Kashmir is a famous tourist destination because of its natural beauty and snow-covered mountain ranges. The magnificence and spectacular views have earned this location the title “Paradise on Earth.”
The beauty of the lush green fields stretching for miles is indescribable. The valley’s lakes have crystal-clear water. And snowy glaciers provide a beautiful sight to see. Everything in this valley is stunning.
So if you plan to visit and are wondering, “What Should I Carry for a Kashmir Trip?”, we’ve curated a packing list for your trip to Kashmir.
Now remember, this list can expand or shrink based on the season and places you plan to visit during your trip. So don’t forget to check the weather report for the upcoming days of your trip while packing.

Things To Carry For A Kashmir Trip
Documents
The first things that come in the priority list are documents. Kashmir is a sensitive location, and as you know, some areas in Kashmir require special permits for tourists.
Since obtaining these documents is not an easy thing and it takes time, you should apply for them well in advance. Make sure to carry all essential documents with you, including your ID card.
A passport is also essential for foreign tourists because all of these documents are examined at army checkpoints and used to make hotel reservations.
Booking a trip can also help you avoid inconvenience, and you should have a competent guide with you who can show you the most beautiful locations and valley routes.
Clothing
If you are traveling to Kashmir in Summers, you need to know the temperature hovers around 30 degrees. And the sunshine in hill stations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam is harsher than in Srinagar.
But if you are traveling in September or October till March/April, the temperatures are colder than most of north India with sub zero temperatures in the winter months of December, January and Februray.
Here is the type of clothes you should carry for Kashmir trip:
Summer Essentials

- Linen clothing or lightweight cotton for warm days
- A sweater or light jacket for cooler evenings and early mornings
- If your tour includes some hikes or walks around the tourist places, do carry a pair of dry-fit T-shirts preferably full sleeve.
- Raincoats and waterproof jackets as its so common to rain here in summers
- Cap/Hat or a scarf or stole to protect against the sun
- You must avoid heavy denim. Instead, opt for cotton or linen pants and other light weight trousers.
- Flowy Dresses/Skirts (for women) as these will be ideal for daytime outings.
Winter Essentials

- Outerwear (Warm & Waterproof)
Heavy Down Jacket / Puffer Jacket
Woolen Overcoat for a stylish look in cities like Srinagar
Fleece Jacket / Sweater for layering
Thermal Innerwear (Both top & bottom)
- Footwear
Waterproof Snow Boots (Essential for Gulmarg & Pahalgam)
Carry multiple pairs of Woolen / Thermal Socks
Casual Sneakers for normal use in Srinagar
Gum Boots (Can be rented in snow areas)
- Accessories (Must-Have for Extreme Cold)
Woolen Cap / Beanie/ ear muffs to cover your ears
Gloves (Woolen + Waterproof for snow activities)
Woolen Muffler / Scarf to protect your neck from cold winds
Thermal Face Mask / Balaclava (If sensitive to cold)
Sunglasses are very essential in high altitudes, as snow reflects a lot of sunlight
Hot Water Bags and Hand Warmers are very useful in freezing temperatures
Mobile Connectivity Essentials
While in Kashmir, you should be aware that any pre-paid sim cards active outside of the valley will not work here.
You must carry post-paid SIM cards, ideally from BSNL. BSNL has the strongest signal, even in remote locations such as Aru and Sonamarg.
If you don’t have a post-paid sim, you can get a pre-paid sim once you get in Kashmir.
Trekking Essentials

Trekking requires you to bring an additional list of objects with you. Kashmir is considered India’s best trekking location. Here are some of the items you will need to bring with you on your journey in Kashmir.
- Backpack and rain cover, hiking shoes (ideally high-ankle), day pack for carrying journey supplies such as a lunch box, water bottle, sunglasses, sunscreen, protein bars, and so on, headlamp/torch, trekking pole, and personal medical kit.
- Thermals, fleece jacket, feather jacket, waterproof pants, sun cap, woolen cap and toiletries toilet paper, hand towel, sanitary napkins and hand sanitizer. Please also carry accessories such as sunscreen, lip balm, tooth brush and toothpaste.
Power Bank
Kashmir valley is rich with tourist attractions, and you will stop every now and again to capture the amazing beauty with your phone or camera.
To keep your camera charged, you’ll need to bring a power bank. It is especially important if you are planning to trek or hike.
If you choose book a homestay in a rural place, expect power outages. In these scenarios, your power bank will prove to be your invaluable partner.
Carry the sufficient Cash
Kashmir is not like big cities like Delhi or Mumbai, where almost every shop accepts credit cards or UPI payments.
Make sure you have enough cash to cover your everyday expenses, such as snacks.
Carry Umbrella/Raincover
Kashmir experiences like rainfall even in summer months; therefore, bring one umbrella. You may also buy it in any of Kashmir’s markets. It is possible to have a shower at any time in Kashmir.
Emergency Medicine
Don’t forget to bring your essential medicine. Although there is a good medical facility in Kashmir, you should always carry your medicine with you when traveling outside of Srinagar.
This should be at the top of your list of items to pack for a trip to Kashmir.
Head Scarf
If you wish to visit Muslim sacred sites in Kashmir, such as Hazratbal and Jamia Masjid, you should bring a headscarf and wear it as you enter these sites.
Although it is not a strict need to visit any of these holy institutions, it will be a sign of respect to the local community. .
Other Essential Accessories
- Comfortable walking sneakers or shoes to explore the region.
- Pack the essentials, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and a water bottle.
- Insect repellant to prevent bug bites.
- A cap or hat to protect your face from the sun.
- A backpack or daypack to transport water, snacks, and other essential goods
- A camera to capture the amazing landscapes and scenery in Kashmir.
Conclusion
A trip to Kashmir can be enjoyable and provide you with lasting memories. But if you want to completely enjoy your trip, you must carefully pack your bags.
These backpacking ideas for the Kashmir journey will help you experience the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayan ranges in the best way possible.
I hope you found the information we provided in this post useful. Stay tuned for more such helpful blogs!