Khewra Salt Mines in Pakistan 

The Khewra Salt Mines — located in Khewra, Punjab, Pakistan — are one of the most famous tourist destinations in the country. Known as the 2nd largest salt mine in the world, this natural wonder attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, including international tourists, students, families, and travel photographers.

Where is Khewra? (Khewra Punjab Location)

Khewra is a town located in the Pind Dadan Khan Tehsil of Jhelum District, Punjab. It sits near the mighty Salt Range, making it one of the most geologically rich areas in Pakistan.

📌 Distances from Major Cities

• Islamabad ➝ Khewra: 175 km

• Lahore ➝ Khewra: 260 km

• Jhelum ➝ Khewra: 60 km

The area is often searched as khewra punjab, khewra in pakistan, or simply khewra, especially by travelers looking for day trips

🏛️ History of Khewra Salt Mines

The salt deposits of Khewra were discovered over 2,300 years ago when Alexander the Great marched his troops through the Punjab region in 326 BC. Although Alexander didn’t mine the salt himself, his horses noticed and licked the salt rocks — revealing the presence of the rich mineral.

Salt mining began formally during the Mughal era, expanded under Sikh rule, and finally industrialized during the British colonial period. Today, Pakistan produces millions of tons of salt annually — a large part coming directly from Khewra.

🧭 What to See Inside the Khewra Salt Mines

Visitors enter through a wide tunnel built during the British era. Inside, the temperature stays between 17–20°C, creating a cool, pleasant environment.

⭐ Top Attractions Inside the Mines:

1️⃣ Salt Mosque (Badshahi Masjid Replica)

A stunning mosque built entirely from pink Himalayan salt blocks, illuminated with LED lights.

2️⃣ Miniature Salt Monuments

Including:

• Salt Taj Mahal
• Minar-e-Pakistan
• Mall Road Lahore
• Great Wall of China
• Shalimar Gardens (mini version)

3️⃣ Crystal Salt Pool

An underground lake with transparent, mineral-rich salt water.

4️⃣ Salt Bridge

A natural salt formation that visitors can view from above.

5️⃣ Office of the Mine Engineer (160 years old)

A preserved historical room from the British era.

6️⃣ World’s Best Pink Himalayan Salt

Only found in the Salt Range of Pakistan.

Weather in Khewr

The weather in Khewra is generally warm in summer and mild in winter. Inside the salt mine, temperatures remain cool throughout the year.Average Weather in Khewra:

Inside the mine: 17°C – 20°C all year(Natural air-conditioning due to salt cavity)

🎟️ Khewra Salt Mines Ticket Price (2026)

(Prices may vary during peak season.)

⏰ Khewra Salt Mines Timings

🔸 Open daily: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🔸 Best visiting time: November to March (cool and pleasant)

Weekends and public holidays are busy — expect crowds.

🚗 How to Reach Khewra Salt Mines

✔ From Islamabad / Rawalpindi

Take M2 Motorway → Lilla Interchange → Pind Dadan Khan → Khewra.

✔ From Lahore

Follow M2 towards Islamabad → Lilla Interchange → Khewra.

✔ Public Transport

Buses to Pind Dadan Khan or Jhelum, then local transport to Khewra.

✔ Train

“Khewra Train Station” operates limited passenger services.

🍽️ Food, Facilities & Accommodation

🌿 On-Site Facilities

• Clean walkways
• Guided tours
• Electric train ride
• Washrooms
• Food stalls
• Souvenir shops selling Himalayan salt lamps

🏨 Nearby Hotels

• Khewra Tourist Rest House
• Private guest houses in Pind Dadan Khan
• Hotels in Jhelum (1-hour drive)

🌟 Why Visit Khewra Salt Mines?

Khewra isn’t just a mine — it’s a blend of:

✔ Natural wonder
✔ Geological history
✔ Family-friendly attraction
✔ Educational experience
✔ Unique salt architecture

🏥 Medical & Asthma-Therapy Facility at Khewra Salt Mines

One of the most unique and often overlooked features of Khewra is that it’s not just a tourist destination — it also offers a specialized therapy facility for asthma and allergy patients: the Khewra Asthma Clinic, built inside the mines and run by Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC).

✅ What is the Asthma Clinic / Resort

• The clinic was established as a special “Asthma Resort” — a salt-therapy centre modeled after similar salt-mine clinics in Poland and Ukraine.
• The facility was built inside the mine, with salt-brick walls and a controlled micro-climate underground — creating a clean, sterile, humidity-controlled environment with salt-rich air, which is believed to help respiratory conditions.
• The original capacity was about 20 beds (when inaugurated in 2007), with planned expansion toward 100 beds to accommodate more patients.

📅 How It Works & Therapy Details

• Patients spend a substantial time breathing the salt-infused air inside the mine: typically about 10+ hours per day in the mine cave, inhaling salty, dust-free air.
• Many asthma patients — including visitors from abroad — reportedly visit the clinic to get relief from allergy-induced asthma or chronic respiratory issues.
• According to PMDC documentation, the clinic treats “asthma developed by allergy” — meaning patients whose asthma is triggered by environmental allergens rather than other causes. PMDC

🌍 For International Tourists or Foreign Patients

• The asthma-therapy service at Khewra has historically attracted patients not only from across Pakistan but also from abroad (e.g., Middle East, Europe, North America) seeking a “natural” approach or salt-therapy aid.
• For foreigners, the stay may involve accommodations in mine-based cabins or nearby hospital/guest-house facilities, depending on the duration and therapy plan.

⚠️ Important Note & Medical Context

• The therapy is described as “natural environment therapy” — patients inhale salt-rich air, not medicines. Dawn
• Some medical professionals caution that while patients may experience temporary relief, there is no confirmed scientific evidence that salt-mine therapy provides a permanent cure for asthma or chronic respiratory diseases. 2
• People with severe asthma attacks or chronic lung conditions should consult a doctor before relying solely on salt-mine therapy and should continue with their prescribed medications.

🧭 Should You Visit Khewra Salt Mines if You Have Asthma or Respiratory Concerns?

Yes — with proper awareness and planning. The Khewra Asthma Clinic offers a rare opportunity in Pakistan for salt-mine based therapy. If you or a family member has allergy-induced asthma or chronic bronchial sensitivity, visiting Khewra’s therapy facility can be beneficial as a supplementary measure — especially combined with regular medical care.

Suggested Precautions:

• Consult a physician before the trip.
• Carry regular asthma medication/inhalers.
• Spend gradual time inside the mine (don’t overdo in first hours).
• Hydrate properly (salt air can feel dry).
• Inform staff at Khewra about any severe symptoms

📝 Travel Tips for Khewra Salt Mines

• Wear comfortable walking shoes
• Carry a jacket (inside is cool)
• Avoid touching delicate salt structures
• Keep water bottles with you
• Weekdays are less crowded
• Photography allowed in most areas

📌 Conclusion

The Khewra Salt Mines are a hidden gem of Pakistan — rich in natural beauty, history, science, and adventure. Whether you’re planning a family day trip or a school tour, this destination offers an unforgettable experience inside one of the world’s largest salt reserves.