The small train
Into the long tunnel.
Smsarmad — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France — CC BY 2.0 · Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France — CC BY 2.0 · Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France — CC BY 2.0 · Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France — CC BY 2.0
Khewra Salt Mine is the world's second largest salt mine, in the town of Khewra in the Salt Range of Punjab. It is famous for pink salt, often marketed as Himalayan salt, and draws up to 250,000 visitors a year. Going down into its glittering tunnels is unlike any historic site in the country, and it suits families especially well. Its story goes back to its discovery by Alexander's troops in 326 BC, according to the common account, with trade beginning in the Mughal era. The main tunnel at ground level was developed by the mining engineer H. Warth in 1872 under British rule. The mine still works today alongside the tourist tours. Visitors usually go in by small train through a long tunnel, then walk among walls of salt in pink and white. There are models built from salt blocks, including a small mosque lit from within, with salt bricks glowing orange. The air is dry and fairly cool, so bring a light layer, and the floor may be damp. It is about 115 km in a straight line from Islamabad and about 63 km from Rohtas Fort. A car is the best way there. Tours get crowded on holidays, so start early. Do not lick the walls, as they are not clean.
Into the long tunnel.
Pink and white.
Bricks glowing from within.
Khewra, Salt Range, Punjab, Pakistan
Usually yes, though the walk is fairly long and some tunnels are narrow.
Yes, it still works alongside the tourist tours.