The Khewra Salt Mines, near Pind Dadan Khan, in the Salt Range region of Punjab, Pakistan is truly a ‘Wonder of the World’. The Salt Range originated 800 million years ago, when the 300 km area under sea water evaporated, followed by geological movement. Khewra, is 100 miles south of Islamabad and is easily accessible from the M2 motorway, at the Lila interchange. This oldest and largest asset of Pakistan and second largest in the world.
. Tourism is a major industry with tours organized underground via the electric small train. Many tourists came here from abroad, they are transported into the mines via train. It attracts up to 40,000 visitors per year and is the second largest salt mine in the world. Trains have been used since 1930s, initially bringing out the loaded salt carts.
- Alexander the Great discovered the mine
Legend has it in 320 B.C. when Alexander the Great made his way across Asia, his army stopped off locally. It was observed that his army’s horses licking the rocks, leading to the discovery of the rock salt.
Evidence of salt trading dates back to the Mughal era, then followed by the Sikh regime. The British took over the mines in 1849. Dr. Warth, a British mining engineer created a main tunnel in 1872. Then the area was further developed and more efficient means of salt extraction was initiated.
Currently 350 000 tons of salt is produced per year. The estimated reserves in the mines are between 90 and 600 million tons. The rock salt or halite is 99% pure. The salt is mined at 18 levels or stories, 8 being above ground and 10 below. Also known as Himalayan salt it has attractive colors, including reds, pinks, off white or transparent. Underground mines cover an area of 43 square miles. The total length of tunnels is 25 miles. The underground temperature is constant, comfortable 18-20 C.
- Café, clinical wards and many more
Inside there is a beautiful 75 meter high ‘assembly hall’, a salt bridge and cafe. Miniature salt models of the Great Wall of China, Mall Road of Murree and Minar-e-Pakistan are present. The illuminated Mosque made of multicolored salt bricks is a favorite for many. Rock salt ornaments e.g. lamps and other decoration pieces can be purchased. They are also exported worldwide as ‘Himalayan rock salt’ items. The mines are operated by the Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation, a Government department. Interestingly in 2007, an underground clinical ward with 20 beds was developed on a trial basis for the salt therapy treatment of respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive airways disease. The feedback has been generally positive and patients from around the world have attended for an inpatient stay in the pure environment of the salt caves.
If you plan to visit the Khewra Salt Mines also drop off at the other local tourist attractions which include Mughal era Kallar Kahar, the ancient Buddhist temples of Katas and the historic military village of Dulmial, with its British cannon war memorial.
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