Occasions and ordering · 5 October 2026 · 4 min read

What to wear on a trip to the mountains

What to wear on a hill station trip: a kurta over a warm base layer, trousers that tuck into boots and a shawl that doubles as a blanket on cold nights.

Inspiration

Layers you can add and take off

On a trip to the mountains, dress in layers: a thin warm base, a knee-length kurta or tunic over it, trousers that tuck into boots, and a large warm shawl or jacket for the evening. Mountain days can be warm in the sun and cold within minutes of it setting, even in summer, so one outfit has to manage both.

That holds for a weekend at a hill station such as Murree or Nathia Gali and for a longer journey north to Hunza, Skardu, Naran or Swat. The higher you go, the bigger the gap between midday and midnight.

Why it is colder than you packed for

Air cools by roughly six degrees Celsius for every thousand metres you climb, so a valley at 2,500 metres can be about fifteen degrees cooler than the plains on the same afternoon. The sun, though, is stronger up there. You feel hot while walking in it and chilled the moment you step into shade or wind. Showers arrive quickly, and nights are cold in every season.

The other thing to plan for is the travelling itself: long hours seated in a car or jeep on rough roads, then short, steep walks to a viewpoint, a lake or a glacier.

The outfit, layer by layer

Start from the skin and work outwards.

Base: a thin thermal top with long sleeves and leggings for cold months and high places; a cotton vest in summer at lower hill stations.
Kurta: knee length or a little above, straight with side slits so you can take a long stride. Khaddar or karandi for cool weather, cambric or linen for summer days.
Trousers: straight or slim trousers that tuck into boots or sit neatly over trainers. Wide palazzos and long shalwar hems drag through mud, wet grass and streams.
Warm layer: a fleece, a thick cardigan or a padded waistcoat that goes under your outer layer.
Shawl: a large wool one. It is a blanket in the jeep, a wrap at dinner and a head covering in the wind.
Rain layer: a light waterproof jacket or poncho that packs small.
Feet and head: trainers or walking boots with grip, warm socks, sunglasses and a hat or scarf against the sun.

Dressing for long drives and jeep tracks

Hours in a seat punish stiff clothes. Choose an elastic or drawstring waist, soft seams and a kurta short enough not to bunch under you. Leave raised embroidery off the back and seat, where it presses into you on a bumpy road; if you want decoration, the delicate level at the neckline is plenty.

Dust is constant on unpaved roads, so mid tones and prints stay presentable longer than white or black. In an open jeep a loose dupatta whips about, so wear a scarf wrapped and tied instead. A zipped pocket keeps a phone safe when you lean out for a photograph. For fabrics that come out of a bag without an iron, see travel-friendly kurtas.

A clothes list for five days

Adjust the numbers for the season and for how often you can wash.

Three kurtas: two for the day and one a little smarter for dinner.
Two pairs of trousers, one of them warm.
Two base-layer sets in cold months.
One fleece or cardigan, one large shawl and one rain jacket.
Warm nightwear, since rooms at height may have little heating.
Four or five pairs of socks, including a thick pair.

Having trip kurtas made

Ready-made kurtas are rarely cut for walking, and the usual faults are sleeves that bind and side slits too short for a full stride. Through our custom stitching service, kurtas and trousers are made to your measurements in Pakistan and shipped worldwide, so families abroad can order to their own address ahead of a visit.

In your quote request, say that the pieces are for a mountain trip and give the fabric, the embroidery level (none or delicate) and the kameez length, with any pockets you want; we confirm what is possible on your fabric and design. Making takes 5 to 7 working days from approval and full payment and shipping time is extra, so order well before you travel. For warm-weather holidays, our guide to modest holiday outfits covers sun and cities.

Common questions

Can I wear shalwar kameez for hiking?

For easy trails and viewpoints, yes: a knee-length kurta with straight trousers and trainers works well. For long or steep treks, proper walking trousers and boots are the better choice, with a kurta or tunic on top if you like.

Is it cold in the mountains in summer?

Days are usually pleasant and can feel hot in direct sun, but mornings, evenings and nights are cold, and it gets colder the higher you go. Pack a warm layer and a shawl whatever the month.

What should I wear to see snow?

Waterproof boots with grip, thick socks, a thermal base layer, a warm kurta or jumper, a padded jacket, gloves and a hat. Avoid long hems, which soak up melted snow.

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