Bibi Fatima Hot Springs
Bibi Fatima Hot Springs
Bibi Fatima hot springs (Sometimes referred to as the Wakhan Valley hot spring) are one of Tajikistan’s most striking natural wonders, situated just a short distance from Yamchun village, not that far from the border to Afghanistan. The hot spring is named after the Prophet Muhammed’s daughter and is well-known as a pilgrimage site for Muslims around the world.
Tours visiting Bibi Fatima Hot Springs
The tours below stop at Bibi Fatima on their way through the Wakhan Valley, together with Yamchun Fort nearby. As everywhere in Gorno-Badakhshan, you need a GBAO permit.
Pamir Highway and Bartang Valley Tour from Dushanbe
A 4x4 loop along the Afghan border to Khorog and the Wakhan, on to Karakul Lake and back through the Bartang Valley.
Pamir Highway and Wakhan Corridor Tour from Osh to Dushanbe
Car with an English-speaking driver; homestays and meals paid locally (about 30 USD a day)
The Pamir Highway from Osh to Dushanbe group tour
Over the Pamirs from a yurt camp near Tulpar-Kol to Karakul Lake, Murghab, Langar and Ishkashim, ending in Dushanbe.
Pamir Highway and Wakhan Corridor Tour from Dushanbe to Osh
Car with an English-speaking driver; homestays and meals paid locally (about 30 USD a day)
Pamir Grand Tour
Tulpar-Kol, Karakul, Murghab, Bulunkul, the Wakhan Valley, Khorog and a trek to remote Sarez Lake in the Pamirs.
9-Day Pamir Highway Tour from Dushanbe to Osh
Car with an English-speaking driver; homestays and meals paid locally (about 30 USD a day)
The hot spring is located just around a km further uphill from the Yamchun Fortress. The waters are believed to have powerful healing properties, particularly in increasing women fertility as well as in curing urological and gynecological diseases. One of the legend states that if a woman bathes naked in the water, she will increase her fertility, while another says that if you pray in a specific section, a narrow crevice in the wall, your prayers will be answered.
For these reasons, Bibi Fatima spring in the Wakhan Valley is often filled with religious and spiritual visitors looking to improve their health and fertility.
Bibi Fatima water
The water of Bibi Fatima spring is very rich in minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and other elements. As a result, residents travel from far and wide to soak in the hot spring the clear mineral-rich waters. There are two different rooms in the compound of the hot springs and they can be used by both men and women in regularly alternating turns.
Despite its location high up in the mountains and close to several peaks, the waters of the Bibi Fatima Zahra hot spring in the Wakhan Valley still maintains a hot temperature of 40 degrees Celsius. The site is also far enough away from civilization and can thus provide some nice escape from crowds and dust to relax the senses. The pools themselves are very simple concrete made basins but are totally adequate for a nice bath.