Exploring the Majestic Khewra Salt Mines

For more pictures, check out the Khewra Salt Mines album

The Khewra Salt Mines, also known as the Salt Range Mines, are one of the most fascinating natural wonders in Pakistan. Known for its distinctive pink salt, these mines are the second-largest salt mines in the world. These mines have an interesting historical background, and are a popular tourist attraction among both locals and foreigners. It’s an ideal place for a short trip with family or friends. This blog will cover everything to guide you if you’re planning a trip to the Khewra Salt Mines. The unique features, interesting points inside the mines, and many such things will be covered in this post.

Being Asia’s largest salt reserve, the mines hold an estimated 220 million tons of rock salt, making it a crucial pillar in both the domestic supply and global export of natural salt. Along with the quantity, the quality is great too. The salt extracted here is highly pure, with up to 99% sodium chloride in some sections. With around 250,000 annual visitors, the Khewra Salt Mines are a popular tourist destination, attracting people from all over the world.

Location and Accessibility

The Khewra Salt Mines are located in the town of Khewra in Punjab province, in the Jhelum District to be more specific. The mines are located at the foot of the Salt Range, in the Pothohar Plateau.

270 km from Lahore. Almost a 4 hours journey by road.
160 km from Islamabad. The route by road will take at most 3 hours.

The location of the salt mines make it an ideal point for one-day trips from Lahore and Islamabad, and surrounding areas. You can leave early morning with your friends or family, reach there by 12, spend 2-3 hours exploring the salt mines, and return home by evening.

A Walk Through History

Khewra Salt Mines were discovered in 326 BC by Alexander The Great’s army, when one of his soldiers noticed that the horses were licking the rocks. He then realized that the rocks were salty. The mining started from 1500 AD, by King Akbar The Great. The development continued through the years, with huge salt production. It was in 2002 that the Khewra Salt Mines Tourist Resort was established, which was opened for public in 2003. Since then, a number of unique attractions have been added inside the mines.

Main Attractions

A mosque built entirely of salt bricks
A Minar-e-Pakistan model made out of salt
Salt medical center for asthma patients
Underground water bodies
Salt crystal formations

Souvenir Shops and Train Ride

You will find a number of small shops, both inside and outside the mines, where visitors can buy salt lamps, jewelry, and other interesting items made of salt. I think everyone should take a souvenir from these shops back with them as it will serve as a memorable of your trip to these mines.

There is also a carriage service available which takes you inside for a tour of the mines. But I would suggest not to go for that because it only gives a round of the mines, with not enough time to stay and explore the mines entirely. So it’s better to have a good walk, if you can, and take your time while seeing all the areas inside.

Visitor Tips and Info

Opening hours are from 9 AM to 5-6 PM (changes according to the season)
Helpline of Khewra Salt Mines is (0544) 231137
It’s ideal to visit during the summers, as it is cooler inside
There is an entry fee for the mines

To stay updated, here is the link to the official page of the salt mines by the Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation.

More Tourist Attractions Nearby

If you plan to go beyond the Khewra Salt Mines and explore more areas on your trip, you can add Kallar Kahar and Kattas Raj Temples to your bucket list. By adding a one-night stay in the trip, one can easily explore all the three areas, without racing against time.

Reach Khewra Salt Mines by 11-12 AM
After spending quality time there, try to reach Kallar Kahar by 4 PM (90 minutes drive from the mines)
Explore the area e.g. boating in the Kallar Kahar lake
Check in at a hotel in Kallar Kahar (Escape Hotel is a good option)
Have some good sleep (and dinner)
Next day, check out the things left to explore and leave for Kattas Raj Temples (45 minutes drive from Kallar Kahar)
Spend an hour or two there
Have a safe journey back home

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