Yatra Guide: List of India Historical Gurdwaras (Asthans)

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The Essence of a Sikh Yatra

A Yatra is more than just visiting places - it’s a journey of connection. Each asthan carries stories of the Gurus, their teachings, and the values they lived by. Travelling to these places helps us reflect on history, strengthen our understanding of Sikhi, and find personal inspiration. A well-planned Yatra allows us to experience these moments with depth - through reflection, learning, and the peace that comes from being in spaces touched by the Gurus’ presence. 


How to Plan Your Yatra

Planning a yatra thoughtfully helps you experience each asthan with calm and purpose rather than rush. Here are some steps to guide your preparation:

  1. Start with learning – Read about the historical and spiritual background of each place. Resources like Mahan Kosh, Gur Tirath Sangreh, or local guidebooks can give you a deeper understanding before you visit. You can also listen to Katha to learn more. 

  2. Map your route – Check which asthans are close to one another and plan a travel path that makes sense geographically. This helps you save time and energy.

  3. Plan overnight stops – Identify towns with good accommodation or sarai facilities near major Gurdwaras. You can also choose an asthan you would want to spend time/amrit vela at.

  4. Speak to locals – Local sevadars and sangat often know about smaller or lesser-known Gurdwaras that may not appear in guidebooks. Their insights can add richness to your journey.

  5. Arrange reliable transport – A good driver familiar with the area can make the trip smoother, especially when visiting multiple rural asthans.

  6. Travel with intention – Keep your focus on learning, reflection, and gratitude. Whether you visit alone or with family, let the journey be meaningful rather than just sightseeing.


Ways to Organize Your Yatra

There are many ways to plan your yatra, depending on what inspires you most. Here are a few meaningful approaches:

  1. By Gurus’ Lives
    You can plan your yatra around the life journeys of the Gurus - visiting places connected to their birth, joti jot asthans, key events, and teachings. For example, you can visit the janam asthans - the birthplaces of all Guru Sahibs, such as Guru Nanak Dev Ji at Nankana Sahib (Pakistan), Guru Angad Dev Ji at Matte Di Sarai, and Guru Amar Das Ji at Basarke. 

  2. By Region
    You can also plan by region - for example, cover all asthans near Amritsar,  Anandpur Sahib, or Delhi. This works well if you have limited time and want to explore one area deeply.

  3. By Intention

    You can also plan your yatra based on what inspires you. Some prefer visiting shaheedi asthans, others focus on places of key teachings or events. Or you may simply want to do an overall yatra - covering main takhts and nearby asthans. 

  4. By Guru’s Journey (Marag-based Yatra)

    You can follow the historical paths walked by the Gurus - tracing their travels and the moments that shaped Sikh history. Here are some examples:

    Guru Gobind Singh Ji Marag:     Follow the path that Guru Gobind Singh Ji took after leaving Anandpur Sahib to Damdama Sahib. There is a dedicated road route and map for this.


  • Sees Marag: The sacred route of bringing Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s Sees (head) from Delhi to Anandpur Sahib, honouring the devotion and courage of Bhai Jaita Ji.

    Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, Delhi - Koocha Dilwali - Badd Khalsa - Taravari -  Gurdwara Sat Sang Sahib/Sis Ganj Sahib, Ambala - Gurdwara Sri Nabha Sahib, Nabha - Gurdwara Bibangarh Sahib, Kiratpur Sahib - Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, Anandpur Sahib

  • Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s Journey to Patna Sahib: The route from Anandpur Sahib to Patna Sahib, passing through asthans where Guru Sahib stayed and preached.

    These marags let you experience the Gurus’ journeys step by step - feeling the history and spirit behind each place rather than visiting them in isolation.


Sikh Gurdwaras & Asthans by Region

Amritsar Sahib 

  • Sri Harmandir Sahib (Darbar Sahib) 
    Link: Gurdwaras and Historical Sites in the Parkarma of Sachkand Sri Harmandar Sahib Ji

    Gurdwaras Walking Distance from Darbar Sahib

  • 5 Sarovar - (Amritsar, Ramsar, Bibeksar, Kaulsar and Santokhsar Sahib)

  • Baba Atal Ji
    (This asthan should be visited in order to mark your Amritsar Sahib yatra complete)

  • Bhai Shalo Ji
    (This asthan should be visited in order to mark your Amritsar Sahib yatra complete)

  • Lohgarh Sahib
    (There is a ancient wodden cannon here from Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji's time)

  • Guru Ke Mehal
    (This asthan is an important one as many Guru Sahibs lived here when living in Amritsar Sahib and it is the Parkash Asthan of Guru Tegh Bahaedur Ji)

  • Gurdwara Darshani Deori 
    (This gurdwara is in a bazaar on your way to Guru Ke Mehal - you just need to remember to look up and ask the locals when you start walking)

  • Gurdwara Shaheed Ganj Sahib 
    (This asthan is where the saskar of Baba Deep Singh Ji was done)

  • Gurdwara Baba Sham Singh ji 
    (Every morning, Karah Parshad degh goes from here to Darbar Sahib - you can also contribute degh ration here)


Nearby Gurdwaras:

  • Khuh Bhai Manjh Ji
    (Houses the well that Bhai Manjh Ji fell into with firewoods on their head)

  • Tahla Sahib
    (Marks the spot where the revere Baba Deep Singh Ji's head is said to have separated from their body while fighting)

  • Lakeer Sahib
    (place where Baba Deep Singh Ji marked a line on the ground, asking only those who were willing to fight and die for Sikhi, and to stop the desecration of Sri Harmandir Sahib, to cross the line)

  • Jhulna Mehal
    (renowned for a "swinging" or "swaying" wall built by Guru Arjan Dev ji for Sikhs, after Mughal forces passed through with elephants while they held a diwan)

  • Pipli Sahib
    (commemorates a well built under a Peepal tree where Guru Ram Das Ji rested and was also visited by other Guru Sahibs)

  • Kotha Sahib  and Guriana Sahib (Valla pind)
    (commemorates a 17-day stay by Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, in 1664, after they were refused entry to Harmandir Sahib by local Masands)

Other Nearby:

  • Tarn Taran Sahib 

  • Birh Baba Budha Ji 

  • Jhabal
    (Mai Bhago Ji ancestral house  &  Bibi Veero Ji viah Asthan)

  • Baba Bakala Sahib
    (Asthan where Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji meditated in isolation for a long time)


Guru Ki Wadali 

  • Janam Asthan Guru Hargobind Ji Mahraj

  • Cheharta Sahib

  • Gurdwara Damdama Sahib

  • Gurdwara Sri Manji Sahib

  • Gurdwara Babe Shaheed Singh Ji


Basarke

  • Sann Sahib
    (marks the spot where a small delegation led by Baba Budha Ji discovered Guru Amar Das Ji in deep meditation, inside a small hut, adhering to his vow to stay isolated, with the iconic hole in the wall still preserved)

  • Janam Asthan Guru Amar Das Ji

If you start from Amritsar Sahib, you have a straight route as follows:
Amritsar Sahib - Guru Ki Wadali - Basarke - Birh Baba Budha Ji - Jhabal (Mai Bhago Ji & Bibi Veero Ji Asthan)

🧭 Suggested Yatra Flow (Amritsar & Nearby)

This route allows you to experience Amritsar and nearby asthans in a natural and unhurried way.

Day 1: Arrive in Amritsar Sahib. Spend time at Darbar Sahib (especially evening/night)

Day 2:
Amrit Vela at Darbar Sahib. Visit Parkarma asthans, 5 sarovars, Baba Atal Sahib ji 

Day 3: Visit nearby walking distance Amritsar Sahib asthans - Guru ke Mehal, Toba Bhai Shalo Ji, Lohgarh Sahib etc.

Day 4: Visit Gurdwaras near Amritsar Sahib - Khuh Bhai Manjh Ji etc. 

Day 5 (Route Day Trip):
Follow this route:
Amritsar Sahib → Guru Ki Wadali → Basarke → Birh Baba Budha Ji → Jhabal 


Goindwal Sahib

  • Baoli Sahib, Goindwal Sahib
    (Baoli sahib with 84 stairs)

  • Chubara Sahib, Goindwal Sahib
    Link: Family Home of Guru Amar Das Ji

  • Gurdwara Sri Khoo Sahib Patshahi 4

  • Gurdwara Akaal Chalana Sahib
    (Marks the asthan where Bhai Gurdas Ji left to Sachkhand)

  • Gurdwara Damdama Sahib


Khadoor Sahib

Historical Gurdwaras of Khadoor Sahib

  • Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib

  • Gurdwara Tapiana Sahib

  • Mata Khivi Ji's Langgar

  • Gurdwara Tap Asthan Guru Angad Sahib

  • Khoo Bibi Amro Ji

  • Gurdwara Thara Sahib

  • Gurdwara Sri Mai Bharai Sahib

  • Shaheedi Asthan Baba Sujada Ji

  • Gurdwara Sri Mal Akhaara Sahib


Sultanpur Lodhi

Historical Gurdwaras of Sultanpur Lodhi

  • Gurdwara Ber Sahib

  • Gurdwara Sant Ghat

  • Guru Ka Bagh

  • Gurdwara Hatt Sahib

  • Gurdwara Sri Kothri Sahib

  • Gurdwara Sri Antaryamta Sahib

  • Gurdwara Sri Bebe Nanaki

  • Gurdwara Sri Sehra Sahib


Nearby Asthan:
  • Parkash Asthan Bhai Lalo Ji, Dalla pind
  • Gurdwara Viah Asthan Mata Damodri Ji, Dalla
  • Khoo Bhai Paro Ji, Dalla
  • Gurdwara Janj Ghar, Dalla
  • Gurdwara Sri Baoli Sahib, Dalla
  • Gurdwara Bhai Bhageerath Ji, Malsiyan, Jalandhar

You can do day trips from Amritsar Sahib to Baba Bakala, Khadur Sahib, Goindwal Sahib, Sultanpur Lodhi.

Anandpur Sahib 

Nearby / Additional:

  • Guru Ka Lahore

  • Triveni Sahib

  • Paur Sahib

  • Sohela Ghora

  • Sehra Sahib

  • Bhabhour Sahib


Kiratpur Sahib

Link: Historical Gurdwaras of Kiratpur Sahib

  • Gurdwara Shri Sheesh Mahal Sahib

  • Gurdwara Sri Damdama Sahib

  • Gurdwara Sri Harmandar Sahib & Nau Lakha Bagh

  • Gurdwara Sri Kot Sahib

  • Gurdwara Sri Charan Kamal Sahib

  • Gurdwara Baba Gurditta Ji

  • Gurdwara Sri Teer Sahib

  • Peer Baba Budhan Shah Ji da Takeeya
    (This asthan should be visited to mark Kiratpur Sahib yatra as complete)

  • Gurdwara Sri Bibangarh Sahib

    Gurdwara Manji Sahib/Gurdwara Bibi Veero Ji 

  • Gurdwara Patal Puri Sahib

Chamkaur Sahib

Link: Historical Gurdwaras of Chamkaur Sahib

  • Gurdwara Damdama Sahib

  • Gurdwara Garhi Sahib

  • Gurdwara Katalgarh Sahib

  • Gurdwara Shaheed Burj Bhai Jivan Singh

  • Gurdwara Tarhi Sahib





Machhiwara Sahib

Link: Historical Gurdwaras of Machiwara

  • Gurdwara Charan Kaval Sahib

  • Gurdwara Chaubara Sahib

  • Gurdwara Ghani Khan Nabi Khan (also known as Gurdwara Uch Da Peer)

  • Gurdwara Kirphan Bhet










Fatehgarh Sahib

Link: Historical Gurdwaras & Sites of Fatehgarh Sahib

  • Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib

  • Gurdwara Sri Bhora Sahib

  • Gurdwara Sri Rath Sahib

  • Gurdwara Sri Thanda Burj

  • Gurdwara Sri Baba Moti Ram Mehra

  • Gurdwara Bibangarh Sahib

  • Gurdwara Joti Saroop Sahib

  • Gurdwara Sri Shaheed Ganj Sahib

  • Gurdwara Sri Sis Ganj Shaheedan Sahib

  • Gurdwara Sri Shaheed Bunga Sahib

  • Gurdwara Patshahi Chevi

Nearby Sites (Morinda / Khera / Kheri Pind)
Link: Historical Gurdwaras of Chottay Sahibzaday and Mata Gujri Ji

  • Gurdwara Kotwali Sahib, Morinda

  • Gurdwara Sri Shaheed Ganj Sahib, Morinda

  • Gurdwara Aima Sahib, Khera

  • Gurdwara Attak Sahib, Khera

  • Gurdwara Rath Sahib, Khera

  • Gurdwara Sri Gupt Khajana Gobindsagar Sahib, near Kheri Pind


Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo)

  • Main Darbar of Damdama Sahib

  • Burj Baba Deep Singh Ji

  • Likhansar Sahib

  • Manji Sahib Patshahi 9

  • Gurdwara Mata Sundri Mata Sahib Devan

  • Bhai Bir Singh & Bhai Dheer Singh Asthan

  • Gurusar Sarovar

  • Jandsar Sahib

  • Bhai Dala's House (has puratan artifacts)



Nearby / Additional:
  • Qila Mubarak, Bathinda

  • Mai Desan house (has puratan artifacts)


Mukatsar Sahib

Link: Historical Gurdwaras of Mukatsar Sahib

  • Gurdwara Tuti Gandi Sahib

  • Gurdwara Sri Shaheed Ganj Sahib (Angeetha Sahib)

  • Gurdwara Sri Tambu Sahib

  • Gurdwara Sri Mata Bhag Kaur

  • Gurdwara Sri Tibbi Sahib

  • Gurdwara Sri Rakabsar Sahib

  • Gurdwara Sri Datansar Sahib

  • Gurdwara Sri Taran Taran Sahib


Nearby Asthan:
  • Parkash Asthan Guru Angad Dev Ji, Sarai Naga
  • Gurdwars Pehli Patshahi, Dasvin Patshahi, Sarai Naga


Daroli Bhai Ke, Moga

  • Gurdwara Sri Angitha Sahib Mata Damodri Ji

  • Gurdwara Sri Guru Hargobind Ji ate Sri Guru Har Rai Ji

  • Gurdwara Sri Guru Ke Mehal Atari Sahib

  • Niwas Asthan Bhai Sain Das Ji

  • Gurdwara Janam Asthan Baba Gurditta Ji


Ambala

  • Gurdwara Panjokhra Sahib

  • Gurdwara Manji Sahib

  • Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib

  • Gurdwara Baadshahi Bagh

  • Gurdwara Gobind Pura Sahib

  • Gurdwara Lakhnaur Sahib

  • Gurdwara Gendsar Sahib




Delhi

  • Bangla Sahib

  • Sis Ganj Sahib

  • Rakab Ganj Sahib

  • Bala Sahib

  • Nanak Piao Sahib

  • Banda Bahadur Ji Shaheedi Asthan

  • Majnu Ka Tilla

  • Moti Bagh Sahib

  • Damdama Sahib

  • Mata Sundri Ji Gurdwara

    These historical gurdwaras that can be covered efficiently with good planning.

    Day 1 (Central Route):

    Start at Bangla Sahib

    Then continue to Rakab Ganj Sahib → Mata Sundri Ji Gurdwara → Sis Ganj Sahib → Majnu Ka Tilla → Nanak Piao Sahib

    Day 2 (Outer Route):

    Visit Moti Bagh Sahib → Baba Banda Singh Ji Shaheedi Asthan → Bala Sahib → Damdama Sahib

    Travel Tips:

     - You can hire a driver, take autos, or use ride apps

    - The metro is also a convenient option for some routes


Patna Sahib

  • Takht Patna Sahib

  • Baal Leela Maini Sahib

  • Gaighat Sahib

  • Sanggat Sonar Toli Sahib

  • Guru Ka Bagh

  • Kanghan Ghat

  • Handi Sahib

  • Rajgir (day trip)


  • Takht Shri Sachkand Sri Hazor Sahib

  • Gurdwara Nagina Ghat

  • Bunga Mai Bhago Ji

  • Gurdwara Hira Ghat

  • Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji

  • Gurdwara Shikar Ghat

  • Gurdwara Maaltekri Sahib

  • Gurdwara Sanggat Sahib

  • Gurdwara Banda Ghat

  • Gurdwara Ratangarh Sahib

Nearby

  1. Gurdwara Nanak Jhira (Bidar)

  2. Gurdwara Mai Bhago Ji (Bidar)

  3. Gurdwara Damdama Sahib (Basmati Nagar)

    Sample Yatra Itineraries

    These itineraries are only a guide. Every yatra is personal as you may move slower, stay longer, or change your route based on what draws you. The aim is not to complete places, but to truly experience them. If you need help to plan a yatra trip (fyi I am not a travel agent haha), feel free to reach out to me at inder9713@gmail.com or my Instagram page (inder9713). 

    🪷 Punjab Yatra (10–14 Days)

    This itinerary allows you to experience the major asthans across Punjab while still giving yourself time to reflect and not rush.

    Day 1: Arrive in Amritsar Sahib

    Settle in and spend some quiet time at Darbar Sahib

    Day 2: Spend the full day at Darbar Sahib 

    Day 3: Complete the 5 Sarovar darshan/ishnaan and visit nearby asthans within walking distance

    Day 4: Day trip to Goindwal Sahib and Khadoor Sahib

    Day 5: Spend another day in Amritsar or visit nearby asthans such as Baba Budha Ji or Mai Bhago Ji asthan

    Day 6: Travel to Anandpur Sahib (stop at Baba Bakala Sahib on the way)

    Day 7: Spend time at Takht Sahib and explore local gurdwaras

    Day 8: Day trip to Kiratpur Sahib

    Day 9: Travel via Chamkaur Sahib → Fatehgarh Sahib → Machhiwara Sahib 

    Stay overnight at Macchiwara Sahib

    Day 10: Day trip to Muktsar Sahib

    Day 11: Day trip to Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo)

    Day 12: Return via Sultanpur Lodhi to Amritsar

    Day 13–14: Spend your final days in Amritsar 


    🌟 First-Time Yatri (5 - 6 Days)

    This is ideal if it’s your first yatra and you want to focus on fewer places with more depth.

    Base: Amritsar Sahib

    Day 1–2: Spend time at Darbar Sahib

    Day 3: 5 Sarovars + nearby asthans

    Day 4: Tarn Taaran Sahib + Goindwal Sahib + Khadoor Sahib

    Day 5: Sultanpur Lodhi

    Day 6: Ber Baba Budha Ji + Bibi Veero ji/Mai Bhago ji asthan


    🏔️ Anandpur Sahib Focus 

    If you prefer a quieter and more reflective yatra, you can base yourself in Anandpur Sahib.

    Day 1: Takht Sahib + nearby gurdwaras

    Day 2: Kiratpur Sahib

    Day 3: Chamkaur Sahib

    Day 4: Optional Fatehgarh Sahib


    Final Thought

    A yatra is not about how many places you visit, but what you take back with you. Even a single asthan, experienced with presence and reflection, can stay with you far longer than a rushed journey through many.