| Duration: | 8 Hour(s) - 0 Minute(s) |
| Tour Category: | Full Day Tours |
One-day tour to Kalar Kahar, Katas Raj Temples, Salt mines.
Katas Raj and the Khewra Salt Mine are two major historical and natural attractions in Pakistan's Punjab region, often combined in day trips. The Katas Raj temple complex, with its ancient Hindu temples and sacred pond, is situated in the picturesque Salt Range. Nearby, the Khewra Salt Mine is one of the world's largest salt mines, renowned for its vibrant pink salt and fascinating structures carved from the same material.
Katas Raj Temples
Historical Significance: The complex is believed to be over 1,000 years old, with origins dating back to the Hindu Shahi dynasty.
Mythological Connection: According to legend, the site's sacred pond, Katakshkund, was formed from the tears of the Hindu god Shiva after the death of his wife, Sati.
Temple Complex: The site features a cluster of seven ancient temples, plus a Buddhist stupa and a warrior's home, connected by walkways.
Khewra Salt Mine
Nestled in the foothills of the Salt Range in Pakistan's Punjab province lies the Khewra Salt Mine, a natural wonder of staggering proportions. As the world's second-largest salt mine and Pakistan's oldest and largest, it is the primary source of the famed pink Himalayan salt, a resource that has shaped the region's history, economy, and culture for centuries.
Discovery: The mine was discovered in 326 BC by Alexander the Great's troops, who noticed their horses licking the salt rocks.
Size and Production: It is the world's second-largest salt mine, producing approximately 325,000 tons of salt annually.
Unique Features: Visitors can explore a fully functional post office made of salt bricks, a replica of the Great Wall of China, and a miniature version of the Badshahi Mosque, all built from salt bricks that glow in a yellowish hue.
Popular Attraction: The mine attracts approximately 250,000 visitors annually.
Combination and logistics
Both attractions are located in the Chakwal district of Punjab, making it convenient to visit them on a single-day trip.
Many tour operators offer day trips that include transportation, guides, and entry tickets to both sites.
While the mine is bustling, the temples can be a more serene experience, especially at sunset.