Staunchly different from a standard sauna resort. Soviet sanatoriums are a combination of spa and clinic that tend to carry a semi-haunting institutional vibe.

Located beneath the eastern side of Lake Issyk-Kul, the Jeti-Oguz sanatorium is surrounded by geologic gems along the North slope of the Ala-Too mountain range. Sculptures are scattered about the expansive property blending human creations with Earth’s own rustic art.

Soviet Sanatoriums

A Brief History: Without even reaching the halfway point, the 20s have already been labeled in permanent marker as an unquestionably odd decade for the world. In terms of employment, the previously muddled concept of work-life balance seems to now be highlighted, circled and forced to the front row view of all employers. It would seem the scales once tilted towards dedication are finally reckoning with delight.

The timing is ironic although perhaps not, given that repetition is supposedly a key element of history. Back in 1920, Lenin made a decree for the medical treatment of the working people. At a glance, this just sounds like health benefits which is certainly not revolutionary. Looks can be deceiving though and in this case, it was sanitoriums not copays that held the spotlight.

Lenin set the mood, but it was Stalin who amended the Soviet constitution to include the detailed gift of recuperation. His mandate stated that all working citizens were entitled to a 2-week paid vacation at a government sponsored sanatorium.

With premium industrial productivity as the top priority, these Soviet leaders hoped to accomplish this by focusing on the mental and physical health of the working class as a healthier and happier person will undoubtedly be a more productive person. A topic that is alarmingly novel for many companies to date.

Visit the Jeti-Oguz Sanatorium

English is not a common tongue here so prepare for a language barrier (as should be expected when visiting a foreign country).

Book upon arrival (cash required) at the entry gate house. For the general public a 3 night minimum is expected but in order to appease the curious visitor 1 night stays are permitted. An attendee will then escort you to the room and handover the old fashioned key which resembles a video game item. Contrary to instant unlocks performed by your gaming persona, these locks are far more puzzling for those without prior experience.

A single night in a private room with private bath costs ~1475som / $17 with health treatment and all meals included (~950som / $11 without meals). Less luxurious shared accommodations are also available. There is perhaps a package discount if intending to stay for multiple days.

During the summer months, take advantage of the tennis courts and forest paths. In terms of mental entertainment, the resort additionally includes a library as well as oversized chess board.

If you prefer to exclude shivering from your spa stay or you are one of those who feels personally victimized by the cold, avoid this sanatorium during the winter season. A strong and brutal architectural figure in all appearances that is absolutely dominated by the preferences of the winter weather. Insulation clearly offended the constructors as it was obviously not invited to join the blueprints. Consider yourself warned.

Jeti-Oguz Sanatorium Treatments

Protocol entails an initial health assessment performed by the resort doctor. This visit produces a personalized booklet containing the evaluation results and prescribed regiment. These details theoretically organize visits to the different treatment rooms…

• Spend 15 minutes and not a second longer (set an alarm!) lunging about a tepid, element infused, indoor wading pool. Humid seems an outlandish stretch in terms of room description but despite this, every object from floor tile to coat rack perspires throughout the winter. As a result, expect any belongings to become dampened. It is entirely unclear if bathing suits are the norm here.

• Splish. Splash. Hop into an element infused bath. A staff member will supervise to ensure proper body submersion and position along with faucet control to maintain the heat. Traditionally one soaks nude, and as a foreigner, a few voyeurs may be granted admittance to spectate. Exhibitionist opportunities aside, feel free to conceal yourself and sport a bathing suit.

• Beginning to prune? Pause the water games and collapse onto a standard patient bed in a curtained cubicle. An attendant will apply a massive heating pad to wherever your book dictates.
• Muscles feeling lethargic? Head to the massage room to shake some life back into them.

• For an entirely natural approach, take an outdoor stroll to the thermal fountain. Bring a bottle or engineer your hands into a makeshift container to catch the warm, salty water. Yum!

Eating at the Jeti-Oguz Sanatorium

The food is simple and of course targeted towards a healthy stay. Additional snacks are recommended to successfully achieve full contentment. For the budget travelers $6 sounds ever so excessive especially after the chef unveils these mystery meals. Even so, if one wants the full Soviet sanatorium experience, shared meal times are a crucial element.

Acquaint yourself with your neighbors at the dining hall during the scheduled meal times. Tiny tables of 4 are neatly gridded through the room. There are no assigned seats, but the staff will only set enough tables to satisfy the total headcount. In other words, grab an open chair and greet your eating companions. Since the guest list is predominantly comprised of Kyrgyz natives, any foreigner will undoubtedly be the topic of collective conversation.

How to Get to Jeti-Oguz

From the Ak-Tilek Bazaar in Karakol, take marshrutka 355 to Jeti-Oguz (~40som / $0.5). This name applies to an impressive stretch of land, so as misleading as it sounds, you have not reached your intended destination. Catch a taxi for no more than 300som / $3.5 (it should be less) to drop you at relaxation’s doorstep.

Desperately inpatient for your Soviet spa day? Take a taxi from Karakol directly to the sanatorium for ~800som / $9.

The village traffic is scarce. Coordinate with the gate house attendee for a departure taxi back to the highway and then wait for a marshrutka to pass.

Other Things to Do in Jeti-Oguz

Cringing at the thought of Soviet styled self-care? Obtain your inner peace wrapped instead in the comforting arms of mother nature and all her splendor.

Jeti-Oguz, specifically the sanatorium region, additionally offers a multitude of hikes with striking red rock formations. Two arrangements are particularly renowned to visitors: Seven Bulls and Broken Heart. Spend a day or two trekking amongst these landscapes as an alternative spa day that is both free and self-prescribed.