What to Pack for Kashmir in Every Season of the Year

Kashmir can swing from 30 degrees on a June afternoon in Srinagar to well below freezing on a January night, and most first visitors pack for the wrong half of that range. Working out what to pack for Kashmir comes down to three things: the month you travel, how high you plan to go, and how much time you will spend in homes, houseboats and shrines where dress matters.

I have done this trip in every season and packed badly in most of them at least once. This is the list I now give friends and family, season by season, with the items that are better bought locally once you arrive.

What to pack for Kashmir in any season

Some things go in the bag no matter when you travel.

Layers, not one heavy coat. Srinagar sits at about 1,585 metres, Pahalgam around 2,200 and Gulmarg about 2,650. A single day trip can mean a 10 to 15 degree temperature drop.
Modest clothing. Loose trousers or long skirts, tops that cover the shoulders, and a scarf or stole for women to cover the head at shrines and mosques. Men should avoid shorts in the old city.
Comfortable walking shoes with grip. Old city lanes, garden paths and meadow trails are uneven, and shoes come off often, so slip on styles save time.
A power bank of 10,000 to 20,000 mAh. Power cuts happen, especially in winter.
Sunscreen and sunglasses. UV is stronger at altitude, and snow glare in Gulmarg or Sonamarg is harsh even in spring.
Basic medicines. Altitude headaches, upset stomachs and dry throats are the usual complaints.

One practical note: prepaid mobile connections from other Indian states do not work in Jammu and Kashmir, while postpaid connections usually do. International visitors should sort out a local option before arriving. Plan your money too. Our guide to cash and UPI in Kashmir explains how much to carry each day.

Spring, March to May

Spring is tulip season. The tulip garden in Srinagar usually opens in late March and peaks in early to mid April, and the almond blossom at Badamwari comes even earlier. Days are mild, around 15 to 25 degrees in Srinagar by May, but March nights can still drop close to freezing.

Pack a light fleece or wool sweater, a windproof jacket, a compact umbrella for April showers and one warm hat for evenings. If you are heading to Gulmarg in March, there will still be snow, so add waterproof boots or plan to rent gum boots locally for a few hundred rupees.

Summer, June to August

Summer is peak season, when families escape the heat of the plains. Srinagar can reach 30 to 33 degrees in the afternoon, while Sonamarg and Pahalgam stay pleasantly cool. Evenings on Dal Lake are comfortable, sometimes chilly out on the water.

Bring breathable cotton and linen in modest cuts, a light jacket for evenings and higher valleys, a hat, and sandals that are easy to remove. Rain gear matters in July and August, when afternoon showers are common. If you plan a pony ride or a walk to Thajiwas glacier or Baisaran meadow, closed shoes are far better than sandals.

Autumn, September to November

For many locals, autumn is the most beautiful season. The chinar trees turn red and gold through late October and November, and the air is clear. It also cools fast. September days are warm, but by mid November Srinagar nights can sit around 0 to 3 degrees.

Pack a proper warm jacket, thermal base layers for November, a wool hat and gloves, and moisturiser, because the air turns very dry. This is a lovely season to buy a pheran or shawl locally. Read our notes on shopping in Srinagar before you bargain.

Winter, December to February

Winter means snow, especially during Chillai Kalan, the 40 day period of hardest cold from around 21 December to the end of January. Night temperatures in Srinagar often fall to minus 5 or lower, and Gulmarg can drop much further.

Here, packing properly is a safety issue, not a style choice:

Two sets of thermal base layers, top and bottom
A down or synthetic insulated jacket rated for sub zero temperatures
Waterproof, insulated boots with good grip for icy lanes
Wool socks, at least four pairs, since wet socks are the fastest way to get cold
A warm hat, neck gaiter and insulated gloves
Lip balm, heavy moisturiser and a reusable water bottle, because dry indoor heating dehydrates you quickly

Ski gear can be rented in Gulmarg, so there is no need to carry it unless you have your own boots.

Why I tell people to pack less, not more

The usual advice for Kashmir in winter is to bring every warm thing you own. I disagree. A suitcase full of bulky sweaters is a burden on shikaras and narrow houseboat stairs, and much of what you need for real warmth is better bought on arrival.

A good pheran, the long woollen Kashmiri cloak, costs roughly 1,500 to 4,000 rupees for a simple wool one and is warmer indoors than a jacket, because you can sit with a kangri or heater underneath it the way locals do. Wool socks, caps and gloves are sold cheaply around Lal Chowk and Polo View. Bring your thermals and a good outer jacket, buy the rest locally, and you travel lighter while supporting local sellers.

The exception is footwear. Do not plan to buy boots in Srinagar. Sizes are limited, and breaking in new shoes on icy streets is miserable. Wear your boots for at least a week at home before the trip.

A quick packing checklist

Season	Must pack	Buy or rent locally
Spring	Fleece, windproof jacket, umbrella	Gum boots for snow
Summer	Cotton layers, light jacket, closed shoes	Scarf or stole
Autumn	Warm jacket, thermals for November	Pheran, shawl
Winter	Thermals, insulated jacket, waterproof boots	Pheran, wool socks, cap, gloves

If you are keeping costs down, our guide to planning a budget trip to Kashmir covers stays and transport to match this list.

Frequently asked questions

What should I wear in Kashmir in December?

Wear thermal base layers under warm trousers and a sweater, with an insulated jacket, wool hat, gloves and waterproof boots on top. Night temperatures in Srinagar regularly fall below freezing. A locally bought pheran adds a lot of warmth indoors.

Is there a dress code for tourists in Kashmir?

There is no formal code, but modest dress is expected and appreciated. Cover shoulders and knees, and women should carry a scarf for shrines and mosques. Shorts and sleeveless tops draw attention, especially in the old city.

Do I need snow boots for Gulmarg?

From December to March, yes, or at least waterproof insulated boots with grip. Gum boots can be rented near the gondola base for a small fee if you are only visiting for a day. For longer stays, bring your own well fitted pair.