What to Pack for Kashmir, Season by Season
A practical packing list for each season, plus the five things visitors most often forget and regret.
The single most common packing mistake in Kashmir is dressing for the temperature in Srinagar and then spending the day at 2,650 metres in Gulmarg. The valley floor and the destinations above it can differ by fifteen degrees on the same afternoon.
The universal rule: layers
Whatever the season, you want a base layer, a mid layer and an outer shell rather than one heavy garment. Mornings and evenings at altitude are cold in every month of the year, including July.
Spring (March–May)
- Light thermals for evenings and higher destinations
- A fleece or light down mid-layer
- A windproof, water-resistant jacket
- Closed walking shoes with grip — spring trails are muddy
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- A light scarf or stole, useful at shrines and gardens alike
Summer (June–August)
- Cottons and light layers for the valley floor
- One warm jacket or fleece for Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Pahalgam evenings
- A light rain shell — afternoon showers are common
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Strong sunscreen; UV at 2,600 m is far higher than it feels
- Insect repellent for riverside and meadow areas
Autumn (September–November)
- Thermals for late October onwards
- A proper insulated jacket for November
- A woollen cap and gloves
- Walking shoes or light boots
- A camera with spare batteries — cold shortens battery life noticeably
Winter (December–February)
- Thermal base layers, top and bottom — not optional
- A down jacket rated for at least -10°C
- Waterproof, insulated boots with proper grip
- Waterproof gloves, woollen cap, neck gaiter
- Thick woollen socks, several pairs
- Sunglasses — snow glare is severe
- Moisturiser and lip balm; the air is extremely dry
- A power bank
If you are also going to Ladakh
- Everything above, plus a warmer layer — even summer nights at Pangong are below freezing
- A wide-brimmed hat and SPF 50; UV at 4,500 m is extreme
- Lip balm with sun protection
- A reusable bottle — you need three to four litres of water a day
- Any prescribed altitude medication, discussed with your doctor beforehand
The five things people forget
- Cash. Shikaras, ponies, homestays and village shops are cash-only.
- A physical ID card. It is checked at border-district checkpoints in Gurez, Bangus, Kupwara and across Ladakh.
- Sunglasses. Glare off snow and water is the most underestimated discomfort here.
- A power bank. Power cuts are routine in winter.
- Modest clothing for shrine visits — covered shoulders and knees, and a scarf for women at Hazratbal and the Jamia Masjid.
Quick answers
Related questions
What clothes should I wear in Kashmir in June?
Cottons and light layers for Srinagar, plus one warm fleece or jacket for Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg, where evenings stay cold even in summer.
Do I need snow boots for Kashmir in winter?
Yes, waterproof insulated boots with grip. You can hire them in Gulmarg and Tangmarg rather than buying.
Is sunscreen necessary in Kashmir?
Very. UV exposure at 2,600 m and above is far stronger than in the plains, and snow glare roughly doubles it.
