Eminabad is an old town in Gujranwala district, about 55 km north of Lahore, and one of the most important places in Pakistan for Sikh history. It is where, in 1521, Guru Nanak is said to have been held during Babur's invasion, and its three gurdwaras, Rori Sahib, Chakki Sahib and Khuhi Bhai Lalo, mark that story. Rori Sahib is the main one to visit, and the only one still in regular use.
Eminabad is a small, quiet town, not a resort. It is a half-day stop that fits well with Gujranwala, and it needs a little care about access, which this guide explains.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| From Lahore | About 55 km north |
| From Gujranwala | Around 12 to 15 km, depending on the source |
| Rori Sahib | About 2 km from the town centre by one account |
| Rail | Eminabad station, on the main line, about 4 km from the GT Road |
| Main sites | Gurdwara Rori Sahib, Chakki Sahib, Khuhi Bhai Lalo |
| Best for | Sikh heritage, history, a quiet stop on the GT Road |
Why does Eminabad matter?
The town was originally called Saidpur, and was destroyed during Babur's attack in the early 16th century. Sikh tradition holds that Guru Nanak and his companion Bhai Mardana were imprisoned here, and that Nanak stayed with Bhai Lalo in the town. It later became Shergarh and then Eminabad.
That history is why Sikh pilgrims come from India and elsewhere. Eminabad also has a Hindu past: the Hindu community once held a large share of the town's trade, and the town's connection to the railway in 1880 changed its fortunes.
Gurdwara Rori Sahib
Rori Sahib is a brick gurdwara built in the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, so around 200 years old. It marks the place where Guru Nanak is said to have stayed after the town's destruction, sitting on a hard bed of small stones, which gives the gurdwara its name: rori means small stones.
It has red brick walls, decorative domes and a large sarovar, a tank, though one visitor in 2016 found it empty of water. The site once held nine marabbas of land and is smaller now. The gurdwara is still in use and was included in the Vaisakhi pilgrimage arranged by the Evacuee Trust Property Board in 2025, when Sikh visitors came from Kartarpur.
Chakki Sahib and Khuhi Bhai Lalo
Gurdwara Chakki Sahib marks where a large millstone was kept, said to be the stone Guru Nanak was made to grind. Gurdwara Khuhi Bhai Lalo marks Bhai Lalo's house and well. Both are smaller than Rori Sahib and are less frequently used.
Both were reported to be kept locked, with a caretaker bringing keys on request. They are described as not fully functioning and under the control of the Sikh community, and off limits to foreign visitors. Treat this as a report from a visit some years ago, not a current rule, and ask locally.
The Mughal tomb nearby
A Mughal-era tomb, that of Sheikh Abdul Nabi, lies on the outskirts of Eminabad. It is described as a 16th to 17th century monument with a dome and tilework that has been neglected, with restoration reported to be under way. We could not verify its current condition or whether it is open to visitors.
How to get to Eminabad
From Lahore, take the Grand Trunk Road north. Eminabad lies about 55 km from Lahore, and its railway station is connected to the GT Road by a road of about 4 km. From Gujranwala the town is 12 to 15 km south, so a short drive.
Ask locally for directions in the last stretch, as signage is limited. Combine it with the other stops in our guide to places to visit in Gujranwala, and with lunch: see Gujranwala's famous food.
Access, etiquette and practical tips
- Ask before entering. Gurdwaras are in the care of the Evacuee Trust Property Board and local caretakers. Check who to ask on arrival.
- Cover your head and remove your shoes, as at any gurdwara.
- Be respectful with photography, and ask the caretaker first.
- Foreign visitors should check their own government's travel advice and be prepared for security checks. Access rules for foreign nationals may differ from those for Pakistanis.
- Bring water and cash, as there are few facilities.
- Go in daylight, in the cooler months if possible; October to March is more comfortable than summer.
Is Eminabad worth visiting?
If you are interested in Sikh history or the Guru Nanak story, yes: it is one of the most significant Sikh sites near Lahore, and it is a quiet place to visit. If you want elaborate monuments and facilities, no. It is best as part of a longer day on the GT Road. For general planning, see our travel guide and all destinations.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Eminabad?
In Gujranwala district, about 55 km north of Lahore and 12 to 15 km from Gujranwala city.
What is Gurdwara Rori Sahib?
A gurdwara from the Ranjit Singh period that marks where Guru Nanak is said to have stayed after Babur destroyed the town in 1521.
Can I visit Gurdwara Rori Sahib?
It is in use and hosts Sikh pilgrims, so ask the caretaker for permission on arrival. Access for others is at the caretaker's discretion.
Can foreigners visit Eminabad?
Rules may differ. One account reports two of the gurdwaras as off limits to foreigners. Check with the Evacuee Trust Property Board first.
How far is Eminabad from Lahore?
About 55 km by road, via the Grand Trunk Road.
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