Barlyk-Arasan Hot Springs near Lake Alakol

Barlyk-Arasan hot springs near Lake Alakol: water, radon and what to ask

A health resort in Abai Region, near Lake Alakol, using mineral water at 20–42 °C with radon. Sources disagree sharply on its size, so call before you plan.

IllustrationEngraving: a hot-spring resort in dry foothills, white buildings among poplars

Barlyk-Arasan hot springs near Lake Alakol: when to go, month by month

January: possible
February: possible
March: possible
April: possible
May: good
June: best time
July: best time
August: best time
September: good
October: possible
November: possible
December: possible

Summer pairs well with Alakol. We could not confirm winter opening.

Barlyk-Arasan hot springs near Lake Alakol: why go

Barlyk-Arasan's water

Sulphate-sodium with silica and radon at 20–42 °C, per Weproject. We found no radon concentration, so ask for the analysis.

Springs known since the 1600s

The springs have been known since the 17th century, and the health resort dates from 1963, according to Weproject in 2026.

500 places or 50 guests

Wikipedia gives 500 places, while the regional administration said up to 50 people a day in 2024. Confirm by phone what is open.

Lake Alakol nearby

The resort lies near Alakol, roughly 15 km east of Kabanbay village, which makes it easy to pair with a beach stay.

Barlyk-Arasan is a health resort and hot mineral springs in the Makanchi area of Abai Region, near Lake Alakol, at 579 m. The springs have been known since the 17th century, and the resort dates from 1963. The sulphate-sodium water runs at 20–42 °C and contains silica and radon. It suits a treatment stay more than a casual hot soak, and sources differ on how big it really is.

Numbers that do not agree

Fact	Value	Source
Springs	12, up to +43 °C	Tengrinews, 2018
Boreholes	13, about 2 km deep	Regional administration, 2024
Water temperature	20–42 °C	Weproject, 2026
Capacity	500 places	Wikipedia
Capacity	up to 50 people a day	Regional administration, 2024

The gap between 500 and 50 is what matters to you: call and ask what is actually open on your dates, and whether staff can help in English.

Radon: ask first

Wikipedia lists skin, rheumatic and joint conditions, and Tengrinews mentions a treatment using maral deer antlers. These are descriptions, not medical advice. Radon treatments have limits, and we found no radon figures. Before booking, ask your doctor, request the latest water analysis and ask about children and pregnancy.

Getting there

The resort is at Barlykarasan village, roughly 15 km east of Kabanbay on Lake Alakol. We found no route or public transport, so ask the resort about a transfer. The area is not far from the Chinese border, so read the border-zone page first.

For a beach add-on, summer at Alakol is the obvious pairing. Other hot-water stops include Kapal-Arasan and Rakhmanov Springs.

Not verified yet We could not confirm prices, actual capacity, winter opening, transport from Ayagoz or Semey, or border-zone rules for foreigners here.

Barlyk-Arasan hot springs near Lake Alakol: tips before you go

Ask your doctor about radon treatments before booking.
Ask the resort for directions, as sources do not describe the route.
The area is close to China: check the border-zone rules.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Barlyk-Arasan?

In the Makanchi area of Abai Region, near Lake Alakol, at about 46.1074, 82.3118. The Alakol page gives roughly 15 km east of Kabanbay village.

Is the radon water safe?

We found no radon concentration in any source. Ask your doctor and request the resort’s latest water analysis, especially for children or during pregnancy.

Do foreigners need a border permit?

We did not find the resort named in Government Decree 356, and the area is not far from China. Check the border-zone rules and ask the resort before you travel.