Why Amritsar packing is different
Amritsar's biggest draw, the Golden Temple, comes with specific etiquette: heads must be covered for all visitors (men and women), shoes are removed and deposited before entering, and there's a walk through water at the entrance to keep feet clean: all worth packing around. Punjab's climate swings hard between scorching summers and genuinely cold, foggy winters, more extreme than most North Indian cities. Add the high-energy crowds at the Attari–Wagah border ceremony, and this is a destination where etiquette and weather both shape the packing list more than usual.
Clothing
- Modest, full-coverage clothing for the Golden Temple complex: shoulders and legs covered for all visitors
- Lightweight cottons for summer visits (April–June), which run very hot
- Warm layers, including a proper jacket, for winter visits (December–January), when Punjab gets genuinely cold and foggy
- A head covering: bring your own scarf or bandana, though loaner cloths are usually available at the Golden Temple entrance
- Comfortable, breathable clothing for the energetic Attari–Wagah border ceremony, which involves cheering, walking, and crowd energy
- A light jacket for chilly early mornings even in shoulder seasons
Footwear & accessories
- Easy slip-on shoes: footwear is deposited before entering the Golden Temple complex
- Socks you don't mind getting slightly wet, since the entrance path includes a shallow water-crossing for foot-cleaning
- Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the walled city and Jallianwala Bagh
- Sunglasses and a hat for Punjab's strong summer sun
- A small bag for carrying your shoes if cloakroom queues are long
- A scarf doubling as both a head covering and sun protection
Health, documents & tech
- Sunscreen SPF 30+ for summer visits
- Rehydration salts for hot-season sightseeing
- Basic cold and flu remedies for foggy winter mornings
- Government-issued photo ID: required for entry to the Attari–Wagah border ceremony
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes, useful around the langar (community kitchen) and crowded temple areas
- Power bank for long days covering the temple, border ceremony, and old city in one trip
Leather items, cigarettes, and alcohol are not allowed inside the Golden Temple complex: leave them at your hotel.