Purifying soak?

Heading westwards from Nepal along the Himal the next Indian state is the state of Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand has only existed as an administrative entity for not even 15 years.

The scientific paper concerning (potential) Geothermal Energy uses in Uttarakhand [1] notes there are 

'more than 50 individual occurrences of moderate to high temperature springs'.

Furtheron:

'Some of the wellknown hot springs are located in Tapoban, Suryakund (Yamnotri), Gagnani, Badrinath, Garam Pani near Nainital, and Gaurikund (near Sonprayag). Several hot springs occur between Pala and Gangnani, north of Uttarkashi'.

The unseenuttarakhand web site mentions 9 hot springs in some details. Some caution as some of the text has been literally copied from an earlier version of this blog post!

So let's see what's on offer.

Purification
The westernmost district of Uttarakhand, Uttarakashi, possesses no less than 4 hot springs. Two of these have extensive fame as heading for the head waters of the Ganga (Gangotri) and Yamuna (Yamunotri) is part of Indian culture and dharma (see Wikipedia's Chota Char Dham Yatra page). Visits to either purifying sins and seeking salvation are the main motives of visitors (source).

Though after researching for this chapter I believe that they may not be as appealing to non-believers. Take note of this blog entry:

'I think mass bathing is in our culture and I have grown accustomed of being semi nude with hundreds of other fellow travellers'.

Don't be shocked either, semi-nude means half clothed!

Death by torture
Westernmost of Uttarkashi's hot springs are those associated with Yamunotri, which lies at the end of highway 94 originating in Rishikesh. Yamunotri basically is a temple near the very head waters. 
Nearby the temple are a number of thermal springs; by far the most well known is that of Suryakund. Somehow human soaking is less prevalent in this hot spring:

'Devotees fasten rice and potatoes in a cotton cloth, and dip it in the water to be cooked. The water is so warm that the food gets prepared within few minutes. This cooked food is the main offering in the temple. A hot water spring in the precincts of snowy strengthens one's faith in the spirituality of the place'.

The other kind of soaking takes place in Gaurikund hot spring. Some accounts: Adventures in India:

'There was a small temple across the river, where we had to take off our shoes outside on the freezing cold, wet stairs. It was better once we got in the temple though, where there were hot spring baths for both men and women. On the women’s side, we went to the side of the tank and washed our faces with the hot water that the woman there kept handing us nonstop. Then we went up into the temple where some little boys boiled our rice offering in a hot spring [Suryakund] while we did the puja ritual with the priest (and thank goodness Shama was there to translate!). The ritual was really beautiful, and we felt better about the ride back since the water was supposed to spare us “a tortuous death” and the string around our wrist would protect us'.

Nadar Parakh:

'A highlight of Yamunotri is the hot spring. Men have an open air pool, murky brown and reeking of sulphur, whereas women have to battle more valiantly with the dense fumes in a closed tin shed. But the water is hot, and at that point nothing could be more important than escaping the ice outside. The only drawback to this dip, other than the fact that the water looks highly highly questionable, is that the sulphur and heat so alter the blood pressure, that the resulting effect of intoxication makes the walk back down to Jankichatti a challenge. But in religious places, where alcohol is strictly prohibited, the high from this spring is greatly welcome'.

Travelgogirl:

'Most memorable was an overnight trip in which we hiked to Yamunotri, the source of the great Yamuna river and holy home to the Hindu goddess Yamuna. The boots came in handy as we climbed the steep hills dotted with temples, although I shed them (and everything else) at the top to enter the women-only ritual bath. One of the most empowering experiences I’ve had, the naked Indian woman sang joyfully as they grabbed our hands and danced around the water fed by a naturally hot spring'.

!

'Hot spring water tank'.

The [semi nude soaking?] men's hot pool by Shunya.net.

Higher up in the mountains is the hot spring of Jankichatti (Janki Chatti) which lies just 5 km from Yamunotri (source).

MustseeIndia:

'A dip in the hot water springs of Janki Chatti is an inevitable part of the Yamunotri pilgrimage and it is quite puzzling that in such a cool surroundings how the spring maintains its hotness pretty well. A bath in the hot water gives revitalizing energy and vigor to the visitors who are very tired of the rugged surroundings. Ponies and dandies can be arranged negotiating the trek for those unable to cope with trek physically'.

Dandy.

Cauldron filled soak?

Gangnani (sometimes referred to as Rishikund) hot spring lies along the road to Gangotri (Uttarkashi district) and thus sees many visitors, but most though only on a touch-and-go basis:

'During the day thousands of pilgrims jump out of their yatra-busses, climb quickly to the hot springs, jump inside with their cloths (some take off their cloths) and jump back to the bus. The women do their laundry in the women’s pool. But, at night, the crowds disappear and the place fills with magic – one of the most relaxed places, with no electricity, very few people and steam coming out of the springs.
But, why didn’t anyone tell us about the million stairs?'

Paradise at a price?

'Gangnani hot spring'.

A picture of the women's pool by vivid inclination.

Another first hand experience:

'Hot water cascades out from this thermal spring, down a chute from behind the temple, and pours into a men's and a women's pool. This is scalding hot even when it gushes out of the uncovered channel and, judging from the mineral deposits on the channel, it is high in salts but sulphur does not seem to be a major component of them. Quite inadvertently we sipped some of this hot water. It tasted strongly alkaline with a bitter after-taste'.

Not all experiences are so positive:

'This natural hot spring flows from the mountain into a cement bathing platform which is described during pilgrimage season as a fetid soapscum and garbage filled cauldron'.

Gangnani lies north of Uttarkashi district on road 108 towards to Gangotri, roughly half way there.

More from Uttarkashi
Elsewhere (link not working) in the district and upstream of Gangnani lies Sukhi:

'Sukhi is a picturesque village near Harsil in Uttarkashi district. It lies at an altititude of 2,300m. Here saint Sukhdev practicised austeruity. Sukhi has a sot spring where the saint used to take his bath'.

Chaula-Dhungi is another mentioned hot spring which lies in the same Uttarkashi district. This same source also names Banas nearby Hanumanchatti, where the Hanuman Ganga river joins the Yamuna.

When to soak?

As if it's not confusing enough there is another hot spring named Gaurikund in Uttarakhand state. This hot spring is located en route to Kedarnath, another highly significant site of pilgrimage. This Rudraprayag district holy site is, as with Badrinnath (see below), closed for half a year.

Gaurikund is the road head to Kedarnath and as such see's a lot of traffic. Most visitors visit the hot springs on their way back as well as pay respects to the nearby temple of Gauri Devi (source). This seems to contradict this web site which mentions:

'Gaurikund has a hot water spring by the same name and Chardham pilgrims make it a point to take a bath in the hot water before visiting the Kedarnath Shrine'.

Wikipedia mention that ladies (and women then?) can bath in a covered part of the springs.

Nearby is another hot spring named Garam Kund on the right side of the Mandakini river. It is

'... an enclosed hot spring for women with separate dress changing rooms'.

There's also a Garam Kund in Badrinath or not?  
And in Bihar state which is nowhere near the Himal.

Madkot hot spring, is located near the Nepali border (source).

Smells like eggs because ...

A hot spring still in natural circumstances is Tapovan, near Auli ski field, Chamoli district. 
Located along highway 58 northeast of Rishikesh on the way to Badrinath, it also offers soaking opportunities near an adjacent temple. Nearest town is Josimath, 15 km away.

Rolling on's:

'Hot spring at Tapovan'.

Tapovan is

'... believed [at least that's what this link used to refer to] to posses miraculous healing power'

and reeks of what?

'The spring was bubbling hot and the water close to a 100 degrees. An eggy odour reached my nostrils just as Ashwin touched the edge of the water, and smelling it [] declared, “This smells like egg”. Just then I noticed that there were bits and pieces of boiled egg all around it'.

There is more than meets the eye:

'This yellow sand is good for skin disease'.

The nearby soaking experience:

'There is a hot water “kund” (pond) there. Natural hot water flows into a square concrete pond. It is separate for men and women, the women’s side being covered on all sides ...'.

'... we must mention the public pool at Tapovan, near Joshimath. Here the water is hot, clear and quite odourless. Even though there is a little shrine nearby, the pool is, clearly, not regarded as holy. In fact, whenever we've visited it, the men disporting themselves in the pool were quite boisterous. One of them, who described himself as "Ram Prasad, a farmer from this area", said that he had broken his right arm as a child. "There were no doctors in those days but my grandmother put it in a ringal, a Himalayan bamboo splint, and told me to sit in the Tapovan kund every day for an hour for fourteen days. And look at it today... you can't say that it was ever broken..." and he extended his left arm proudly. We thanked him for his story. He had been cured so long ago that he had probably forgotten which arm he had broken!'

Here's a youtube video of the springs.

Moving On

Another major pilgrimage place is Badrinath which lies more uphill from Josimath. It is estimated that in 2006 more than 600.000 pilgrims visited here, which only can be visited 6 months each year (source). Badrinath is famous for the Shri Badrinathji temple, which is dedicated to Vishnu.

Just below the temple lies the hot spring called Tapt Kund. The relatively small pond is often used for soaking though men and women must alternate bathing times. Can the local men not be trusted?
To enter the temple it's assumed that cleansing oneself in the hot spring beforehand is not such a bad idea.

'It is believed to be the holy abode of Lord Agni. Pilgrims believe that a holy dip in this sacred pond relieves them from their sinful deeds and thoughts'.

Real life experiences are not always fun. Lolabitesback:

'At first I was shocked to witness the writhing mass of half-naked Indian ladies shouting and shoving each other to get to the water. Had the water been a bit cooler I could have waded in and escaped them altogether, but as it was I had to fight for my spot at the edge just like everyone else, and believe me this was no easy task.

These Indian ladies had no qualms about grabbing my bucket from my hands, or my soap, or shoving me out of the way if it suited their needs. I invite anyone out there with knowledge on the subject to assess my claims, to defend and/or explain the mentality of these beastly women, because I was (and am) nonplussed. They were worse than animals.

By my last visit to the bath, I had grown cold and cynical. When someone grabbed my bucket, I grabbed it back. When someone shoved me to the side, I shoved back. When an Indian woman complained that I was splashing water, I shook my hand dismissively in her direction. When another one bitched because I wasn't adequately covered (the water, like most everything else in these places, is holy), I shouted back with sarcasm, "that's because I'm taking a bath!"

Clearly, it was time to move on'.

Moving on, the name Tapt Kund must not be confused with the hot spring of the same name in Bihar state.

Narad Kund is located close to Tapt Kund:

'Narad Kund is a recess in the bed of the Alakananda River which forms a pool and is close to the Tapta Kund. It is sheltered by a projecting rock which breaks the force of the river and allows people to bathe in it'.

Some photo's though do suggest that bathing here may well be a challenge in torrent waters. Considering the lack of info on this, the assumption may well be true ....

Suraj Kund is a popular name for a hot spring, there are hot springs by this name in Sikkim as well as Jarkhand states. That said, this hot spring is next to Tapt Kund in Badrinath. Possibly that is why there is not much mentioned concerning this hot spring ....

Luke warm?

Sahastradhara sulphur spring is somewhat waylaid in Uttarakhand. Located near Dehradun (15 km) this is essentially a beautiful waterfall with geothermal activity nearby.

'The 9 m fall of water of Sahasradhara through the lime shelf unconsciously summons the visitors. It has an aged appeal and magnificence which only matches the healing powers of its waters. Sahastradhara also has a Sulphur spring near falls which has the medicinal properties and supposedly cures skin diseases or ailments. In addition to curing the skin disorders, the healing aqua also has additional restorative distinctiveness. Due to these properties of the waters, many people come here just to take a dip and then relax'.

It's unclear whether these springs can be assumed to be 'warm', though most sources (example) say cold ...

[Updated December 2013]
  
Notes:
[1] Dimri, V.P. (2013) Geothermal Energy Resources in Uttarakhand, India. Journal of Indian Geophysical Union, vol. 17, no. 4 , pp. 403-408. Hyderabad, India.

Soaking Gods and Goddessess

Following on the trail of the Indian sub-continent side of the Himalaya we have already featured Arunchal Pradesh state, Bhutan, Sikkim state, Nepal and Kashmir. South of Kashmir, but north of the Ganges plain lies Himachal Pradesh. Extremely convenient is the existence of a web site featuring Himachal Pradesh's hot springs, which mentions that the hot springs are popular. Most are located in Kullu district.

Out of Kullu
There are only two hot springs outside of Kullu that I could find of at least on the web. One is that of Tattapani. Located in Mandi district this hot spring is just beyond 50 km to the northwest of the state capital of Shimla.

'It is located on the right bank of river Satluj at an altitude of 656 meters. This natural sulphur spring is pure and has curative power for various kings of bodily ailments'.

Besides medicinal purposes the hot springs are highly frequented on the festival of Makar Sakranti which heralds the suns movement into the northern hemisphere and is considered an auspicious occasion to take a soak.

'These hot water springs are situated on the bank of Sutlej river. The river is at 4-5 deg. celsius while the springs are at 60-70 deg. celsius. So you have to mix both waters to enjoy the bath'.

The other hot spring is Jeori, is located in Kinnaur district (source).

A soak to worship

A number of hot springs are located not far from each other in Kullu district near the town of Mainali.

On the bank of the Parvati river are the hot springs known as Manikaran which appear along a 1 km long strip. The waters are very hot and besides for soaking purposes are used to boil meals; a Sikh temple here specializes in producing such meals. The religious significance for the Sikhs and the Manikaran hot springs finds it's origins as the thermal springs were visited by a Sikh Guru Nanak Dev. This had lead to their being a number of hot pools specifically for Sikh.

'Hot Water Spring at Manikaran'

By Sanjay. Note the cookers along the edge of the spring.

Besides religious significance for the Sikh, Hindu also see religious significance in the hot springs, according to this legend:

'According to a legend, Manikaran is associated with Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. Mani Karan means Ear Rings - it is said that once, while taking bath here, Maa Parvati lost her ear rings in the Kund (pond). When she told it to Lord Shiva, he became furious and looked at the water of the kund with great anger and then thousands of ear rings flowed out from the boiling water and since then the water of the spring is boiling'.

Wikipedia has an extensive listing of the religious significances of Manikaran for both religions.

Amazingly there are many video's of Manikaran, follow the link to just a few on You Tube.

Further Upstream
Besides being a haven for Israeli tourists (source), Kasol (which is 1 km further upstream from Manikaran) has a hot spring. Or hot springs. The temperature is said to be lower than that of Manikaran affording visitors with a real possibility to soak and not scald.
It's quite difficult to pinpoint the hot spring exactly. Following are 3 links to photo's of hot springs in or near Kasol, but all looking differently. FractalEnlightenment.com, Shailpanoramio and Yossi. Apparently there is more than 1 site; this reference mentions springs on both sides of the river. Though another states:

'Hot water emerges only at one location at Kasol'.

Naturally
While researching hot soaks in the Indian administered parts of the Himalaya one of the few hot springs still remaining in it's natural surroundings is the hot spring of Khirganga (Kheer Ganga). Khirganga is located another 12 km upstream of Kasol and can only be reached on foot.

From Wikipedia:

'the trail ascends further through thick pine forests to the spiritual site of Khirganga (Kheerganga), a meadow at 2960m where Shiva is said to have meditated for 3000 years. The hot springs at Khirganga are extremely important for Hindu and Sikh pilgrims as well as many others who believe the waters have sacred healing properties'.

The end of the journey means a chance to soak in near natural surroundings. But only for men. Women can't been seen in whatever state of undress and water (unless of course it's a Bollywood blockbuster) so they will have to be content with the view of 4 walls. Which is a pity if you see the magnificent surroundings.
The name Khirganga refers to white milk, the substance these waters near in colour.

'KhirGanga hot springs'

by ohad_katzin. In front the pool for men,
behind the shed for women (with improvised skylight), out of soaking site the majestic view.

Experiencing the women's soak ...

Closer to Mainali is the village of Vashisht which (like Manikaran above) has many springs covering a wider area. With access to Mainali guaranteed Vashisht (or Vashist) has become famous for it's hot springs; it's reputed that daily nearly 3000 visitors come for a soak, though this description mentions it to be a small peaceful village ..... As with Manikaran this Vashisht hot springs have been listed in India's top ten of hot springs.

As nearly everywhere in India, the appearance of hot water springs has lead to the establishment of temples, here named after the spiritual master of Rama, Vashishta.

'Inside the grounds of the Vasistha Temple there are two hot spring pools that are free. They can get a bit dirty'.

A real experience:

'the hot water springs that flow into an area in the village, from the mountains, boiling water, and the smell of sulphur, where they all do not only their washing of clothes but soap themselves all over the men and boys in their underpants, and wash/bathe... then of course the Public bathing areas of which there are three, like open air mini swimming pools, fed by the hot spring water where every Tom dick and Harry lounge and bathe, right by the old Vashisht Temple of which there are a few here,(temples) there are the free common public baths, which look utterly disgusting and unhygienic, then regular baths and the deluxe baths, looking at them I don't think I personally would want to step foot in any!! Particularly as you can be seen from the cafes and guest houses above getting changed...well maybe not in the private deluxe ones but no thanks all the same!!! The Indian pilgrims come to ceremoniously bathe in the hot spring waters and visit the temples here..... '

Obviously this was blogged by a man.

By Michal Yehezkel.

What happens over at the ladies? Lael:

'I went into the bath yesterday. There were a couple of Indian women and several little girls. The water was really hot. I have a little thermometer attached to my bag and I took it in the water with me the first time, 112 degrees. I got in and out, my feet feeling more and more cooked each time and playing with the little girls. Indian tourists from other parts of the country came and went, just dipping their feet into the water for blessing. Public places in India are usually filled with men so it was really refreshing to be around all women. I will be headed back there in the evening when the weather cools off a little bit'.

More from the women's side of the springs from Kara and Max:

'Hot springs! Vashisht is blessed with an unlimited supply of scalding hot water, and the townsfolk are appropriately grateful. The source of the springs has a temple built around it where locals come daily to wash and pray. Foreigners are also welcomed into the temple's relaxing sulfuric pools. Inside the temple there are two pools for men and women separated by an ancient stone wall. Kara was pleasantly surprised to see that the strict taboo against nudity dissolved into the steam of the women's bathing area. It was the first time Kara ever saw an Indian woman showing her full skin in the 11 months she has spent in India. Go women of Vashisht! she says. Max was disappointed that the men's pool was in full view of the street above, and so he could not enjoy full relaxation in his birthday suit. Both pools are piping hot and it is a test of endurance to submerge one's full body in the holy water. We always left the hot springs completely rejuvenated and calm. Unfortunately photos are prohibited in the temple...'.

Unfortunately this, however it's not the only such amazing experience.
Finally Ashley in a recent blog adds to what I believe is also a hot spring visit to Vashisht:

'The female body is sacred in India. They do everything they can to cover their bodies and sometimes will be married for years before even their husbands see them nude. ... As I entered the hot spring I couldn't believe my eyes. There were about a dozen nude women, all shapes, sizes and ages, laughing and slashing about, scrubbing each others backs and just having a grand old time'.

The fascinating blog entry ends with self-reflection:

'Bathing with those women in the hot springs day after day I felt my attitude and self image shifting. Being a young woman growing up in American culture you have societal pressures placed on your body image. I never thought of myself as being insecure about my image but I found myself subconsciously judging others. Not on purpose, but just as a result of our societies labels on beauty. I always wanted children, a lot of them, but I did worry about the toll child baring would take on my body. What I saw in those hot springs was pure, natural, unmanipulated beauty. Everyone of them was perfect and there was not even a glimpse of judgment or shame. It was so inspiring and erased and fear of aging I may have had. Their confidence was beautiful, their smiles were beautiful, the love in their eyes was beautiful, and every curve on their body was absolutely beautiful!'

As is the description.

Besides the public pools, HP Tourism Development Corp. also is said to be running

'turkish style baths'

with more private facilities. Their own web site fails to mention this .... This site mentions that it is due to a dispute between

'the villagers and the Himachal government regarding payments and the water supply that the villagers believe to be theirs by right. In the meantime, the only place for a hot soak is in the bathing pools of Vashisht’s ancient temple (free) which is far more atmospheric anyway'.

Such is the fame of Vashist that the Tribune (7 Dec. 2008) even mentions it's a significant place for local Gods and Goddesses:

'Vashisht village is not only known for its hot water springs and the' Vashisht rishi temple, but also for the sanctity of the shrine where the gods and goddesses of Kullu valley visit to take a holy dip'.

Of Amchis and Soaks on Prescription

Contrasting to the previous blog entry, out focus now shifts to the extreme west part of the Himal, Kashmir. And as elsewhere there are a number of soaks to be visited, though not nearly as one would imagine for such a huge area.

Ladakh
Bordering China and forming a large part of the higher ground of Indian controlled Kashmir state is the region of Ladakh. Not only concerning the terrain, but also culturally Ladakh differs from the rest of India. Inhabitants are mostly Tibetan Buddhists which contrasts both with India (Hindu) as well as Kashmir (Muslim). As such it has more in common with Tibet and though not commonly known for it's thermal activities it does possess a couple. Bhasin (2006) summons six hot springs on his account of Ladakh.

Flying mist
Most prominent amongst these are the hot spring(s) of Panamik (Pinchimik, Panamic, Sumoor, Nubra Valley). Nubra valley itself is located just short of the Siachen Glacier where the world's highest (and most absurd?) military stand-off is occurring between India and Pakistan. To get to Panamik involves crossing the Khardung La pass which is argued to be the world's highest motor-able road, though Wikipedia has different thoughts.

Bhasin describes the Panamik hot spring as follows:

'The spring is located at the roadside cliff spotted with the flying mist around. The temperature of the water rises from 100-200C.
...
The local Amchis also visit here for treating the patients'.

An Amchi is a traditional healer, mostly categorized as a practitioner of Tibetan medicine, common in Ladakh, greater Tibet and areas of Nepal and India. Amchi's are known to recommend bathing in general and in specific cases prescribe a hot spring soak. The preceding information is all derived from C.P. Kala's article (2005) concerning medical tradition and amchi's in India.

A not so clinically description of Panamik hot spring is this:

'Better than I imagined, the hotsprings of Panamik are amazing. We're not talking aesthetics here, but of the volcanic geyser that tumbles down the mountain into a mini man-made dam to irrigate the fat tubes planted into concrete cubicles – a bit like a Roman or Arabic bath. Pure bliss. The water is perfect, if you like it hot, and it's an indulgent feeling as you coerce yourself into embracing the temperature of the powerful gush. Mmmm. So nice!'

Not so positive is Rangan Datta:

'Sadly it was poorly maintained and the area around the spring was very dirty'.

The Rough Guide web site once used to add

'Don't expect much from Panamik's hot springs - they're no more than a stone shack on the hillside'.

Others are underwhelmed or mention

'filthy'.

A 2014 entry notes:

'The hot water sulphur springs in the village of Panamik are situated at an altitude of around 10,442 feet above sea-level. These hot springs have high amount of sulphur in them and it is believed to have medicinal properties which can cure rheumatism and other ailments. Locals from neighboring villages in Nubra flock to the hot springs on a regular basis for a dip in the hot water.
There is an entry fee of Rs 20/- for tourist into the hot bath complex. This complex has been done up really well with a large pool for the men and women, there are also cubical which have showers and changing rooms. The water is so hot in the pool that it is impossible to be in the water for too long. A dip in the water is recommend for one and all'.

The article has a couple of photo's amongst them a photo of the men's pool:

 

 

There is though a guesthouse in Panamik which

'... is constructed such that the hot water spring flows under the building, keeping the room warm' (source).

Apparently this also includes an area where one can bathe in. Kishore took the plunge and was disappointed:

'We also had a dip in the hot water springs at Pinamik which are reported to have some medicinal properties which unfortunately we could not discover'.

Darn!

 

'Panamik hot spring building'.

By Sherab's photography.

Hot Ladakhi soaks

Elsewhere in Ladakh is the hot spring of Chumathang. Bhasin briefly sums up the facts as in ... it's located 80 km away from Leh towards Nyoma, temperature reaches 167 degrees Celsius and it is also used for cooking purposes. He then adds:

'Local Amchis visit here during a specific period and advise bath in a particular hot spring'.

C.P. Kala adds that a soak here is believed by amchis to relieve backaches. Though often referred to as both a place to bathe, it seems to be more a case of if desperate. A good photo can be found on Flickr. (But obviously can not be reproduced). The main problem is that the boiling hot spring is located right net to the icy Indus.

Chumathang also has a hot spring heated hotel (source).

Puga (Pugga) hot spring is located only a few km's from Chumathang.

'Locals use for general bathing and washing of clothes' (1).

The thermal area of Puga has drawn the attention of developers:

'The Puga area in eastern Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, is known to be the most promising geothermal field in India, as pointed out by geo-scientific studies in the area.
...
Analysis of temperature logs indicated a high temperature (~260°C) associated with the anomalous conductive structure and signifies potential geothermal resource in the area'.

In an article concerning

'... animal and sheep husbandry potential in Ladakh',

mention is made of micro geo-thermal projects. Not so micro was this proposal:

'On this occasion, the Director, Renewable Energy Ladakh, Mr. Jigmet Takpa gave a digital presentation highlighting the prospective of renewable energy and geo-thermal power in Ladakh. Mr. Takpa said that as per the preliminary survey report, Puga Hot Spring has a power potential of 20 to 100 MW , that can change the developmental scenario of whole Ladakh if it is harnessed'.

 

Frozen Hot Spring , Puga 

By Mainish Lakhani

Still be discovered?
Otherwise Bhasin is the only source for the hot springs of Chulshul (Chusul):

'The temperature of these springs rises to 96C. and has medicinal properties. ... The locals often use it for bathing'.

Batalik hot spring is not used for bathing but according to Bhasin it's waters are consumed to

'cure stomach and ulcer ailments'.

Extremely close to the Tibetan / Chinese border is the hot spring of Demchok (Demqog). Bashin describes the surroundings as cold and windy, making bathing here more memorable.International politics seem to be thwarting the development of this hot spring site. The local government had been constructing a 'hydro-therapy center' which included an eight km access road. However after finishing half the road, Chinese protests were successful in halting further progress.

Kala also mentions the otherwise unknown hot springs of Serchan.

Markha hot spring is another hot spring mentioned by Kala though it seems that it refers to a hot spring in Markha Valley. Looking pretty intensively for this hot spring on the web leads me to believe that what's implied is the sulfur springs of Chyushkarmo which are often passed on a trek through Markha valley. It's unclear whether these are hot or cold. A soak here relieves itching ...
Finally there's Kala's reference to Chilling hot spring, a weird name for a hot spring. There's a trek called the Chadar trek where one can see an

'... under river hot spring ...'.

Recommended bathing for sciatica and backache's.

Kashmir

Outside of the Ladakh high altitude terrain, there are a number of other hot springs in Kashmir state. There used to a blog page Natural springs of Jammu which summed a great many of springs up, though I believe most refer to cold springs. Currently unavailable apparently ...

Literally Tattapani means hot water. Also known as Tatapani (or Tatti Pani), it seems that this hot spring is the best known hot spring of Kashmir outside of Ladakh. Located 35 km from Rajouri district

'... the place attracts people from all sects and creeds and they bathe in the spring in their prefect harmonious and secular traditions for which the district has the unstinted reputation. It is also true that almost all visitors attach spiritual significance to the place and this belief got more ground when about a decade back the water of the spring started converting from hot to cold. The story goes that only after the sacrifice of a goat that the water regained the original heat'.

The regaining of it's original heat is major fact for putting this hot spring on line. In 2008 it was reported that the spring had 'resurfaced'. It had been earmarked for major revamp, but apparently after a large earthquake in 2005 the spring disappeared. The Rising Kashmir reports furthermore:

'Besides a dormitory, the [Tourist] Department has planned to raise tourist huts with around a dozen rooms for comfortable stay of visitors'.

A more up to date account:

'"A lot of rush is seen nowadays in Tattapani, as visitors are coming from various states like Srinagar, Ladakh and some from outside states as well. Due to the rush, we have renovated the dormitory here which was in a dilapidated condition earlier. We have made arrangements for a comfortable stay of visitors," said Sher [Assistant Director, Tourism Department]'.

An extensive pbase gallery on Tatapani and it's surroundings can be found here.

Take care, Tatapani is also the name of a hot spring in Pakistan administered Kashmir in the district of Poonch, a district which also exists in the Indian administered part.

Nearby Rajouri is Ramban district which is home to Gool Ramban hot spring. A couple of photo's have been posted on flickr (not really appealing?).

On the web I found just the one mention of Meru Wardwon hot spring which is (was?) located near Kothair Nag:

'The medicinal quality of the water of the spring must have attracted the people from the various parts of the country just as today people go to bathe in the hot spring of Meru Wardwon. At the annual fair people brought diseased persons to be cleansed. Hence the name of the spring is Papashudan Nag (Sin cleansing spring)'.

Other sources don't mention the heat of this spring.


In this article there's mention of Chandrabhaga (Padyarna).


I also note this article which numbers quite a few hot springs:

'In Marwa tehsil of Kishtwar district hot spring is located near village Renai or Anjar. It is situated at a splendid place where people go from all over for a hot bath. Another hot spring is located on the right bank of Chandra Bhaga opposite of Padyarna. People have to travel long distances by vehicles or on foot for these places'.

Then just the one mention of Gurdashnag.

Finally there is Marwa Darchan to which once a link mentioned it to be a hot spring:

'... whose water care orthopaedic ailments such as gout and rhemutism'.

It could also be referred to as Kiyar (source). 

[Revised January 2015]
 
Notes:

(1) Bhasin, S.K. 2006. Amazing Land Ladakh: Places, people and culture. Indus Publishing Company. New Delhi, India.

(2) Kala, C.P. 2005. Health traditions of the Buddhist community and role of amchis in trans-Himalayan region of India. In: Current Science, vol. 89, no. 8, 25 October 2005. Current Science, Bangalore, India.