Annapurna Circuit in November
Nepal opened its Annapurna region for trekking formally since 1977 AD. Annapurna Circuit trek is one of the best long route treks in Nepal. It is accessible throughout the year but Annapurna Circuit in November has a special value.
Annapurna Circuit in November is full of thrilling and adventurous experiences. People generally consider Everest Base Camp trek as the most adventurous but Annapurna Circuit in November is equally exciting and adventurous.
The month of November makes it more challenging. It is almost the end of the Autumn and start of the Winter season. Snow-capped mountains, lush forests, ever-flowing rivers, adds more beauty to this journey of Annapurna Circuit in November.
Annapurna Circuit trek provides you with the opportunity to see the Annapurna region from every possible side. You will start this trek from less than 1000m and cross over 5000m. Thorong La Pass is the highest point of this Annapurna Circuit that stands at 5416m.
You will pass through fascinating villages while trekking between the Annapurna region. While walking through villages like Syange, Manang, Pisang, Marpha, etc. Exploring their rural culture, tradition, and lifestyle gives you eternal joy.
Trekking in the Annapurna region is a paradise for the photographer. Every new trail, village, and stop is perfect for photography. The mountains, landscapes, forests are perfect for the background of your selfie.
The beauty of Annapurna Circuit is not less in other seasons but it flourishes in November. The cold climate and moderate temperature make your journey easy and worthwhile. Annapurna region is rich in biodiversity and is at its best in November. Varieties of flora and fauna are all over the trekking routes of the Annapurna Circuit.
You will see an adequate crowd in the trekking trails because it is tourist season in Nepal. Annapurna Circuit in November is the ideal time to be in the Annapurna region. Vistas of mountains are eye-catching and temples like Muktinath gives you the spiritual tenderness. Through the villages of Kagbeni and Jharkot, you will traverse Buddhist culture and monasteries. It is better to have advance booking of flights and rooms because this season is quite popular among tourists.
Highlights of the Annapurna Circuit in November
- The ideal time to visit the Annapurna region of Nepal.
- Great view of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri and its surrounding mountains.
- Trek to the highest point, that is Thorong La Pass 5416m.
- Visit Muktinath temple, Kali Gandaki gorge, and many more.
- Explore the lake city Pokhara.
- Stay at tea houses of most hospitable Gurung and Magar people.
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Itinerary of Annapurna Circuit in November
Day 01: Drive Kathmandu to Besisahar
Altitude: 800m
Time: 5 to 6 hours
You will start the journey of Annapurna Circuit in November from today. You will have a scenic ride from Kathmandu to Besisahar. Bus stops for a particular place in order to have lunch. When you reach Besisahar, the roaring sound of the Marsyangdi River and mesmerizing mountain landscape will get your attention.
Day 02: Drive Besisahar to Chame
Altitude: 2800m
Time: 6 to 7 hours
After having breakfast, you will take a jeep ride to reach Chame. It is an off-road journey that runs through the Marshyangdi river. The total distance you travel in this journey is 66 kilometers that save your 2 to 3 days of trekking. You can jeep further from Chame to but trekking from Chame is better for acclimatization.
Day 03: Trek from Chame to Pisang
Altitude: 3200m
Time: 4 to 5 hours
The view you get from this part of trekking is best throughout the Annapurna Circuit. You will head towards the Bhartang, also known as Apple village. The road construction is still going on around these trails. The majestic view of snow-capped mountains, pine forests, and fast flowing river is unexplainable. It will take you 4 to 5 hours to reach Pisang from Chame.
Day 04: Pisang to Manang
Altitude: 3540m
Time: 6 to 7 hours
Today you will continue your trek towards the upper region of Manang. It is the drier upper part of the Manang district. From here you will get two options to reach Manang that are Upper and Lower route. Munchi will be the junction point of these two routes. The Lower route requires less trekking than the first one which goes through Hondge 3325m.
The upper route through Ghyaru has the best view of Annapurna, Pisang peak, and a few others. You will continue seeing the contrast between landscape and vegetation. As the climate becomes colder and drier, the environment is much harsher. You can also visit the largest monastery of Manang district, Barge Monastery.
Day 05: Acclimatization day in Manang
This is the rest day of your Annapurna Circuit in November trek. By rest day you should not think of staying ideal in the lodge. A short hike around the Manang is suitable to adjust your body with a changing environment.
The coming two days are going to be really tough. You will be gaining altitude rapidly so hike around the nearest higher places today. Gangapurna or Bhojo Gompa will be the best place to go around today. Vraga village can be another easy excursion for today. Himalayan Rescue Association is an aid post that provides you the information regarding Mountain Sickness.
Day 06: Trek from Manang to Ledar
Altitude: 4200m
Time: 3 to 5 hours
Acclimatization at Manang was an exciting day but today you will head towards Ledar. After proper breakfast, you will follow the trail upwards. Through Tenki you will continue the trek towards uphill. You will pass through the Marshyangdi Valley while following the trails.
Jarsang Khola is the next stop after this, you will continue the walk till you cross Jarsang Khola to reach Jarsang Khola river valley. Now you will be at Ledar, which is a beautiful place with vegetation and greenery enough to attract you.
Day 07: Trek to Thorong La Phedi from Ledar
Altitude: 4450m
Time: 2 hours
With the continuous steep, you cross the suspension bridge that leads you to the other side of the valley. Rocky trails won’t let you have the proper grip. Every step you take forward takes you two steps backward due to the elevation. It is one of the most menacing routes in this journey because of frequent landslide zones. Trek to Thorong La Phedi from Ledar will take you 2 hours.
Day 08: Thorong La Phedi to Muktinath
Altitude: 3760m
Time: 6 to 8 hours
As you ascend the journey, you will leave the tea houses and lodges below. If you want to reach Thorong La Pass, it is better to leave and reach Thorong La by 9 to 10 am. After crossing the Thorong La you start descending towards Muktinath. Muktinath is a holy place for Hindu and Buddhist people.
Day 09: Muktinath to Jomsom
Altitude: 2720m
Time: 3 to 4 hours
Through the trails of Ekle Bhatti, you will head towards Jomsom. Passing through the stream, meadows, and hills, you will see the majestic view of Dhaulagiri. You will follow the Kali Gandaki River to reach Jomsom, headquarter of Mustang district.
Day 10: Fly Jomsom to Pokhara
You will take a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. It may be the most expensive part of the Annapurna Circuit in November. Planes and small so does the airport but you will have a thrilling experience through this journey.
The temperature around Annapurna Circuit in November
November is the ending month of Autumn and the start of Winter. It is the best month to visit the Annapurna Circuit because the environment is clear. There is less chance of rainfall and days are sunny and bright enough to enjoy the trek.
Due to a diverse range in landscape and climatic conditions weather in a single month can be different. Before heading towards the long trek like this, you should understand and learn the local weather. You should also know about the trail conditions.
Weather and temperature at Kathmandu
Kathmandu has moderate weather all around the year. November offers you cool and chilly weather for trekking.
The average temperature around the day is 15°C. The maximum temperature is 25°C and the lowest is 7°C.
As November comes to its middle and end phase, the average temperature decreases to 12°C. At night it goes even lower, which is 8 to 9°C. This temperature is perfect for outdoor activities in the Kathmandu valley.
Weather and temperature at Pokhara
Pokhara is hotter compared to Kathmandu Valley. The average daytime temperature of Pokhara is between 17 to 18°C. The maximum temperature is 23°C and the minimum temperature goes down to 11°C.
Sun remains in the sky of Pokhara much longer than Kathmandu, which is up to 10 to 11 hours. Mid and late November brings the fog and frost that makes you feel colder than the actual temperature.
Pokhara is the tourist capital and starting point of the Annapurna Circuit. Also, it is the best place to rest after the long and altitude trek like Annapurna Circuit in November.
Weather and temperature at Besisahar or Chame
Bulbule, Bahundanda, Besisahar, Chame, Chamje are few start points for the trek. The highest starting point is the Chame and lowest in Besisahar. Therefore, Besisahar is 1 to 2°C hotter than Chame.
The average temperature over this area is 15°C or around 60F. The maximum temperature is 17°C whereas the minimum temperature is 9°C. The sun stays for a long hour so you can expect warm weather in Besisahar and Chame.
Weather and temperature at Pisang
Either you choose Upper Pisang or the lower Pisang to reach Pisang. Both routes have similar weather and temperature. The average temperature of Pisang lies between 4 to 5°C.
Days are sunny as you can feel its warmth but nights are cold as it goes below 1°C. However, November provides you with the enthralling view of Lamjung Himal, Ngadi Chuli, and a few more.
Weather and temperature at Manang
You would probably have an acclimatization day at Manang during this trek. November will be cold at Manang as the average temperature fluctuates between 2 to 3°C.
The maximum temperature of Manang is 8°C but the lower temperature is around -3°C. While you are resting here at Manang, you can explore more of this region. You can hike around Tsamkhang, Khangsar or Gangapurna Lake.
Weather and temperature at Thorung Phedi
November is really cold at Thorung Phedi as the average temperature is just 2°C. The maximum and minimum temperature of Thorung Phedi is 5°C and -7°C respectively.
The cloudy days in November are less in numbers. Therefore, you can enjoy the open sky and views of beautiful Himalayan ranges.
Weather and temperature at Jomsom
The maximum temperature of the day in Jomsom is 11 to 12°C whereas the minimum temperature is -3 to – 4°C. The daily average temperature is 4 to 6°C.
Late November is always colder than early November. Jomsom is famous for its windy afternoons, but November is one of the least windy months. The average speed of the wind is 4.9mph.
Weather and temperature at Muktinath
The first week of November is moderate with a maximum temperature of 25°C. As November progresses towards the end, the maximum temperature drops to 21°C.
The minimum temperature goes from 10°C to 5°C as November progresses. Muktinath and surrounding regions are famous for its desert-like landscape. November is one of the arid and least windy months.
Tips for Annapurna Circuit in November
- Carry a hot water bag. It will help you to warm yourself on cold nights.
- If you feel cold, ask for the extra blankets. The tea houses or lodges will provide you.
- Carry a sleeping with the capacity of holding you till -10°C.
- Don’t forget to bring thermal inners and gloves.
- The weather can be unstable so have packing of clothes accordingly.
- Be proactive about weather conditions.
- Days are warm but night can be too cold so prepare yourself.
- Get proper information before heading towards Annapurna Circuit.
Pros and Cons of Annapurna Circuit in November
Trekking through Annapurna Circuit in November has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is the beautiful season to be around the Annapurna region but it also has some limitations.
Pros
There should not be any natural disturbances like heavy rainfall, snowfall, or cloudy weather. The weather and temperature make the environment perfect for trekking. It is neither too hot nor too cold which makes this journey even more exciting.
The skies are clear and vistas of a mountain range like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre and many more. The temperature at the higher altitude is also endurable.
Cons
There are not many disadvantages to the Annapurna Circuit in November. November is the peak of the tourist season in Nepal and one disadvantage is that the trails are crowded with trekkers. If you are thinking of having peaceful trekking through the Annapurna region in November, it is not possible.
Also, there would be difficulty finding proper tea houses and lodges during this peak season. Finding an ideal hotel and rooms can be a tough job. It is one of the main disadvantages of the Annapurna Circuit Trek in November. Altitude sickness and extreme cold can create some troubles for you in this trek.
Food/Accommodation during Annapurna Circuit in November
Though there are several tea houses and lodges in the Annapurna region, it may not be sufficient in this peak season. Tea houses and lodges provide you with standard rooms and facilities.
The room consists of two beds, blankets, pillows, mattresses. You may have to share a bathroom but most of them provide a hot shower. But, you may have to pay extra for the hot shower. Tea houses and lodges may not provide you toiletries like soap, shampoo, towels so it is better to carry your own.
It may be due to a long and tiring trek, the food tastes extra delicious. You can feel the local and organic flavor in the food items. The basic menu includes bread, eggs, noodles, momo, and Dal Bhat. They provide seasonal vegetables and some international cuisines like Pizza, Burgers, etc.
In drinks, you have options for tea, hot lemon, cold drinks, and some hard drinks too. It is better not to drink alcoholic beverages during this type of long-altitude trek.
Difficulties of Annapurna Circuit in November
This is one of the longest trekking trails in Nepal which is quite challenging for beginners. It is better to have some physical training like running, swimming, cycling etc.
The weather and temperature should not be a difficult aspect of Annapurna Circuit in November because it is the stable month of the year. Saying that here are few difficulties:
Length of the trek
Annapurna Circuit is one of the longest treks in Nepal. You will cover the total distance of 160 to 230 Kilometers. Covering this distance is not going to be easy for beginners.
Annapurna Circuit trek in November orders you to walk for 6 to 7 hours daily covering the distance of 10 to 15 kilometers. This distance is not easy to cover, so many trekkers return back without completing the circuit. It is better to have some preparation before heading towards this journey. Physical exercises help you a lot in this case.
Altitude Sickness
Trekking anywhere above 3000m has the possibility of getting altitude sickness. The highest point on this trek is 5416m Thorong La Pass. You may be an efficient trekker but reaching this height can get difficult and cause altitude sickness.
Increasing height and decreasing air pressure hits directly to your breathing system. You should be able to acknowledge the symptoms of Altitude sickness which are headache, vomiting, dizziness, etc. If it gets severe, there is no other option than descending down.
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