What to Wear in Gulmarg

Winter: December to March

For snow, wear three layers: a thermal base, a fleece or light down middle layer, and a waterproof, windproof jacket and trousers. Avoid cotton next to your skin; it stays wet and cold. Add waterproof gloves, a warm hat, a neck gaiter and sunglasses or goggles, as the glare off fresh snow can hurt your eyes within an hour. Waterproof boots with a good grip matter more than anything else, since paths in the village are often icy.

Renting gear

You do not need to bring everything. Shops in Gulmarg and at Tangmarg rent snow boots, long waterproof coats, gloves, skis and snowboards by the day. Check the fit and condition before paying, and hand in your own shoes for safekeeping only where you trust the shop. For serious skiing, rent from the established ski shops near the gondola base rather than roadside stalls.

Summer: May to September

The meadow is pleasant in a light sweater on a sunny day, but weather changes fast. Bring a warm jacket, a rain shell and closed shoes. At the top of Phase 2 there can still be snow into early summer, and it is always much colder, so carry a hat and gloves in your bag. Sunscreen is essential at this altitude.

Kashmiri layers

A woollen pheran over your own clothes is warm and easy in the evenings, and you can buy one in Srinagar before coming up. A good pashmina or woollen shawl packs small and helps on cold nights. Buy pashmina from a trusted shop in Srinagar rather than from sellers who approach you in the meadow.

What to avoid

Skip fashion boots with smooth soles, thin jeans on the snow, and long flowing scarves when riding chairlifts or sledges. On the gondola, keep bags and loose items secure, especially at the windy top station.