Plizio Visual Lab
Khewra Salt Mine
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
tourist-attraction
The Khewra Salt Mine, located in the Jhelum District of Punjab, is the world's second-largest salt mine and a major tourist attraction in Pakistan. Its discovery dates back to 326 BCE when the horses of Alexander the Great's army were found licking the salty rocks, revealing the vast subterranean deposits. Situated in the Salt Range mountains, the mine produces over 350,000 tons of high-quality pink Himalayan salt annually. Systematic mining began during the Mughal era, but it was further modernized under British rule in 1872 by Dr. H. Warth. Today, the mine features an extensive network of tunnels and chambers, some of which are open to the public. Visitors can ride a vintage electric train deep into the mine to see memorable salt brick structures, including a glowing mosque, a miniature Minar-e-Pakistan, and various salt bridges. The mine's unique microclimate, with its constant cool temperature and saline air, is also used for salt therapy (halotherapy) to treat respiratory conditions. Khewra remains a fascinating blend of industrial achievement and natural geological wonder.
- Location: Pakistan
- Top sights: Salt Mines Rail · Khewra Salt Mines
- Nearby: Chiniot (30 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Oct, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 12 | 15 | 21 | 27 | 33 | 36 | 34 | 32 | 30 | 25 | 19 | 14 |
| Rain mm | 21 | 45 | 49 | 38 | 31 | 76 | 177 | 127 | 63 | 13 | 9 | 14 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The mine operates as a major official tourist attraction where guided tours take visitors deep underground to walk through the beautifully illuminated, cavernous salt tunnels and chambers.
Typical hours
It is usually open to visitors daily from morning until late afternoon; however, it is always advisable to check local sources for exact tour departure times during the season of your specific visit.
Photography
Bring a good camera capable of decent low-light performance to successfully capture the colorful natural salt formations and the famously glowing small mosque constructed entirely of salt bricks.
Time needed
A typical guided underground electric train ride combined with a walking tour of the main accessible caverns and historical workings will generally take around one and a half to two full hours.
Combine with
You can easily combine this fascinating subterranean excursion with a worthwhile trip to the nearby Katas Raj Temples, another highly significant historical site located within a reasonable driving distance.
Getting there
Situated prominently in the Jhelum District, this massive complex is most conveniently reached by hiring a private car or taking arranged transport directly from Islamabad or Lahore via the modern motorway.
Insider tip
Ensure you wear sturdy, comfortable shoes as the ground inside the caverns can be wet and uneven, and bring a light jacket since the subterranean temperature remains cool and constant year-round.
Geography
Facts
- Alexander the Great's army discovered the salt deposits in 326 BCE.
- The mine is the second largest in the world, with tunnels spanning 40 km.
- It yields approximately 350,000 tons of salt per year, mostly pink salt.
- The main tunnel was developed in 1872 by British engineer Dr. H. Warth.
- The Badshahi Mosque replica inside is built entirely of salt bricks.
- The mine maintains a constant temperature of 18-20°C throughout the year.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Khewra Salt Mine (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Khewra Salt Mine?
The second-largest salt mine in the world, which is also a popular tourist attraction.
Does a train go inside?
Yes, a small electric train takes tourists deep into the mine.
Is it cold inside?
The temperature is pleasantly cool all year round.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, the train ride and the colorful salt formations fascinate children very much.
What can you buy there?
There are many souvenirs made of salt, such as lamps and artistic salt figures.
Khewra Salt Mine: where is it located?
Khewra Salt Mine is located in Pakistan.
Khewra Salt Mine: what is there to see?
Highlights include Salt Mines Rail, Khewra Salt Mines.
Khewra Salt Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Oct, Nov.
Khewra Salt Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Khewra Salt Mine, located in the Jhelum District of Punjab, is the world's second-largest salt mine and a major tourist attraction in Pakistan.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Pakistan →
Nearby cities
Gujranwala
Known as the 'City of Wrestlers', this metropolis is famous for its industrial strength and legendary food scene.
Sahiwal
Sahiwal is a city in Punjab, known for its Sahiwal cattle breed and cotton industry.
Dera Ghazi Khan
Strategic city at the foot of the Sulaiman Mountains, where Punjab meets Baluchistan.
Hafizabad
Hafizabad is a city in the Punjab province and another major center for rice production.
Chiniot
Chiniot is a city in Punjab, famous for its exquisite wooden furniture craftsmanship.
Kamoke
Kamoke is a city in the Gujranwala District of Punjab, famous for its rice cultivation.
Jhelum (city)
The city of Jhelum is located on the banks of the Jhelum River in Punjab and is known for its large expatriate community.
Sadiqabad
Sadiqabad is a city in the Rahim Yar Khan District of the Punjab province.
Burewala
Burewala is a city in the Vehari District of Punjab and an important agricultural center.
Muridke
Muridke is a city near Lahore in Punjab, a fast-growing industrial and commercial center.
Gojra
Gojra is a city in the Toba Tek Singh District of Punjab, a center for the cultivation of crops and sugarcane.
Mandi Bahauddin
Mandi Bahauddin is a city in the Punjab province, known for its fertile soils and agricultural output.
Daska
Daska is an industrial city in the Sialkot District, known for its manufacturing of agricultural machinery.
Pakpattan
Pakpattan is an ancient city in Punjab, famous as the home of the shrine of the Sufi saint Baba Farid.
Toba Tek Singh
Toba Tek Singh is a city in Punjab, immortalized in a famous short story by Saadat Hasan Manto.
History & landmarks
More places
Khewra Salt Mine
The world's second-largest salt mine and a major source of pink Himalayan salt.
Katas Raj Temples
A complex of Hindu temples dedicated to a pond that is considered sacred to the god Shiva.
Pothohar Plateau
The Pothohar Plateau is located in northern Punjab and is characterized by hilly terrain with severe erosion.
Taxila Ruins
A complex of archaeological sites showcasing the remains of an ancient Gandharan city.
Faisalabad Textile Industry
Known as the 'Manchester of Pakistan', Faisalabad is the hub of the country's textile industry.
Archaeological Sites of Taxila
A significant archaeological site with remains dating back to several eras, including the Achaemenid, Mauryan, and Kushan periods.
Punjab Wheat Fields
The endless wheat fields of Punjab, the breadbasket of Pakistan, are the backbone of agriculture.
Rohtas Fort
A massive 16th-century fortress built by Sher Shah Suri.