Short answer: Pack in layers. Even in May, nights in McLeodganj and Manali drop to 8–12°C, so carry a fleece or light jacket. In winter (December–February) you need a proper down or padded jacket, thermals, gloves and a cap. In the monsoon, bring a rain jacket and quick-dry shoes. For Spiti in any month, add sunscreen, sunglasses and a warm layer for nights near freezing.
The most common thing we hear on day one of a trip is “I didn’t think it would be this cold.” The second is “I packed too much.” Here is the list we would give a friend.
The rule: layers, not bulk
Himachal changes temperature fast: between sun and shade, between day and night, and between Kangra (733 m) and McLeodganj (2,082 m), which are only 30 km apart. Three thin layers beat one thick sweater.
Summer (April to June)
- Cotton T-shirts and a couple of full-sleeve shirts
- One fleece or light sweater
- A light windproof jacket for evenings and high places like Solang
- Comfortable trousers or jeans (shorts are fine in town, less so in temples)
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and a cap, because the sun is strong at altitude
- Walking shoes with grip
Monsoon (July to September)
- A proper rain jacket (umbrellas are useless in mountain wind)
- Quick-dry clothes, and avoid jeans
- Sandals or quick-dry shoes, plus one closed pair
- Plastic bags or dry bags for your phone and documents
- Mosquito repellent for the lower valleys
Winter (December to February)
- Thermal inner wear, top and bottom
- A warm sweater or fleece
- A down or padded jacket
- Woollen cap, gloves and socks
- Waterproof shoes or boots if you are going to the snow
- Moisturiser and lip balm, because the air is very dry
Snow boots and heavy jackets can be rented at Solang and in Manali, so you do not need to buy expensive gear for one day in the snow.
For treks (Triund, Kareri)
- Trekking shoes with good grip, worn in before the trip
- A 20–30 litre day pack
- 1–2 litres of water and some snacks
- A head torch
- A warm layer for the night, even in May
- A rain shell, any month
Tents, sleeping bags and mats are provided on our Triund and Kareri Lake treks.
For temples
- Clothes that cover shoulders and knees
- A scarf or dupatta to cover your head (needed at the Golden Temple and some Devi temples)
- Socks for cold marble floors, since footwear stays outside
For Spiti
- Everything in the winter list, even in July: nights at Chandratal go close to freezing
- Strong sunscreen (SPF 50) and good sunglasses
- Lip balm
- A reusable water bottle, and drink a lot
- Any personal medicines, plus anything your doctor suggests for altitude
- Enough cash for the whole trip, because ATMs in Kaza are unreliable
Things people forget
- A power bank, because long drives drain phones
- A copy of ID for every traveller (needed for hotels and Vaishno Devi)
- Motion-sickness tablets if anyone gets carsick, since hill roads are winding
- A small bag of dry snacks for children
What to leave at home
- Heels and fancy shoes, because the streets are steep and uneven
- More than one “nice” outfit, because Himachal is casual
- Heavy towels, because hotels provide them
Quick questions
Do I need a jacket in Himachal in May?
Yes, a light one. Days are warm, but evenings in McLeodganj, Manali and Dalhousie are cool, and Triund or Solang can be cold at night.
What shoes should I wear in Himachal?
Comfortable walking or sports shoes with grip are enough for towns. For treks like Triund or Kareri, wear proper trekking shoes. In winter, waterproof boots help in snow.
Written by the team at Ankush Travels, a tour and taxi company in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. We run these routes every week. Spotted something out of date? Tell us on WhatsApp.