Gurudwara Pathar Sahib is a very respectable jewel, situated on the Kargil Leh Highway, about 25 miles from Leh City. The holy place commemorate his visit to Ladakh, dedicated to Guru Nanak Devi Ji the founder of the Sikh religion.. The boulder with head, shoulders, and back of Shree Guru Nanak Dev is housed by the gurudwara from 1517. The Sikh and Hindu devotees and also the Tibetans who bow down to Pathar Sahib Gurudwara with full dedication. Lastly, Lama Nanak or Guru Gompa Maharaj worship the presiding divine here. A legend is linked and makes this place a famous pilgrimage spot for the Leh-Ladakh visitors.

History of the Gurudwara Pathar Sahib

On turning the history pages, Guru Nanak Dev was here in 1517-18. It is possible to see that he was there. After visiting Sikkim, Nepal and Tibet, the Holy Soul decided to rest in this place on his continuing journey via Srinagar to Punjab.

However Guru Nanak Dev Ji's stay wasn't as easy as the folklore does. On the opposite hill there was a cruel demon and he used to scare people. After killing them, he was infamous for eating people. So the natives asked for help from the all-powerful. The revered saint decided to help them when he heard their troubles. Finally, on the banks of the river under the hill, where the unnatural creature lived, he settled down. The first Sikh Guru began to deliver sermons to the people. This heightened the demon's rage and decided to kill Guru Nanak Dev.

He threw a huge rock at the respected Guru at the foothill in order to accomplish his plans. But as they say, 'Jako Rakhe Saiyan, Maar Sake Na Koi,' miracles are obvious when the person in question is the Lord! The rock transformed like molten wax and took on its form, and even an inch was not damaged to Baba Nanak. The demon thus became totally shocked. The devil again tried to carry out his plan instigated by colère. On this occasion he tried all his strength to kick the rock. A miracle occurred again. On the molten stone has been imprinted the base of the "rakshasa". The demon, recognizing Guru Nanak Dev Ji's powers and immortality, stopped troubling him and the people. Lord Nanak came back later and for a long time, the event has been overlooked.

Best Time to Visit : July to September

Time Required : 30 minutes

Altitude : 12000 ft

Location : Leh-Kargil-Baltic National Highway - NH1, Phey, 194101

Entry Fee : FREE (No entry permits or tickets required)