Quick Answer
A season-by-season Kashmir packing list: winter layers for Gulmarg snow, spring and autumn jackets, summer essentials, plus documents, cash and SIM tips.
Short answer
Pack in layers. Even in summer, Gulmarg and Sonamarg (about 2,650 to 2,730 m) get cold by evening, and the top of the Gulmarg Gondola is near 4,000 m. In winter you need thermals, a heavy jacket, gloves, a cap and waterproof shoes.
Packing list by season
| Season | Clothes | Extras |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (December to February) | Thermals, fleece, heavy down or padded jacket, woollen cap, gloves, warm socks | Waterproof boots with grip, sunglasses, lip balm, moisturiser |
| Spring (March to May) | Light jacket or fleece, full sleeves, one warm layer for Gulmarg | Umbrella or rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer (June to August) | Cotton clothes for the day, a light jacket for evenings and the hill stations | Sunscreen, cap, sunglasses, a light rain layer |
| Autumn (September to November) | Layers, a warm jacket for evenings, gloves by November | Moisturiser for dry air, sturdy shoes |
Snow boots, coats and gloves can be rented in Tangmarg and Gulmarg in winter, so you do not need to buy heavy snow gear for one snow day.
Everyday essentials
- Government photo ID for every adult (hotels ask for it at check-in).
- A postpaid SIM or a plan to buy a local SIM, since prepaid SIMs from outside J&K do not work here. See SIM cards in Kashmir.
- Some cash: card and UPI work in towns, but signal is patchy at meadows and passes. See cash, ATMs and UPI.
- Basic medicines, including anything for motion sickness on hill roads.
- A power bank and a reusable water bottle.
Plan and book your Kashmir trip with a local Srinagar team
What to wear at religious places
At shrines and mosques such as Hazratbal, dress modestly with shoulders and legs covered; women are usually asked to cover their heads. Carry a scarf. Shoes come off before entering. See religious places in Kashmir.
Frequently Asked Questions
What clothes should I wear in Kashmir in December?
Thermals, a fleece and a heavy jacket, with a cap, gloves and waterproof shoes. Gulmarg and Sonamarg are below freezing; snow gear can be rented in Tangmarg and Gulmarg.
Do I need a jacket in Kashmir in summer?
Yes, a light one. Days are warm in Srinagar, but evenings in Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg are cool, and the top of the Gondola is cold all year.
Can I rent snow clothes in Gulmarg?
Yes. Snow boots, long coats and gloves are rented in Tangmarg and Gulmarg in winter.
Will my prepaid SIM work in Kashmir?
No. Prepaid SIMs from outside Jammu and Kashmir do not work here; postpaid connections do. You can buy a local prepaid SIM with ID.
Written by Via Kashmir Editorial Team
Last checked 2026
Via Kashmir is a Srinagar-based travel company built around one goal: giving travellers the best possible Kashmir experience. Our team puts together the best-priced hotels, cabs, Kashmir tour packages, and adventure packages with real sports activities, drawing on daily, on-the-ground knowledge of Kashmir's roads, weather, and seasons. Every guide on this site is written and checked by our local Srinagar team.