Chon-Tuz sanatorium

Chon-Tuz – Just 25 km from the town of Kochkor, in the village of Chon-Tuz (meaning “Great Salt”), lies the health complex of the same name. This unique speleotherapy sanatorium was established in 1980 within an old salt mine excavation. The facility, designed to accommodate up to 120 patients, is essentially a gallery carved into the heart of a mountain, standing over 2 kilometers above sea level. The gallery extends for half a kilometer in length, with a height of 3 meters and a width of 5 meters.

The corridors of this underground marvel are illuminated with lamps, and proper ventilation ensures a continuous flow of fresh air. The salty atmosphere has a distinctive taste, and breathing in this subterranean space feels as refreshing as standing by the sea. A standard course of speleotherapy here lasts around two weeks, providing ample time to soak in the healing environment.

The Chon-Tuz speleotherapy sanatorium itself is a horizontal gallery within the Kök-Too Mountain, measuring approximately 500 meters in length, 5 meters in width, and 3 meters in height. The natural medicinal salt found in Chon-Tuz formed about 40 million years ago, originating from the ancient Kochkor Lake. This salt deposit is part of the Kochkor group of rock salt mines. During the Soviet era, the salt mined from this mountain was primarily used as a dietary supplement for livestock. Geological surveys indicate that the mine holds an estimated 3.7 million tons of salt, with the potential to increase reserves by 1.5 to 2 times.

The primary rock type in this area is marl clay, and the salt layers reach an impressive thickness of up to 25 meters. In the air of this underground facility, the concentration of microcrystals can range from 5 to 10 mg/m³. Interestingly, in the Chon-Tuz underground sanatorium, allergens from plant, animal, and household origins are almost entirely absent. The air temperature inside the caves remains consistently stable, regardless of the season, ranging between +8 to +10 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels varying from 45% to 60%.

The sanatorium is equipped with special wards for patients suffering from bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, and certain allergic conditions. The high concentration of salt microcrystals in the air (between 5 to 10 mg/m³) ensures that up to 75% of these crystals measure less than 5 micrometers, allowing them to penetrate deep into the bronchial passages. Another notable feature is the high natural ionization of the air, with 4,000 to 11,000 ions per cubic meter, while bacterial contamination remains remarkably low (only 3 to 5 microbes per cubic meter). The air of the speleotherapy center purifies itself, preventing the intrusion of allergens from plants, insects, and other sources.

The constant air temperature, ranging from +8 to +10°C, combined with atmospheric pressure at 600 mmHg and relative humidity of 45% to 65%, creates a favorable microclimate within the salt cave, which, coupled with the mountainous environment, provides substantial health benefits. This particular microclimate is especially beneficial for individuals with bronchial asthma, various nonspecific respiratory conditions, allergic reactions (such as urticaria, atopic dermatitis, and Quincke’s edema), as well as nervous system disorders.

The Chon-Tuz sanatorium operates from April 1st to October 1st annually. For reservations or inquiries, contact +996-555-22-31-88 (what’s up).