- What to pack for Kashmir always includes a warm layer, even in summer.
- Winter needs thermals, a heavy coat and waterproof boots.
- Carry original photo ID for checkpoints and the gondola.
- Pack light; you can hire snow gear in Gulmarg.
Knowing what to pack for Kashmir saves you from both the cold and from over-packing. The mountains are colder than first-time visitors expect, even in the warm months.
This season-by-season list covers clothing, footwear and the small things people forget.
What to pack for Kashmir in summer?
Light layers plus one warm jacket for cool evenings.
Daytime is mild from May to August, but evenings and higher spots like Gulmarg's Phase 2 are chilly. Comfortable walking shoes handle the meadows.
What to pack for Kashmir in winter?
Thermals, a heavy waterproof coat, gloves, a woollen cap and waterproof boots.
December to February is genuinely cold with snow. You can hire long coats and snow boots in Gulmarg, so you need not buy everything.
What should you pack in every season?
Original photo ID, any regular medicines, a power bank and sunscreen.
Carry ID for checkpoints and the gondola, and sunscreen for the strong mountain sun, which burns even on cold days.
What can you leave behind?
Heavy snow gear you will only use once; hire it locally instead.
Packing light also leaves room for shopping, whether pashmina, saffron or walnut-wood crafts. General visitor tips are on the J&K Department of Tourism site.
See our winter guides
Read our Kashmir winter packing list for a deeper cold-weather checklist.
Have a question about planning your trip? Message us on WhatsApp or contact our Kashmir team for a free itinerary.
