Two valleys and many ridges
From Kullu, the truck follows the Beas down through the Aut tunnel to Mandi, then heads south-east over a series of ridges towards Shimla. At about 193 km, almost all of it in the hills, the drive is long and slow in a loaded truck. Ask the mover whether they plan to unload the same evening or the next morning, and where the truck will stop overnight if needed.
Leaving Kullu
Village homes above or below the road mean a carry to the truck; homes on the highway are quicker. Avoid Dussehra week, the apple season's busiest days and peak tourist weeks.
Weather on the way
Monsoon landslides and floods can close the Beas valley road and the ridge roads to Shimla, and winter snow can make Shimla's roads dangerous. Check warnings before the moving day and keep a back-up date.
Late October to November and April to May are usually the most dependable weeks.
Reaching your Shimla home
Shimla's sealed and restricted roads need permits or are closed to vehicles, and many houses are reached on foot. Porters carry goods from the nearest road. Ask the mover whether a permit is needed and how long the carry will take. New Shimla, Kasumpti and Totu have more motorable roads; the old bazaars and Jakhoo do not.
Government postings
Many moves on this route follow a government posting to the state capital. Government housing has allotment and entry rules. If an employer is paying, ask what documents they need; every mover we work with provides a GST invoice.
Orchard families
Kullu's apple growers sometimes keep the orchard and move part of the family to Shimla for schools or work. Keep tools and crates off the household list, and mark what stays in Kullu.
Packing for porters
Ask for small cartons one person can carry, beds and tables dismantled, and fragile items padded. Number every carton so you can check them off as porters reach the door.
Woollens and damp
Shawls, blankets and woollens should travel folded in clean, sealed cartons. Documents and electronics should be sealed separately against damp.
Tourist traffic
Shimla's entry roads are jammed from May to June and around Christmas and New Year. A weekday outside these weeks makes the last stretch much easier.
Overnight stops
If the truck can't reach Shimla before dark, it may stop overnight at Mandi or another town on the way. Ask where it will be parked, whether someone stays with it, and what time unloading will start the next day.
Settling in
Ask about water rationing in summer, check heating for winter, and book internet as soon as you have the address. Our guide to address changes after moving lists the records to update.