288 / metres
Khewra experiences hot summers and mild winters, but the mine interior stays cool year-round, maintaining a constant temperature of around 18°C, making it comfortable for visitors in any season.
Khewra Salt Mine, the world’s second-largest and Pakistan’s oldest salt mine, is a fascinating underground wonder known for its pink Himalayan salt. With illuminated chambers, salt formations, and historic tunnels dating back to Alexander the Great, it attracts thousands of visitors seeking history, geology, and natural beauty.
First discovered when Alexander the Great’s horses started licking the rocks.
Official mining operations began during the Mughal era and were further developed under British rule.
Contributes more than 350,000 tons of salt annually to Pakistan’s economy.
Contains an estimated 82 million tons of rock salt reserves.
Khewra is accessible year-round, with spring and winter offering the most pleasant conditions for outdoor exploration. Summers are hot, but the mine’s cool interior makes visiting comfortable even in peak heat. Winter temperatures remain mild, making it an excellent season for tourists.
Local cuisine around Khewra includes traditional Punjabi dishes such as saag, makki roti, kebabs, and hearty desi curries. Visitors often enjoy simple, home-style meals at local eateries, with fresh lassi and chai adding a delightful local touch to the experience.
Artisans in the region craft beautiful items from Himalayan pink salt, including lamps, décor pieces, tiles, and sculptures. Inside the mine, visitors can also see artistic salt carvings, miniature monuments, and creative installations illuminated to showcase the natural colors of the salt formations.
Khewra’s surrounding area is home to small Punjabi communities engaged mainly in mining, agriculture, and local trade. The population is predominantly rural, with strong cultural traditions, close-knit families, and a lifestyle centered around agriculture and handicrafts.
A beautiful mosque made entirely of salt bricks, illuminated to highlight its stunning architecture.
Crystal-clear underground pools that create an illusion of depth and floating light reflections.
Salt replicas of Pakistan’s national monument and the Great Wall of China, carved by miners.
A dedicated area within the mine where salt therapy is used for treating respiratory issues.
A thrilling train ride that takes visitors deep into the mine through colorfully lit tunnels
Khewra Salt Mine contains over 40 kilometers of tunnels and produces nearly 400,000 tons of salt annually. It houses a mesmerizing underground mosque, salt-made replicas of national monuments, and a therapeutic salt chamber believed to benefit respiratory patients, making it one of Pakistan’s most unique tourist attractions.