Kallar Kahar Lake

Where is Kallar Kahar?

Kallar Kahar is a town and lake in Chakwal District, Punjab, on the eastern flank of the Salt Range. It sits directly beside the M-2 motorway, roughly 25 km east of Khewra town and the salt mine visitor entrance.

Chakwal city is about 30 km west of the mine and 25 km southwest of the lake. Many Punjab day-trippers use Kallar Kahar as a motorway landmark when driving between Lahore, Islamabad, and Khewra.

For driving distances from major cities, see our Lahore and Islamabad distance pages.

Kallar Kahar Lake

The lake is a natural body of water at the foot of low Salt Range hills. Boating is available on calm days. Pedal boats and rowboats are common. Lakeside paths suit a short walk after the underground mine tour.

A hilltop shrine overlooks the water. Visitors climb a stepped path for views across the lake and surrounding hills. Dress modestly if you plan to enter shrine areas.

Lakeside restaurants serve basic Punjabi meals. Options are simpler than city restaurants but adequate for a lunch stop between the mine and the motorway.

M-2 service area

The Kallar Kahar service area on M-2 is one of the best rest stops between Lahore and the Chakwal exit. It has fuel stations, restaurants, a mosque, and restrooms.

Lahore drivers heading north pass this area about two hours before the Chakwal interchange. Islamabad drivers heading south reach it roughly one hour after leaving the capital region.

Our motorway from Lahore guide lists M-2 exits and the final 30 km from Chakwal to Khewra.

Combining Kallar Kahar with the mine

A popular Salt Range day trip: mine in the morning, lake in the afternoon. Do the underground tour first while you are fresh. Drive 25 km east to Kallar Kahar for boating or lunch on the return leg.

A full-day loop from Lahore: leave at 6 AM, arrive at the mine by 10 AM, finish the tour by 1 PM, stop at Kallar Kahar, return via M-2 by 7 PM. Add an hour each way on long weekends.

Katas Raj Temples sit 25 km northeast of the mine. A two-day Salt Range weekend can cover mine, Kallar Kahar, and Katas Raj. See our nearby attractions guide and visit planner for sample timelines.

Swaik Lake and nearby stops

Swaik Lake lies a short drive from Kallar Kahar in the Salt Range foothills. It attracts visitors who want a quieter water stop than the main lake beside M-2.

Chakwal city bazaars sit 25 to 30 km from both the lake and the mine. Useful for snacks, fuel, and travel supplies on a multi-stop weekend.