Kartarpur Sahib: A spiritual journey across borders
Bridging borders through faith
Kartarpur not only allows pilgrims to connect with their faith but also offers a chance to experience the culture of Pakistan (Photos: Muskan Bhagra)
Located just 53 km from Amritsar, Kartarpur in Pakistan is a sacred site for Sikhs, home to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, a site closely associated with Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. The Kartarpur Corridor offers a unique opportunity for pilgrims to cross the border and connect with Guru Nanak’s spiritual legacy while getting a glimpse into the culture and hospitality of Pakistan.

Kartarpur not only allows pilgrims to connect with their faith but also offers a chance to experience the culture of Pakistan (Photos: Muskan Bhagra)
Located just 45 km from Amritsar on the west bank of the Ravi River, the village of Kartarpur holds profound significance for the Sikh community. It is the site where Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the 10 Sikh Gurus, spent the last 18 years of his life.
Kartarpur is home to two important gurudwaras, Gurdwara Dera Baba Nanak and Gurdwara Sri Kartarpur Sahib, which attract about 500 pilgrims and tourists from India, daily. What makes this destination truly unique is its location in Pakistan, offering visitors a rare opportunity for Indians to go across the border for a deeply spiritual experience.
A visit to Kartarpur not only allows pilgrims to connect with their faith but also offers a chance to experience the culture and landscape of neighbouring Pakistan. This journey seamlessly blends spirituality with a sense of discovery, leaving visitors with lasting memories of both reverence and exploration.
The journey
The journey to Kartarpur begins long before the day of travel, as it starts a month in advance. To secure a spot, visitors must register well ahead of time, as the few slots available everyday fill up quickly.
“So for Kartarpur, we had filed an application online on the website almost a month prior to our trip to Amritsar. In that application, they ask you to mention if you have ever been to Pakistan before or not which really intrigued me honestly and rest of it is the regular stuff only like you Aadhar card details and current address. After we filled the application, you have to regularly check its status,” Muskan Bhagra a Delhi based social media manager, who recently made the trip, tells India & You.
There are several ways to reach the Kartarpur Corridor, but the most convenient approach is to first arrive in Amritsar, explore the city, and then dedicate a day to visiting Kartarpur. The distance between Amritsar and the Kartarpur border is approximately 53 km, and can be easily covered by either a public bus or taxi.

Kartarpur Corridor is a joint initiative by the governments of India and Pakistan
The Kartarpur Corridor, a joint initiative by the governments of India and Pakistan, was inaugurated in 2019. The initiative aimed at providing visa-free access to Sikh pilgrims wishing to visit the sacred Gurdwara.
Since its opening, the corridor has become a symbol of peace and unity, providing an opportunity for people from both nations to connect with their shared spiritual heritage. With facilities like comfortable buses, proper immigration procedures, and modern amenities at the border crossing, the corridor ensures a smooth and safe experience for visitors.
“We then reached Kartarpur Corridor. I was surprised to see how beautiful and well maintained it actually was. It was built like a mini airport by the Sikhs. We checked-in and got through the security process. At the immigration control, they ask you a few general questions about yourself and your purpose of visit before letting you move ahead,” says Bhagra.
“We were also informed about the rules and regulations like we cannot bring any Pakistani currency into our country, we also cannot bring their soil, which I think may be more due to ‘patriotism’ than anything else, also no fruits with seeds are allowed back with from Pakistan,” she adds.
The corridor’s opening has not only boosted spiritual tourism but also strengthened cross-border ties, enabling pilgrims to visit a sacred site that had previously been inaccessible due to geopolitical tensions. As the corridor continues to attract pilgrims and tourists alike, it has also become a place of cultural exchange, offering visitors the chance to experience the rich history and traditions of the region.
The Gurudwara
Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, surrounded by serene landscapes, is a peaceful retreat for reflection and prayer, making it a significant destination for those seeking spiritual solace as well as those interested in the historical and cultural context of Sikhism.
The peaceful vibes, with lush greenery, flowing waters of the Ravi River, and wide open spaces, evokes a sense of spirituality and tranquility. The stunning white marble structure of the Gurudwara, with its domes and minarets, shines brightly under the sun, while the reflection of the building in the river water adds to its magical charm.
Visitors and pilgrims can not only soak in the spiritual ambience of the holy site but also indulge in delectable langar, free meals served to all visitors, offered at the premises.

People also bring homemade food and serve it as langar at the Gurudwara
“Over there, we had langar, a community meal served in gurdwaras and besides the food cooked there, a lot of people also bring homemade food and serve it as langar there. It was delicious. We had fried beignets, macaroni, papad, kadhi, which is an Indian curry made of curd and spices, red kidney beans and much more,” says Bhagra.
The visit to Kartarpur is not only a deeply spiritual experience but also offers tourists an opportunity to interact with the locals of Kartarpur, Pakistan, and gain a deeper understanding of the traditions and culture of the neighboring region.
“There is a small market near the Gurudwara which has 10-15 shops for shopping purposes and grabbing a coffee. We came across some brands of Pakistan like Maria B and Nishat amongst others,” says Bhagra
“The market is actually where we could interact with Pakistani people and they were extremely warm and friendly. These people came from a nearby village called Kartarpur Ghoda and they set up shops here for business. There were dry fruit shops, clothing brands, and local coffee shops in this market,” she adds.