The best documented hot spring destination in Pakistan is Garam Chashma in Chitral, a sulphur spring at about 2,550 m that is hot enough to exceed boiling point. Tatta Pani on the Poonch River in Kotli District, Azad Kashmir, is also known for its hot springs, though far less is published about it.
Last checked: October 2026. Several other hot springs are mentioned in travel talk, including in Gilgit-Baltistan, but we could not find reliable sources for them, so we have left them out rather than guess. Water temperature, bathing arrangements and prices change, so confirm locally.
Quick answer: which hot spring should you visit?
- Best documented: Garam Chashma, about 48 km northwest of Chitral town.
- Lower and warmer: Tatta Pani, at about 682 m, about 26 km from Kotli.
- Best season for Garam Chashma: mid April to mid October is the easiest, although visitors bathing in heavy snow in February 2017.
Hot springs in Pakistan at a glance
| Spring | Region | Elevation | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garam Chashma | Lower Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | About 2,550 m | About 48 km from Chitral town | Sulphur spring; water well above boiling point |
| Tatta Pani | Kotli District, Azad Kashmir | 682 m | About 26 km from Kotli | Known for hot water springs; temperature not stated |
Garam Chashma, Chitral
Garam Chashma is a branch valley of Chitral near the Afghan border. Its water rises from underground sulphur deposits and is hot enough to exceed boiling point, which is why it is also called the Sulphur Spring. Travel pages say the road from Chitral is paved and follows the Lutkho River, and puts the drive at about two hours.
Bathing and facilities
In February 2017 that the government had built public bathrooms near the spring and that hot water is piped to hotels, some of which have open swimming pools. A local doctor warned that the water is well above boiling point and should be mixed with cold water before bathing. Locals believe the water helps skin diseases and joint problems, but this is local belief and has not been proven scientifically. If you have a medical condition, speak to a doctor.
Other things to do
The Lutkho River is known for brown trout, and the area has the tomb of the Sufi saint Shah Nasir Khusro. Our Chitral guide helps you plan the wider trip.
Best time
One travel site gives mid April to mid October as the best period, with daytime temperatures of 15 to 28°C. The Lowari Tunnel keeps the road to Chitral open year round, but conditions beyond it vary, so check locally in winter.
Tatta Pani, Kotli (Azad Kashmir)
Tatta Pani, meaning hot waters, is a settlement on the Poonch River at about 682 m, about 26 km from Kotli. The area is known for its hot water springs and cites a 2015 study of their reservoir origin and temperature, but gives no temperature, facilities or visitor information. If you plan to go, ask the Azad Kashmir tourism department or a local operator about access and bathing arrangements. Our Azad Kashmir travel guide provides general planning.
Safety and etiquette
- Test the water carefully and mix with cold water. Boiling hot water can scald.
- Avoid long soaks if you have heart, blood pressure or skin conditions, and ask a doctor first.
- Use gender separated or private bathing arrangements where offered, and dress modestly.
- Do not leave litter, and do not enter spring water with open cuts.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the hot springs in Pakistan?
Garam Chashma in Chitral and Tatta Pani in Kotli, Azad Kashmir, are the two we could verify.
Are hot springs in Pakistan good for health?
Locals believe they help skin and joint problems, but this is not scientifically proven.
How far is Garam Chashma from Chitral?
About 48 km by road, roughly two hours.
Can I visit Garam Chashma in winter?
Visitors in February 2017, but weather and roads vary, so check locally.
Is the water safe to touch?
It can be well above boiling point at the source, so mix it with cold water and be careful.
Temperatures, facilities and road conditions change. Confirm them locally before you travel.
Sources
- People visiting Chitral’s hot spring despite chilly weather, Dawn (4 February 2017)
- Garam Chashma, Traverse Pakistan