Wonders of Rock Salt
Khewra Salt Mines is a salt mine located in Khewra, Jhelum District, Punjab in Pakistan, about 160 kilometres (99 mi) from Islamabad and 260 kilometres (160 mi) from Lahore. It attracts up to 40,000 visitors per year and is the second largest salt mine in the world. Situated in the foothills of the Salt Range, the Khewra Salt Mines are the oldest in the South Asia.
Salt has been mined at Khewra since 320 BC following its discovery by Alexander’s troops, in an underground area of about 110 square kilometres (42 sq mi). The main tunnel at ground level was developed by Dr. Warth in 1872 but has since been converted into a tourist resort. Khewra salt mine has estimated total of 220 million tonnes of rock salt deposits. The current production from the mine is 465,000 tons salt per annum.
The mine-head buildings have 19 stories, with 11 below ground. Only 50% salt is extracted and 50% is left as pillars to support the mountain. The salt-mine is 288 metres (945 ft) above sea level and extends around 730 metres (2,400 ft) inside the mountains from the mine-mouth. The cumulative length of all tunnels is more than 40 kilometres (25 mi).
The Khewra Salt Mines are the oldest and largest in Pakistan and second largest in the world. 250 000 visitors attend each year, many from abroad,
The sat mines are a great place for any one interested in the geology. For kids, it is an excellent opportunity to learn about rocks & minerals. For anyone coming from Islamabad, one can easily visit Katas Raj temples on the way to Khewra mines. That route is also good as from Katas to Khewra, it is mostly downhil drive making is slightly easier to maneuver the winding (at times narrow) & not so good road.
Salt mines offer a train ride. One can also prefer to walk. I'd suggest the walk as it is less noisy, you get to roam at your own pace and get to see the old areas in the mines from where salt has been extracted and now there are large water ponds and huge salt icicles hanging from the ceiling.
Salt Mine Inside and Every thing of Salt made ..
Salt made Dolphin.
