South into Punjab
From Kathua, the highway runs south to Lakhanpur, crosses the Ravi into Punjab near Madhopur, and reaches Pathankot. From there, the road heads south-west through Gurdaspur and Batala to Amritsar. At about 117 km, a household loaded in the morning usually reaches Amritsar by mid-afternoon. Agree the expected arrival time in writing.
The Lakhanpur crossing
Goods vehicles leaving Jammu and Kashmir pass through Lakhanpur, where checks can cause queues at busy times. Have the signed packing list, the mover's invoice and a copy of your ID in the cab, and note the value of costly items. After the move, update your address with the bank, gas agency and transport office.
Pathankot and Gurdaspur
Pathankot, with its large cantonment and air base, and Gurdaspur, a district town near the border, are both on the way, and many defence families move between Kathua, Pathankot and Amritsar. Cantonment housing needs letters, inspections and entry passes. If your destination is one of these towns, tell the mover.
Leaving Kathua
Homes in Kathua's old town need goods carried to the truck, while colonies on the highway are easiest for a southbound move. Defence and government quarters need a vacating notice and an inspection.
Where in Amritsar
The walled city around the Golden Temple, Hall Bazaar and Katra Jaimal Singh has narrow lanes, heavy pilgrim traffic and vehicle restrictions near the temple; goods must often be carried. Ranjit Avenue, Green Avenue, Lawrence Road, the Majitha and Batala road colonies and the newer areas along the bypass are more open. Give the exact address and a landmark.
Fog, heat and rain
In December and January, dense fog often lies over the Punjab plains until late morning, and a careful crew will wait for it to lift. From about April to June, both ends are very hot. The monsoon brings heavy showers. October, November, February and March are usually the most comfortable months.
Defence postings and jobs
Many moves on this route are defence postings, along with government transfers and jobs in Amritsar's businesses, hospitals and colleges. If an employer is paying, ask what documents they need; every mover we work with provides a GST invoice.
Amritsar apartments
Newer apartment buildings in Amritsar may ask for notice, set moving hours and a lift booking. Check with the society a week ahead; our guide to society NOCs and lift bookings explains what to ask for.
Gurpurabs and festivals
Gurpurabs bring enormous crowds to the Golden Temple and close roads in the walled city, and Diwali, Baisakhi, Lohri and the wedding season keep crews busy. Choose a date clear of these.
Students
Guru Nanak Dev University, the medical college and many colleges draw students from Kathua. A student's room usually goes as a few-items move.
Packing
Ask for heavy items low and tied, cartons packed tight, glass framed, and wooden furniture wrapped in blankets rather than tight plastic in the hot months.
Settling in
In Amritsar, ask about water timings and the power backup, and book internet early. Our guide to address changes after moving lists the official records to update, including any change of state or union territory.