Checklist for travelling to JnK - Leh, Srinagar etc

1. Wearables - Although you need the following, carry only a few warm cloathes with you, as Kashmir and Leh are great places to shop for Jackets, warm cloathes, and stuff made of sheep and yak wool. Keep enough space with you for the shopping you in the J n K. 
1. Good sunglasses - yes - the altitude means lots of sunlight... the white snow means a lot of reflection... you better be convering your eyes with RayBans or something similar grade.
2. Sunscreen, lip balm, and moisturizer: I think this one is understood.
3. Snow suit (good to have): You may get into a situation where you are taking a walk for 4-5 KMs through the snow and it is snowing or raining. It can be aweful to be wet in the sub-zero temperature. If not a snow suit, you need a jacket and pants that are warm enough for the occasion and water proof. At places like Gulmarg, you hire jackets for the trip to the mountains - these jackets stink and are unhygenic.
4. Snow boots (Good to have): I don't even know if we will get these easily in India.But often you will be walking through snow where your feet just go in 10 CMs in the snow and it melts and becomes ice cold water to make your feet wet. Ordinary shoes will not do. There will be gum boots for hire but they are ill fitting and make walking very hard. I saw some tourists from New Zealand who had shoes made for the snow.
2.  Cellone mobile connection - in most parts of Kashmir, Cellone is the only network that works. In some areas, Airtel and Aircel may also work. Vodafone seldom does. It will be a good idea to catch hold of a couple of cellone connections to co-ordinate with your co-travellers.
3. Lots of cash - 
1. especially if you are going to be in Sonmarg. There are no ATMs in that city. 
2. No one in J & K charges using credit cards - not even the decent hotels. You may have to run to an ATM before you want to check out of your hotel.
4. Choice of car: Whenever you hire a car, it has to be an Innova - best comfort. At specific passes, such as Zojilla you may be told that ground clearance of the low Innova is an issue - choose Zylo as the second choice. No other. Especially not a Sumo Grande - it rattles the bones and the ass too much. 
5. Acclimitization: It is good to stop at Srinagar while going, if you are going by road and you are taking that route at all. Srinagar is quite a tourist spot and is at a decent altitude, which helps you get prepared for the altitude of Leh. 5 Reasons to choose Srinagar – Leh Road over Manali – Leh Road 
6. Avoiding altitude sickness: You do not get enough oxygen in Leh through your nostrils, so you have to replenish it using a lot of water. Drinking a lot of water in that temperature means frequent bathroom breaks. In your trip, arrange for a bathroom break every 15 minutes if you are on the road. If there are girls in the group, you need to plan the breaks more carefully for obvious reasons.