While in Pakistan, I was working in the city of Lahore. From time to time though, I would head to Islamabad for the weekend – because why not? After all, Lahore was great in terms of culture, but Islamabad definitely has Lahore beat when it comes to nature, certain architecture, and food!

A mere three hours away, the trip from Lahore to Islamabad and vice versa is completely hassle-free – gotta admit, Pakistan infrastructure is AMAZING. Their highways are reminiscent of the ones I’ve seen in the US

But, if you have the time, why not make the trip even more enjoyable and drop by a couple of UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way? Fine, only Rohtas Fort is officially part of that list, but both Katas Raj Temple and Khewra Salt Mines have been submitted for consideration – and from what I’ve seen? They 100% deserve to be part of that list (based on my completely non-expert eye)!

If you’re coming from Islamabad, I would suggest you start with Rohtas Fort – as it’s the most out of the way. Expect the road to the fort to be a bit bumpy – it’s a bit out of the way, but totally worth it!

I am still in complete awe as I imagine the manpower and resources that went into creating this garrison fort. And for it to remain standing 450+ years later is just… WOW! The insides are said to be equally impressive, open for all (although you’d have to pay PKR 500 if you’re a foreigner). Alas, I was slightly iffy about time so I opted not to go in. I made the right decision by the way, as I barely finished Katas Raj Temple before the sun completely set… So I’d encourage you, if it’s already past 11AM, you should leave Rohtas Fort and start heading to the next stop

From Rohtas Fort, it’s now time to head to the famed Khewra Salt Mines, Pakistan’s largest and oldest salt mine; and the world’s second largest. Fun fact: the salt reserves here at Khewra were first discovered as Alexander the Great crossed the region during his Indian campaign… BUT the reserves were discovered NOT by Alexander or his human allies, but by his horses – who were found licking the rock salt stones!

To enter the mine, you have to pay an astronomical fee (PKR 2,500 for foreigners if I remember correctly… super pricey by Pakistan standards!) You can also choose to pay another PKR 100 in order to ride the electric railway into the mine. I figured, I’d already paid so much, what’s another PKR 100? After all, it’s not every day you get to ride a rail that’s been operational since the 1930s – its original purpose was to haul extracted salt from the mines

Once inside, it’s time to listen to the guide (included in your entrance fee – he explains the mine in both Urdu and English, thank goodness!) and wonder at the marvels of the Khewra Salt Mines

For example, this mine is SO big – it actually has 18 working levels and 40 kilometers worth of tunnels. Not only that, this salt mine also boasts a mosque and a post office made from salt, as well as an asthma clinic offering salt therapies (it’s said Alexander the Great’s ailing horses got better after they licked the rock salt stones found here!)

Of course, for the tourists, they also fashioned other tourists sites using the salt bricks found here. Here’s Minar-e-Pakistan in its salt form – uncanny likeness eh?

After spending a decent amount of time at Khewra Salt Mines (I stayed for ~2.5 hours here), it’s time to head to our last stop – the absolutely stunning Katas Raj Temple. Ever heard of the saying “save the best for last”? Well, that certainly holds true here – because Katas Raj Temple will simply take your breath away!

Beauty aside, this temple is a must-see because it stands homage to the deities of Hindu mythology. Fun fact: The complex of temples are built around a pond, believed to be filled with Shiva’s tears and therefore holy. Hindus believe taking a bath in this pond will provide forgiveness to their sins

When you first arrive, you can opt to take a guide who’ll explain the ins and outs of the temple to you (or they’ll try – their English isn’t great), as well as show you the nooks and crannies of the temple (THIS is what you get them for) ++ the right spots for you to take beautiful shots. At the end of the tour, you can just tip them – I gave my guide ~PKR 400 as thanks!

Here’s a sample of one of the shots I was able to take – sprawling hills and deep blue waters, beauty as far as the eye can see

And that ends a whole day trip from Islamabad to Lahore. In my case, I left Islamabad around 9AM, and arrived at Lahore around 9PM. A 3-hour trip became a ~12 hour trip, but along with the additional time spent was an increased appreciation of the sites this country had to offer and a greater understanding of Pakistanis and what they hold dear. Truly time well-spent indeed!

Interested to know more? Read my other Pakistan blog, and enjoy!

• Pakistan: A logistics and travel guide for first-time travelers
• Lahore: Exploring Pakistan’s cultural capital
• Islamabad: Exploring Pakistan’s political capital
• Karachi: Exploring Pakistan’s business capital
• Wagah Ceremony: Celebrating Indo-Pakistani relations
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Reliving history and the beginnings of civilization
• Taxila and Takht-i-Bahi: Tracing the footsteps of explorers