A Pinch of Salt (My recent visit to Khewra Salt Mines) – July 2017:
Please note this post has nothing to do with my favorite topic namely “music”, however no need to read it with a pinch of salt.
It was a truly amazing experience when I recently visited Pakistan’s largest & oldest salt mines which also happen to be the world’s 2nd largest natural salt mines, namely “Khewra Salt Mines” located north of Pind Dadan Khan, Pakistan.
It is hard to believe that the estimated reserves of 82 to 600 million tons were discovered in 320 BC when Alexander the Great crossed the Jhelum and Mianwali region during his Indian campaign. Interestingly enough, the mines were not discovered by Alexander himself, nor his allies or enemies but by his army’s horses which were found licking the stones / rocks when thirsty!!!
It was amazing to be underground (around 6 to 7 levels/floors) in caves purely made up of rock salt; there were different shades of salt: semi-translucent, white, reddish to beef red, pink, milky white and dull white, etc… The landscape of the walls contained beautiful alternate bands of red and white color salt in shapes of natural faults, joints, burrows, folds, stalactites and stalagmites throughout the caves. If one placed their Smartphone (any brand) on the wall with the “Torch” light on, the wall and bricks would light up like tiles in Michael Jacksons’ 80s “Billie Jean” video!!!
One was amazed by the topography of the caves which contained mini chambers (lakes) filled with saturated brine solution; the water seeps through the mine’s walls and roof collecting naturally over time. These chambers were lit up with constantly changing colored lighting creating a surreal and pleasant impact on the eyes; I would love to shoot a music video here one day.
However, literally the most “coolest” character of the caves was the constant temperature which remained at around 18 degrees Celsius throughout the year; in addition to never worrying about running out of table salt, one also does not need to worry about power shortages as natural air conditioning included in the tour.
In addition to the natural beauty of the salt mines, anything man-made we came across was made up pure salt, i.e. a mosque (where one can actually pray in), a full functioning first aid infirmary, replica of Minar-e-Pakistan, entrance reception desk, souvenirs shop, etc… One humble request I would make to Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) would be to also include traditional musicians playing folk music on instruments made purely out of salt; would love to jam with them.
A visit to the Khewra Salt Mines is highly recommended to tourists and every Pakistani in general, but especially Pakistanis living abroad (who typically are more familiar with the bigger cities). Pakistan has so much natural beauty and tourism to offer, if only our other natural assets (i.e. beaches, hill stations, deserts, etc…) were presented and preserved in the same manner as the Khewra Salt mines; this, I am not saying this with a “pinch of salt”. Make sure to visit the Khewra Salt Mines and be prepared to be amazed and lick the walls (like Alexander’s horses did in 320 BC)!!!A Pinch of Salt (Khewra Salt Mines)
Harmonic Impact 