Quick answer
Pack layers in every season: hill evenings are cool even in summer. Add a rain jacket and quick-dry shoes for July–September, heavy woollens and thermals for December–February, and good walking shoes, ID and personal medicines for any trek or the Char Dham.
Every trip
- Government photo ID for every traveller (and yatra registration for the Char Dham)
- Personal medicines, motion-sickness tablets for hill roads, a small first-aid kit
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a cap — the mountain sun is strong
- Power bank; mobile signal can be weak in the higher hills
- Reusable water bottle — carry your waste back down
Summer (March–June)
- Cotton clothes for the day
- A light jacket or fleece for evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
Monsoon (July–September)
- Rain jacket or poncho and an umbrella
- Quick-dry clothes and waterproof or sports sandals
- Waterproof covers for phones and bags
Autumn (October–November)
- Warm layers — mornings and nights get cold
- A down or padded jacket for Munsiyari, Kausani and the Char Dham
Winter (December–February)
- Thermal innerwear, heavy woollens and a padded jacket
- Gloves, a woollen cap and warm socks
- Shoes with good grip for icy paths in Auli or Dhanaulti
Frequently asked questions
Do I need warm clothes in Uttarakhand in summer?
Yes, a light jacket or fleece — evenings in hill stations like Nainital and Mussoorie are cool even in May and June.
What shoes are best for Kedarnath?
Broken-in trekking or sports shoes with good grip, plus a spare pair of socks and a rain cover.
Last updated 26 Oct 2026. Conditions, permits and dates change every season — check official advisories before you travel.