Visit to Khewra salt mines - or why Pakistan tourism ministry are clueless

OK. Went for a road trip to the Khewra salt mines last year. My colleague suggested going, and I asked how far, and he said "o, maybe 2 hours, tops". Ok sounds great. Largest working salt mine in Pakistan and all that. It's supposed to be off the highway on the way to Islamabad, so when we checked with the driver it was the usual "yes I know".

Off we went bright and early and onto the highway, driving,driving,driving and after 3 hours, still on the damn highway. No signages. Fuck all. I mean it's the "biggest working salt mine in Pakistan", lots of vistors,but NO SIGNAGES. Driver finally turned off almost reaching Islamabad and we went through a route which would be on par with probably the Khyber pass, and it was raining, and it was misty, and we thought we were going to fall off the cliffs. But NO SIGNAGES.

Anyway finally reached. Lots of people. Again no signages. Did we need to buy a ticket? No idea. Driver asked and yes you need to. Then follow the crowd to a mini rail line. Now what? Again, no signages. Follow the crowd. No guides.

Ok once inside walked around, yes big, yes nice. But no signages. No lighting. I mean I have been to one in China. Coloured lights everywhere to shine off the salt pillars. People selling photo services, etc. But here, you are on your own. There was a lovely pool. Again no lighting, no signages. Again in China, lights shining on water, some bullshit blurb calling it "silver glass lake" that kind of bullshit, but you get what I mean. Marketing. Pakistan tourism ministry - sigh....

But all in all it was pretty nice. On the way back, took another route. Again, no signages. But somehow managed to muddle our way out and return journey took less than half the time as the turn into the highway was wayyy nearer to Lahore.