Katas+Khewra Salt Mines Road Planning Queries

[ahhashmat]

AOA to all

I am sure this topic has bee discussed before but mine is a slight different, atleast i hope.

I live in UK and my parents in south of Islamabad in Naval Anchorage hardly 10-15min drive to Rawat. I am in country nowadays and want to take them out on many places before Ramazan. One of the places as said in the subject is Katas & Khewra Mines.

Now coming to questions:

1) WHAT R0UTE TO ADOPT??? I dont want to take Motorway as it means going all the way up through city traffic and then to Motorway plus its a long distance too. I have two options:

a) MANDRA-CHAKWAL--- CHOA SAIDAN SHAH
b )GUJJAR KHAN --- CHOA SAIDAN SHAH

I'd be taking 2000 Hnda City 2000 A/T so kindly guide me in terms of security and road conditions.

2) I would be taking my parents along who are in mid sixties, since I know nowadays there's killer heat dominates. Would it be sensible to take them on the journey as I plan to go to Katas too. I have been told temp inside the cave is best as in not too cold and not neither hot.

3)Lastly how much a person has to walk if not opt for Rail service in Khewra as I am newbie to the area so I have no idea but I also dont want to get heat stroke so kindlt guide me

Thanks!

[z.u.m.a]

Wsalam!
I would advise you to go from motorway and then Choa Saidan shah road anf after visiting the temples go straight and you'll be at khewra salt mines.From motorway to katas Temples there is nothing to worry about Road is in average condition mostly good and traffic isnt something to worry about.In salt mines you would have to walk almost 2 KMs to get to the proper area better take the train because your parents cant do that much walking and the route to walk is parallel to the train track so its not safe either.Once inside the tour guide will walk you through and that walking is almost for an hour or so.
BTW I happen to be near your residence

[aa78]

Is Mandra-Chakwal road constructed now? It was in pretty bad shape around 2-3 years back when I last traveled on it due to construction for doubling it.

You can also take Chakbeli Road just past Rawat to link to Chakri (takes one hour of traveling) and then continue on motorway to Khewra.

[ahhashmat]

I hear you hammad but buddy I really want to avoid Motorway as it will take me an hour to enter M2 and meanwhile I would already be third down the way if i went through other options as you would know too coz u living nearby...hence really want to avoid that option unless the option i have is big no no due to some reason...

Secondly okay I would now take the train...thanks

[zahid135]

If Chakwal Mandra road is completed then it is best option.
You can also go to Chakri from Rawat then all the way till Kalar Kahar on Motorway...

[ahhashmat]

no clue hence my query abt it..maybe someone who has recently experienced the area may shed some light...else i am flying blindly

though google maps has given me the gujjar khan option not this mandra chakwal one, which was a surprise...

i too has travelled on this route years back when going to faislabad from isb as I go to chakwal bhaun and join m2 through kallar kahar interchange...that not only saved me time but also distance

[ahhashmat]

i think u meant chakbeli road..yes i have been through this road but i would say this road is bumpy....you cannot drive faster than 70-80kmph as then its real uncomfortable then...plus it wont give me much benefit if i take this instead of going all the way up and join motorway in isb