Much to say about Nothing: Khewra Salt Mines, Pakistan

The Khewra Salt Mine (or Mayo Salt Mine) is located in Khewra, north of Pind Dadan Khan, an administrative subdivision of Jhelum District, Punjab, Pakistan. It is Pakistan's largest and oldest salt mine and the world's second largest. It is a major tourist attaction, drawing up to 250,000 visitors a year. Its history dates back to its discovery by Alexander's troops in 320 BC, but it started trading in the Mughal era.The main tunnel at ground level was developed by Dr. H. Warth, a mining engineer, in 1872, during British rule. After partition the Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation took over the mine, which still remains the largest source of salt in the country, producing more than 350,000 tons per annum of about 99% pure halite.Estimates of the reserves of salt in the mine vary from 82 million tonsto 600 million tons.

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^{Getting There:}

^{Khewra Salt Mine is situated in Pind Dadan Khan Tehsil of Jhelum District. Located about 200 km (125 miles) from Islamabad and Lahore, it is accessed via the M2 motorway, about 30 kilometers (20 miles) off the Lilla interchange while going towards Pind Dadan Khan on the Lilla road. The mine is in mountains that are part of a salt range, a mineral-rich mountain system extending about 200 km from the Jehlum river south of Pothohar Plateau to where the Jehlum river joins the Indus river. Khewra mine is about 288 meters (945 feet) above sea level and about 730 meters (2400 feet) into the mountain from the mine entrance. The underground mine covers an area of 110 km² (43 sq. miles).}

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^{Best Time to Visit:}

^{Temperature inside the mine is constant 18-20 degree Celsius through out the year therefore very comfortable to visit. Timings are from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. It takes approximately 1 Hr 30 Min to 2 Hrs to do justice with the tunnel to quench thirst for the inquisitive. Its a good idea to plan your trip so as to be out of the tunnel before sunset so keep track of time.}

^Food:

^{There are small food stalls available at the entrance of the tunnel along with reasonable sitting area. You can bring in your own food packed or buy the delicious Biryani / local burgers available at the stalls. Cold soft drinks and ice cream also available.}
^{Further there is a small stall inside the tunnel which sells snacks as well.}

^{CAUTION: Please do not litter inside the tunnel. Either bring it back outside and throw in the trash bins or look for a proper waste disposal.}

^Entrance:

^{Entrance charges are:}
^{Adult : Rs. 120}
^{Child : Rs. 60}
^{Cart ride : Rs. 60 per person}
^{This Rs. 60 charge includes the small cart (train) ride in and out of tunnel plus guided tour. Otherwise it is almost 30 min walk to go inside the tunnel. If you intend on walking then be sure to have comfortable walking shoes.}