Annapurna Base Camp trekking in November

Annapurna Base Camp trek in November offers a unique experience in the exploration of the pristine region of the 10th tallest mountain in the world (8,091 meters). Boasted as the most favorite trekking experience for both new and experienced trekkers alike, the route to this magnificent Himalayan region passes along the diverse landscapes immersing in the fascinating culture and traditions of the local tribes and, of course, the scenic breathtaking mountain figures that accompany the adventure.

November, which falls under the autumn season, is another peak season for adventure in the Himalayan after the spring season. The Annapurna Base Camp trek in November offers an incredible view of the Himalayas with clear skies, stable weather, and a lively environment, making this month one of the best times for the high-altitude adventure. November is known for its moderate temperature with chill and cool morning and night, making it an ideal time for trekking. In the latter part of the month, you will slowly start to feel the traces of winters in the high-altitude region; however, with proper clothing and good preparation, it won’t be much of a problem at all.

If you are lucky, you might also run into some of the major festivals in the country, like, Dashain, Tihar, and Chhat Puja. These major Hindu festivals often fall in November, so trekking expenditure will also give an opportunity for unprecedented cultural exploration.

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Annapurna Base Camp Trek in November Highlights

The trail at the foothills of two of the world’s tallest mountains, Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Machhapuchhre
Exploration of Pokhara, the major tourist hub in the country
Passing along a route colored with magnolias, rhododendrons, and alpine flowers
Scenic views of the Mid-western Himalayan ranges like Mt. Himchuli, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Machhapuchare, Mt. Manaslu, including Mt. Annapurna massifs and several others
The stunning sunrise view from Poon Hill (3,210 meters) over Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Dhaulagiri
Base camp of the 10th highest peak in the world at 4,130 meters
Well-preserved culture, tradition, and lifestyle of the Magar and Gurung community
Natural relaxing hot bath at the hot spring of Jhinu Dada
Rare high-Himalayas flora and fauna, snow leopards, Danphe, Himalayan Tahr, red panda, musk deer, Himalayan marmot, and several others
And the simply alluring magnificence of the Himalayas region

Weather Conditions in Annapurna Base Camp Trek in November

The peak seasons for trekking in Nepal are considered both the spring season (from March to May) and the autumn season (from September to November). But, specifically for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the best time would be in November.

The breathtaking views of the Annapurna region, mixing well with the clear skies and mild temperatures during the days, make November one of the ideal times for an immersive and gratifying experience of the region.

Weather during November is very pleasant and calm, with bright and sunny days; the nights and mornings, on the other hand, are cold and chilly. During November, the humidity around the region is quite low, so the probability of rainfall is pretty low, making it a blissful season for an outdoor adventure.

During November, the temperature of the Annapurna region fluctuates around 12°C to 17°C during the days, and during it the nights, it’s at the bare minimum of -5°C. Still, you will face the occasional high-altitude cold breezes and winds, so make sure to pack the right clothes to tackle it.

If you are planning a trek to the Annapurna Base Camp in the late-November, it is when the winter season in the country starts to take a peak. Although the winter season starts from December to February, there is a high probability of snowfall from mid-November in the high-altitude region of the Himalayas. By the end of the month, the temperature starts to drop lower, and the days gradually start to shink, elongating the cold nights.

Festivals in November

Traveling to Nepal during November is a treat; not only will you enjoy the most scenic and stable trekking experience in the blissful season. But also witness some of the most magnificent festivals in the country.

Nepal is home to 81.3% of Hindu and 10.7% Buddhist; these two of the largest religious groups follow the lunar calendar, so their festivals often shift between October, November, and December. Dashain, one the most significant festival in the Hindu community of the country, usually starts in October, as it is 15 days long, but sometimes it extends to November. If you are lucky, you might witness the festival that celebrates the Goddess Durga’s triumph over the evil in the world.

Similarly, Tihar, another major festival in the Hindu religion, also known as ‘Deepawali,’ is a five-day festival celebrated in November. Known as the ‘Festival of Lights,’ you will find the whole country is decorated with bright-colored lights. If you are fond of festive culture, music, and color, this is the time to visit Nepal; the cities in the country glow with bright, colorful lights, and the melody of ‘Deusi-Bhailo’ echoes throughout the country.

Also, Chhat Puja, which lasts for four days, has a significant value in the Hindu community. Celebrated especially in the Mithila region of the country and also in India, this festival worships the sun. Chhath Puja is a festival dedicated to worshipping the sun and thanking it for sustaining all life on the planet. Hindus in Nepal and the rest of the world see the sun as the crater of the life force, and as the source of healing, prosperity, and well-being, so this festival is dedicated to gratitude towards the creator of all life forms in the universe.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek in November Difficulty

The Annapurna Base Camp trekking is one of the country’s most popular and classical trekking expeditions. The base camp situated at the elevation of 4,130 meters certainly has its own fair of challenges; thus, the Annapurna Base Camp trekking difficulty has been graded to a Moderate-level.

Any trekking adventures in the Himalayan region require lot of climbing uphill and descending downhill. The trekking routes in these upper Himalayas might not be much of a deal for experienced trekkers and for physically active individuals; however, it certainly isn’t easy for the new trekkers. The long days of walking on diverse landscapes and the low oxygen level at the higher stages of the trek that can drain energy really quickly can be a great challenge for unprepared new trekkers.

Still, unlike the other difficult trekking routes and expeditions to the highest base camp in the world Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters), this trekking adventure to the Annapurna region is shorter, easier, and set at the lower altitudes of the Himalayas. Annapurna Base Camp trekking is not considered that difficult, and it is popular among new trekkers, experienced trekkers or solo and group expeditioners alike.

Adventurous experience is the key factor of this trek, so unlike the difficult trekking routes with time bounds, you will be able to soak in the gratifying beauty of the alluring region in slow-steady-paced exploration. For individuals who are physically fit or have experience in high-altitude trekking, the well-trodden routes, teahouses, and lodges across the trail will offer a wonderful experience. On the other hand, for trekking enthusiasts who are not physically fit and without prior experience in trekking, high-altitude trekking can cause some discomfort without the right amount of preparation.

So, although the Annapurna Base Camp trekking isn’t in the segment of the hardest trekking adventures in Nepal, it does demand certain level of physical fitness and mental endurance. Trekkers should prepare well for the adventure, acclimatize properly and pay proper heed to their physical condition during the trek to avoid any kind of potential risks to their health.

Physical Training

It is recommended that you should start the preparation for trekking in the high-altitude region of the Himalayas at least 8-12 weeks before the adventure. This way, your body will get accustomed to physical activity (at least 4k-7km per day). However, it is recommended the preparation on natural terrains with diverse landscapes that resemble the terrains of the Himalayas. For Annapurna Base Camp trekking, you can also follow a few additional methods to your regime for effective preparation.

Training on the stairs is considered to be one of the most effective ways to prepare for trekking in the Annapurna region. In the steep terrains of the Annapurna region, trekkers need to descend down to the base and climb uphill in a lot of sections, so adding stair climbing to the physical training regime for the trek will be really helpful. Building up leg strength is essential in this trek, as you will be walking down and up the long set of stairs in this expedition.

Putting weight on the backpack during physical training and wearing hiking boots will be very effective as you will be carrying a backpack with you throughout the long trek. Not only is it a potential weight training for trekking but, it also helps you to break in the hiking boots and check the comfort level; you don’t want to end up with blisters after a long day of trekking.

Thus, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, which is moderately-difficult-graded, doesn’t demand a very extensive and extreme physical training regime. However, the right preparation and building up stamina and endurance will certainly make the adventure a wonderful experience. Here, Preparing for Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you can find the descriptive details on a well-balanced preparation for the expedition in Mt. Annapurna, the living embodiment of the Hindu goddess of food and nourishment.

Packing for Trek

There are a few things you should consider while trekking in one of the most popular and jaw-dropping high-Himalayan explorations in the country. Although it isn’t in the category of the most difficult trekking routes in the country, you need to be well prepared for the high-altitude environment.

We recommend you pack lightly and only bring the essentials. Here are a few things you can mark on your checklist for the Annapurna Base Camp trek in November:

Clothing, Headwear, and Footwear

Worn-in hiking boots, break-in before the expedition to avoid sore feet and blisters during the trek (with ankle support)
Lightweight sports shoes and comfortable-warm camp shoes (for strolling around the region and comfort in the resting destinations)
Multiple pair of socks with several variations in thickness for different regions of the trek
Hiking pants, trousers (waterproof), and shorts (suitable for the altering climate zone)
Several pairs of warm undergarments
T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, and thermals
Windproof/ waterproof jacket, flee or light-weight jacket, and heavy down jacket (for higher altitudes)
Sun hat, warm wool hat, and fleece buff or neckband and bandana
Gloves (several pairs and thick warm woolen for the high altitudes)
Sleep masks and ear-plugs (if you are a light sleeper)

Toiletries and Personal Supplies

Toothpaste and brush
Soap and shamppo/conitioner
Travel towel (quick dry towels are best)
Sunscreen (UV protection), sunglasses, lip balm, and moisturizers
Wet wipes and deodorants
If you use contact lenses, make sure to pack contact solution and spare lenses
Hand sanitizers, toilet paper
Nail clippers, small mirror
Dust maks
Tampons/pads (the possibility of finding them at higher altitudes is rare)
First Aid box and personal medications (if you have any)
Water purification tablets
Light-healthy snacks and energy bars (really helpful to stay energized throughout the day)

Electronics and Accessories

Phone and gadgets chargers
Power bank or solar charger (charging at the higher altitude isn’t always free)
Mulitpluck or universal pluck adapter (most of the electric outlets in Nepal use Type C plugs)
Water bottles and thermos vessels to store water and beverages in different temperature
Trekking poles
Trekking bag or backpack
Headlamp with extra pair of batteries
Trekking poles
Sleeping bag or sleep sheet (four-season sleeping bag)
Entertainment sets or journals for free time in the rest zone

Also, make sure you carry a few extra copies of your passport and passport-sized photographs. And have enough change to local currencies for the trek; you might feel like buying souvenirs or need it for relishing the local snacks.

If you are looking for an adventure in the Annapurna region during this beautiful season, you can book our service for Annapurna Base Camp Trekking.

Tips Annapurna Base Camp Trek in November

Start your preparation early; experts recommend at least 8-12 weeks before the adventures (helps to get accustomed to the long day treks)
Always travel under the guidance of the guide or local porters (they know the high-altitude regions like the back of their hand)
Always stay hydrated; it doesn’t only make you feel energetic on the long, draining treks but also helps a lot to prevent the altitude sickness
Don’t smoke or drink when you are on the trekking
During the trek, dress in layers so that even if the climate gets cold or hot, you can manage your attire accordingly.
Find all the right gear needed for trek first-hand and check them; you can also buy and rent trekking equipment from Kathmandu
Don’t forget to carry the first-aid box along with your prescribed medications (if you have any) throughout the trek
Pack energy bars and other healthy snacks for the trek, will help you stay energized throughout the experience
Be aware of the trails while walking on snow or letting mules/yaks pass (always stand on the mountain side it is possible for them to push you or kick you downhill)
Try to start early, and don’t drag your team down with slow preparations; the risk multiples in the high-altitude trekking during the night (if you start early, you can overcrowded trails)
Take it slow; remember its a marathon, not a sprint; slow-paced trekking helps you adapt well to the acclimatization process
The higher the altitude, the lower the UV protection, make sure to prepare well for this factor
During the high-altitude points of the trek, make sure to keep checking your oxygen saturation level
Make sure always to hire the professional expertise from a Government registered company for your adventure
You can also check out the trekking forums and groups to prepare and understand the region
Keep yourself updated on the weather conditions and temperature of the region
Always stay on the main trekking routes, don’t take side detours on uncharted terrains, or at least consult guide and expedition leader firsthand
If you are facing any sort of uneasiness, discomfort, or issues, make sure to communicate with the guide or expedition leader immediately

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FAQs Related to Annapurna Base Camp Trek in November

What is the best time to do the Annapurna Base Camp trek?

The best time for the Annapurna Base Camp trek is during the spring season (from March to May) and the autumn season (from September to November).

Which month is best for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Although both the peak seasons, spring and autumn, have their own beauty, October and November months in autumn are considered to be the best and most popular months for Annapurna Base Camp trekking.

Can we go to Annapurna Base Camp in December?

The temperature in the Annapurna region is around 5°C – 10°C during the daytime, and at night it can drop to 0°C in lower regions and upto -5°C at higher altitudes. So, trekking is possible even in the winter season; however, the right clothing and equipment should be used for the experience,

Is Annapurna harder than Everest Base Camp?

Everest Base Camp is at an elevation of 5,364 meters, and the Annapurna Base Camp is at 4,130 meters, so a relatively lower altitude makes the Annapurna expedition slightly easier than Everest Base Camp trekking. There are also other relative factors, from trails to accommodation and time frame, that make the Annapurna Base Camp trek much easier.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek in November