The Journey to Kartarpur Sahib Corridor Begins
It was a warm morning in Amritsar, India when I woke up with excitement for my journey to Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan. This was a unique destination, unique because A- it was in Pakistan, and you need to cross borders, and B- because a lot of history is attached to this sacred place apart from spirituality and peace.
Post having some breakfast we drove our car to Dera Baba Nanak, a small town in Punjab that connects India and Pakistan through the Kartarpur Sahib corridor. As I reached the checkpoint, the weather was gloomy. The fog had covered the atmosphere and it was way too cold. Since it was recently that the Covid restrictions were removed and the crowd was decent that waiting to cross the border. The excitement and anticipation were palpable among the devotees, who had come from all over India to pay their respects at the Gurudwara.
It was mandatory to carry your Covid-19 negative report for the checks and only then will you be permitted to get inside for the immigration process.
For a piece of well-detailed information about the immigration process watch my YouTube video.
Here are some details about Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, in brief:
The Kartarpur Sahib Corridor connects the Dera Baba Nanak Sahib in India to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, providing Indian Sikh pilgrims access to the holy site without requiring a visa. This is significant as it allows for the free movement of people across the India-Pakistan border, promoting peace and religious harmony. It also fulfills a long-standing demand of the Sikh community and strengthens people-to-people contacts between the two countries.
Firstly, it’s important to know that the Kartarpur Sahib corridor was opened in November 2019, providing visa-free access to Indian Sikhs to visit the holy Gurudwara in Pakistan. To visit the Gurudwara, you will need to register online with the Government of India, which will provide you with a unique identification number (UID). This UID is essential to enter the corridor, and you must carry a printout of it with you.
Once you have your UID, you can plan your trip to Dera Baba Nanak, a small town in Punjab that is the starting point for the Kartarpur Sahib corridor. The town is well-connected by road, rail, and air, with Amritsar being the nearest major city.
On reaching Dera Baba Nanak, you will need to complete the immigration formalities at the Indian checkpoint. This includes submitting your UID, passport, and other relevant documents. You will also need to pay a fee of INR 1,500 for the corridor service fee.
After completing the Indian immigration formalities, you will be guided towards the corridor. The corridor is a 4.7 km long pathway that connects Dera Baba Nanak in India to Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan. It is well-paved and has state-of-the-art facilities, including restrooms, water dispensers, and medical aid stations.
And my Trip to Pakistan story continues
After completing the immigration formalities, I entered the corridor. The corridor was a marvel of modern engineering, with well-paved roads and state-of-the-art facilities. As I walked towards the Pakistani side, I saw the flag of Pakistan waving proudly in the distance. The experience was a surreal one, crossing the border between the two countries that have a tumultuous history. The staff on the Pakistan side were cordial, they spoke with good humor and all their communication was to make us feel at home and calm.
We were informed about the timings of the buses and given a detailed description of the Corridor by the officials.
It was time to visit the Gurudwara
As I entered the Gurudwara, I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the place. The white marble structure with its intricate carvings and domes was breathtaking. I could hear the chants of the Sikh prayers echoing in the hall, and it was a soothing sound.
The Gurudwara is a beautiful white marble structure with intricate carvings and domes. Inside the Gurudwara, you can offer your prayers and take part in daily rituals. You can also visit the museum, which showcases the history and culture of the Sikh religion.
It’s important to note that the Gurudwara is a place of worship and should be treated with respect. You should dress modestly, remove your shoes before entering the Gurudwara, and refrain from taking photographs or videos inside the Gurudwara.
I spent the entire day at the Gurudwara, offering my prayers and learning about the history of the place. The hospitality of the Pakistani authorities and the local people was heartwarming. They had gone out of their way to make us feel welcome, serving us delicious food and offering us a place to rest.
There were a lot of things that I wanted to buy from the markets of Pakistan as a souvenir. And guess what? I did. From sweets to little decor items to ittar.
As the sun began to set, it was time for me to return to India. As I walked back through the corridor, I felt a sense of gratitude and fulfillment. Visiting Kartarpur Sahib had been a dream come true, and it had been a spiritual journey that I would cherish forever.
In conclusion, visiting the Kartarpur Sahib corridor in Pakistan from India is an unforgettable experience for any Sikh. It is a testament to the power of faith and the strength of human connections that transcend borders and boundaries. It is an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of our neighbors and to forge lasting bonds of friendship and understanding.
Visiting the Kartarpur Sahib corridor in Pakistan from India is a unique and spiritual experience for anyone. With proper planning and preparation, it can be a seamless journey that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Bonus Tips!
The Kartarpur Sahib Corridor: If you are a first-time visitor, here is a guide to help you plan your visit and make the most of your experience.
Plan Ahead
Before planning your visit, make sure to check the opening dates of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor. You will also need to register online with the Government of India and obtain a unique identification number (UID). Once you have your UID, you can plan your trip to Dera Baba Nanak, a small town in Punjab that is the starting point for the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor.
Immigration Formalities
Once you arrive in Dera Baba Nanak, you will need to complete the immigration formalities at the Indian checkpoint. This includes submitting your UID, passport, and other relevant documents. You will also need to pay a fee of INR 1,500 for the corridor service fee. After completing the Indian immigration formalities, you will be guided towards the corridor.
The Corridor
The Kartarpur Sahib Corridor is a 4.7 km long pathway that connects Dera Baba Nanak in India to Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan. The corridor is well-paved and has state-of-the-art facilities, including restrooms, water dispensers, and medical aid stations. As you walk towards the Pakistani side, you will need to complete the immigration formalities at the Pakistani checkpoint. This includes submitting your passport, undergoing security checks, and obtaining a permit to enter the Gurudwara.
The Gurudwara
The Gurudwara is a beautiful white marble structure with intricate carvings and domes. Inside the Gurudwara, you can offer your prayers and take part in the daily rituals. You can also visit the museum, which showcases the history and culture of the Sikh religion.
Tips for Visiting
- Dress modestly and cover your head before entering the Gurudwara.
- Remove your shoes before entering the Gurudwara.
- Refrain from taking photographs or videos inside the Gurudwara.
- Carry enough water and snacks as there are no food outlets inside the Gurudwara.
- Respect the customs and traditions of the Gurudwara.
Visiting the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor is a unique and spiritual experience for any Sikh. With proper planning and preparation, it can be a seamless journey that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Things to Buy From Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, Pakistan
- Shawls: Shawls are an essential part of Sikh attire, and they are often worn during religious ceremonies and rituals. You can find shawls made of silk, wool, and other materials in the shops around the Gurudwara.
- Sweets: Prasad is a sweet food that is offered to the Guru and then distributed to the devotees as a blessed food. You can find Prasad packets in the shops around the Gurudwara.
- Pakistani Suits: We all know how much the Pakistani Suits are trending. And when in Pakistan, you cannot miss buying one from here, They have a wide range of suits ranging from rupees 700 to
- Wooden Articrafts: If you are a home decor, art decor junky – this is your time to buy beautiful wooden artifacts. You might be able to get similar things from Amritsar, however, there is nothing wrong in getting a souvenir from Pakistan.
Ideal time to visit:
The Kartarpur Sahib Corridor is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit may vary depending on your preferences and the weather conditions you prefer.
If you want to avoid extreme temperatures, the best time to visit the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor is during the winter months (November to February), when the temperature is mild and comfortable, ranging from 10-20°C. The days are shorter, and you may need to carry some warm clothing.
Overall, the best time to visit Kartarpur Sahib Corridor is during the winter months (November to February) when the weather is mild and pleasant, and the crowds are relatively low.
How to reach Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, Pakistan?
The Kartarpur Sahib Corridor is located in the district of Narowal, Punjab, Pakistan, and it can be accessed from the Indian side through the Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur, Punjab. Here are the ways to reach the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor:
- By air: The nearest international airport is Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar, Punjab, which is located about 50 km from the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach the Dera Baba Nanak, which is about 20 km away.
- By train: The nearest railway station is the Amritsar railway station, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach the Dera Baba Nanak.
- By road: The Dera Baba Nanak is well-connected by road and can be reached by taxi, bus, or private vehicle. It is about 500 km from Delhi and about 240 km from Chandigarh.
Once you reach the Dera Baba Nanak, you can go to the Integrated Check Post (ICP) to complete the immigration formalities and board the shuttle bus service to reach the Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara. The shuttle bus service operates from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. It is advisable to book your travel and accommodation in advance as the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor is a popular pilgrimage site and attracts a large number of visitors throughout the year.