If you’re in Bukhara, I highly recommend visiting a hammam. My wife was absolutely thrilled with the experience—it’s so atmospheric! And keep in mind, she’s already explored all the old hammams in Istanbul with me, so her standards are pretty high.
In the women’s hammam, according to her, there were only local women. Meanwhile, in the men’s hammam, where I went, it was all Russian tourists. My wife told me she saw them bathing a 10-day-old baby in the women’s section!
When she walked in, the attendants immediately asked why she had come, if she had any ailments, or if there was something specific she needed help with. Finding the women’s hammam can be a bit tricky, but here’s how: stand with your back to the Kalyan Minaret, with the Kalyan Mosque wall to your right. Walk into the alley behind the wall, and you’ll see the hammam’s domed roof right there.
I found a review somewhere about the women’s hammam in Bukhara, and it seems worth sharing:
'The Bukhara hammam is pure bliss! It’s amazing how it’s been preserved with all its traditions and rituals intact. I bathed alongside a few local women. One had just given birth (there’s a tradition here where women must visit the hammam four times, every ten days, after childbirth). She was lying on healing stones and had a special anti-inflammatory mask applied. Her newborn, wrapped up snugly, was resting on a nearby couch. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw that tiny baby there!
Other women were getting treatments for conception or relief from various pains. Each person received personalized masks and treatments. They applied a mask to me as part of the tourist package—it cost $20 but came with full service. They carried water for me, scrubbed my skin with a silk glove to remove dead layers, and even gave me a soapy massage.
They offered a mask for preventive care, which included seven ingredients: almonds, chestnuts, honey, ginger, and a few other things. They slathered it all over me and let me relax on warm stones. Ahhh... I left feeling crisp and brand new! After all the water treatments, they even gave me a traditional massage in the changing room.'
Sorry to interrupt, but are there any mixed-gender hammams in Bukhara? Are they worth visiting, or are they just tourist traps?
There are no mixed-gender historical hammams in Bukhara—this isn’t secular Turkey. According to my wife, the women’s hammam is completely authentic, not a tourist attraction at all. She’s seen her fair share of hammams, so that’s high praise! It’s more like a traditional medicine practice than a gimmick.
The men’s hammam, however, is more of a tourist attraction. Still, it’s worth visiting just to check it off your list. It’s been around since at least the 16th century, and the style of bathing and massage is very different from what you’d find in Istanbul. I’d say it’s worth the experience.
The cost of the women’s hammam in Bukhara is $20. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to negotiate the price.
To get there, head toward the Kalyan Minaret, then take a right. It’s easy to find from there!
Address: Bukhara, Muhammad Iqbal Street
Phone: +998 97 234-32-33
Price: 400,000 UZS
Duration: 1 hour
Women only
