One of the most significant and historically important developments in recent years is the Kartarpur Corridor. This corridor has not only transformed the lives of millions of Sikhs around the world but also served as a symbol of peace, spiritual unity, and cross-border harmony. The opening of the Kartarpur Corridor in 2019 marked a momentous occasion in the history of Pakistan and India, allowing Sikh pilgrims to visit one of the holiest sites in Sikhism—the Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib
My first visit to the Kartarpur corridor was in Sep 2022, with our photography group Sunday Walkers. It was a great experience, and we received a tremendous welcome from the management of Kartarpur Corridor. Some restoration work was in process during my visit, which you can see in the following pictures.
What is the Kartarpur Corridor?
The Kartarpur Corridor is a 4.7-kilometer (2.9-mile) border passage that connects Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan’s Narowal District to the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India’s Punjab region. Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib is one of the holiest sites for Sikhs, as it is the place where Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, spent the final years of his life and passed away in 1539.
The corridor was officially opened on November 9, 2019, and it has since become a beacon of religious tolerance and understanding. Before the corridor’s opening, Sikhs living in India had to travel to Lahore and then take a long and arduous journey to reach Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, often having to go through multiple checkpoints and visa processes. Now, thanks to the Kartarpur Corridor, Indian Sikh pilgrims can visit this sacred site directly without the need for a visa, making it a historic breakthrough for interfaith relations and cross-border peace.
The creation of the corridor is seen as a gesture of goodwill between Pakistan and India, with the goal of promoting religious tourism, peace, and mutual understanding between the two countries.
The Procedure for Visiting Kartarpur Corridor
One of the most significant aspects of the Kartarpur Corridor is that Indian Sikh pilgrims no longer require a visa to visit Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib. However, while a traditional visa is not required, pilgrims must still complete a registration process before traveling to Pakistan. Here is the procedure:
Procedure for Indian Sikh Yatris to visit Kartarpur:
Step 1: Online Registration
Indian Sikh pilgrims wishing to visit Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib through the Kartarpur Corridor must first complete an online registration form. This registration can be done through the official website or mobile app of the Kartarpur Corridor. The form requires pilgrims to provide personal information, such as name, nationality, passport details, and other relevant details.
Step 2: Document Submission
Along with the online form, pilgrims must upload the following documents:
- A valid Indian passport (minimum 6 months of validity is required)
- A recent passport-sized photograph
- Proof of Sikh identity (for instance, a Sikh Identity Card, or other religious identification documents)
- In some cases, additional documents may be requested by the authorities.
Step 3: Approval and Confirmation
After submitting the registration form and documents, pilgrims will receive an approval confirmation from the Pakistan government, typically within a few days. The confirmation will specify the travel date, and pilgrims are required to print out the e-pass that will be issued upon approval. This e-pass serves as the official document allowing the pilgrim to enter Pakistan through the Kartarpur Corridor.
Step 4: Travel to Kartarpur
Once the registration process is completed and the e-pass is received, pilgrims can travel to the Kartarpur Corridor entry point. Pilgrims must bring their valid passport and the approved e-pass to the entry point at Dera Baba Nanak (India) to cross the border into Pakistan. Pilgrims will then board shuttle buses that take them directly to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan.
Procedure for Pakistani Tourists to visit Kartarpur:
Travelers from anywhere in Pakistan can reach the Kartarpur Corridor using the Lahore–Sialkot Motorway, which is in good condition. Before arriving at the Kartarpur Gurdwara, visitors must pass through four security checkpoints. DSLR and mirrorless cameras, as well as drones, are not permitted inside without prior approval from the relevant authorities; however, mobile photography is allowed. The entry fee for Pakistani tourists is Rs. 200–400, while foreign visitors are charged Rs. 1,500. After paying the ticket fee, each visitor receives a pass that must be worn around the neck throughout the visit. Additionally, covering your head is mandatory during your entire time inside the gurdwara.
The Significance of the Kartarpur Corridor
The Kartarpur Corridor is not just an infrastructure project; it carries profound cultural, spiritual, and political significance. For Sikhs around the world, visiting Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib is a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage that connects them to the roots of their faith. Before the corridor, many Sikhs faced immense challenges to visit this revered site. The ease of access provided by the corridor has made the pilgrimage more accessible to thousands of Sikh devotees.
Beyond religious significance, the Kartarpur Corridor symbolizes hope for peace between Pakistan and India, two nations with a long history of conflict. By creating this path of peace, both countries have demonstrated a willingness to engage in dialogue and promote cooperation, even amidst geopolitical tensions. This small but significant initiative provides hope that interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence are possible, and that such agreements could pave the way for larger, more meaningful engagements between the two countries.
Visiting the Kartarpur Corridor: What to Expect
Visiting the Kartarpur Corridor is a moving and spiritually enriching experience. Pilgrims entering Pakistan via the Kartarpur Corridor arrive at the Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, where they can participate in prayers, reflect, and experience the serene atmosphere of this sacred space. The Gurdwara itself is beautifully maintained, with intricate designs and peaceful surroundings that invite contemplation.
The Kartarpur Corridor has also been designed to accommodate the needs of visitors. The entrance is well-organized, and pilgrims are provided with a smooth and welcoming journey to the shrine. The passage is open to pilgrims of all faiths, but it is especially significant for Sikhs who come here to pay homage to Guru Nanak, who spent the last years of his life in this area.
For those interested in learning more about Sikhism and the significance of the Kartarpur Sahib, there are guides and educational material available that provide a deeper understanding of the site’s history and its importance to Sikhs around the world.
Best Time to Visit Kartarpur Corridor
The best time to visit the Kartarpur Corridor is during the cooler months, from October to April, when the weather in the region is more comfortable for outdoor activities. The corridor is open year-round, but these months provide a more pleasant climate for pilgrims traveling to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib.
During major Sikh festivals like Gurpurab (the birthday of Guru Nanak), the number of pilgrims visiting the site increases significantly. It’s also a great time to witness the cultural celebrations and religious rituals that take place at the Gurdwara during such special occasions.
Conclusion
The Kartarpur Corridor is more than just a physical passage—it’s a bridge of peace, connecting the hearts of Sikhs around the world to one of their holiest sites. With its historical significance, spiritual importance, and symbolic role in fostering cross-border peace, it stands as a powerful testament to the potential of interfaith harmony and cooperation between Pakistan and India.
Whether you’re a devout Sikh, a history enthusiast, or someone curious about this incredible initiative, a visit to the Kartarpur Corridor and Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib will offer an experience filled with spirituality, history, and hope for a peaceful future.
