Inspired by our last trip to Rohtas Fort, https://www.pakwheels.com/forums/road-trips-vacations/163405-trip-mangla-rohtas-fort-nomi700, our group planned an excursion to Khewra, Katas and Kallar Kahar on 08-05-2011.
Places visited
Khewra Salt Mines
Katas Raj Temples
Kallar Kahar
Vehicles
My Suzuki Liana LXI Sports 08
Honda City DSI 08
Passengers
Sitting in the back row from left to right
Me (nomi700)
Mr. Tashfeen Asif Abdullah
Mr. Bilal Khan
Sitting in the front row from left to right
Mr. Imran Bhatti (imranrb74)
Mr. Usman Dar (dar486)
Mr. Hafiz Shoaib (shoaibaman)
Mr. Rana Ateeq UR Rehman
Trip Details
Distance Travelled 1250KM (by both cars)
Cost of CNG consumed Rs. 3869 (by both cars)
Per KM cost Rs. 3.09/km
Toll tax Rs. 650 (for both cars)
Food & Tea etc Rs. 1524
Misc Rs. 1240
Total Trip cost Rs. 7283
Brief History of Khewra salt Mines
Khewra Salt mines are world's second biggest salt mines. The salt was first discovered here back in 326 B.C. during the war between Alexander the great and Raja Porus. Horses of the Alexander's soldiers were found licking the rocks which revealed the presence of salt in the area. Salt is being dug out of here since that time. The total length of the mines is 300km long, 8 to 30km wide and 2200 to 5000 feet high. From 1849, the British started the production of salt on scientific bases and since then many improvements have been made. Right now there are 17 storeys from where the salt is being dug out. Only one mine is open for the visitors. The total reserves are expected to be more than two billion and two hundred thousand tons
Katas Raj Temples
Katas Raj Temple is situated in Chakwal district of Punjab in Pakistan. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple has existed before the days of Mahabharata and the Pandava brothers spent a substantial part of their exile here. It is said that the five Pandava brothers, heroes of the Historical epic Mahabharata, stayed here four out of the 14 years that they spent in exile. Its origin involves the death of Shiva's wife Satti. When she died, Shiva cried so much and for so long, that his tears created two holy ponds - one at Pushkar in Ajmer, India and the other at the Katas Raj Temple.
Kallar Kahar
Kallar Kahar lake is situated in a beautiful valley in the southern mountainous area of Potohar plateau in the salt range. It is located at an altitude of about 1500 ft from sea level. It is a natural lake which is fed by a natural fresh water spring at the base of hills. A large single stone, elevated, carved out sitting place is also present in the garden, known as throne of Babur “ Takht-e-Babri.
