Packing for Kashmir in winter comes down to one rule: dress in layers. From December to February, Srinagar is cold but often sunny by day and below freezing at night, while Gulmarg and Pahalgam sit in snow. This guide lists exactly what to wear and pack, what you can hire or buy locally, and the mistakes that make visitors cold and wet.
Quick answer: Wear thermal inner layers, a fleece or sweater, and a warm, water-resistant jacket, plus a woollen cap, gloves, warm socks and waterproof boots with a good grip. Add sunglasses and sunscreen for the snow. Snow boots and snow suits can be hired in Gulmarg if you do not want to buy them.
The three-layer rule
- Base layer: thermal top and leggings. They trap heat without bulk, and you can wear them all day.
- Middle layer: a fleece, woollen sweater or light down jacket. Take it off indoors; heated rooms and cars get warm.
- Outer layer: a warm, water-resistant jacket with a hood. In Gulmarg, waterproof trousers or snow pants keep you dry when you sit or fall in the snow.
Layers work better than one very thick coat: you can adjust them as you move between a sunny garden, a cold Gondola station and a heated hotel.
Winter packing list
| Category | What to pack |
|---|---|
| Inner wear | 2–3 sets of thermals, warm socks (wool if possible) |
| Middle layers | Fleece or sweaters, a light down jacket |
| Outer wear | Warm water-resistant jacket with a hood; waterproof trousers for the snow |
| Head and hands | Woollen cap that covers the ears, gloves (waterproof for snow play), a scarf or neck warmer |
| Footwear | Waterproof boots with a deep-grip sole; indoor slippers or warm socks for hotel rooms |
| Sun and skin | Sunglasses, sunscreen, moisturiser, lip balm |
| Other | Power bank, basic medicines, a small backpack, a scarf for visiting shrines |
What to wear in each place
Srinagar
Days can be pleasant in the sun, but mornings, evenings and shikara rides on Dal Lake are cold. A sweater and jacket over thermals is usually enough by day; add a cap and gloves after sunset. See Srinagar in winter.
Gulmarg
Full snow gear: thermals, a warm jacket, waterproof trousers, waterproof gloves and boots. It is colder and windier at the upper Gondola station, so keep an extra layer in your bag. If you plan a sledge ride or skiing, you will get wet without waterproofs.
Pahalgam and Sonamarg
Similar to Gulmarg on snowy days: warm, waterproof outer layers and boots with a good grip, as paths and car parks can be icy.
Hire or buy locally
- Snow boots and snow suits: available on hire in Gulmarg and on the way at Tangmarg for snow play, so you do not have to buy them for one day. Check the fit and agree the price first.
- Ski gear: skis, boots and poles can be hired in Gulmarg along with lessons.
- Pheran: the traditional long Kashmiri woollen cloak is warm, comfortable and a lovely souvenir. Buy one in Srinagar’s markets; see our Lal Chowk guide and old city bazaars guide.
- Woollen socks, caps and gloves: easy to find in Srinagar if you forget them.
Common mistakes
- Jeans in the snow: denim gets wet and stays cold. Wear thermals underneath or waterproof trousers on top.
- Fashion boots: smooth soles slip on ice. Choose a deep grip.
- Forgetting sun protection: sunlight on snow is strong; sunglasses and sunscreen matter even when it is cold.
- Cotton socks only: they hold moisture. Pack wool or thermal socks and a spare pair for the snow.
- Phone dying in the cold: batteries drain fast in sub-zero air. Keep your phone in an inner pocket and carry a power bank.
Travelling with children or elderly parents
Children and older travellers feel the cold more. Pack an extra base layer and spare gloves and socks for each child, keep snow time short and warm up indoors between activities, and choose hotels with good heating. Ask your hotel how rooms are heated before you book.
Visiting shrines and mosques
Dress modestly, and women should carry a scarf to cover their head at places such as Hazratbal Shrine. Shoes are removed at the entrance, so warm socks help on cold floors.
Plan by month
Exact temperatures change through the winter. Read our month guides: Kashmir in December, Kashmir in January (the coldest month) and Kashmir in February. Our Kashmir taxi with driver costs from ₹2,000 a day, with fuel, tolls and driver included.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear in Kashmir in December?
Thermals, a sweater or fleece and a warm jacket, with a cap, gloves and waterproof boots. Add waterproof trousers for Gulmarg.
Do I need to buy snow boots for Gulmarg?
Not necessarily. Snow boots and snow suits can be hired in Gulmarg and Tangmarg for snow play. If you plan to spend several days in the snow, your own waterproof boots are more comfortable.
Is a pheran warm enough on its own?
Over thermals and a sweater, a pheran is very warm for Srinagar. For snow in Gulmarg, a water-resistant jacket and trousers are more practical.
Can I wear jeans in Kashmir in winter?
In Srinagar, yes, with thermals underneath. Avoid jeans for snow play, as they get wet and cold.
Do I need sunglasses in winter?
Yes. Sunlight reflecting off snow is strong, especially in Gulmarg, so sunglasses and sunscreen are essential.
I'm Ahmad Suhail, born and raised in Srinagar. In 2022 I founded Kashmir Tour Packages Taxi — a licensed taxi and tour operator registered with the Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Department — because I saw too many visitors arrive in Kashmir with bad information, unreliable drivers, and no idea what was actually worth seeing.
Every article I write comes from personal experience on these routes: the correct season to visit Thajiwas Glacier, the checkpoints you'll cross on the way to Gulmarg, where the road to Betaab Valley gets narrow, what Amarnath Yatra pilgrims actually need to know before they book a taxi. I don't write from Wikipedia. I write from having driven these roads myself, with guests in the back seat.
Our fleet covers Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Doodhpathri, Yusmarg, Amarnath, and long-haul routes to Leh and Jammu under All India Tourist Vehicle Permits. If something I've written about a route, price, or season seems off — call me directly on +91 9149531004. I answer that number myself.
- J&K Tourism Dept — Registered Tour Operator
