Are you planning to trek the Annapurna circuit trek in November and thinking about whether you should do it or not? Well, we have an answer for you in this blog, as in this whole blog, we will be talking about why you should do the Annapurna circuit trek in November. Why is November considered the peak season to trek? The weather conditions, the packing list, and everything are detailed.
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Why November Is the Best Month for the Annapurna Circuit Trek
As you know, the best time to trek the Annapurna circuit is during November because it is the peak season to trek due to the autumn. The weather is pleasant and stable. The days are warm and comfortable. The mountain views are crisp and clear. You can witness mountains without any obstructions. The trails are dry and firm, making it ideal conditions for the trek. During this time, Nepal’s biggest festival, Tihar, is celebrated, where you can see the lights glowing in every house and create a vibrant environment. If you are trekking in November, you will enjoy epic mountain views, perfect trekking conditions, and cultural richness in the ideal mix of beauty, comfort, and authenticity, making your adventure unforgettable.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Detailed Itinerary for November (14 Days)
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Welcome to Kathmandu. We will be welcoming you at the arrival gate of the Tribhuvan International Airport. After the meet and greet session, we will be driving to the hotel in Thamel. In the evening, we will be meeting for the welcome dinner at Thamel’s authentic restaurant and then enjoy our dinner.
Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar
Early in the morning, we will be driving to Besisahar. The distance between Kathmandu and Besisahar is 175 km, which can be reached in an 8- to 10-hour drive depending on the road conditions. We will be driving along the way of the Trishuli and Marshyangdi rivers. We will be passing through the terraced landscapes and beautiful local rural life.
Day 3: Drive from Besisahar to Chame
Early in the morning, we will have our breakfast at Besisahar and then start our drive to Chame. The distance between Besisahar and Chame is around 66 km. We will reach our destinations in 4 to 5 hours, as the roads are winding and narrow. After reaching Chame, you can check into the teahouse and explore the village.
Day 4: Trek from Chame to Pisang
Early in the morning, after enjoying our local and authentic breakfast, we will start our trek to Pisang. The distance between Chame and Pisang is 13.9 km. We will be walking for 6 to 8 hours to reach destinations, including lunch and tea breaks. We will be climbing gradually through the pine and fir forests. Once we reach the upper Pisang, you will be rewarded with the beautiful views of the Annapurna II, III, and IV.
Day 5: Trek from Pisang to Manang
Early in the morning, we will be heading towards our next destination, which is the Manang village. The distance between Pisang and Manang is 17 km. You will need to walk for 8 to 10 hours to reach the Manang village. We will be following the lower route from Upper Pisang, which will be easier, shorter, and on the valley floor. Upon reaching Manang, check into the teahouse and relax.
Day 6: Acclimatization day in Manang
Today you will be acclimatizing for the whole day. You will explore the whole Manang village and acclimate your body to the high altitude. Today, we will hike to Gangapurna Lake and the Glacier viewpoint. You will visit Bhojo Gumba and Khumbo Gumba monastery. In the evening, you can watch the movies in the Manang village, as there is a movie hall in the village. You can explore the German bakeries and local shops, interact with the locals, and much more.
Day 7: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka.
Early in the morning, we will be trekking to Yak Kharka. The distance between Manang and Yak Kharka is around 10 kilometers. You will gradually climb through juniper meadows and yak pastures. On the way to Cross Gunsang village, enjoy stunning views of Annapurna III.
Day 8: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi
Early in the morning, we will trek to the Thorong Phedi, which is also known as the Thorong La base camp, as it’s the last stop before crossing the Thorong La pass. The distance between Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi is 6.5 kilometers. Today’s trek will be short but steady. You will be climbing gradually through the altitude. Upon reaching the Thorong Phedi, you can relax and enjoy yourself in nature.
Day 9: Cross Thorong La Pass and Trek to Muktinath Temple
Today we will be on the most difficult day of the Annapurna circuit trek, as you will be crossing the Thorong La Pass at an altitude of 5,416 m, which is the highest point. The temperature on the Thorong La Pass is unpredictable, so you will need to start your trek early at 3 AM. Today’s trek will also be long, so it’s suggested to start early. After summiting the Thorong La pass, you will witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri ranges. You can click pictures and explore the pass. After enjoying your moment in the pass, you will descend to the Muktinath temple. After that, you will visit the Muktinath temple and pray to God, and then reach your hotel and relax. It’s suggested that you sleep early, as the trek will make you fatigued and tired.
Day 10: Explore Muktinath and Drive to Kagbeni, Jomsom, Marpha, and Tatopani
Early in the morning, if you want, you can explore the Muktinath temple and take a bath in 108 sacred taps and the 2 ponds, which are believed to be sacred and help you to get salvation. After exploring the Muktinath temple, we will drive to Kagebeni, which is located just downhill of the Muktinath temple on the riverbank of the Kali Gandaki. You can perform the rituals, which is the Pitri puja, which means the worship of the ancestors. After that, we will drive to Jomsom, and we will have lunch at Jomsom. After having lunch, we will drive to Marpha village, which is the gateway to the Dhaulagiri circuit trek. After that, we will drive to Tatopani. After reaching Tatopani, we will check into the hotel and then relax in the natural hot spring of Tatopani.
Day 11: Drive from Tatopani to Pokhara
Early in the morning, we will drive to Pokhara. The distance between Tatopani and Pokhara is 84 kilometers, which can be reached in 4 to 5 hours. On the way, we will visit the Kusma bridge, which is the 2nd-highest hanging bridge and the 2nd-highest bungee jump in Nepal. After that, we will check into the Pokhara hotel. In the evening, you can roam around Phewa Lake.
Day 12: Pokhara sightseeing
Early in the morning, you will have breakfast and then explore Pokhara city. You can explore many places in Pokhara, like Davis Fall, Mahendra Cave, Chamero Cave (Bat Cave), Gupteshwar Mahadev Cave, Pumdikot, Sarangkot, the International Museum, Panme, and many more.
Day 13: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Early in the morning, after breakfast, we will drive to Kathmandu. The distance between Pokhara and Kathmandu is around 200 kilometers. You can reach Kathmandu in 8 to 10 hours, depending on the road conditions. After arriving in Kathmandu, you can check into the hotel and relax.
Day 14: Departure
According to the flight schedule, we will transfer you to the airport. We will transfer you to the airport 4 hours before the flight time so that you can complete the immigration and check-in. If your flight is in the evening, you can use it to explore the Kathmandu Valley, Swyambhunath, Boudhanath stupa, Patan Durbar Square, and many more.
Annapurna circuit trek Route map in November
The Annapurna Circuit trek route map in November is the same as in the other seasons. And the trekking distances and stops are every month of autumn. You can see the route map below.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost in November
The cost of the Annapurna Circuit Trek in November generally ranges from USD 900 to USD 1,800 per person, depending on the route, trekking style, and services included. November is one of the peak trekking months in Nepal, so prices may be slightly higher due to increased demand for guides, porters, and accommodation. For a standard 14/16-day package, the cost usually covers trekking permits (ACAP and TIMS), guide and porter wages, accommodation in teahouses, three meals a day, ground transportation, and domestic flights (if ending in Jomsom or Pokhara).
Suggested Read:Real Trekkers Share Their Annapurna Circuit Trek Reviews
Weather Conditions in Annapurna during November
November is considered one of the best months to trek the Annapurna Circuit, offering clear skies, dry trails, and comfortable daytime temperatures. The post-monsoon atmosphere leaves the air crisp and clean, allowing for breathtaking visibility of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu ranges. Almost no rainfall in November, and snowfall is rare before late in the month.
Check out the table
| Region / Stop | Elevation (m) | Daytime Temperature (°C) | Night Temperature (°C) | Weather Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu / Besisahar | 1,300 – 760 | 18°C – 22°C | 8°C – 12°C | Warm and sunny |
| Chame | 2,670 | 12°C – 18°C | 2°C – 6°C | Clear skies, mild breeze |
| Pisang / Manang | 3,200 – 3,540 | 8°C – 14°C | -2°C – 4°C | Sunny days, cold nights |
| Yak Kharka / Thorong Phedi | 4,000 – 4,525 | 2°C – 8°C | -5°C – -10°C | Cold and dry, occasional wind |
| Thorong La Pass | 5,416 | -5°C – 2°C | -10°C – -15°C | Freezing temperatures, clear skies |
| Muktinath/Jomsom | 3,800 – 2,720 | 10°C – 16°C | 0°C – 5°C | Sunny, windy in afternoons |
| Pokhara | 820 | 20°C – 25°C | 10°C – 14°C | Warm, clear, and pleasant |