Asia

Nepal in November

Arguably the best trekking month: the same clarity as October with slightly thinner crowds. Tihar lights up the valley.

BestDry and clear, Kathmandu highs near 72F (22C), freezing nights at altitude

Annapurna, Nepal — NepalPhoto: Bijay Chaurasia, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

November is one of the best months of the year to visit Nepal. Arguably the best trekking month: the same clarity as October with slightly thinner crowds. Tihar lights up the valley.

Weather: Dry and clear, Kathmandu highs near 72F (22C), freezing nights at altitude
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What November is like in Nepal

November is arguably the best trekking month. Dry, clear weather, Kathmandu highs near 72F (22C) and freezing nights at altitude. Views match October, but crowds are a little thinner. Tihar, the festival of lights, often falls this month, with oil lamps and marigold garlands across the valley. Mani Rimdu at Tengboche can also land now.

It suits trekkers who want clear views without the October peak. Families will enjoy Tihar and Chitwan. Pack serious warm layers for high treks, since nights at altitude drop well below freezing. It is a strong pick if October feels too busy.

Make the most of November

What is especially good about Nepal this month.

Tihar

The festival of lights brings oil lamps, marigolds and a day honoring dogs.

Best trekking conditions

Everest Base Camp and Annapurna trails are dry and clear with slightly fewer trekkers.

Chitwan season

Chitwan is in its good season, with pleasant days and good wildlife viewing.

What to pack for November

A warm down jacket and hat
Thermal base layers
Warm gloves
Sunglasses for bright mountain light

Our timing tip

Confirm your guide early, since Nepal now requires most foreign trekkers in national parks to hire a licensed guide.

Book Nepal for November.

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Hotels. Expedia
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Opens a hotel search for Nepal in November, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
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Vacation rentals in Nepal
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
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Tours and tickets in Nepal
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Nepal for November. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
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What's on in November

Tihar

October or November, around the new moon, varies by year

Nepal's festival of lights, which coincides with Diwali: oil lamps, marigold garlands, and a day that honors dogs.

Mani Rimdu

October or November at Tengboche Monastery, varies by lunar calendar

Masked Sherpa monastery dances on the Everest trail. Worth timing a trek around if the dates line up.

Things to do in Nepal

Full guide

Everest Base Camp trek

Usually 12 to 14 days round trip from Lukla. October, November, April, and May are the windows; build in spare days for flight delays.

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Annapurna region treks

Poon Hill is a short, family-friendly option with a famous sunrise view; the full Annapurna Circuit crosses Thorong La, which can close in heavy snow.

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Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares

Three royal cities within an hour of each other. Bhaktapur is the best preserved; go early before the day-tour groups.

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Boudhanath and Swayambhunath

Boudhanath's great stupa is the center of Tibetan Buddhist life in the valley; walk the clockwise kora at dusk with the pilgrims.

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Chitwan National Park

Best from October through March; February to April, after the tall grass is cut, gives the best wildlife visibility, though heat builds by April.

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Pokhara and Phewa Lake

The relaxed lakeside base for the Annapurnas, with paragliding off Sarangkot in the dry season.

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Beat the crowds

Trek in November rather than October: the weather is just as clear, the trails thin out after the Dashain holiday rush, and lodges are easier to book.
On the Everest trail, start early each morning. Most groups leave after breakfast; walking by 7am gets you quiet trails and the clearest views before afternoon cloud.
Consider Langtang, Manaslu, or the Mardi Himal route instead of the two headline treks; they are less crowded in the same seasons.
December and February are excellent for lower treks like Poon Hill and Ghorepani with a fraction of the October traffic.

Know before you go

Monsoon (June to September): many teahouses on the main trekking routes reduce service or close, and road landslides can cut off trailheads for days.
High passes, especially Thorong La on the Annapurna Circuit, can close after heavy snowfall from December through February. Check conditions before committing.
During Dashain, many shops and offices in Kathmandu close for several days and transport is overwhelmed as people head home. Book buses and flights early.
Mountain flights to Lukla are weather dependent all year. In peak seasons, many Lukla flights have recently departed from Ramechhap, a long drive from Kathmandu, rather than Kathmandu itself. Budget two buffer days.

Nepal in November, quick answers

Is November a good time to visit Nepal?

November is one of the best months of the year to visit Nepal. Arguably the best trekking month: the same clarity as October with slightly thinner crowds. Tihar lights up the valley.

What is the weather like in Nepal in November?

Dry and clear, Kathmandu highs near 72F (22C), freezing nights at altitude.

Is Nepal crowded in November?

Nepal is busy in November, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

What is happening in Nepal in November?

Tihar (october or november, around the new moon, varies by year); Mani Rimdu (october or november at tengboche monastery, varies by lunar calendar).