• The steamy waters emanating from the depths of the earth are rich in sulfur, calcium, lithium and other minerals.
    The steamy waters emanating from the depths of the earth are rich in sulfur, calcium, lithium and other minerals.
  • They are believed to offer relief to patients suffering from joint pain and some skin diseases, thus drawing patients seeking traditional hydrotherapy.
    They are believed to offer relief to patients suffering from joint pain and some skin diseases, thus drawing patients seeking traditional hydrotherapy.
  • Tourists too seek a relaxing getaway, with the region welcoming more than 8 million tourists every year.
    Tourists too seek a relaxing getaway, with the region welcoming more than 8 million tourists every year.
  • Iranian men relax in a hot mineral water spring as snow falls lightly, in the northwestern town of Sarein, Iran.
    Iranian men relax in a hot mineral water spring as snow falls lightly, in the northwestern town of Sarein, Iran.
  • Others bathe in outdoor natural springs on grassy hillsides as animals graze in the background.
    Others bathe in outdoor natural springs on grassy hillsides as animals graze in the background.

World

In pictures: hot springs on slopes of Iran’s Sabalan mountain

Rob Gurdebeke

June 02, 2014

  • English
  • Arabic

Tourists and patients alike flock to the northwestern town of Sarein in Iran for a dip in the hot springs, said to cure some of joint pain and skin diseases. All photos by Ebrahim Noroozi of the Associated Press

Iran