Khewra Salt Mine: Exploring Pakistan’s Underground Wonder

Deep within the rugged mountains of the Salt Range in Punjab, Pakistan, lies a wonder that has captivated visitors for centuries. The khewra salt mine, also known as the Mayo Salt Mine, is not just an industrial site but a mesmerizing underground city carved entirely out of salt. As the world’s second-largest salt mine, it stands as a testament to both nature’s geological prowess and human engineering. For anyone traveling through Pakistan, a visit to the khewra salt mine offers an experience that is as educational as it is surreal, taking you into a glowing world of pink and white crystal.

The khewra salt mine is famous far beyond Pakistan’s borders. Its distinctive pink salt, often marketed globally as Himalayan salt, is prized by chefs and wellness enthusiasts alike. But the mine itself is so much more than a source of this mineral. It is a historical landmark, a therapeutic center, and a tourist destination that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Walking through its massive tunnels, you witness breathtaking salt mosques, crystal streams, and illuminated chambers that look like something out of a fantasy novel. This guide will take you deep into the heart of the khewra salt mine, uncovering its ancient history, its modern marvels, and everything you need to plan your own visit.

The Location: Where is Khewra Salt Mine?

Understanding the khewra salt mine location is the first step in planning your adventure. The mine is situated in the town of Khewra, which lies in the Pind Dadan Khan Tehsil of Jhelum District in the Punjab province of Pakistan . This places it in the heart of the famous Salt Range, a mineral-rich mountain system that extends for about 200 kilometers from the Jhelum River in the east to the Indus River near Kalabagh in the west .

The khewra salt mine location is approximately 160 kilometers (about 100 miles) from both Islamabad, the capital, and Lahore, the cultural heart of Pakistan . This makes it an ideal destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway from either city. The mine sits at an elevation of about 288 meters (945 feet) above sea level, and its entrance burrows about 730 meters (2,400 feet) into the mountain . The entire underground complex covers a vast area of 110 square kilometers (42 square miles) .

Reaching the mine is quite straightforward. The most common route is via the M-2 Motorway, which connects Lahore and Islamabad. Travelers take the Lilla interchange and then drive for about 30 kilometers towards Pind Dadan Khan on the Lilla road, following the signs to Khewra . The drive itself is scenic, winding through the foothills of the Salt Range and offering glimpses of the region’s rugged beauty.

Khewra Salt Mine History: From Alexander the Great to the Modern Era

The khewra salt mine history is a rich tapestry that stretches back over 2,000 years, involving ancient armies, Mughal emperors, Sikh rulers, and British engineers. It is a story of accidental discovery, commercial enterprise, and national pride.

Discovery by the Army of Alexander the Great

The most famous legend surrounding the khewra salt mine history dates back to 326 BC. It is said that the salt reserves at Khewra were discovered by the troops of Alexander the Great during his Indian campaign . Interestingly, the discovery was not made by the soldiers themselves, but by their horses. While the army was camped in the region, the horses were seen licking the stones, revealing the presence of rock salt . Another version of the story adds that ailing horses in his army recovered after licking the rocks, further highlighting the mineral’s value . While the historical accuracy of this tale is debated, it remains the most popular and romantic origin story associated with the mine.

Mining During the Mughal and Sikh Eras

For centuries after its discovery, the salt at Khewra was mined on a small scale. It was during the Mughal era (16th to 18th centuries) that the salt trade began to flourish in earnest. The Mughal emperors recognized the value of this resource, and salt from Khewra was traded in markets as far away as Central Asia . It was also during this period that craftsmen first began using rock salt to create artistic and decorative items like tableware and ornaments .

Following the decline of the Mughal Empire, the region came under Sikh rule in the early 19th century. The management of the salt mines in the Salt Range was divided between two powerful Sikh leaders: Hari Singh Nalwa, the Commander-in-Chief of the Sikh Empire, controlled the Warcha mine, while Raja Gulab Singh of Jammu held the Khewra mine . During this time, the salt quarried was used both for consumption and as a significant source of revenue .

British Development and Modernization

The most transformative period in khewra salt mine history began after the British took control of the region in 1849. In 1872, a British mining engineer named Dr. H. Warth undertook a major survey and development of the mine . He found the existing mining methods to be inefficient and dangerous, with irregular and narrow tunnels. He introduced systematic improvements, leveling roads, building warehouses, improving water supply, and, most importantly, introducing the “room and pillar” method of mining that is still used today . It was also Dr. Warth who introduced the use of a lathe to carve art pieces from salt, finding it as easy to work with as gypsum . It is in honor of Lord Mayo, the Viceroy of India who visited the mine, that it is also known as the Mayo Salt Mine .

Post-Independence Era

After Pakistan gained independence in 1947, the mine changed hands several times before being taken over by the Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC) in 1974, which continues to operate it today . In 2008, there was a government proposal to privatize the mine, but the plan was ultimately shelved, ensuring this national asset remains under public sector control .

Geology: The Science Behind the Salt

The khewra salt mine is excavated within the Salt Range Formation, a geological layer dating back to the Ediacaran to early Cambrian period, making the salt nearly 800 million years old . This formation consists of a thick basal layer of crystalline halite (sodium chloride), which is the salt itself, intercalated with potash salts . This layer is overlain by other sedimentary rocks, including gypsum, dolomite, and marl.

The entire Salt Range, including the area around the khewra salt mine, was formed as a result of the ongoing collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, which also created the Himalayas. This immense pressure caused ancient layers of salt to be folded, faulted, and thrust upwards, creating the mountains we see today .

The salt from the khewra salt mine is famously pure, with a halite content of up to 99% . Its characteristic pink, red, or off-white color comes from trace elements, primarily iron oxide (rust), as well as zinc, copper, manganese, and lead, which are naturally present in the salt . Estimates of the total salt reserves within the mine vary widely, from 82 million tons to a staggering 600 million tons, guaranteeing its operation for centuries to come .

Mining Operations and Production

Today, the khewra salt mine is a massive industrial operation. It is Pakistan’s largest source of salt, producing more than 350,000 tons of salt per annum, which accounts for nearly half of the country’s total rock salt production . The mine is structured in nineteen stories, with eleven of them located below ground . The total length of its tunnels is an incredible 40 kilometers (25 miles) .

The mining method used is the “room and pillar” technique, introduced by Dr. Warth. This involves extracting 50% of the salt in a given area, leaving the other 50% behind as massive pillars to support the roof of the mine . This ensures the structural integrity and safety of the underground workings. A 2-foot (610 mm) narrow-gauge railway track, laid during the British era, is still used to transport salt out of the mine in small rail cars .

The salt extracted is used for a wide variety of purposes. It is crushed for edible and industrial use, used as brine, and processed for agricultural purposes. A significant portion is also crafted into decorative items such as lamps, vases, ashtrays, and statues, which are exported to the United States, India, and many European countries .

Tourism: An Underground Wonderland

While the industrial output is impressive, it is the tourism aspect that truly makes the khewra salt mine unique. Since its conversion into a tourist attraction, the mine has become one of Pakistan’s most visited sites, drawing up to 250,000 visitors a year . Visitors are taken deep into the mountain on the small railway, entering a world of illuminated salt. The temperature inside remains a constant 18–20°C (64–68°F) year-round, offering a cool escape from the Punjab heat .

The Badshahi Masjid

Perhaps the most famous attraction inside the mine is the Badshahi Masjid. Built entirely from salt bricks, this beautiful mosque is a replica of the famous Badshahi Masjid in Lahore . The bricks, which are multi-colored in shades of pink and white, were carved from the salt walls of the mine itself, creating a serene and unique place of worship .

Sheesh Mahal (The Palace of Mirrors)

Another breathtaking sight is the Sheesh Mahal, or “Palace of Mirrors.” This is not a palace made of glass, but a chamber where the salt crystals are exceptionally light pink and translucent. When illuminated, the walls sparkle and glow, creating a dazzling effect as if the entire room is covered in mirrors or gems .

Other Artistic Carvings

Throughout the mine, visitors can see a variety of artistic salt carvings. These include a replica of Minar-e-Pakistan, a statue of the national poet Allama Iqbal, a model of the Great Wall of China, and even a salt accumulation that naturally forms the name “Muhammad” in Urdu script . The “Crystal Valley” is a section of the tunnel lined with stunning salt crystals, and “Pul-Saraat” is a salt bridge built over a deep, salty brine pond .

The Assembly Hall and Salt Therapy Clinic

The mine also features a large, 75-meter-high chamber known as the Assembly Hall, which is used for public gatherings and events. Most importantly, in 2007, a 20-bed clinical ward was established within the mine to provide salt therapy for patients with asthma and other respiratory diseases . The micro-climate inside the mine, with its salt-infused, pollen-free air, is believed to have therapeutic benefits .

Planning Your Visit

A trip to the khewra salt mine is an unforgettable experience. Here is what you need to know to plan your visit.

Best Time to Visit

The mine is open year-round, and the constant internal temperature makes it a good destination in any season. However, the best time to visit, especially for a comfortable journey from Lahore or Islamabad, is during the winter months (October to March) when the weather outside is pleasant for travel. Summer months can be extremely hot for the drive, though the mine itself offers a cool respite.

How to Get There

• By Road: The most common way is to drive from Lahore or Islamabad via the M-2 Motorway. Take the Lilla interchange and follow the signs to Pind Dadan Khan and then Khewra. The total distance is about 160 km from either city .
• By Train: In recent years, Pakistan Railways has operated special tourist trains from Lahore and Rawalpindi to Khewra. It is worth checking with Pakistan Railways for current schedules and availability .

What to Expect Inside

• Visitors are taken inside on a small train.
• The tour covers several kilometers of the main tunnel, with stops at the main attractions like the Badshahi Masjid, Sheesh Mahal, and the salt therapy clinic.
• There is a small café and a souvenir shop inside where you can buy salt lamps and other decorative items.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as there is a fair amount of walking involved. The temperature is cool, so a light jacket is recommended even in summer.

Conclusion

The khewra salt mine is far more than just a hole in the ground. It is a place where ancient history, geological wonder, and modern tourism converge. From the legendary horses of Alexander the Great that first discovered the salt to the intricate salt architecture of the Badshahi Masjid and the shimmering walls of the Sheesh Mahal, every corner of this mine tells a story. The sheer scale of the operation, with its 40 kilometers of tunnels and 350,000 tons of annual production, is a testament to the importance of the khewra salt mine Pakistan to the nation’s economy and identity. Whether you are a history buff, a geology enthusiast, or simply a traveler looking for a unique experience, a journey into the glowing, pink-hued depths of the khewra salt mine is an adventure that will stay with you forever. Understanding the deep khewra salt mine history makes the visit all the more meaningful, transforming a simple tour into a walk through the ages.

Are you ready to descend into the world’s second-largest salt mine and witness its crystal-clear wonders for yourself? Let the experts at Pakistan Tourism help you plan the perfect trip. We can arrange transport, guided tours, and even combine your visit to the Khewra Salt Mine with other nearby historical attractions. Experience the magic of this underground palace. Visit our website today to customize your tour and book your adventure. Click here to start planning your journey to the Khewra Salt Mine at https://ptcptourism.com/ and let the glow of pink salt light up your travel memories