Through Doiwala
From Rishikesh, the road runs west past the AIIMS campus and Jolly Grant airport to Doiwala, then north-west into Dehradun along the Haridwar road. At about 41 km, the drive takes an hour or so in light traffic, and a household loaded in the morning is usually being carried in by lunchtime. Much more time goes on the carry at each end than on the road itself.
Getting out of Rishikesh
If you live across the river in Tapovan or Swarg Ashram, or near the ghats, the crew may need to carry goods to a truck parked on the main road, sometimes over a bridge. Homes in the colonies on the Dehradun road and near AIIMS are much quicker to load. Ashram and guesthouse rooms have move-out rules; check them first.
Dehradun's neighbourhoods
Dehradun's central areas, around the Clock Tower, Paltan Bazaar and the ISBT, are congested. Rajpur Road, Dalanwala and the Vasant Vihar area mix old bungalows and apartments, while Sahastradhara Road, Prem Nagar, Clement Town and the areas towards Mussoorie Road have newer houses and gated complexes. The cantonment and the large institutions, such as the forest research campus and the military academy, have their own gates. Tell the mover the exact address.
Apartments and gated complexes
Dehradun's newer complexes often ask for notice of a move, set loading hours and need a lift booking. Ask the association a week ahead; our guide to society NOCs and lift bookings lists what to check.
Pilgrim traffic
From about April to June, Char Dham traffic passes through Rishikesh, and during the Kanwar yatra in Sawan, the Rishikesh–Haridwar–Dehradun roads may be closed to heavy vehicles or diverted for days. Moving in those weeks is slow or impossible; choose another date.
Weather in the valleys
Both places are hot from about April to June, though Dehradun is a little cooler. The monsoon brings very heavy rain to the Doon valley, roughly July to September, and seasonal streams can flood roads for a few hours. Winters are pleasant by day and cold at night.
October to March is usually the easiest time to move.
Schools, offices and the state capital
Dehradun's boarding and day schools, state government offices, research institutes and defence establishments draw many families from Rishikesh. If an employer is paying, ask what documents they need; every mover we work with provides a GST invoice.
AIIMS and medical moves
Some moves on this route are doctors, nurses or students leaving AIIMS Rishikesh for postings or study in Dehradun, or families moving after long treatment. Hostel and campus rooms often go as a few-items move; check the institute's exit process first.
Packing for a short move
Short moves still need proper packing. Ask for crockery in dish packs, the TV upright between mattresses, glass tops crated, and beds dismantled before they're carried down stairs or along lanes.
Scooters and bicycles
Many Rishikesh residents get around by scooter or bicycle. Either can go on the truck, wrapped and photographed, or be ridden over; our bike transport service page explains how it works.
Settling in
Ask about the water supply and storage tank, check the power backup, and book internet as soon as you have the address. Hindi and Garhwali are spoken across the valley. Our guide to address changes after moving lists the records to update.