Hello readers! I hope you are doing well. Want to visit the Kartarpur corridor? Then you are at the right place.
In this article, I will answer all your questions related to your visit to the Kartarpur corridor Gurudwara sahib in Pakistan. I visited the Gurudwara sahib on 13 March 2023, So I know all the latest updates about how to apply, fees for applying, what documents you need, currency exchange, and what to expect when you are there, etc. Just keep reading and I will resolve all your queries.
I’ll also add some tips for you based on my personal experience so that you have a smooth and wonderful journey.
This article will be from the Temple Travel series, so let’s get started.
Registration for Kartarpur Corridor
First thing first! Obviously, you need to register yourself before anything else. The registration is done on the https://prakashpurb550.mha.gov.in/kpr/ website. It’s a government portal where you need to submit all your information and have to select a date for visiting. Nothing hardcore! but if you want help, I have created a detailed blog post on how to apply for the kartarpur corridor. You will get a detailed guide of the latest information and latest rules in this.
kartarpur corridor fees
While registering you actually don’t pay anything but on the day you visit. The fee for the same is 20 dollars. One pro tip, convert your currency within India.
Don’t think of converting it in Pakistan, cause if you do that you will end up paying at least 800 INR extra in Pakistan while exchanging.
You can also convert currency on the passenger terminal on the Indian side. They charged me 1750 INR while it was 2600 INR for 20 dollars on the other side.
How to reach
I will insist you reach Amritsar first from your base location, cause there is easy bus connectivity between Dera Baba Nanak and the city. The distance between Amritsar to kartarpur corridor is only 48 km. This 1-hour bus ride will cost you nearly 60 rs only.
Below is the kartarpur corridor map for reference purposes, so you can plan your trip easily.
I left from Ludhiana and had a shorter route through Beas but I chose Amritsar, cause of connectivity, you easily get buses and trains are also available. While if you are leaving a day early you can also witness the beauty of the Golden Temple like me.
From Amritsar, you reach Dera Baba Nanak, from where you can get an auto rickshaw to reach Passenger Terminal.
Covid RT-PCR Report for kartarpur corridor
Some of you might not know that after the pandemic, A negative covid RT-PCR report is necessary to provide. Pakistan authority is still asking for this, while Indian authority does not need this. The report should be done within 72 hours from the date of travel.
One pro tip I can give you on this. This tip will save you time as well your money too. When I reached Dera Baba Nanak, I went to this government hospital there, where this test is done for only 10 rs cost and an instant report is given to the devotees. This hospital lies on the route to the passenger terminal.
Also If you have enough time, you can visit the Gurudwara Sahib, In front of the Hospital too. I didn’t had time so I chose to go directly.
Reaching Passenger Terminal
After you reach the Passenger terminal, crossing the multiple checkpoints, you stand in the ques for Polio Vaccination. Actually, Pakistan still has polio cases, so we don’t want any. But before this make sure you have your Passport, RT-PCR report, and ETA with you.
After vaccination, you have to stand in queues for immigration and customs crossing the metal detectors. But before this, if you don’t have 20 dollar note, you can exchange it on any SBI or PNB counter. Pakistani currency is exchanged only on the other side of the border. One more thing, 7 kg of material is allowed by the government, so if you want to donate anything like rice, wheat, or anything else, you can carry it along.
After This, you will be at the immigration counter answering a couple of questions. why do you want to visit? what do you do? where do you live? all basic questions. I hope you don’t have any special plans for Pakistan. Haha..
After clearing this, the last part is customs, where you need to fill out this form declaring all your assets and how much currency( Indian, American, or Pakistani) you have. After the official verify all your details filled in this form are correct, they will leave you to the last metal detector.
Reaching Zero Line
Now I hope you are done with Polio vaccination, Immigration and customs, and security checks, and you are ready for zero line.
A golf cart will come to pick up and drop you off at the zero line, where Indian Army officials check your ETA, Passport, and RT-PCR report. Once done, you are ready to cross the Zero line.
Crossing The border
Believe me or not, there is something special about crossing the border on foot, especially when you are crossing India- Pakistan Border. isn’t it? Do let me know in the comments.
Reaching Gurudwara Sahib
From the Pakistan side, they pick you up on a bus and drop you at the Pakistans National Bank’s window. Where you have to submit your 20 dollars note and also have to show your RT-PCR report to them. Again via bus, they drop you directly at the Kartarpur corridor Gurudwara Sahib where a briefing is done by Pakistan officials about Gurudwara sahib.
Inside the Gurudwara Sahib
The whole Gurudwara premises is built with white tiles and marble. All the basic Amenities are available in the Gurudwara sahib. see the list here.
- Sanan Ghar
- Gurudwara sahib main building
- Well
- Langar Hall
- Deewan hall
- Market
Sanan Ghar
After the briefing, the very first way goes to Sanan Ghar. Where you can bathe and change your clothes.
Two different Sanan Ghar for men and women are guided and maintained by Pakistani authorities.
Gurudwara sahib main building
Gurudwara sahib where Shri Guru Granth sahib ji is located lies in the center. It’s one story building. The upper floor is reserved for Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the lower floor is kept with the memories of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
The whole building is kept as it is, one can observe the old building renovated and painted.
You can enjoy listening to the Ardass and the Life story of Guru Nanak dev Ji here in the Baani.
Well
Outside the main building, the Well lies from where Guru Nanak Dev ji used to drink water and also used this water for farming on this divine land.
Langar Hall
The langar hall is located in front of the main building and everyone can have langar. Just bring your utensils from the tray and sit, you will be served. I had wonderful langar here.
Deewan hall
The Purpose of Deewan hall is basically to serve as an alternative to the main building. But it’s only used when the numbers of the devotee are heavy and the main complex of the building no more accommodates more people.
Shri Guru Granth Sahib ji is shifted to Deewan hall and all the programs are done in this building only.
Market
A small marketplace is set up on the outskirts of the Gurudwara Sahib, You can shop for sweets, clothes, and other fancy items like badges, and necklaces. While you have to pay in Pakistani currency, if you have Indian Currency too, still you can shop with this.
However, don’t shop in emotions cause, first, you have to pay more price and secondly, it has to go through the security check while returning, which leads to more time to check out.
Final Words on Kartarpur Corridor
Kartarpur corridor is a friendly initiative by both governments. The whole premises looks very fine and natural, nothing over-garnished but simple. Also, the process is very simple but the I am totally against the fee that Indians have to pay while visiting. Just think about it, you are paying this fee for visiting your Guru sahib. It is something that hurt me.
Other than that, everything is so beautiful, Pakistan authorities also provide wonderful support and services. I had a great time talking with some Pakistani people too, nice Punjabi-speaking people, and very hospitable in nature. Overall, I would say I had a great time there.
Do let me know your views on this, also if this article has helped you , please share it.
