Journey to Kartarpur Corridor: An Unforgettable Travel Experience

For years, the desire to visit the neighboring country of Pakistan has been a lifelong dream. Most of my friends viewed it as an impossible feat. However, my dream became a reality in November 2019, thanks to an unexpected announcement and a series of well-coordinated efforts.

How it All Began

Almost three to five years ago, I often shared my dream of visiting Pakistan. Surprisingly, it wasn't an uncommon topic among my close friends. However, their responses typically included disbelief and skepticism. The reason? At that time, Indian citizens were not granted tourist visas to visit Pakistan. The only way to obtain a visa was through a family member residing in Pakistan. This rule made it seem impossible for me to realize my dream.

The Breakthrough

On November 9, 2019, just before 9 PM, I turned on the television to watch a news channel, India TV, as was my habit. One headline caught my attention as it flashed across the screen: 'Indian visitors can visit Kartarpur Corridor in Pakistan.' Over 300 Indian Sikhs attended the inaugural ceremony, and it seemed this was a historic moment.

That night, I started researching how to visit Kartarpur Gurudwara. I found the official website for registration to visit Kartarpur and, surprisingly, it mentioned whether non-Sikhs could visit. The information was scarce, and most news channels highlighted that the corridor was open for Indian Sikhs. This further fueled my frustration as it seemed I was left out.

The Discovery

A few days later, on December 4, 2019, while scrolling through YouTube, I came across a video by Deepanshu, a popular travel vlogger. Deepanshu's videos detailed the entire process, including the online registration procedure and pass stamping. His interactions with Pakistani people who had visited the same day provided a personal touch. After watching these videos, I no longer had any doubts.

Planning the Trip

On December 6, I finally made up my mind to visit Pakistan and filled out the necessary forms. I knew the process would involve extensive verification, so I uploaded all my documents, including a PAN card, Aadhar card, and passport. After selecting my visit date for December 31, 2019, the following day, a government official called me for a home visit to verify my documents.

The verification process sent a whirlwind of emotions through me. I was at the Ahmedabad Stock Exchange with a friend, and he accompanied me to our home. The official asked a series of questions to confirm my intentions and purpose. Although the questions felt invasive, I responded confidently, explaining it was a childhood wish to visit Pakistan.

The Final Preparations

On December 8, a government officer visited our home to verify my documents. The official was satisfied with all the information and left. On December 9, I received a call from the police station and was asked to come for further verification by 2 PM. I proceeded, and the police officer asked more questions. I was assured that if everything was in order, the information would be sent to the Police Commissioner's office in Ahmedabad.

After the official visit, I booked my tickets for Delhi on December 24 and my train ticket to Amritsar on December 27. The next step was to inform my parents about my visit.

The Overwhelming Emotions and Anticipation

The idea of visiting Pakistan filled me with a mix of emotions. There was an overwhelming sense of excitement, and I couldn't help but feel anxious. Waiting for the 31st of December, I had a mix of emotions and thoughts racing through my mind. My dad was concerned about my travel plans, but my mom always supported me in everything I did.

On the day of the visit, the anticipation was palpable. As I crossed the border, the feeling of being in a different country was indescribable. The process of entering the corridor was smooth, and the Gurudwara's ambiance was serene. The experience was surreal, and my heart raced with every step I took.

The Conclusion

My experience at Kartarpur was one of a kind, and the story of how I managed to visit Pakistan through the Kartarpur Corridor is a testament to perseverance and determination. If you're planning a similar journey, I highly recommend following these steps and staying informed about any changes or updates.

Feel free to watch the entire video on YouTube for detailed insights into my experience. My journey to Kartarpur Corridor not only fulfilled my lifelong dream but also provided a glimpse of the beautiful and welcoming culture of Pakistan.