The Turkish resort of Pamukkale is more famous than any other for its thermal springs, united in therapeutic complexes. One of these complexes is called Karhait, which means "red water". Here there are healing springs with hot mineral water. The temperature of water at the exit of the spring is about 80°C, but towards the edges of the reservoir it cools down to the temperature of 60°C. Of course, you will not want to dive into such warm water, but it is quite pleasant to soak your feet there.
These mineral springs contain a lot of useful substances, such as magnesium, calcium sulphate, hydrocarbon. However, the main constituent is iron, which is what gives the water its characteristic colour. It colours the travertines in very bright shades, from yellow and orange to red and brown. These terraces resemble large baths, in each of which the water accumulates and forms shallow, approximately "ankle-deep" pools. The mineral water of this particular spring is attributed with rejuvenating properties.
Besides these thermal springs, there are two more in Karhaita. In one of them, "striped" water of different colours flows down a low hill. Its temperature is just above +40°C and its velocity is 40 litres per second. The second spring cures skin diseases and contains sulphurous waters with a temperature of about +30°C.
The local springs cure a large number of diseases, which is why Karhait is very popular among the Turks themselves as an excellent healing centre. The therapeutic effect of the mineral waters of Karhait is considered to be stronger than the springs of the "Cotton Fortress" terraces, so the locals use these travertines much more often and even draw water from them.
The village, in the centre of which there are multi-coloured travertine rocks, is a popular place for treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal apparatus, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system. Here you can treat rickets and rheumatism, psoriasis and eczema, lumbago or simply relieve stress and fatigue. There are a large number of boarding houses in the village, where you can take advantage of therapeutic procedures and improve your health. Treatment methods such as bathing in thermal pools, mud baths and drinking mineral water are used here.
