trekking-in-nepal-in-november-weather-treks-and-trips

November is one of the best months for trekking in Nepal. After the monsoon clears, most days are dry, skies are sharp and the big peaks are on show from sunrise. The trade-off is cold: expect about 5–15°C in the daytime sun at 3,500–4,500 m and −10°C or lower at night above 5,000 m. Early November suits high passes; late November favours lower and mid-altitude treks.

This year November starts with a twist. Cyclone Arnab pushed rain and heavy mountain snow into Nepal from 28 to 31 October, and authorities paused high-altitude trekking for three days. The weather is clearing from today, 1 November, and the classic November window is opening behind it — with fresh snow on the peaks and some passes and roads still being cleared.

We have run treks in these mountains for 25 years, and our guides are on the trails right now. Below is what November really looks like: the current trail status, temperatures by altitude, which trek to choose for your dates, Tihar festival days, permits, and the mistakes we see every season.

In this guide

Trail conditions after Cyclone Arnab (as of 1 November 2026)
Nepal weather in November by altitude
Best treks in November, compared
Tihar 2026 on the trail
Permits, the guide rule and Lukla flights
What to pack and mistakes to avoid
FAQs

Trail conditions after Cyclone Arnab (as of 1 November 2026)

The storm is over, but its snow is not. Give high routes 24–72 hours after the sky clears so trails can be broken, snow can settle and lodges can report back.

What happened: Nepal's Department of Immigration stopped issuing restricted-area trekking permits for the high hills and Himalaya from 29 to 31 October and asked trekkers already inside to stay in safe places (The Himalayan Times). The Annapurna Conservation Area Project separately advised postponing treks above 3,000 m until conditions improve (Tourism Times). We covered the warning in our Nepal weather alert.

Region	Status reported (date)	Our advice for early November
Kanchenjunga	Heavy snow in upper Taplejung; trekkers held at Khambachen, Ghunsa, Phale and Pangpema (31 Oct)	Wait for local clearance before moving above Ghunsa; build in 2–3 spare days
Manaslu	Benighat–Aarughat–Larke road damaged again near Dharche; it was already hit by the 11 October Budhigandaki flood (31 Oct)	Expect a longer or rerouted jeep approach; Larkya La (5,106 m) needs fresh-snow checks
Annapurna Circuit	Thorong La (5,416 m) was snowbound in late September and reopened after locals cleared it on 6 October; Manang was on the storm's high-risk list	Treat Thorong La as "wait for the first crossings" this week; use the Manang acclimatisation days as buffer
Upper Mustang	Heavy snowfall reported (31 Oct)	Restricted-area permits resume as the government notice lapses; confirm before driving in
Everest (Khumbu)	Main storm impact was east and central Nepal; flights to Lukla depend on clear mornings	Expect a backlog of delayed flights for 1–3 days; Cho La and Kongma La need snow checks
Highways	Prithvi Highway (Kathmandu–Pokhara) eroding near Malekhu (31 Oct)	Allow extra time or fly to Pokhara

Sources for the table: Kathmandu Post, 31 Oct 2026; Radio Nepal, 6 Oct 2026.

If you are arriving this week: keep your first two days flexible, start with lower-altitude acclimatisation and let your guide decide the day you cross any pass above 5,000 m. Our team is updating guests on the trail daily — message Shankar on WhatsApp for a same-day route report.

Nepal weather in November: what to expect at each altitude

November in Nepal is dry, clear and cold at altitude: temperatures fall by roughly 6°C for every 1,000 m you climb, and nights are well below freezing above 4,000 m. Mornings are usually the clearest; afternoon cloud can build in the valleys and wind picks up on ridges and passes.

Altitude band	Example stops	Daytime (in sun)	Night
800–1,400 m	Pokhara, Kathmandu	~20–25°C	~7–12°C
2,000–3,000 m	Lukla (2,860 m), Ghorepani, Syabrubesi	~12–18°C	~0–5°C
3,000–4,000 m	Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), Manang, Langtang village	~8–14°C	~−5 to 0°C
4,000–5,000 m	Dingboche (4,410 m), Annapurna Base Camp, Lobuche	~2–10°C	~−12 to −5°C
Above 5,000 m	Gorak Shep (5,164 m), Kala Patthar (5,545 m), Thorong La (5,416 m)	~−5 to 5°C	~−20 to −10°C, colder with wind

Typical November ranges from our guides' trail experience, not a forecast. Wind chill on passes can make it feel 5–10°C colder.

Daylight: about 11 hours, with sunset around 5 pm in Kathmandu. Plan to reach your teahouse by mid-afternoon — the temperature drops sharply the moment the sun goes behind the ridge.

Early November vs late November

1–15 November: the best of autumn. Stable skies, passes usually in their best shape (this year, once post-storm snow settles), lodges full. Best for Thorong La, Larkya La, Everest Three Passes and Kanchenjunga.
16–30 November: colder, quieter and often even clearer. Some small lodges above Dingboche and on remote routes start closing for winter; pass crossings get colder and icier. Best for Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Langtang, Mardi Himal and Poon Hill.

Best treks in Nepal in November, compared

The best November trek depends on two things: how high you want to go and which half of the month you have. High-pass circuits belong in early November; base-camp and ridge treks shine all month.

Trek	Days	Highest point (approx.)	Best November window	Why it works	Watch out for
Everest Base Camp Trek	12–15	Kala Patthar 5,545 m	All month	Clearest Everest views of the year; full teahouse network	Lukla flight delays; −15°C nights at Gorak Shep
Gokyo Chola Pass EBC Trek	16	Kala Patthar 5,545 m; Cho La 5,420 m	1–20 Nov	Turquoise Gokyo lakes plus EBC in one loop	Ice on Cho La; needs microspikes
Annapurna Circuit Trek	11–14	Thorong La 5,416 m	5–25 Nov this year	Desert-to-glacier variety; acclimatisation built in	Post-storm snow on the pass; 4 am pass start
Annapurna Base Camp Trek	7–15	ABC 4,130 m	All month	360° amphitheatre of peaks; no high pass	Avalanche-prone gully above Deurali after fresh snow
Manaslu Circuit Trek	12–15	Larkya La 5,106 m	5–20 Nov	Quieter than Annapurna; strong Tibetan culture	Damaged access road; restricted-area permit needed
Langtang Valley Trek	5–10	Kyanjin Ri ~4,770 m	All month	Closest big-mountain trek to Kathmandu; short and flexible	Cold nights at Kyanjin Gompa
Mardi Himal Trek	5–9	Mardi viewpoint ~4,500 m	All month	Close-up Machhapuchhre views; starts near Pokhara	Exposed ridge in wind
Poon Hill Trek	3–5	Poon Hill 3,210 m	All month	Best short trek for families and first-timers	Busy sunrise viewpoint
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek	17–22	Pangpema ~5,140 m	5–20 Nov	Remote, wild, almost no crowds	Snow held trekkers this week; lodges close as winter nears

Prices on our site as of 1 November 2026: Everest Base Camp Trek 14 days from US$1,249, Manaslu Circuit 15 days from US$1,049, Annapurna Base Camp from US$925 and Langtang Valley 10 days from US$549. Each trip page lists exactly what is included.

Short on time or fitness? The Everest View Trek (5 days) and the Royal Trek near Pokhara stay low and suit late November perfectly.

Tihar 2026: trekking during Nepal's festival of lights

Tihar 2026 runs from Saturday 7 November (Kaag Tihar) to Wednesday 11 November (Bhai Tika), with Laxmi Puja — the main night of lights — on Sunday 8 November (Nepal public holiday calendar).

Date	Day	What you will see
Sat 7 Nov	Kaag Tihar	Offerings left out for crows at dawn
Sun 8 Nov	Kukur Tihar + Laxmi Puja	Dogs garlanded with marigolds; oil lamps on every doorstep at night
Mon 9 Nov	Gai Tihar	Cows honoured with garlands and tika
Tue 10 Nov	Govardhan / Goru Puja, Mha Puja	Oxen worship; Newar New Year in Kathmandu Valley
Wed 11 Nov	Bhai Tika	Sisters give brothers a seven-colour tika; family feasts

What it means for your trek: teahouse villages glow with lamps and children sing Deusi-Bhailo door to door — a small donation is welcome. Some porters and guides want to be home for Bhai Tika, so book early if your trek spans 7–11 November. Kathmandu offices, banks and some permit counters close on the main days, and buses fill up around 11–12 November as people travel back. Our guides will tell you when you are welcome to join in.

Permits, the licensed-guide rule and Lukla flights in November

Permit fees are the same in November as in any other month for most treks; the exceptions are restricted areas such as Manaslu, which charge a higher September–November rate. Fees below are for foreign nationals, checked 1 November 2026.

Permit	Fee (foreigners)	Needed for
Sagarmatha National Park entry	NPR 3,000 (≈ US$20); some counters add 13% VAT (NPR 3,390)	Everest Base Camp, Gokyo, Three Passes
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee	NPR 3,000 (reported; some sources still show NPR 2,000)	All Everest treks — replaces the TIMS card in the Khumbu
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)	NPR 3,000	Annapurna Circuit, ABC, Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, Nar Phu, Manaslu exit
Langtang National Park entry	NPR 3,000	Langtang Valley, Gosaikunda, Tamang Heritage
TIMS card	NPR 1,000 through an agency; NPR 2,000 individual	Annapurna, Langtang and most non-Everest treks
Manaslu restricted-area permit	US$100 for the first 7 days, then US$15 per day (Sept–Nov rate)	Manaslu Circuit, plus Manaslu (MCAP) and ACAP permits at NPR 3,000 each

Sources: Nepal Tourism Board permit and TIMS fees; DNPWC park fees. Restricted-area rates are set by the Department of Immigration — we confirm them for every booking.

The licensed-guide rule. Since 1 April 2023, foreign trekkers in Nepal's national parks and conservation areas must trek with a licensed guide arranged through a registered agency. Enforcement in the Khumbu has been inconsistent, but rules can be applied at any checkpoint, and a guide is your first line of safety when passes are snowy. Restricted areas such as Manaslu always need an agency and a guide; solo permits there were reported allowed from 22 March 2026.

Lukla flights in November. This autumn most Lukla flights leave from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap, not Kathmandu; airlines including Sita, Tara and Summit run 50–65 flights a day in good weather (The Himalayan Times). Manthali is about 132 km from Kathmandu — a 4–5 hour drive that usually leaves around 2–3 am. In past seasons routing has shifted back toward Kathmandu as November winds down, so we confirm your departure airport 48 hours before flying.

Add buffer days. Mountain flights only fly in clear morning weather. Keep at least one spare day before your international flight home — two if you are trekking in the Everest region this week while the storm backlog clears.

Insurance. Buy a policy that covers trekking up to your route's maximum altitude, including helicopter evacuation.

What to pack for a November trek

Pack for two seasons in one day: warm sun on the trail and deep cold after 4 pm. Layering beats one heavy jacket.

Sleeping bag rated to about −15°C (or −20°C for Gorak Shep, Thorong Phedi and High Camp); teahouse rooms are unheated
Down jacket (700-fill or better) for evenings and pre-dawn starts
Base layers: two merino or synthetic tops and one pair of thermal leggings
Fleece or light synthetic mid-layer for walking in the shade
Windproof, waterproof shell jacket and trousers — passes are windy, and this week proved storms still happen
Microspikes for Cho La, Thorong La and Larkya La after fresh snow
Warm hat, sun hat, liner gloves and insulated mitts
Category 3–4 sunglasses and SPF 50 sunscreen — UV is intense and snow glare causes snow blindness
Insulated water bottle or bottle cover so water does not freeze overnight
Power bank — batteries drain fast in the cold and charging costs extra above Namche

Most of this can be rented or bought cheaply in Thamel. Our team can help you check your kit on arrival day.

6 November trekking mistakes we see every season

Booking the Lukla flight the day before your flight home. One cloudy morning wipes out your margin.
Crossing a pass the day after a storm. Wait for the trail to be broken and for your guide's go-ahead.
Skipping acclimatisation days to save time. Altitude sickness does not care about your schedule; climb no more than about 500 m in sleeping altitude per day above 3,000 m.
Underestimating the cold after sunset. Arrive by mid-afternoon and change into dry layers straight away.
Leaving bookings late. November is peak season — lodges at Gorak Shep, Thorong Phedi and Samdo fill up.
Ignoring Tihar dates. Plan Kathmandu permits and travel around 7–11 November.

Frequently asked questions about trekking in Nepal in November

Is November a good month to trek in Nepal?

Yes. November is one of Nepal's two best trekking periods, with dry trails, clear mornings and the sharpest mountain views of the year. It is colder than October, so you need a warm sleeping bag and down jacket. In 2026 the month begins just after Cyclone Arnab, so allow a day or two for high trails to settle.

How cold is Everest Base Camp in November?

At Gorak Shep (5,164 m), the last night stop before Everest Base Camp, nights typically fall to about −15°C or lower. Daytime temperatures in the sun are usually around 0–5°C, but wind makes it feel colder. Late November is colder than early November.

Is Thorong La pass open in November?

Thorong La (5,416 m) is normally crossable in November and is at its best in the first half of the month. After heavy snowfall it can close for a few days until locals and the first groups break the trail, as happened in late September 2026. Your guide will decide the crossing day based on conditions in Thorong Phedi and High Camp.

Is November too crowded on the Everest and Annapurna trails?

Early November is busy on Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp, especially the lodges at Gorak Shep and Machhapuchhre Base Camp. Crowds thin out after mid-November. For quieter trails choose Manaslu, Langtang, Mardi Himal or Kanchenjunga.

Can I trek solo in Nepal in November?

Foreign trekkers must hire a licensed guide through a registered agency in national parks and conservation areas, a rule in force since 1 April 2023. You can still trek as a single traveller with a private guide or join a small group departure. Restricted areas such as Manaslu always need an agency.

Do Lukla flights fly from Kathmandu in November?

In autumn 2026 most Lukla flights depart from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap, a 4–5 hour drive from Kathmandu. Routing can move back toward Kathmandu late in the season, so confirm your departure airport 48 hours ahead. Always keep a buffer day for weather delays.

What is the best short trek in November?

The Poon Hill Trek (3–5 days) from Pokhara gives sunrise views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South without high altitude. The Langtang Valley Trek (5–10 days) is the best short trek from Kathmandu. Both are excellent all month.

When is Tihar in 2026, and does it affect trekking?

Tihar 2026 runs from 7 to 11 November, with Laxmi Puja on 8 November and Bhai Tika on 11 November. Trails stay open, and villages are beautifully lit, but offices close on the main days and road transport is busy around Bhai Tika. Book guides and porters early if your trek covers these dates.

Plan your November trek with All Nepal Hiking

November still has guaranteed departures, and our guides are on the trails reporting conditions every day.

Trek	Dates	Price	Status
Short Manaslu Circuit Trek – 12 Days	3–14 Nov 2026	US$895	Guaranteed
Island Peak Climbing via EBC – 16 Days	3–18 Nov 2026	US$2,199	Guaranteed
Everest Base Camp Trek – 14 Days	5–18 Nov 2026	US$1,250	Guaranteed

Want different dates or a private trek? Build a tailor-made trip, browse all upcoming departures, or message Shankar on WhatsApp (+977 9851074814) for a live trail report and a reply within the day.

Trekking in Nepal in November 2026: Weather, Treks & Tips

Trail conditions after Cyclone Arnab (as of 1 November 2026)