so ask at your lodge or let your guide check which one is open. On the Tamang Heritage Trail you also pass the better-known Tatopani hot springs at about 2,607 m.
What should I wear to the hot springs?
Wear a swimsuit, and women usually add a T-shirt or wrap a sarong, as many bathers are local families. Bring sandals for the wet concrete, a quick-dry towel and a bag for wet clothes. Leave your passport, phone and cash at the lodge. Nudity or skimpy swimwear will cause offence in this conservative rural area.
Can we use the hot springs in the monsoon?
Often not. From late June to early September the Bhote Koshi runs high and brown, and riverside pools may be flooded, silted or closed for safety. The best months are October to April. If you are in Syabrubesi during the monsoon, ask locally on the day rather than relying on what you read online.
