Pakistan holds a special place in the hearts of the global Sikh community. The land where Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born, preached, farmed, and eventually passed away is home to some of the most significant Gurdwaras anywhere in the world. In fact, over 80% of all Sikh heritage sites are located on Pakistani soil.
Whether you are planning your first Sikh pilgrimage tour to Pakistan or returning for another visit, this guide covers every sacred site you should include on your itinerary — along with their history, spiritual significance, and practical travel tips.
1. Gurdwara Janam Asthan — Nankana Sahib
Location: Nankana Sahib, Punjab, Pakistan
Gurdwara Janam Asthan marks the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Born here on 15 April 1469 (some traditions cite the lunar date in October/November), this site is the single most sacred destination for Sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan.
The present Gurdwara was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the early 19th century and later renovated by the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC). The complex includes a large diwan hall, a sarovar (holy pool), and a museum with historical artefacts. During Guru Nanak Gurpurab each November, tens of thousands of devotees from the UK, USA, Canada, and India gather here for three days of continuous kirtan, langar, and prayer.
Why visit: Standing in the room believed to be where Guru Nanak was born is an experience no Sikh pilgrim forgets. The spiritual energy during Gurpurab is extraordinary.
2. Gurdwara Darbar Sahib — Kartarpur
Location: Kartarpur, Narowal District, Punjab, Pakistan
After decades of missionary travel, Guru Nanak Dev Ji settled in Kartarpur around 1520. He established a farming community, lived as a householder, and spent the final 18 years of his life here. It was at Kartarpur that he passed away in 1539.
The Gurdwara was extensively renovated in 2019 when Pakistan opened the Kartarpur Corridor, a visa-free border crossing allowing Indian Sikhs to visit directly from the Dera Baba Nanak border. For international pilgrims travelling from the UK or USA, Kartarpur is included in most guided tour itineraries with full transport from Lahore.
Why visit: Kartarpur represents the culmination of Guru Nanak’s life — where his teachings of humility, honest living, and community service became a living reality.
3. Gurdwara Panja Sahib — Hasan Abdal
Location: Hasan Abdal, Attock District, Punjab, Pakistan
Gurdwara Panja Sahib is one of the most visually striking Sikh sites in Pakistan. It is famous for a sacred rock bearing the handprint of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. According to tradition, a local saint named Wali Qandhari rolled a boulder down a hill towards Guru Nanak. The Guru is said to have stopped it with his hand, leaving a permanent impression.
The Gurdwara sits beside a natural spring, and the handprint rock remains a focal point of worship. Each Vaisakhi (April), Panja Sahib becomes the centre of Pakistan’s largest Sikh gathering, drawing thousands of pilgrims from around the world.
Why visit: The mountain scenery, the flowing spring, and the Vaisakhi celebrations make Panja Sahib one of the most memorable stops on any Pakistan pilgrimage.
4. Gurdwara Dera Sahib — Lahore
Location: Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan (near Lahore Fort & Badshahi Mosque)
Gurdwara Dera Sahib stands on the site where Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru, was martyred in 1606. Guru Arjan compiled the Adi Granth (the first edition of the Sikh holy scripture) and built the Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar. He was tortured and killed by the Mughal authorities for refusing to remove references to Islam and Hinduism from the scripture.
Located in the heart of Lahore’s historic Walled City, the Gurdwara sits within walking distance of the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, and the Samadhi of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, making it easy to combine religious and historical visits in a single day.
Why visit: Paying respects at the martyrdom site of Guru Arjan is a deeply moving pilgrimage experience, and the surrounding Mughal-era architecture adds historical weight.
5. Gurdwara Sacha Sauda & Gurdwara Rori Sahib
Location: Farooqabad (near Nankana Sahib) & Eminabad, Punjab, Pakistan
Gurdwara Sacha Sauda commemorates one of the most celebrated stories in Sikh tradition. Guru Nanak’s father, Mehta Kalu, gave the young Nanak money to conduct a business deal. Instead, Guru Nanak used the money to feed hungry saints and sadhus, calling it the “Sacha Sauda” (true bargain) — the best investment one can make.
Gurdwara Rori Sahib in Eminabad is linked to the story of Guru Nanak and Bhai Lalo, where the Guru chose the humble bread of an honest carpenter over the lavish food of a wealthy landlord, teaching that honest earnings are more sacred than ill-gotten riches.
Why visit: These twin sites bring to life the foundational Sikh values of seva (selfless service) and honest living (kirat karni).
6. Samadhi of Maharaja Ranjit Singh — Lahore
Location: Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan (adjacent to Lahore Fort)
While not a Gurdwara in the religious sense, the Samadhi (mausoleum) of Maharaja Ranjit Singh is an essential pilgrimage stop. Ranjit Singh — the “Sher-e-Punjab” (Lion of Punjab) — founded the Sikh Empire in 1799 and ruled until his death in 1839. His reign is regarded as the golden age of Sikh political power.
The Samadhi is an architectural masterpiece blending Sikh, Hindu, and Islamic design elements. Its gilded domes, detailed frescoes, and intricate marble work make it one of Lahore’s most stunning monuments. The Pakistan government has invested in its preservation as a heritage site.
Why visit: Honouring the ruler who protected Sikh heritage and built the Harmandir Sahib in gold connects pilgrims to the political and martial traditions of the faith.
Other Notable Sikh Sites in Pakistan
Beyond the six major sites above, Pakistan is home to dozens of additional Gurdwaras and Sikh heritage locations worth visiting:
- Gurdwara Bhai Biba Singh & Bhai Biba Ram Kaur — Peshawar, commemorating Sikh martyrs
- Gurdwara Bhai Joga Singh — Peshawar, a significant site in the former Sikh quarter
- Gurdwara Chowa Sahib — Rohtas Fort, Jhelum, linked to Guru Nanak’s journey
- Gurdwara Bal Lila — Nankana Sahib, where Guru Nanak played as a child
- Gurdwara Mal Ji Sahib — Nankana Sahib, marking Guru Nanak’s school
- Gurdwara Kiara Sahib — Nankana Sahib, where Guru Nanak grazed buffaloes
Depending on the season and tour duration, your guide may include several of these supplementary sites in your itinerary.
How to Visit These Gurdwaras
All the major Gurdwaras listed in this guide are included in the standard Sikh pilgrimage tour packages offered by Linking Borders. Here is what a typical 8-day itinerary looks like:
- Day 1: Arrival in Lahore, hotel check-in, welcome dinner
- Day 2: Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Samadhi of Ranjit Singh, Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque
- Day 3: Travel to Nankana Sahib, Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Gurdwara Bal Lila
- Day 4: Gurdwara Sacha Sauda, Gurdwara Rori Sahib (Eminabad)
- Day 5: Travel to Hasan Abdal, Gurdwara Panja Sahib
- Day 6: Kartarpur Darbar Sahib visit
- Day 7: Shopping day in Lahore, free time, farewell dinner
- Day 8: Airport transfer, departure
Packages start from $1,000 USD (USA) per person and include hotel, meals, transport, guide, and visa support. View full package details.
Visa Requirements
US and UK citizens require a Pakistan e-visa, which is available under the Pilgrim Tourism category. The process is straightforward — Linking Borders handles the invitation letter from the PSGPC, hotel bookings, and all supporting documentation. The e-visa typically takes 7–10 business days.
Final Thoughts
A pilgrimage to the Sikh Gurdwaras in Pakistan is more than a holiday — it is a spiritual homecoming. Walking the ground where Guru Nanak was born, where he taught, and where he passed away connects you to the very roots of Sikhi in a way that nothing else can.
Pakistan’s hospitality towards Sikh visitors is genuine and deeply felt. Whether you come during the grand Gurpurab celebrations or in the quiet calm of the off-season, you will leave with memories and spiritual nourishment that last a lifetime.
Ready to visit these sacred Gurdwaras? Book your Sikh pilgrimage tour today — all-inclusive packages with visa support, meals, and transport included.