The 557th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji will be marked with the main ceremony at Nankana Sahib on Tuesday 24 November 2026, and Sikh yatrees from India and other countries will enter Pakistan through the Wagah border on 22 November, according to the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) [1][2]. India has approved a jatha of 3,000 devotees, who are due to return on 1 December [3]. The Kartarpur corridor remains suspended from India's side since 7 May 2025, although Pakistan says its side is ready [4][5]. If you are coming through Lahore and travelling on your own, plan your airport pickup and the drive to Nankana Sahib early, because roads and hotels get busy around the main day.
Key dates for Gurpurab 2026
- 22 November: Sikh yatrees arrive through the Wagah border [1][2]
- 24 November: main ceremony at Nankana Sahib [1][2]
- 1 December: the Indian jatha returns through Wagah [3]
During the 10-day visit, the Indian jatha is due to visit Gurdwara Janam Asthan at Nankana Sahib, Gurdwara Sacha Sauda, Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib and Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore [3].
What ETPB is arranging for yatrees
ETPB Secretary Nasir Mushtaq said air-conditioned buses will carry pilgrims, a Rescue 1122 ambulance will go with every convoy of 20 buses, medical staff will be at all residential locations, and State Bank-approved currency exchange counters will be set up [1][2]. Police, Rangers and Rescue 1122 will provide security [1]. He also said Pakistan would not restrict visas for Indian Sikh pilgrims wishing to attend [6].
So if you are part of an official jatha, transport between the gurdwaras is already organised. A private car with driver is more relevant for:
- Sikh families from the UK, Canada, the Gulf and elsewhere who fly into Lahore on their own travel arrangements
- Pakistani Sikh families and local visitors travelling from Lahore to Nankana Sahib
- Relatives and hosts collecting guests from Allama Iqbal International Airport
Foreign visitors should follow the conditions of their own visa and any registration rules for the event; check these with ETPB or your travel organiser before you plan movements.
Is the Kartarpur corridor open?
Not from India. India's official Kartarpur portal says corridor services are "suspended till further directions" [4]. The Indian government told Parliament the corridor was suspended from 7 May 2025 and that the security situation means it remains closed [7]. On 2 November 2026, Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson said Pakistan can host up to 5,000 Sikh pilgrims a day at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur, with immediate effect if India lifts its restrictions [5]. Pakistan's foreign ministry says its side of the corridor remains fully operational [8]. For visitors already in Pakistan, see our Lahore to Kartarpur with driver page.
Lahore to Nankana Sahib by road
The usual road route goes through Sheikhupura and is about 106 km, roughly two hours' drive in normal traffic [9]. Our Lahore to Nankana Sahib with driver page has same-day return details. Around the main day, expect security checks and slower traffic near the town, so leave early. This is also fog season in Punjab: the Motorway Police advise travelling between 10 am and 6 pm when fog is around [10].
Practical tips:
- Keep your passport or CNIC and visa documents with you, not in the luggage.
- Carry water and some cash in rupees; ETPB says approved exchange counters will be set up for yatrees [1].
- Agree pickup times and a meeting point with your driver before you go into the gurdwara.
FAQ
When is Guru Nanak Gurpurab 2026 in Pakistan? ETPB says the main ceremony for the 557th birth anniversary is at Nankana Sahib on 24 November 2026, with yatrees arriving through Wagah on 22 November [1][2].
Is the Kartarpur corridor open in November 2026? No. India has kept it suspended since 7 May 2025 [4][7]. Pakistan says it can host 5,000 pilgrims a day once India lifts restrictions [5].
How far is Nankana Sahib from Lahore? About 106 km by road via Sheikhupura, around two hours' drive [9].
Travel from Lahore with Grand Rent a Car
Grand Rent a Car can meet your family at Allama Iqbal International Airport and drive you to your hotel, to Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore or out to Nankana Sahib, always with a driver. Our own fleet includes the Toyota Prado, Fortuner 2026, JAC T9 and Land Cruiser LC-300 look for families with luggage, and a white Toyota Yaris for couples. On our current card, an out-of-city day costs Rs 30,000 in a Fortuner and Rs 40,000 in a Prado, with fuel and tolls extra. See our Lahore airport transfer service or compare our SUVs with driver, and book on WhatsApp early for 22–24 November.
Sources
- APP, "ETPB Headquarters to review preparations for 557th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji": https://www.app.com.pk/national/etpb-headquarters-to-review-preparations-for-557th-birth-anniversary-of-guru-nanak-dev-ji/
- The News, "Baba Guru Nanak's birth anniversary arrangements reviewed": https://www.thenews.pk/print/1443133-baba-guru-nanak-s-birth-anniversary-arrangements-reviewed
- Yes Punjab News, "Centre Approves Jatha of 3,000 Sikh Devotees for Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Prakash Purab Visit to Pakistan": https://yespunjab.com/centre-approves-jatha-of-3000-sikh-devotees-for-guru-nanak-dev-jis-prakash-purab-visit-to-pakistan/
- Government of India (MHA), Pilgrimage to Kartarpur Sahib portal: https://prakashpurb550.mha.gov.in/kpr/basicDetailsa
- Zaviya, "Kartarpur Corridor online booking: Pakistan offers 5,000/day", 2 Nov 2026: https://zaviya.pk/pakistan/pakistan-offers-5000-sikhs-daily-kartarpur-corridor
- Nazrana Times, "Pakistan Urges India to Facilitate Sikh Pilgrims' Travel Through Wagah": https://nazranatimes.com/en/news-rax3t63
- Lok Sabha, answer to unstarred question 2262 (Ministry of External Affairs): https://sansad.in/getFile/lsapps/loksabhaquestions/annex/188/AU2262_JPPB7F.pdf
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan, South Asia page: https://www.mofa.gov.pk/south-asia
- DistancesFrom, "Distance from Lahore to Nankana Sahib via Sheikhupura" (106 km): https://www.distancesfrom.com/pk/distance-from-lahore-to-Nankana-Sahib-Pakistan-via-sheikhupura/DistanceHistory/25322348.aspx
- ProPakistani, "M3 Motorway Closed From Faizpur to Jaranwala Due to Fog", 3 Nov 2026: https://propakistani.pk/2026/11/03/m3-motorway-closed-due-to-fog/
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