Travel guide · Nepal
Visiting Nepal in November
November has the year's clearest, most stable skies — superb trekking, crisp views, Tihar and thinner crowds.
Nepal in November offers the clearest, most stable skies of the entire year. With the monsoon long gone and winter's haze yet to arrive, the Himalaya stands out in stunning clarity, the weather is dry and settled, and the trekking is superb. It is slightly cooler and a little quieter than peak October, and it carries the lovely festival of lights, Tihar — which for many makes November the best all-round month to visit. For the year overall, see our month-by-month guide to Nepal.
Weather in November
November is dry, crisp and exceptionally clear. Kathmandu and Pokhara enjoy pleasant days of around 16 to 23°C, with nights turning progressively colder through the month. The Terai is comfortable and dry. In the high mountains, visibility is at its most reliable of the year, though nights at altitude grow distinctly cold as winter approaches — a sign of the season's turn.
Trekking in November
November is prime autumn trekking, with dry trails, stable weather and the sharpest mountain views going. The Everest region treks, the Annapurna Circuit trek, Langtang, Gokyo and Manaslu are all in excellent shape. Trails are busy but begin to ease after the early-November festival period and as the colder nights deter some trekkers later in the month. Pack warm layers for high-altitude camps. Plan with our Nepal trekking guide and review our altitude sickness guide.
What else to do
November is excellent for sightseeing in the crisp, clear valley, and for mountain flights and sunrise viewpoints like Sarangkot and Nagarkot, which are reliably brilliant. Pokhara's lakeside is calm with mirror-clear reflections of the Annapurnas. Wildlife viewing in Chitwan and Bardia is strong as the cool, dry weather sets in.
Festivals in November
The highlight is Tihar, the five-day festival of lights, usually falling in early November. Homes glow with oil lamps and electric lights, marigold garlands hang from doorways, and the festival honours crows, dogs, cows, oxen and finally the bond between brothers and sisters on Bhai Tika. Soon after, Chhath, the Terai sun festival, sees devotees gather at riverbanks to offer to the rising and setting sun. Explore these via the festival calendar of Nepal.
Crowds and prices
November is high season, busy and with firm prices, though it tends to ease off the October peak after Tihar. Book popular treks and flights ahead, especially in the first half of the month. For the year's busiest peak of clear skies and Dashain, look back at Nepal in October; for the start of the cold, quiet, clear winter, read ahead to Nepal in December. To weigh the season, see our best time to visit Nepal guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is November a good time to visit Nepal?+
November is one of the very best months, with the clearest and most stable weather of the year, superb mountain views and excellent trekking. It is slightly cooler and a touch quieter than peak October, making it a top all-round choice.
Can you trek in Nepal in November?+
Yes, November is prime autumn trekking, with dry trails, settled weather and the sharpest Himalayan views. The Everest, Annapurna and Langtang regions are all in excellent condition, though high-altitude nights grow noticeably colder as winter approaches.
What is the weather like in Nepal in November?+
November is dry, crisp and clear, with Kathmandu and Pokhara seeing pleasant days around 16 to 23 degrees Celsius and progressively colder nights. The Terai is comfortable, and the high mountains have the year's most reliable visibility but cold nights.
What festivals happen in November?+
Tihar, the five-day festival of lights, usually falls in early November, with homes lit by oil lamps, marigold garlands and the worship of crows, dogs, cows and siblings. Chhath, the Terai sun festival, often follows soon after.
