Khewra Mines in Pakistan

Khewra mines Pakistan for overseas visitors

International visitors often land in Islamabad or Lahore first. The mine sits in northern Punjab's Salt Range, roughly three to four hours by car from either city via the M-2 motorway and Chakwal exit. Pakistan uses PMDC signage at the gate; staff may speak limited English but the train route is self-explanatory once you pass the counter.

The plural mines label on maps matches how Pakistanis describe the whole workings. English travel sites usually shorten it to Khewra Salt Mine for the tourist entrance. Both names point to the same gate on the Khewra-Chakwal road.

For US-style tour planning (what you see underground, how long it takes), read visitor hub. For photos before you book flights, browse mine pictures.

What are the Khewra mines?

The Khewra mines are underground chambers and tunnels in a thick halite (rock salt) deposit in the Salt Range. Mining expanded in the British era from 1872, and PMDC has managed operations since independence.

Many people use the plural "mines" because the complex has multiple levels and both working industrial headings and older chambers used for tourism. The singular name Khewra Salt Mine usually refers to the same overall site.

Khewra mines location

The mines are in Khewra, Pind Dadan Khan Tehsil, Jhelum District, Punjab. The visitor entrance is commonly listed at approximately 32.6479° N, 73.0084° E on the Khewra-Chakwal road.

The gate is about 3 km from Khewra railway station. See location and directions for maps and routes from major cities.

Who operates Khewra mines?

PMDC (Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation) manages mining and visitor operations at the site. This website is an independent guide and is not affiliated with PMDC.

Rock salt from Khewra is processed for domestic markets and export. Pink and white halite layers are used in edible salt, lamps, and decorative products. Read pink salt mine for how Khewra fits Himalayan pink salt searches, and Khewra pink rock salt for geological background on colour bands.

Tourist section vs industrial workings

Visitors enter through the PMDC gate and follow a managed tourist route. That route typically includes the electric train, walking sections, the Badshahi Mosque salt replica, Sheesh Mahal, and a brine lake viewing area. Staff keep tourists away from active industrial zones.

Do not leave marked visitor paths. Photography rules are posted at the entrance.

Scale and depth

Khewra is among the largest and longest-operating rock salt mines in Pakistan by commonly reported production volume. Published geological surveys describe workings extending well below the tourist level.

We do not publish production tonnage figures here. For technical data, refer to PMDC and Geological Survey of Pakistan publications.

Planning a visit to Khewra mines

Allow two to three hours on site for the standard tour. Arrive early on weekends to shorten queue time at the train. Check weather for surface heat in summer and bring a light jacket for the cool underground air.

Browse mine photos before you go. For routes from Lahore or Islamabad, use our Lahore and Islamabad distance pages.