joellebohringerIf you’re looking for one of the most unique things to do in Almaty, Kazakhstan, look no further than the Arashan baths public bath house. You’ll not only get to have an authentic local experience, but you’ll also get a glimpse back to Soviet Times.
I visited Arasan on my trip to Kazakhstan, and it was the perfect way to relax after a long week of driving through the mountains of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
What are the Arasan Baths?
The Arasan baths are a traditional Russian-style bathhouse and sauna built for public use. Saunas were not only an important part of Russian culture, but they were also considered a very positive public facilities during soviet times. Therefore, many states in the former USSR sought to build impressive sauna and bathing facilities.
The Arasan baths were built in 1982 under the Communist Party of Kazakhstan. Even though the Soviet Union no longer exists, the baths continue to thrive as a place for friendly catch-ups and relaxation.
Facilities available at Arasan
Arasan bath is separated by gender, and each gender’s side has a Russian-style banya sauna, a Finnish dry sauna, and a wet, Turkish-style sauna room. There is a cool swimming pool for participants to dip in between sessions in the different saunas.
The baths also offer massage services as well as professional banya whippings. An important part of the Russian banya tradition is a rather-rough beating with oak leaves (veniki). This is said to rejuvenate your skin. Many people choose to do it themselves, but you can also hire a professional to whip you with veniki. If you do choose to book a massage, be prepared that they are quite rough and are focused on body healing and muscle tension instead of relaxation.
How to Visit the Arasan Baths
The Arasan baths are located in central Almaty. The baths are open from 7am to 11:30 pm. Pricing varies depending on whether it is a weekend or weekday, as well as the time that you visit. You pay per hour, and one hour is usually enough for most people. There is an additional 20 minutes given for free to change. If you accidentally overstay your booked time, you will be charged a per-minute extension fee of 60-80 Tenge ($0.13-$0.17). As of 2024, the pricing is as follows:
From 7am-4pm
- 2500 Tenge on weekdays ($5.25)
- 4000 Tenge on weekends and holidays ($8.40)
From 4pm- 11:30 pm
- 3200 Tenge on weekdays ($6.72)
- 4700 Tenge on weekends and holidays ($9.87)
If you choose to book additional services, the prices are also affordable. A 45 minute massage costs 12,000 Tenge ($25.20) and 4 minutes of professional veniki beating costs 4,000 Tenge ($8.40)
Once you enter the building, you will stand in line to book your tickets. When I visited, there were very helpful, English speaking staff that helped me book my tickets and find the correct entrance.
What you Must Buy or Bring With you
Soap is included free of charge in the bath services, but you will be required to have your own towel and sandals. You can bring your own towel and flip flops, or these can be rented for a minimal charge upon check-in. If you are a women, you will also be required to wear some sort of swimming cap when entering the cooling-off pool. I reccomend buying one (also sold at a minimal price) when checking in.
Note: If you want to try beating yourself with veniki, or even having a professional beat you, in the Russian banya, you must buy them before you enter the baths. There are a number of old women selling them outside of the complex, or you can buy a bunch of oak branches upon check in.
Can you wear a swimsuit in Arasan baths?
Technically, you can wear a swimsuit in the saunas at Arasan baths. However, you cannot enter the cold bathing pool with a swimsuit on. In my experience, everyone was bathing naked at Arasan baths. While it may seem stressful to be naked in a room full of strangers, it is really not that bad. You are all naked, so no one is at all focused on what you look like.
The Steps for Bathing at Arasan Baths
Once you have bought your tickets, you will be given an digital wristband. This can be used to open a locker in the locker room. Store your bag and clothes in your designated locker.
It is important to bring the following items with you: a towel, swim cap (for women), sandals, and a bottle of water.
Then, you will enter the first part of the baths, which is the shower room. It is required to shower before entering any of the saunas or pools. After you have showered, you can then choose a sauna of your choice. In between different sauna rooms, you can rinse off in the showers or in the cool swimming pool.
If you choose to use veniki, be sure to only use them in the Russian banya sauna. You will know it is the banya sauna because there will be a number of people beating themselves inside with oak branches! To use veniki, soak the leaves with water first and then use them to beat problem areas on your body to increase circulation.
If you have any questions during your bathing experience, there are a number of attendants available in the baths. Not all of them speak English, but in my experience, they will go get an English-speaking attendant to assist you.
Once you have finished checking out all of the saunas, you can shower, dress again, and exit the bathing area. There is a restaurant and bar on site where you can enjoy cold beer and a meal after your bath experience!
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