Aushiger Hot Springs

Aushiger Hot Springs are natural mineral springs near the village of Aushiger in the Cherek District of Kabardino-Balkaria, about 25 km southeast of Nalchik, on the bank of the Cherek River. The water comes out of the borehole very hot, around 60°C, and the site is set up for bathing; you can swim here year-round, though winter bathing is noticeably more extreme since there are no heated changing rooms on site.

History

The springs were discovered by chance in the 1950s, when geologists prospecting for oil here found hot mineral water instead, rising from a depth of more than 4,000 metres (according to putevka.com and Russian Wikipedia). The water is sodium chloride in composition, and locals consider it beneficial for joints and skin.

Nearby

On the Cherek River, next to the springs, lies the Aushiger Reservoir with its turquoise water — another local attraction that visitors often combine with a dip in the springs.