Trek to Annapurna Base Camp in November : Weather, Challenges & Guide

Annapurna Base Camp Trek in November Highlights

• Get a chance to explore the almighty most visited trail - Annapurna Conservation Area, and enjoy the crispy golden leaves, golden farms, and the chirping sounds of migrating birds
• Attain the lap of the world's tenth highest peak, and also the iconic Fishtail - Annapurna Base Camp and Machapucchare Base Camp
• Enjoy the chill, cool weather to meander around that blows beautifully while hiking without draining you out due to high humidity
• Attain to the vantage point of Poon Hill - 3210 meters, witnessing te golden sun rise view over the mountains
• Explore the city of Lake Pokhara for a day, visiting the vibrant cafes, Tibetan Buddhism landmarks at Shanti Stupa, and many more
• Immerse yourself in the unhidden views of the mountains, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri range, and many others, witnessing more than 10 iconic peaks.
• Relaxation at the natural hot spring - Jhinu Danda

Annapurna Base Camp Weather and Temperature in November

Annapurna Base Camp in November, the final month of the Autumn, offers stable weather conditions, fusing perfectly with the climatic situation at the same time, offering a dry and clear trailhead, as it comes right after the end of the monsoon, you can expect the best favorable weather, without not many fluctuation, which usually happens in monsoon and winter season. November is simply the driest month in the Annapurna region, where you can expect literally zero precipitation, rainfall, and snowfall, making the route safe at the same time without being too slippery, and the irritating pathway, due to mud and leeches at lower heights. Whereas, at the higher elevation, especially at mid-November, there is minimal snowfall, as winter starts to hit in late November, but it won't disrupt the trekking at all, it even enhances the journey even more, with the breathtaking landscapes dotted with snow

During the daytime, the temperature usually hovers from -2 to 5 degrees Celsius, at the high elevation of Annapurna Base Camp, whereas it can drop to - 5 degrees Celsius, meanwhile the night time, the weather become quite cold and freezy that falls below - 10 degree clesius at maximum level in the base camp, however, it is still bearable, as the tea houses are well heated. Meanwhile, at lower elevations, like Chhomrong, Sinuwa, Himalaya, the daytime temperature ranges from 5 to 8 degrees Celsius, whereas at night it falls to 2-3 degrees Celsius, which makes the idyllic span of the year for the trek to ABC in November.

After the trip, and reaching the tea house, the wind flows in a chill way and speeds up to 8 mph at the base camp and 4 to 5 mph at the lower terrains, offering a cool humidity to relax, and the best perk about the November month at the  Annapurna region  is it offers 11 hours of sunshine, where you can explore the more out of the Himalayas, giving a day sun shine, where you can hike in ease, without panicking about reaching earlier, to avoid the darkness and challenges.

Nonetheless, during November, the stable weather, dry trailhead, and the great climate offering the clear views of mountains provide the safe navigation and enjoyable hike, making this month one of the most loved and preferred months of the year. 

Here is an overview in a table form, regarding what to expect temperature and weather conditions in November at ABC:

Why does ABC Trek in November stand out to be the best month?

Several factors make the trek to Annapurna Base Camp in November truly enchanting and once in a once-in-a-lifetime journey, besides just the temperature and weather conditions, yes! It is quite crucial to make a trip a complete success and a hassle-free adventure. However, besides that, you can expect more out of the mountainous area of the Annapurna region during this span of the year, especially at mid to late November. There are thousands of reasons, yet not to exaggerate more, here are the major attractions that make this trek to ABC in November truly stand out:

Clear Visibility of Mountains and Landscapes

One of the major perks, during November, tends to be the clear views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers, that you get to immerse within the Annapurna Conservation Area, where the crystal blue skies show the best visibility of many iconic peaks, including Manaslu, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli and the world's 9th and 10th tallest peak - Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range. Due to the less precipitation, you can expect foglessness, unhindered views, without hiding anywhere, which happens during the monsoon and winter seasons. From the very beginning, the legendary view of Mount Fish also, known as Macchapuchare in Nepalese slang, shows the best prominent view, whereas, moving at the higher elevation, you can witness the gradual transition of the lush green hills and the varied landscapes, to the panorama of the Mount Annapurna Range, Annapurna I, II, South, after attaining to the base camp. 

Safe and Easy Navigation

As the weather remains stable in mid-November, specifically, at the lower terrains, the route tends to be dry and easy to pass through due to the low chance of rainfall. As the trail also traverses a forested area, you can easily pass by without slippery and muddy terrains, whereas at the rocky and steep section, the route remains dry, possessing fewer challenges and dangerous factors to proceed further hike. Meanwhile, while reaching the base camp, along the pathway, there might be some snowfall, and a snowy pathway, but it won't be much problematic, which can disrupt the overall expedition. It gives you a sense of satisfaction after conquering the greater heights of 4163 meters. Hence, with the perfect blend of a safe and easy trailhead, November truly marks the best month for the ABC Trek.

Fewer Crowds and Peaceful Trailhead

As November marks the end of the peak season, where every hiker has completed the hike and already returned to the city area, during mid and late November, the route generally remains less crowded, due to the early beginning of winter, which means you can trail along peacefully feeling the serenity of nature without any disturbance of the fellow hikers. Besides, due to the less crowd, you can get amazing shots at the backdrop of mountains at the ABC itself, without waiting in line, which usually happens in early September and early March - the starting months of peak season.

Vibrant Festival and Boisterous Celebration in November: Lively Experience of Local Community

Nepal thrives in November, festively filled with colors, joys, and lights, which stands no different in the Himalayas as well, rewarding the adventure seekers, with a crips of cultural insights, while acing their way to the high lands. Nepal is a land of multi ethnic groups, multi-lingual communities, following their distinct beliefs, where more than 80% stand out to be Hindus, 10.2 % Buddhists, and others follow Christianity and Muslim, where one can fully immerse oneself in the unique culture. As the festivals in Nepal start from September and fall right in between October and November, one can unravel the boisterous celebrations in the Himalayas. 

Amongst all, the main festival, Dashain, falls between October and November, and this year, 2025, from the date 29 October till 7th November, Dashain is celebrated for 8 days continuously, however, if the date doesn't fit as your holiday time, then, from mid-October to mid November you can fully thrive in the celebration. No matter whether you are in the Annapurna region, you can get a glimpse of how remote locals celebrate such festivals simply, whereas if the festival occurs before or after the expedition, then the city area celebration will truly amuse you. 

One with a limited timeframe can venture out for the Short ABC Trek of 7 days, by crafting the itinerary as per the festive timing, if you are already late, and thinking about arriving late, then, another major festive - Tihar comes at late Nov, celebrated for 5 days, where you can enjoy "Deusi Bhailo", "Festival of Lightings", and also engage in "Bhai-Tika" - bond of sister and brother love celebration, while you are in Nepal, before or after, whatever the time fits during the trek to Annapurna Base Camp in November in 2025.

Key Challenges of Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp in November

With all pros come ample challenges, especially when you are heading to the mountain areas, where the trailhead is unusual, with a variety of routes to overcome to pass through and unexpected conditions - situations that might surprise you, if you are unknown, about the potential challenges during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in November. To help you get prepared accordingly, here are some of the difficulties you might come across at the end of Autumn.

Unpredictable Weather Conditions

Being in mountain areas comes with several unfortunate conditions, which are generally not expected before starting the trip. Even though the weather remains stable in the lower elevation before crossing the Himalaya (below 3500 meters), the atmospheric conditions change rapidly, at the base camp territory, like high windy situations, snowfall, sudden rain showers, and so on. This might lead to some frustrating situations to new bie, who are completely unaware about what himalayan adventure seem like, meanwhile, if you are a nature lover, then, you will love every bit of the surprises, just make sure to carry gears and create a positive mindset then, you are good to go.

Physically and Mentally Draining Situations

Hiking to the Himalayas - up in the highlands, demands at least 5 to 6 hours, with 9 to 14 kilometers, of distance coverage, which is not like strolling around Disney Land, especially when you are hiking on somewhere, that you are unfamiliar to, which might create mentally draining condition to some (personal experience). Meanwhile, at the same time, the route, comprised of a variety of terrains, where you have to navigate through dense forested areas, rugged terrains, steep rock sections, slippery pathways, with frequent ascents and descents, which can lead to physical draining condition, creating a leg trembling situation, however, compared to other expedition, the route to the base camp of Annapurna is easy to conquer and achieve successfully.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

Rather than the physically and mentally frustrating situations, in the mountain areas, the main challenge is the high elevation that you must navigate through each day above 3000 meters, which is surely not an easy task. At such a Himalayan adventure, the air becomes thin, due to which it becomes difficult to pass through, and a real game changer comes when you reach 4163 meters - Annapurna Base Camp. If you do not follow the preventive guidelines, then the risk of altitude sickness is always circulating around. So, make sure that you take preventive measures beforehand.

Cold Nights: The Beginning of Winter

As, the November marks the end of the peak season and also the beginning of the winter; the night temperature becomes cold and freezy to bear, where the temperature might fall till - 6 degree celsius, at the night time, so if you haven't carried the warm gears, then, it becomes a nightbear to handle. Hence, appropriate essentials and packing correctly are the most crucial aspects to defend against the challenges.

Trail Challenges 

As the route includes several terrains, as mentioned through dense forested areas, rocky sections, if you are thinking about undertaking this trek to ABC in November, then there is a high possibility of you getting lost or sustaining minor injuries due to the massive changes in the pathway that you pass through. Especially at the high section, the route becomes a bit strenuous without any assistance due to the snow pathways and slippery terrains, without any navigation by an experienced licensed guide.

To know more, you can check out our full descriptive blog entitled: Annapurna Base Camp Difficulty and Risks

Preparation for the trek to ABC in November

Before you undertake this ABC Trek in November, there are several preparations that must be done; to tackle the challenges physically, mentally, and adequately, to hike with ease:

Physical Training

As, the trek demands several hours of hike with a distance coverage of approximately 12 kilometers, per day, passing through the several terrains like rugged route, steep section, rocky pathway, slippery trail, you must have a basic level of fitness to tackle such challenges, so your muscles get used to of long hours hike and also get strengthen, in a proper way, with leg muscle being fully prepped up at the same time. To get prepared yourself physically, for the trek to Annapurna Base Camp in November, here are a few considerations that you must do to be physically geared up for a long hours expedition:

• Engage in some kind of strengthening activities like cardiovascular exercises, or you can just engage in running, short hikes nearby, walking, cycling to build up the stamina.
• If you are quite busy in the work life, and don't have enough time to join the gym then, you can do home workouts by watching You Tube videos, or just engage in frequent ups and downs via staircase.
• While engaging on the physical building activities, make sure to carry backpack of 25 to 35 L of day bagpack so, your body gets used to of carrying heavy loads.
• If you are open to trying new things, then, you can also engage in building up the core muscles, as it helps you to breathe, in the high altitude terrains, while it might sound surprising, but yes! it does help at the high mountain areas.

Mental and Medical Considerations

Mental readiness is equally crucial just like the physical preparation on the trailhead, as you are meandering somewhere, where the basic amenities become luxury. Due to the uncertain situations that might arise, in the future unexpectedly, it might cause a mentally daunting situation, whereas the health emergency also becomes not quickly accessible, and so, hence, you must be mentally prepared and also consider your health beforehand. Here are some techniques to be mentally prepared for the Annapurna Base Camp Hike in November:

• Please do the proper research before and set the realistic expectations, and have some manageable goals, so the distinct amenities and the high elevation won't frustrate you, and instead keep your mental morale high.
• While ascending uphill, make sure to keep your persistence and consistency level high, and keep on continuing the journey, thinking that you can conquer the high elevation, which makes your trip 99% easier.
• Download YouTube videos, or podcasts, or something similar, like yoga practices, just to keep your mindset positive in a good way, and keep you calm throughout the trip.
• Communicate with other fellow hikers or trekking guides while you meander around, and enjoy the trip rather than just being numb and silently walking, as it makes the trip even more frustrating and makes you feel alone, making the expedition challenging to pass through. 

Possibility of Altitude Sickness and Preventive Guidelines

While trekking to Annapurna Base Camp in late autumn or during any other season, the risk of altitude sickness is always present, as you are at the Himalayan trailhead, where the mountain air is low in oxygen, thinner than the usual city air. Right after you cross 3000 meters, you will feel a bit of a symptom, either mild or severe ones, which you are unaware of. Being unaware can possibly lead to the situation becoming even more hazardous, as quick emergency protocols are not followed. Hence, below we will discuss the symptoms of AMS and preventive guidelines to avoid such a problem from the very beginning:

Symptoms 

Preventive Guidelines

1. Keep on hydrating the body, at least 3-4 litres of water is expected, to keep your body engaged
2. Acclimatize properly; ascend slowly, and do not overdo yourself by ascending higher
3. Stay with the assistance of a guide throughout the journey, follow their navigation, and do not get lost
4. Eat nutritious food, consider eating protein-filled and carb meals, and if possible, avoid meat as they are not fresh
5. Be aware of the symptoms mentioned above, and if you feel any discomfort, then inform the guide quickly for emergency medical assistance

Foods and Accommodations during ABC in November

During the trek to ABC in November, late Autumn, compared to other peak seasons like the start of September to mid-November, you can find a wide variation of the tea houses, whereas, if you are willing to do this trek in late November, then, you might find limited availability of the lodges. However, it won't be much of a hassle, finding a room, which usually happens in another peak time, as there is less crowd, so you can fully enjoy the wide choices, without rooms being fully booked out. Meanwhile, for the food, you will find lots of options from western cuisine, continental ones, asian meals to local foods, all in all, everything required for the trip whereas, for beverages, it gives you wide range of options, from hot ones to cold ones, except fresh juices, which are least expected.

Well! To make you understand in depth, here is a detailed overview of what to expect in terms of food and lodging during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in November:

Foods and Beverages

• Meals: The standard meals, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, are provided in every trekking package
• Breakfast options: Western options like granola, museli, toasted bread served with jam and peanut butter, porridge, oatmeal, apple porridge whereas, for indians, various options such as chapati, veg or non veg curry, etc, and locals food like Tibetan bread with egg, and curry (most popular one), roti and curry etc.
• Lunch and Dinner options: Wide variations are available, for the lunch & dinner, which you can choose from the menu and order it, western options like pizza, sandwiches, rolls, noodles, dumplings, and even salads etc, whereas, local options like the ultimate Dal Bhat, Ramen, Chowmein, and others expected.
• Beverages: A variety of hot and cold beverages are available, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Lassi, and energy drinks. are expected, whereas for hot drinks, such as coffee, tea, hot lemon water, any kind of soups, etc.

Accommodations and Amenities

• Tea houses: Tea houses are the primary form of lodging within the Annapurna region, ranging from basic ones to simple ones, however, not luxury ones, as they are run by the locals themselves. However, the rooms are well maintained with comfortable bedding, from availability of single rooms to double rooms, you will basically get catered with ample options. Bedding and rooms are provided with an attached washroom or shared washrooms.
• Facilities: The rooms are well maintained and hygienic; however, the wifi and charging options are not available in the room, where you have to move to the dining area to use such electric facilities, as it becomes limited due to being run by solar panels.

What should you pack for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in November?

Packing plays a crucial role and contributes significantly to how your expedition will go and where your journey will be headed. Considering the cold nights and chill days in Autumn, you must stay warm and protected from the cold is necessary to make the journey a hassle-free adventure. Thus, here is a checklist for essentials and gear that you must fit in during your trek to ABC in late autumn, especially suggested for 2025 and 2026, as the weather has been acting up differently due to climate change in the Himalayas:

Must-Have Clothing Items

1. Dry Fit T-shirts and Long-Sleeved T-shirts
2. Any kind of comfortable shirts - lightweight
3. Puff Jacket or Down Jacket - at high elevation
4. Fleece or Inner Fur clothing
5. Brimmed Hat or Caps
6. Moisture-wicking trekking t-shirts and pants
7. Rain Gears: Like Backpack covers
8. Waterproof Jackets

Suggestive Footwear: Easy to Hike 

1. Hiking Boots - with proper grip and a nice sole
2. Comfortable shoes - as an alternative (Useful at lower elevations)
3. Cotton socks (3-4 pairs) - half ankle and woolen socks (2-3 pairs) - long ones
4. Flip Flops or sandals

Essentials: What not to miss out?

1. Trekking Poles (2)
2. 4-season sleeping bag (rated to -15 degrees Celsius)
3. Water Bottle - better to have rather than pay 3x the money
4. Water Purification Tablet - must have
5. Oximeter - to check the pulse rate
6. Basic First Aid Kit 

Nice to Haves

1. Toiletries: towels, toilet paper, toothbrush, toilet pastes, etc.
2. Self-Hygienic Items: Moisturizers, Face wash, sun screen SPF 40+, lip balm, etc.
3. Power Banks, Extra Batteries, Head Lamps
4. Travel Documents: Passport, Permits, Travel Insurance, photo cop,y etc.

Tips for Annapurna Base Camp Trekking in November

To make your trip a hassle-free adventure, in terms of logistic management, safe navigation, and overall, a successful expedition, to tackle the challenges of the beginning of the winter, some precautions will highly contribute to making your trip an astonishing mountain journey:

Book your Trip in Advance: Why it matters?

As Autumn falls under the peak season to hike in the Annapurna region, where the basic logistics become standard and hard to attain, especially when you are a foreigner and totally unconnected with the local ones, pre-booking the expedition is highly suggested. The tea houses get quickly filled with hikers as soon as you reach the lodges, if not pre-booked, as they have already been acquired by the travel agencies for their group beforehand; hence, prebooking is highly suggested.

When you book your trek in advance, the trekking agencies will arrange all the logistics before the seasonal conditions hit in Nepal, which ensures that your trip is in safe hands. It will also indirectly help you to save lots of dollars, as the agencies take care of everything that you might have been charged extra for when you show up randomly at the tea houses. Rather that frustrating what might happen the next day, will there be the possibility of find rooms, or panicking day to day, pre-bookings allow you to prepare for the next day with ease, as your logistics will be highly looked after.

Navigate and follow the guidance of the Professional Guide

Hiring an experienced professional guide contributes highly to your trip being a complete success, where the guides will navigate you through the safest trail heads and familiar trekking routes. Even though hiring a guide is not compulsory like other off-beaten, isolated trails in Nepal, while you are traversing with the assistance of a guide, it will help you to hike through the safest and easiest route. It is important to have the support of guides, as they are experienced and are more familiar with local and wildlife behaviours, and at the same time, follow the preventive measures to avoid the challenges that might arise.

In November, basically, there is some amount of precipitation, which could lead to difficulty in crossing the pathway due to snow routes and muddy trail heads. With the support of a guide, he will take care of safety and act as a helpful hand at the same time. Apart from that, they follow the quick emergency; for instance, if at the trailhead, if any unfortunate situation occurs, like injuries, altitude sickness, or you going full zoned out (rare), he will follow the instant emergency protocol as he is medically equipped at the same time.

If you book the Annapurna Base Camp in November package, then you will be provided with an experienced professional guide, who has experience of more than 1 - 2 decades (10 years +), where your safety, comfort, and high-quality services are highly looked after.

Be Familiar with your Pace and Itinerary

Everyone has their own pace and physical fitness to attain the trip successfully, as there are ample route variations that you will come across while searching on Google, ranging from 5 to 18 days; however, with such wide options, make sure what fits you the most. If you are a moderate pace hiker who has just been introduced to the mountainous journey should choose for slow pace of hike rather than fully going on a beast mode. Ascending slowly helps in gaining the rising elevation and avoiding the possibility of AMS, The best itinerary for moderate pace hiker for this trip would be the standard ABC Trek with Poon Hill, which covers the 1st half of iconic poon hill route and goes for the base camp which allows a slow hike with gradual ascent,

Whereas, someone who has experienced high elevation in a mountainous expedition before, with several encounters of challenges, will love the combo of trek to Mardi Himal and ABC, that visits the 3 iconic base camps - Macchapuchhare, Annapurna and Mardi Himal Base Camp, well these are the only suggestive ideas, that we high recommend, however, its on your take, which matches the best to you according to your experiences and pace level and choose the one, that will be easy for you to conquer.

Don't Bypass Travel Insurance

Do not forget to consider a good policy of travel insurance before you opt for any Himalayan adventure here in Nepal, as the Annapurna region is less facilitated in many terms like quick medical services, health posts, so before you venture out acquire a policy that includes, minor injuries, medical coverages, heli evacuation from 3000 meters up to 4500 meters, theft, trip delays and cancellation so, you can hike along with free mind without worrying about instant medical services.

Conclusion: Final Say

To conclude, Annapurna Base Camp Trek in November is a fascinating journey that feels like a wonderland, where the flakes of snow are beautifully dotting the valleys, not too tough to pass by. The weather generally remains stable, and the temperature usually doesn't exceed 15 degrees Celsius during the day and falls below - 5 at night, making out a chilly time to venture out and a warm night to settle in. The breathtaking views of landscapes and mountains blend perfectly with the favourable climatic situations without hiding away in the fogginess, rather showing beautifully in their panoramic aura. Meanwhile, standing at the highest elevation, will make you will feel a sense of accomplishment reaching the foothill of the world's 10th highest peak of Mount Annapurna, at 8091 meters.

We at Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition have a wide range of options that you can venture out to reach the base camp of mt. annapurna ranging from 5 days to 15 days, where all your logistics will be highly looked after from meals, accommodations, transportation, to permit arrangements, experienced guides and porters with additional benefits as well, where your safety and comfort are comprehensively looked after. For more info, you can either WhatsApp us at _977 9851016814, or direct call, or you can just mail us at info@destinationhimalayatreks.com. 

FAQS

Is November a good time to trek to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)?

If you are willing to venture out for trekking to ABC in November, then it would be the perfect choice, considering the temperature conditions and the weather situations, with the less chances of precipitation. The views can be seen, where the route remains dry without being slippery and blocked by snowy sections.

What is the cost of the ABC Trek in November?

The costing for Annapurna Base Camp in November remains the same, just like any other peak months, as it falls under the most visited time, which is Autumn, ranging somewhere in between USD 300 to USD 800 depending on the route.

Is it safe to trek in late Autumn?

With the proper guidance and the navigation of the trekking guide, along with the best itinerary that fits with your pace level and appropriate gear, any Himalayan adventure tends to be a hassle-free journey, considering safety, with the best possible views of mountains and landscapes.

Is there any possibility of snowfall in November?

YES! After crossing Chhormong and the Himalaya, you might encounter minimal snowfall en route, whereas at the base camp of Annapurna, you can enjoy a moderate level of snowfall, but in a nice way without disrupting the expedition.

Which trek is harder, Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp in November?

Compared to the EBC Trek, the trek to ABC is easier and smoother to complete, in late autumn, due to the lower elevation, and considering the long duration journey.