Punjab has long been a crossroads of ideas, empires, and faith. This compact 6‑day itinerary pairs Amritsar and Lahore—twin cultural capitals shaped by Mughal grandeur, Sikh history, and modern South Asian joie de vivre. Expect gilded sanctuaries, rose‑hued forts, and food so good locals will insist you have “just one more” bite.

On the Indian side, the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) radiates at dawn and glows by night, while the Partition Museum and Jallianwala Bagh frame India’s 20th‑century turning points. Across the Wagah–Attari border, Lahore dazzles with the Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort’s Sheesh Mahal, and frescoed Wazir Khan Mosque—art on brick and stone.

Practicalities matter on this route. Secure India and Pakistan visas well in advance and confirm Wagah crossing hours close to travel dates (they can shift seasonally and around holidays). Dress modestly for holy sites, carry some cash (INR/PKR) for markets, and lean into the region’s legendary hospitality—and legendary appetite.

Amritsar

Amritsar is the spiritual heart of Sikhism and the unofficial capital of Punjabi comfort food. The Golden Temple’s sarovar reflects a sanctuary that welcomes everyone; the community kitchen serves up to 100,000 free meals daily, a living lesson in service and equality.

Beyond the temple precincts, the old city’s lanes lead to the Partition Museum’s poignant galleries, Jallianwala Bagh’s memorial gardens, and the lively Hall Bazaar. Evenings often end with hot jalebis or kulchas crisp from the tandoor—fuel for another stroll.

• Top sights: Golden Temple (including the nightly Palki Sahib ceremony), Partition Museum, Jallianwala Bagh, Gobindgarh Fort, Hall Bazaar, and the Wagah ceremony (view from Indian stands).
• Eat & drink: Kesar Da Dhaba (slow-cooked dal since 1916), Bharawan Da Dhaba (thali and lassi), Kulcha Land (potato-onion kulcha with chole), Makhan Fish & Chicken (Amritsari fish fry), Gurdas Ram Jalebi (piping-hot coils of joy), and a late chai near Town Hall.
• Sleep (Hotels.com affiliates):
  • Taj Swarna, Amritsar — resort-like escape with a great pool.
  • Hyatt Regency Amritsar — near malls; reliable, modern comfort.
  • Hotel Hong Kong Inn — value stay with friendly service.
• More stays: Browse Amritsar on Hotels.com.
• Getting in: Fly to Amritsar (ATQ). Search fares on Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com. From Delhi, nonstop flights are ~1 hour; trains take 6–8 hours—see Trip.com (trains).

Day 1: Arrival and the Golden Temple by Night

Afternoon: Arrive in Amritsar and check in. Ease into the city with a gentle walk around Hall Bazaar for phulkari textiles and brassware; sip your first lassi near Gandhi Gate.

Evening: Visit the Golden Temple after dusk, when the complex shimmers and the Palki Sahib ceremony carries the Guru Granth Sahib to its night chamber. Respect dress codes (head covered, shoulders/knees covered, shoes off). Dinner nearby at Kesar Da Dhaba—order dal makhani, palak paneer, and phulka; finish with phirni.

Night: Late chai and jalebi at Gurdas Ram Jalebi or a quiet stroll along the illuminated sarovar.

Day 2: Heritage, Memory, and Street Eats

Morning: Return to the Golden Temple at dawn for kirtan and consider volunteering in the langar (kitchen)—a moving, hands-on experience. Breakfast after: Kulcha Land for amritsari kulcha with chole and tangy chutney.

Afternoon: Tour the Partition Museum for a deep dive into 1947’s human stories; then step into Jallianwala Bagh, now a serene memorial. Lunch at Bharawan Da Dhaba, famous for hearty thalis and sweet lassi.

Evening: Explore Gobindgarh Fort’s exhibitions and ramparts. Snack crawl around Lawrence Road: papdi chaat, tikki, and a cone of soft-serve kulfi. If you prefer a sit‑down, try Makhan Fish & Chicken for crisp amritsari fish.

Day 3: Markets and the Wagah Ceremony (Indian Side)

Morning: Old-city heritage walk from Town Hall: step wells, Hathi Gate, spice lanes. Pick up wadiyan (sun‑dried lentil dumplings) and jaggery for edible souvenirs.

Afternoon: Early, light lunch—try Beera Chicken House for tandoori specialties or a veg thali at Brother’s Dhaba. Aim to leave the city 2 hours before the Wagah ceremony to beat traffic.

Evening: Cheer at the Wagah–Attari border ceremony from the Indian stands (flag‑lowering typically late afternoon; arrive early for seats). Return to town for dinner and a last turn around the temple precincts.

Lahore

Lahore is where Mughal scale meets Punjabi warmth. The citadel and gardens whisper of emperors; the walled city’s frescoes and calligraphy feel like living museums. Food is practically a civic religion—smoky karahis, nihari breakfasts, and kulfi at midnight.

Plan time for the Lahore Fort’s Sheesh Mahal, rose-red Badshahi Mosque, and the story-laden Wazir Khan Mosque. Evenings on Fort Road Food Street or at Andaaz/Cuckoo’s Den layer views over flavors.

• Top sights: Lahore Fort (UNESCO), Badshahi Mosque, Wazir Khan Mosque and Shahi Hammam, Shalimar Gardens (UNESCO), Lahore Museum, Minar‑e‑Pakistan, Anarkali and Liberty markets.
• Eat & drink: Andaaz (panoramic Mughal views), Cuckoo’s Den (artsy terrace), Butt Karahi (sizzling tomato-chili chicken or mutton), Phajja Siri Paye (iconic breakfast), Waris Nihari (slow braise mastery), Chaman Ice Cream (nostalgic scoops), Pak Tea House (cultural salon reborn).
• Sleep (Hotels.com affiliates):
  • The Nishat Hotel (Gulberg) — chic, contemporary base.
  • Pearl Continental Hotel Lahore — central, full‑service classic.
  • Hotel One Gulberg — dependable value in a lively district.
• More stays: Browse Lahore on Hotels.com.
• Getting there from Amritsar: Morning road transfer to Attari (45–60 min), cross on foot, then taxi to Lahore (45–60 min). Budget 2.5–4 hours total including formalities. India taxi to border ~₹1,200–2,000; Pakistan taxi to Lahore ₨2,000–3,500 (meter/negotiated).

Day 4: Cross to Lahore and Old City First Impressions

Morning: Depart Amritsar after breakfast. Reach Attari/Wagah late morning; complete immigration and customs (hours vary; confirm a day prior). On the Pakistan side, change a small amount to PKR and ride to your Lahore hotel.

Afternoon: Start at the Walled City’s Delhi Gate: Shahi Hammam’s restored baths set the scene, then Wazir Khan Mosque’s tilework steals the show. Pause for fresh pomegranate juice in the bazaar.

Evening: Dinner on Fort Road Food Street. Andaaz or Cuckoo’s Den offer classic Lahori fare with floodlit views of Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort. Order karahi, seekh kebabs, seasonal greens (saag), and kheer.

Day 5: Mughal Lahore—Fort, Mosque, and Museums

Morning: Tour Lahore Fort: Diwan‑i‑Aam, Diwan‑i‑Khas, and mirror‑studded Sheesh Mahal. Stroll to the Badshahi Mosque—its vast courtyard and red sandstone facades are unforgettable.

Afternoon: Lunch near the Fort (grilled kebabs and naan). Continue to the Lahore Museum to trace Gandharan art and the Sikh period. Coffee at English Tea House in Gulberg or a pick‑me‑up at Rina’s Kitchenette.

Evening: MM Alam Road for a modern-night-out vibe, or Liberty Market for snacks and shopping. Dessert at Chaman Ice Cream; late tea at the storied Pak Tea House.

Day 6: Gardens, Breakfast Classics, and Departure

Morning: Classic Lahori breakfast: Waris Nihari or Phajja Siri Paye with fresh naan. Then head to Shalimar Gardens—terraced pools and chinar trees make a serene farewell stop.

Afternoon: Pick up ajrak or khussa shoes at Anarkali Bazaar. Transfer to Lahore Airport (LHE) for your flight. Search departures on Trip.com (flights) or compare on Kiwi.com. If you’re returning to India, confirm current crossing rules and plan ample time.

Evening: If you have a late flight, squeeze in Minar‑e‑Pakistan and a quick karahi at Butt Karahi (Lakshmi Chowk). Wrap with kulfi or rabri to sweeten your goodbye.

Logistics and Tips

• Visas & border: Obtain India and Pakistan tourist visas in advance; e‑visa eligibility varies by nationality. Wagah–Attari pedestrian crossing is typically open mid‑morning to late afternoon; hours can change around national holidays and Fridays. Always reconfirm locally.
• Transfers: Private taxis are simplest on both sides. Ride‑hailing (Uber/Ola in Amritsar; Careem/Uber in Lahore) works well within cities.
• Money & phones: INR is not accepted in Pakistan (and vice versa). Use ATMs or exchange modest amounts at the border. Consider an eSIM or purchase local SIMs in each country.
• Etiquette: Dress modestly for religious sites; head covering required inside Sikh gurdwaras. Photography rules vary—ask first, especially in sanctuaries and museums.

Alternate arrival/exit ideas: Fly into Delhi and onward to Amritsar, then out of Lahore via the Gulf or Southeast Asia. Compare multi‑city tickets on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

In six days, you’ll feel the pulse of Punjab on both sides of the border—sunrise hymns in Amritsar, sunset silhouettes over Lahore, and a shared table piled high with parathas, karahis, and stories. It’s a journey of living heritage, heartfelt hospitality, and flavors you’ll crave long after you’re home.