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Porters in Shimla have long been an integral part of Himachal Pradesh’s transport system, especially in the days before roads and vehicles could easily navigate the steep hills.
These men carry goods for both locals and tourists who need to traverse the challenging mountainous terrain.
They can be seen hauling everything from heavy luggage to building materials, food supplies, and even water in baskets, using a shoulder pole or headgear to balance the load.
The work conditions of porters in Shimla are notably harsh. Their labour is physically demanding, as they must climb steep inclines and navigate through narrow, winding paths, often in adverse weather conditions.
The altitude, with Shimla sitting at about 2,200 metres above sea level, adds to the difficulty, making even short distances seem laborious.
The porters are typically hired on a daily wage basis, but their earnings are dependent on the demand for their services, which fluctuates with the tourist seasons. During the peak tourist months, they may find themselves overburdened with work, while in off-seasons, the demand for porters decreases, and their wages can fall significantly.