Gujranwala to Khewra Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Travel from Gujranwala to Khewra: Options by Road, Train, and Plane

Khewra, located in the Punjab province of Pakistan, is famous for being home to the Khewra Salt Mine, one of the largest and oldest salt mines in the world. It's an important historical and tourist destination, attracting visitors from all around the world. Traveling from Gujranwala to Khewra is relatively easy due to its proximity. Here’s an overview of how you can make the journey, including all available travel options.

1. Distance from Gujranwala to Khewra

• Distance by Road: Approximately 151 kilometers (94 miles).
• Train Distance: Khewra has a nearby train station with easy access.
• Flight: There are no direct flights to Khewra. The nearest airport is in Islamabad.

2. Travel Options from Gujranwala to Khewra

By Road

Traveling by road is the most convenient and straightforward option to reach Khewra. The journey is relatively short, making it a feasible option for day trips.

• Route: The primary route is via the Islamabad-Lahore Motorway (M-2), a fast and efficient highway.
• Travel Duration: The journey takes about 2 to 3 hours by car.
• Directions:
  1. Start your journey from Gujranwala, heading toward the Lahore-Islamabad Motorway (M-2).
  2. Take the M-2, passing through the towns of Gujrat and Lala Musa.
  3. Exit the motorway at the Khewra interchange and drive toward the Khewra Salt Mine.

Route Highlights: The route via the M-2 motorway offers smooth and high-speed travel. It is well-maintained and convenient, with several service areas for fuel, food, and rest along the way. Once you approach Khewra, you will notice the area’s natural beauty as you get closer to the foothills of the Salt Range.

By Train (Combination of Train and Car)

If you prefer traveling by train, you can take a train from Gujranwala to the nearby town of Lala Musa, followed by a short drive to Khewra.

• Step 1: Train from Gujranwala to Lala Musa
  • Route: Pakistan Railways offers trains from Gujranwala to Lala Musa, a nearby railway station.
  • Train Duration: The train journey takes about 2 to 3 hours.
• Step 2: Drive from Lala Musa to Khewra
  • Distance: Approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles).
  • Travel Duration: Around 45 minutes to 1 hour by car.
  • Route: From Lala Musa, drive on the local road leading towards Khewra.

This combination of train and car allows you to experience both train travel and the scenic drive toward the Salt Mine, offering a comfortable and interesting way to explore.

By Air (Flight to Nearest Airport and Drive to Khewra)

Though Khewra does not have an airport, you can take a flight to Islamabad or Lahore and then continue by road.

1. Option 1: Flight to Islamabad and Drive to Khewra

   • Flight Duration: A flight from Lahore or Sialkot to Islamabad takes about 1 hour.
   • Drive from Islamabad to Khewra: Once in Islamabad, take the M-2 Motorway toward Khewra, which is about 120 kilometers (75 miles) away.
   • Travel Duration: The drive from Islamabad to Khewra takes around 2 to 2.5 hours.

2. Option 2: Flight to Lahore and Drive to Khewra

   • Flight Duration: A short flight of about 45 minutes from Lahore to Islamabad or Sialkot.
   • Drive Duration: From Lahore to Khewra, it's about 2 to 2.5 hours by car, covering 150 kilometers (94 miles).

While flying reduces the distance to Khewra, it still requires a significant drive, so it may not always be the most time-efficient option.

3. Best Travel Option

For most travelers, the best option is traveling by road directly from Gujranwala to Khewra, as the route is straightforward, fast, and scenic. The short duration and the smooth drive along the M-2 Motorway make it ideal for both day trips and longer stays.

4. Travel Tips

• Early Departure: Since the journey is relatively short, leaving early in the day ensures you can spend ample time exploring Khewra.
• Weather: Check the weather before traveling, as the region experiences hot summers. If visiting during peak summer, consider an early morning departure to avoid the heat.
• Fuel and Refreshments: Plan to stop for fuel and food along the way, especially near service stations on the motorway.

5. Key Attractions in Khewra

Khewra’s main attraction is the Khewra Salt Mine, but there are other points of interest that visitors can explore:

• Khewra Salt Mine: A historical site with guided tours of the salt chambers, including the mosque made entirely of salt, and the beautiful salt crystal formations. The mine is a UNESCO-listed site.
• Salt Range: The surrounding region offers picturesque views of the Salt Range mountains and valleys.
• Hiran Minar: A historical monument located near the Salt Range, believed to be built by Emperor Jahangir in memory of his favorite antelope.