The Golden Temple, or Sri Harmandir Sahib, is the holiest shrine of Sikhism. The gilded sanctum, completed in its present form in the early 19th century under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, stands in the middle of the Amrit Sarovar, the pool that gives Amritsar its name, and is reached by a marble causeway. Everyone is welcome; cover your head and remove your shoes. The free community kitchen feeds tens of thousands of people daily.

Gurdwara Sri Tarn Taran Sahib was founded in 1590 by Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh Guru. Its sarovar is the largest of any gurdwara, and the three-storey shrine with a gilded dome stands at one corner. The water is traditionally believed to have healing powers. A large gathering takes place on every new-moon night. It lies about 25 km south of Amritsar.

Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib at Sirhind marks the place where the two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh, aged nine and six, were bricked alive in 1705 for refusing to give up their faith. The wall is preserved in an underground chamber. The large white complex also includes the tower where they and their grandmother were held. The Shaheedi Jor Mela in late December draws vast crowds.

Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib at Anandpur Sahib is one of the five seats of authority of the Sikh faith. It marks the place where Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa on Baisakhi day in 1699. Weapons used by the Guru are displayed in the sanctum. The white hilltop shrine is the centre of the Hola Mohalla festival each March, when Nihang warriors stage mock battles.

Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib in Patiala stands on the spot visited by Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, who is said to have rid the village of illness; its name means 'remover of suffering'. Devotees believe that bathing in the adjoining sarovar cures ailments. The white marble shrine is busiest on the fifth day after each new moon.

Takht Sri Damdama Sahib at Talwandi Sabo is one of the five seats of authority of the Sikh faith. Guru Gobind Singh rested here for several months in 1705-06 after his battles with the Mughals and prepared the final recension of the Guru Granth Sahib. The complex has several gurdwaras and tanks. A great fair is held at Baisakhi each April.