November is the last official peak season for trekking anywhere in Nepal. November has bright, sunny days and clear skies. These make for amazing, crystal clear views of the mountains on the treks.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek in November as such is a fabulous idea. The glory of the Annapurna Base Camp trek can be best enjoyed in November.
From dry trails to moderate temperatures, November in Annapurna region is a dream come true.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a well-rounded trek. It provides superb panoramic mountain views.
At the same time, the trek goes through traditional mountain villages. This trek gives you a look into the rich culture and biodiversity of Nepal.
Being a moderate level trek, it welcomes both the novice and experienced trekkers.
Highlights of Annapurna Base Camp Trek In November
- Crystal clear panoramic views of the Midwestern Himalayan range of mountains.
- Green vegetation of low subtropical, alpine to the arctic terrain.
- Blooms of beautiful marigold and other wildflowers in the region.
- Traditional mid hills villages with friendly locals and diverse culture, lifestyle.
- Clear views of major peaks overlooking the Sanctuary. These include the Annapurna south (23,693ft-7,219m), Gangapurna (24,457ft.-7,455m) and Annapurna III (24,787ft-7,555m).
- Two camps in one trek. You will trek to both Annapurna Base Camp and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) Base Camp on this trek.
Weather in Annapurna Base Camp Trek in November
November, a peak trekking month means great weather conditions in most of the trek destinations here. This is almost guaranteed on a popular trek like the Annapurna Base Camp trek.
In November, the days are bright and sunny. The skies are clear with very few chances of small, stray clouds. The temperature ranges between a cool 12-17 degrees Celsius. During the nights, the average temperature drops to 7 degrees Celsius.
With winter making its way in, the last days of November is a bit colder.
Note: Regardless of the month you trek in, you should always prepare yourself for random weather changes. The weather in high, mountain altitudes is unpredictable.
Solo or Group Annapurna Base Camp Trek in November
Both solo and group treks to Annapurna Base Camp is possible throughout the year.
On the main route, finding the right trail is easy. There are signs in most villages. Locals can and will help you if needed. November is also one the busiest trekking seasons. Hence, you will meet many trekkers to follow.
Once in Chomrong, there is only the single route.
There are many routes to Annapurna Base Camp. Some are more confusing than others.
Traveling in groups has its own advantages. If you are on a budget, being in a group helps. You can get discounts on tour packages, accommodations. You also get priority over solo trekkers on rooms and meals.
With or Without guide and porter in Annapurna Base Camp Trek in November
Independent trekking can be fun and adventurous. On the main routes, there are fewer chances of getting lost. You can also easily find help as the number of trekkers and travelers are high in November.
Having a guide can be helpful in November. The tea houses can get busy in November. Setting off early on your trek does help. Yet, with an experienced and professional guide, you will not have to worry about that. S/he will call ahead and book tea houses.
A guide also helps enhance your trek experience. A guide can provide lots of information about the culture and lifestyle of the locals. A guide can provide information about the mountains, flora, fauna, and wildlife of the region. A guide can also help you interact with the locals. A guide can usually speak the local languages of the region.
For inexperienced and new trekkers, a high altitude trek like this can be a challenge. A porter can help lighten your load. A porter also provides you with support if needed. A porter carries anywhere between 18-25 kgs of luggage. This way you will not have to worry about packing too light for the trek as well.
Accommodation in Annapurna Base Camp Trek in November
In November, almost all the tea houses, lodges will be open in Nepal. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, the choices for accommodation is limitless. From local lodges to 4-5 star hotels, you can find almost all kinds of rooms.
Once you are on the actual trek, you will have limited choices of local tea houses and a few guesthouses. Being a popular trail, you will find accommodation even on a busy month like November.
You may need to pre-book to get the preferred rooms in November. Else you may need to prolong your trek to the next village looking for a place to stay.
Food and Drinks in Annapurna Base Camp Trek in November
Like your accommodations, the choices of foods and drinks are limitless in Kathmandu and Pokhara. You can find almost everything you desire in these places.
All the restaurants and tea houses are open in November with full menus available as well.
Physical Condition & Experience Requirements for Annapurna Base Camp Trek in November
November is the peak season for Annapurna Base Camp trek. Along with crystal clear views and moderate weather, the trails will be dry.
This is the best season to do this trek regardless of your trekking experience. The weather and the season make it a lot comfortable for trekking.
This is a moderate trek suitable for passionate walkers. It is possible for anyone who can walk at least 5-7 hours a day with a light day pack. Along with the walk, the altitude is a determining factor. Walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding.
You need to have excellent health with average physical fitness to do this trek. Along with physical fitness, you need to have a positive attitude and strong determination to do this trek. With these, the difficulty level of the trek is decreased.
Equipment and Supplies for Annapurna Base Camp Trek in November
Packing for your Annapurna Base Camp trek can be a challenge in itself. Given below is a guide to what you should pack for Annapurna Base Camp Trek in November.
Head
- Wide-brimmed Sun Hat
- Buff, scarf or a light balaclava
- Warm fleece hat or beanie (for cold nights and early mornings)
- UV (polarized) Sunglasses
Feet
- Thin, lightweight inner socks
- Thick, warm wool hiking socks
- Hiking boots with spare laces (make sure to break into them before the actual trek)
- Trekking sandals or shoes (for roaming around and chilling at in the tea houses)
Hands
- Lightweight gloves
- Mitten (for last days of November)
Lower Body
- Under Garments (moisture wicking fabrics)
- Hiking shorts (for warm days)
- Lightweight cotton long pants
- Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms (for the cold nights)
- Fleece pants (for last days of November)
- Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
Upper Body
- T-shirts
- Light and expedition weight thermal tops
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Fleece Windstopper jacket
- Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket (optional)
Accessories
- Sleeping bag (suited for negative degrees temperature)
- Headlamps with spare bulbs and batteries (useful for early morning treks)
- Locks
- Good quality durable Duffel bag (if you hire a porter)
- Heavy duty Backpack (if carrying your own things)
- Basic First Aid Kit
- Dry Bags
- Daypack (to carry personal belongings you need during your trek of the day)
- Trekking Poles (great for support and balance on the steps and slopes)
- Water bottles (reusable and durable)
Toiletries
- Travel sized toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner
- Toothbrush
- Easy to dry towel
- Toilet paper (some of the toilets won’t have them)
- Baby wipes (easy to clean your hands and face during the trek)
- Hand sanitizer
- Multipurpose soap
- Nail cutter
- Small mirror
- Female Hygiene Products (difficult to find on the trails)
- Ear Plug (for light sleepers who may end up sharing rooms with loud noisemakers)
Extras
- Binoculars
- Reading book
- Trail Map/ Guidebook
- Journal & Pen
- Pencils and small notebooks
- Travel game: cards
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Trails to consider in November
Poonhill and Annapurna Base Camp Trekking
The Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp trek are one of the most popular and scenic trekking routes to Annapurna Base Camp.
This route offers varied sceneries of landscapes, vegetations, villages, people. In November, you also get constant views of the high snow-capped peaks from different points of the trek.
This trek is an interesting and exciting introduction to high altitude treks in Nepal. It also gives a glimpse into Nepal’s rich cultural and natural beauty.
Annapurna Base Camp trek
The direct route to Annapurna Base Camp route is perfect for those who are short on time and budget.
It is one of the most well-maintained trekking trails in Nepal. It is an amazing walk through diverse landscape and culture. You also get views of rich mountain vistas, terraced fields. You trek through quaint Gurung villages and a wide variety of flora and fauna.
This direct route also has good signposts along the way. Hence, this is quite a safe trail for solo trekkers.
Extra Tips for Annapurna Base Camp Trek In November
- Have extra days to spare. These can be great in November. With excellent weather and views, you may want to explore or relax in the nearby villages, trails.
- Have your guide order your meals and rooms beforehand. Meals can take a little longer to cook. Preferred rooms can be filled easily.
- Feel free to ask the locals for help and suggestions.
- Weather up in the mountains, high altitude area, changes drastically. Best be prepared. Take necessary gears and equipment for Annapurna Base Camp trek, even on perfect months like November.
- November sees a lot of traffic. Start your trek early to get the preferred rooms.
- Do not rush, maintain your trekking pace. This is a holiday. Move at your own pace and enjoy the experience.
Final Say,
maintain your Camp Trek is one of the most popular trekking trails in Nepal. People have been trekking here year round. All the different months have their own distinct features and adventures to offer.
November is a beautiful month to do the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The chances for rainfall and snowfall are least this month. You can enjoy crystal clear skies and picturesque mountain views of the Annapurna Base Camp trek.
Along with popular opinion, find out what you want from the trek. This helps you to better decide your trekking route and experience.
For this and many more, feel free to contact us.
