Things To Do
in Nankana Sahib
Nankana Sahib is a historic city in Pakistan, located in the Punjab province. It is known as the birthplace of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. The city is a major pilgrimage site for Sikhs around the world, with the Gurdwara Janam Asthan marking the birthplace of Guru Nanak.
Nankana Sahib is a vibrant and bustling city that attracts visitors with its rich cultural heritage and religious significance.
- "Salam" - Hello
- "Kya haal hai?" - How are you?
- "Shukriya" - Thank you
- "Maaf kijiye" - Excuse me/Sorry
- "Khuda hafiz" - Goodbye
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $15 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $10
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.20 - $0.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $40
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Nankana Sahib and check into your hotel. Enjoy a hearty breakfast to prepare for a day of exploration.
Visit the stunning Gurdwara Janam Asthan, the birthplace of Guru Nanak. Take your time exploring the intricate architecture and tranquil environment.
Gather with the locals for a traditional meal at a nearby restaurant. Reflect on the day's experiences and enjoy some local sweets.
Start your day with a visit to Gurdwara Bal Lila, significant to Guru Nanak's childhood. Engage in prayer and meditation for a peaceful morning.
Explore the nearby local markets for handicrafts and souvenirs. Sample some traditional food from street vendors as you stroll.
Relax at a local park, enjoying the sunset over Nankana Sahib. Spend the evening chatting with fellow travelers or locals.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Significant historical and cultural importance as the birthplace of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.
- Pilgrimage site for Sikhs from around the world, promoting tourism in the region.
- Home to several important gurdwaras (Sikh temples) and other religious sites.
- Rich agricultural area with diverse farming practices.
- Welcoming community with a mix of cultures and traditions.
- Occasional tensions between different religious communities.
- Economic challenges, with limited job opportunities in some sectors.
- Infrastructure issues, including transportation and healthcare services.
- Risk of desecration related to historical and religious sites.
- Political instability in the region may affect safety and security.
Best Activities in Nankana Sahib
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit the birthplace of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, and explore the beautiful architecture and peaceful surroundings.
Enjoy a serene boat ride or a leisurely walk around Nankana Lake, surrounded by lush greenery and offering a tranquil atmosphere.
Indulge in river activities such as fishing, boating, or simply relaxing by the scenic Mari Indus River.
Tours
Uncover the best of Nankana Sahib with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Nankana Sahib
Visit one of these nice places.
A significant site for Sikh pilgrims, offering views of the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and photo opportunities of the beautiful architecture and surroundings.
A historic site with stunning architectural features and serene surroundings, providing photo opportunities and picturesque views.
A popular tourist spot with picturesque landscapes, gardens, and recreational facilities, offering numerous photo opportunities and stunning views of the surroundings.
Food in Nankana Sahib
Nankana Sahib Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A quintessential Punjabi dish, Sarson da Saag is a spicy mustard greens curry paired with Makki di Roti, a corn flour flatbread. This dish can be savored at local dhabas and traditional Punjabi restaurants.
Must-Try!
Chapli Kebab, a spicy ground meat patty, is a beloved street food best sampled at local eateries and food stalls, particularly in the bustling markets.
Nihari is a slow-cooked stew made with beef or mutton, enriched with spices, and enjoyed with naan or rice. This savory delight is commonly found at specialty restaurants and Nihari outlets.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Nankana Sahib better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This food street adjacent to the historic Gurdwara complex offers a vibrant array of street food options, including local favorites like Gol Gappay, Samosas, and Chaat, all perfect for a flavorful culinary adventure.
The bustling bazaar is a treasure trove of street food vendors and small eateries, where one can relish a variety of snacks and quick bites, from spicy kebabs to sweet treats like Jalebi and Gulab Jamun.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
It is important to show respect when visiting religious sites such as the Gurdwara Janam Asthan, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, by removing shoes before entering and adhering to the dress code if applicable.
Greetings are an important part of Pakistani culture. It is customary to greet people with a polite 'As-Salamu Alaykum' and show courtesy in communication, especially with elders.
Hospitality is highly valued in Nankana Sahib. When invited to someone's home, it is polite to bring a small gift as a token of appreciation, such as sweets or flowers.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Nankana Sahib with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Nankana Sahib
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in Nankana Sahib, Pakistan, is not a common practice and is usually not expected in most situations. However, in some upscale restaurants and hotels, a service charge may be included in the bill, and additional tipping is at the discretion of the customer.
Payment in Nankana Sahib, Pakistan, is primarily done in cash, and credit card acceptance may be limited to larger establishments. It's advisable to carry sufficient cash when visiting smaller shops, markets, and local vendors. Online payment methods are not as widely used in this region.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Nankana Sahib.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Nankana Sahib, with pleasant weather and the celebration of Baisakhi festival in April.
Another great time to visit Nankana Sahib, with cool weather and the celebration of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's birthday in November.
Hot and humid weather, but the celebration of Sikh religious festivals like the Martyrdom Day of Guru Arjan Dev Ji in June.
Cool to cold weather, with the celebration of Guru Gobind Singh Ji's birthday in December.
Nankana Sahib at Night
Hiking in Nankana Sahib
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located about 50 km from Nankana Sahib, Khanpur Dam offers scenic views and traversable trails along the water, perfect for hiking and outdoor activities.
Although a bit further away (approximately 150 km), Margalla Hills features numerous hiking trails with varying difficulty levels and stunning views of Islamabad.
Located around 70 km from Nankana Sahib, Changa Manga is one of the largest artificial forests in the world, providing walking trails amid lush greenery.
Situated a bit further away (around 200 km), Ratti Gali features breathtaking scenery and a stunning lake, ideal for hiking and day trips.
Close to Nankana Sahib, this forest area features several trails suitable for nature walks and hiking, with opportunities to spot wildlife.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Nankana Sahib through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Nankana Sahib by plane.
Located in Lahore, approximately 75 kilometers from Nankana Sahib, this is the nearest international airport serving the region.
Located in Islamabad, approximately 350 kilometers from Nankana Sahib, this airport serves as a major gateway to the capital of Pakistan.
Located in Peshawar, around 400 kilometers from Nankana Sahib, this airport serves domestic and international flights.
Located in Sialkot, approximately 115 kilometers from Nankana Sahib, this airport primarily caters to cargo and passenger flights.
Located in Multan, about 200 kilometers from Nankana Sahib, this airport serves both domestic and international routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The Sikh community forms a significant part of Nankana Sahib's demographics, being the birthplace of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.
The majority of the population in Nankana Sahib identifies as Muslim, contributing to the cultural and religious landscape of the area.
A smaller yet notable Hindu community exists in Nankana Sahib, contributing to the town's diversity.
There is a small Christian population in Nankana Sahib, participating in the broader social fabric of the town.
The Soul of Nankana Sahib
Discover the essence of Nankana Sahib through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket is the most popular sport in Nankana Sahib, played at various levels from local matches to school competitions.
Field hockey has a significant following, with local teams participating in regional tournaments and schools promoting the sport.
Football is widely played in the community, with many youth teams and informal street games prevalent throughout the area.
Volleyball is popular among both men and women, often played in schools and local clubs.
Kabaddi is a traditional contact sport that is enjoyed in rural areas, with many local competitions held during festivals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nankana Sahib.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While the local cuisine leans heavily towards meat-based dishes, many restaurants and food stalls offer delicious vegetarian and vegan options, including lentil-based curries, vegetable pakoras, and tandoori rotis.
For those seeking gluten-free choices, traditional rice-based dishes, such as Biryani, and grilled meats are prevalent and can be found at various dining establishments.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Nankana Sahib with these cultural adventures.
