Things To Do
in Nankana Sahib
Nankana Sahib is a historic city in Punjab, Pakistan, located near Lahore. It is renowned as the birthplace of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, and its gurdwaras draw visitors from across the region. The town blends sacred sites with bustling local markets, where prayers echo and spices fill the air.
Visitors come to reflect at holy sites, enjoy Punjabi hospitality, and experience rural life just a short drive from Lahore.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation and take some time to refresh. Enjoy a traditional breakfast featuring local delicacies, immersing yourself in the rich culture. This morning is an excellent opportunity to explore the nearby attractions at your leisure.
In the afternoon, visit the Gurdwara Janam Asthan, the birthplace of Guru Nanak, to soak in the history and significance of this sacred site. Engage with the local community, and experience the warm hospitality that Nankana Sahib is known for. Take a stroll around the gurdwara grounds and admire the beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere.
As the sun sets, participate in the evening prayer at the gurdwara, where you can join the congregational singing of hymns. After prayer, enjoy a delicious meal at the community kitchen (langar) served by volunteers. Wind down the day by reflecting on the experiences while taking a leisurely walk around the peaceful surroundings.
Start your day with a visit to Gurdwara Baoli Sahib, known for its historical importance and stunning architecture. Enjoy a guided tour that provides insights into Guru Nanak’s life and teachings. The serene morning air makes this visit even more enlightening.
Spend your afternoon exploring the adjacent historical sites such as the Gurdwara Patti Sahib and Gurdwara Chakk Nanak. Each site offers a glimpse into the rich Sikh heritage and invites contemplation. Engage with the local historians or volunteers who can enrich your understanding of the Sikh legacy.
Return to the city and indulge in local culinary delights at a popular eatery. Taste traditional Punjabi dishes that reflect the vibrant culture of the region. Conclude your evening by visiting a local market to shop for handicrafts and souvenirs.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🚗Local transport (one-way) | $0.5-2 |
| 🫖Cup of tea | $0.2-0.5 |
| 💧Bottled water (1L) | $0.3-1 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $15-30 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Religious and cultural significance as the birthplace of Guru Nanak
- Warm Punjabi hospitality and affordable travel
- Calm, small-town atmosphere close to Lahore
- Limited nightlife and few modern tourist amenities
- Heat and humidity in summer; travel can be challenging in monsoon rain
- Smaller transport network compared with bigger cities
- "سلام" - Hello
- "براہ مہربانی" - Please
- "شکریہ" - Thank you
- "معاف کیجیے" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "کیا آپ انگریزی بولتے ہیں؟" - Do you speak English?
- "یہ کہاں ہے؟" - Where is this?
Places to Visit in Nankana Sahib
Visit one of these nice places.
The birthplace complex with ornate arches, courtyards, and reflective pools ideal for reverent photography.
Open riverbanks and canal crossings near the town provide golden-hour scenes of farmers, boats, and sky.
Candid street scenes, colorful storefronts, and traditional attire offer vibrant, documentary-style shots.
Food in Nankana Sahib
Nankana Sahib Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A winter staple of greens and cornmeal bread; best enjoyed at local dhabas around the Janam Asthan complex.
Must-Try!
Chickpeas in a spiced tomato gravy served with fluffy fried bread; a popular street-side staple.
A refreshing yogurt-based drink, available sweet or salted, from street stalls and teashops.
Creamy rice pudding flavored with cardamom and nuts, a common dessert at meals.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Narrow lanes where you can sample samosas, jalebi, pakoras, fresh fruits, and seasonal snacks after prayers.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly; remove shoes and cover heads when entering; speak softly and be respectful.
A handshake is common with locals who initiate; use the right hand; avoid public displays of affection in conservative areas.
Ask permission before taking people’s photos, especially near religious sites; be mindful of local guidelines.
Safety
Tipping in Nankana Sahib
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 5–10% is common if service isn’t included; street vendors rarely expect tips.
Cash in Pakistani rupees is widely used; many small shops accept cash only; ATMs exist in towns, and mobile wallets like Easypaisa/JazzCash are common for transfers.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
June–August can be extremely hot (often 35–45°C); carry water, wear light clothing, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late evening.
July–September brings humidity and sporadic rains; watch for humidity and occasional street flooding in low-lying areas.
December–February is cool (often 5–15°C); evenings can be chilly, and fog is common; pack warm layers.
Mild temperatures and clear skies make these seasons ideal for outdoor photography and city walks.
Nankana Sahib at Night
Hiking in Nankana Sahib
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy riverside trails along the Ravi near Nankana Sahib offering flat terrain and scenic agricultural landscapes.
Flat, tranquil paths along irrigation canals with opportunities to observe farm life and wildlife.
Airports
How to reach Nankana Sahib by plane.
Largest nearby international hub; about 75–90 minutes' drive from Nankana Sahib depending on traffic; well-connected via road and rail.
Nearby airport with some international flights; useful for shorter trips to neighboring countries and cities; drive time varies with route.
Major international hub further away but accessible by road/train; useful for long-haul connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of residents belong to Punjabi-speaking Muslim communities, with a rural, agrarian lifestyle.
Small Hindu, Christian and other minority communities exist, with languages including Punjabi and Urdu.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
By far the most popular sport in the region, played informally in streets and officially at school and club level.
Traditional contact sport enjoyed in rural areas and local tournaments.
Historically strong in Pakistan; you may see local teams and school matches.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nankana Sahib.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most dishes are vegetarian-friendly; look for langar-style meals at gurdwaras or request no meat; check dairy ingredients if you have allergies.