Khewra Salt Mines: Unveiling Pakistan’s Subterranean Wonder
Hidden beneath the ancient Salt Range in Punjab lies one of the most extraordinary places to visit in Pakistan, the Khewra Salt Mines. Known as the world’s second-largest salt mine, Khewra offers a spellbinding underground journey that combines geology, history, art, and health benefits in a truly unforgettable setting.
A Brief History: From Alexander’s Horses to Modern Marvel:
The origins of the Khewra Salt Mines date back to 326 BC, when Alexander the Great’s troops discovered the salt deposits, not by scientific observation, but by noticing their horses licking salty rocks. Commercial mining began under the Mughals, and the British later expanded the site in 1872, introducing modern tunneling systems. Today, the mine is managed by the Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC) and draws over 400,000 visitors annually, including many foreigners.
What Makes Khewra So Special?
Khewra is more than just a mine, it’s a hidden gem in Pakistan offering stunning underground landscapes. With 19 levels and over 40 kilometers of tunnels, it showcases:
- Badshahi Mosque made entirely of pink, red, and white salt bricks
- Mini replicas of Minar-e-Pakistan, the Great Wall of China, and Murree’s Mall Road
- Pul-Siraat, a salt bridge suspended over a 100-ft-deep brine pond, with no pillars!
- Sheesh Mahal, or Palace of Mirrors, with salt ceilings that sparkle like glass
- The world’s only working post office made of salt bricks
- Numerous saltwater ponds and crystal formations that glow under colored lights
When and How to Visit:
Best Time to Visit: November to March offers pleasant weather outside, while the inside temperature stays a cool 18-20°C year-round, ideal even in summer.
Getting There:
- From Islamabad: 2.5-3 hours via the M-2 Motorway
- From Lahore: 3 hours
- Khewra Railway Station: Operational with special tourist trains from Rawalpindi and Lahore
Know Before You Go:
- Timings: Open daily, including weekends and holidays (9 AM – 5 PM)
- What to Wear: Comfortable shoes and light outerwear, it’s cool and damp inside
- Photography: Allowed (recommended to carry a low-light capable camera)
- Guided Tours: Male and female guides available; tour lasts ~1.5 hours
- Extras to Pack: Snacks, water bottle, and some cash for the gift shops
Things to See Inside the Salt Museum:
The Geological & Mining Museum inside the mine features:
- Salt specimens in different colors
- Historical mining tools
- Educational displays about salt geology
- A display of fossils and minerals found in the Salt Range
Asthma Resort & Salt Therapy:
Khewra isn’t just a tourist destination, it’s also a healing retreat. The PMDC Asthma Resort offers salt therapy in deep mine chambers. Visitors spend time inhaling salt-infused air, believed to benefit respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis. There are 12 salt-brick cabins designed for therapeutic stays.
Nearby Attractions and Dining:
- Salt Range Mountains: Ideal for scenic drives and light hiking
- Salt Bazaar: Pick up salt lamps, cooking salt, candleholders, and salt bricks
- Local Restaurants : Enjoy desi cuisine just outside the mine; options range from casual dhabas to family-style eateries
Significance of Khewra Salt Mine:
Khewra isn’t just a national treasure, it’s a symbol of Pakistan’s natural wealth, contributing heavily to the country’s salt exports under the global name “Himalayan Pink Salt.” With an estimated 600 million tons of reserves, the mine is expected to remain productive for centuries.
Final Thoughts:
Whether you’re into natural wonders, Islamic architecture, geological history, or healing retreats, the Khewra Salt Mines offer something truly one-of-a-kind. It’s one of the top places to attract foreigners, a must-see destination for Islamabad tourism, and an ideal spot for those exploring the cultural tradition and natural scenery of Pakistan.
So, pack your camera and curiosity, because Khewra Salt Mines is not just a mine; it’s a multi-sensory underground journey into Pakistan’s proud geological legacy.
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