288mHistoricalCulturalScenic

Khewra Salt Mines

About

The second-largest salt mine in the world and the oldest in South Asia, producing around 400,000 tonnes of Himalayan pink salt annually from a vast underground network of tunnels, chambers, and salt formations. Inside, brick structures built from pink salt blocks glow amber under electric light - including a replica of the Badshahi Mosque, a small post office, and a salt lake - making it one of Pakistan's most extraordinary and surreal tourist attractions.

History

Salt was first mined at Khewra by the Janjua Rajputs before the arrival of the Mughals, who expanded extraction significantly. According to local legend, Alexander the Great's horses licked the rock salt here in 326 BC, leading to the mine's discovery. Under British rule the mine was surveyed and systematised by Dr. H. Warth in 1849, who introduced the room-and-pillar mining technique still in use today. The Mughals built some of the earliest brick salt-block structures inside the mine - the oldest sections date to Sher Shah Suri's era in the 16th century. The mine currently has 19 working levels, of which 11 are below ground, extending 730m into the mountain.

Nearby Places

Viewpoints, food, and stops nearby (approximate distances).

Landmark0.2 km
Khewra Mine Interior
The main tourist route through illuminated salt chambers, including the Badshahi Mosque replica, crystal salt formations, and a briny underground lake - a 45-minute guided tour by rail trolley.
Landmark0.3 km
Salt Badshahi Mosque Replica
A scale model of Lahore's Badshahi Mosque built entirely from pink salt bricks inside the mine - one of Pakistan's most unusual architectural sights.
Viewpoint0.4 km
Khewra Underground Lake
A small brine lake deep inside the mine, its surface still and perfectly reflecting the pink salt ceiling above.
Market1.0 km
Khewra Town Bazaar
The small town outside the mine entrance, with stalls selling Himalayan pink salt lamps, sculptures, cookware, and bath products.
Viewpoint5.0 km
Salt Range Viewpoint
The escarpment above Khewra offers broad views over the Punjab plains to the south and Salt Range ridges to the north.
Landmark15.0 km
Pind Dadan Khan
The nearest sizeable town to Khewra, with hotels, fuel, and transport connections on the Jhelum–Khushab road.
Viewpoint35.0 km
Kallar Kahar Lake
The scenic saline lake town in the Salt Range - a natural complement to a Khewra visit on the same trip.