How to Soak in a Traditional Chan in Ukraine

Have you heard about the relaxing mineral baths Ukraine, locally known as a traditional chan? I hadn’t either, but I quickly realized that it was something really special. In the Carpathian Mountain region, find the tradition of filling up a cast iron tub with mineral water, or the chan bath. The tubs are heated naturally by a smoldering fire underneath them. Throw in tub the chai and other spices, and it becomes a relaxing day in a traditional chan. Hop on in and literally cook yourself in these healing waters.

There is a method to this process, so follow along with this detailed “step by step” guide on how to soak in a traditional chan in the stunning Carpathian mountains of Ukraine.

Please note that I do not encourage travel to Ukraine at this time, but I am keeping this post up in hopes that it will be useful for future travelers. Ukraine is a beautiful country and I loved every minute I spent in the mountains.

Table of Contents

• What is a Chan Exactly?
• How To Enjoy a Traditional Chan Bath
• How Much Does a Traditional Chan Cost?
• Health Benefits of Soaking in a Traditional Chan Bath
• Where are These Awesome Chans?
• Wanna Chan?

What is a Chan Exactly?

This traditional chan bath tub is now a modern cast iron tub filled with mineral water. At the bottom of the tub sit rocks from a nearby stream. These rocks are heated from below by a wood fire. The host of the chan will maintain the fire, allowing you to totally immerse in relaxation. The baths always have a refreshing mountain stream nearby, but I’ll explain the significance of that later.

The chan is filled with traditional “mountain herbs.” My host, Ivan, informed me that he was adding a mixture with fresh Chai. Once the spicy ingredients are added to the water, your host will mix up the tub. Between the herbs and the smoke spouting through the chimney, it smells like heaven.

The host will assist in maintaining the temperature. The temperature usually sits around 105-111°F. Don’t worry, if the water gets too hot, which it usually does, there is a spigot filled with fresh cold mountain water. If you’re blessed with a sunny day in the Carpathian Mountains, you may have to use the fresh water more than you think.

Important | The traditional chan bath takes about an hour and a half to prepare, so a reservation is required.

How To Enjoy a Traditional Chan Bath

Ivan was a perfect host and he explained in great depth the technicalities and common practices of how to soak in a traditional chan bath. Here are the simple instructions.

• Sit back and relax in the Chan. There will most always be a simple sauna thermometer, so you’re able to track your time in the tub. Ideally, spend around 15 minutes in the bath of spicy chai water.
• Next, go splash around in the fresh stream from the mountains. It’s important to submerge yourself and stay in the refreshing water for at least a few minutes. In the summer this is a little bit easier than winter when the temperature really drops!
• Now that you’re cooled off, go back to the chan tub. Sit in it for 2-5 minutes. This feels great on your muscles.
• Finally, hop out of the chai broth and make yourself a fresh Chai Tea! All the ingredients are waiting for you in the “Relaxation Hut.” Spend at least 15 minutes out of the chan tub while sipping on your tea.
• Congratulations! You have complete one full cycle of soaking in the traditional chan tub.
• Enjoy. Relax. Repeat.

Planning Tip | Most reservations for a traditional chan bath are at least a minimum of two hours, due to all of the preparation that goes in to getting them set-up. In this time frame, you’ll be able to complete three full bathing cycles.

How Much Does a Traditional Chan Cost?

The cost of soaking in a chan depends on the season. The warm summer time months are considered the “off season,” while the cold winter season is the more favorable time to soak in the traditional chan baths. The perks of visiting during the summertime is the bigger discounts! Most places will charge by the hour, remember there is almost always a two hour minimum.

Seasonal costs of traditional chan baths | Summer season: around 450 UAH per hour ($16 USD) | Winter season: 600 UAH per hour ($21 USD)

The price of the tub is the same no matter how many people are using it. So, for a solo-traveler, this experience can be a little “costly” for Ukraine standards, but oh, so worth it.

Ivan informed me that families and friends of around 5 to 6 people are the most common size group to rent out one chan tub. He laughed, patted his pretend beer belly, and reminded me it all depends on each individual group dynamics.

These simples moments are some of my absolute favorite while traveling, when we don’t speak the same language, but somehow we surprisingly understand each other and can share a laugh.

What’s Included in the Traditional Chan Bath Rental?

The traditional chan bath experience includes a host that maintains the fire underneath it and a relaxation room that contains all the goodies to make fresh chai tea. Most oftentimes, the relaxation rooms includes a private bathroom, kitchen, lounge chairs with a TV (who needs one when you’re savoring those mountain views?!), a balcony, and sandals. Remember, traditional chan baths are located next to freshwater sources, so the sandals are meant to walk to and from the stream

What to Bring to a Traditional Chan Bath

Bring your own towel because they are not included. If you’re weird about wearing shoes that others have worn, bring your personal sandals for walking around the property. Women may with to bring a cloth headband to keep your hair back, and it helps to dunk it into the cold fresh stream water to maintain your temperature.

Health Benefits of Soaking in a Traditional Chan Bath

I mean, who wouldn’t want to spend the morning relaxing in a chai tub of goodness all while staring at the incredible Carpathian Mountains? Besides it being totally awesome and unique, there are a wide range of health benefits from soaking in a traditional chan bath. The results seems to be similar to that of a sauna including:

• Skin Rejuvenation, which honestly, I couldn’t believe how soft my skin felt when I was finished
• Strengthening and Repairing the immune system
• Improvement of the nervous systems, such as helping aid depression and insomnia
• Stimulation of the thyroid system
• Stimulation of the Cardiovascular System
• Relaxing and Rejuvenation of muscles and the body

Where Are These Awesome Chans?

Traditional Chan baths are found throughout the little villages that are nestled in the Carpathian Mountains of Ukraine. The adorable little hamlet of Yasinya had quite a few options. This village not only had the chan soaking tubs, but proved to be an excellent location to explore the surrounding mountains and savor the simple moments of mountain life.

With the many options in town, my traditional chan bath was experienced at Karpat·sʹki Chany Banya, and it did not disappoint! This establishment had two private tub sections.

Karpat·sʹki Chany Banya Logistics | Hours: 8:00 AM until Midnight | Find them here: Лесі Українки 14, Yasinya, Zakarpattia Oblast

Where to Sleep in Yasinya

Looking for a perfect place to stay in Yasinya? Hotel Franc is a splendid option to base to explore the Carpathian Mountains. The hostess speaks English and is willing to help answer any and every question. She will go out of her way to help plan your time in this special region of Ukraine.

Each room comes with a balcony, which promises some beautiful sunsets with mountain backdrops. The rooms are simple, but spotless. There is a great common lounge with a ping-pong table and large windows. To top it off, the food here is by far the best in town! Book here

Bonus | There is a round trip pick-up and drop-off to Karpat·sʹki Chany Banya for free!

Wanna Chan?

In conclusion, whatever you do, don’t miss the opportunity to soak in a traditional chan bath in the Carpathian Mountains of Ukraine. It will be a highlight of your time in the mountains. This experience it not quite known to those travelers outside of Ukraine, but is a truly authentic experience. Wherever you choose to explore the Carpathian Mountains, make sure to check that a chan is nearby.

Have you ever heard of the tradition chan bath in the mountains of Ukraine? Would you soak in a cast iron tub of chai spices? If you have soaked in a chan tub, I would love for you to share your experience with it. Please let me know in the comments below!

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