The Khewra Salt Mine
Have you ever been treated in a clinic made of salt? Surely an unimaginable but unforgettable experience it could be which offers a visit filled with curiosity as well. Allergic Asthma Clinic established on the seventh working level of the Khewra Salt Mine is a one-of-a-kind unique feature grabbing the attention of visitors worldwide.
Rising abruptly from the Punjab plains west of the River Jhelum and ending equally precipitously on the Indus River, one hundred and eighty kilometers in the west, the Salt Range is a long linear formation of sheer escarpments, jagged peaks, rolling hills, and desolate ravines. The Khewra Salt Mine, located in the Punjab province of Pakistan, is one of the world’s oldest and largest salt mines. Situated in the foothills of the Salt Range, this mine is an extraordinary geological and historical marvel that attracts thousands of tourists annually.
Discovered during the reign of Alexander the Great, the Khewra Salt Mine has a rich history that dates back over 2,000 years. Legend has it that Alexander’s troops found the mine when their horses began licking the salty rocks. The mine gained prominence during the Mughal era and later under British colonial rule when extensive mining operations began.
The mine is renowned for its extensive reserves and high-quality salt. It stretches approximately 19 kilometers into the mountains and reaches a depth of about 730 meters. The mine comprises 17 levels, with only a small portion open to visitors, making it a vast underground network. The salt extracted from Khewra is primarily halite, or rock salt, and is renowned for its distinctive pink hue, attributed to the presence of various minerals, including iron oxide. Tourism plays a significant role in the Khewra Salt Mine’s modern identity. The Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC) has developed the mine into a major tourist destination, creating an intricate network of illuminated tunnels and chambers. Among the highlights of the tour are the impressive salt formations, including stalactites and stalagmites, which have been naturally sculpted over centuries.
A Place of Salt Wonders:
Walking inside the mines the visitors come across marvels such as a mosque, a model of Minar-e-Pakistan, a dispensary, Chaghi mountain, and some other colorful buildings all made up of salt bricks.
Visitors can also explore various salt structures carved by miners, such as the famous “Badshahi Mosque,” a replica of Lahore’s iconic mosque, entirely made of salt bricks. One of the most fascinating features of the Khewra Salt Mine is the assembly hall known as the “Sheesh Mahal” (Palace of Mirrors). This chamber is adorned with crystals that reflect light, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Additionally, the mine hosts a salt bridge without any pillars, an engineering marvel demonstrating the structural integrity of the salt deposits. The Khewra Salt Mine is not only a tourist attraction but also an important economic asset. It produces around 387,747 tons of salt annually, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s economy. The salt is used domestically and exported globally, finding applications in various industries, from food processing to chemical manufacturing.
The Khewra Salt Mine, with its rich historical tapestry and geological grandeur, continues to captivate and inspire. From its legendary discovery to its current status as a major tourist attraction, the mine—and its extraordinary clinic—stands as a testament to the timeless allure of nature’s wonders.
