Pokhara in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Pokhara

23°C (75°F) High Temp

12°C (54°F) Low Temp

18 mm (0.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Crystal-clear mountain views - November offers 85% clear mornings with perfect Annapurna visibility before 9am, compared to just 40% during monsoon months
Perfect trekking temperatures - daytime highs of 23°C (75°F) at lake level, dropping to comfortable 15°C (59°F) at 2,500m (8,200ft) altitude
Festival season peaks - Tihar (Nepali Diwali) typically falls in November with five days of celebrations, oil lamp displays throughout Lakeside, and 30% discounts at many guesthouses
Post-monsoon nature explosion - rhododendron forests are lush green, waterfalls are at full flow, and wildflowers bloom along all major trekking routes

Considerations

Unpredictable afternoon weather - 60% chance of brief showers between 2-4pm that can cancel paragliding flights with only 2-hour advance notice
Peak booking competition - accommodations with mountain views fill up 3-4 weeks ahead, forcing late bookers into back-alley guesthouses without Annapurna vistas
Temperature swings require layering - morning starts at 12°C (54°F) can hit 23°C (75°F) by noon, then drop to 8°C (46°F) after sunset, making packing challenging

Best Activities in November

Annapurna Base Camp Trekking

November offers the year's most stable weather windows for high-altitude trekking. Post-monsoon clarity means unobstructed mountain views, while temperatures remain comfortable for 6-8 hour daily hiking. Snow hasn't yet blocked high passes, but nights are cool enough to avoid altitude sickness issues that plague warmer months.

Booking Tip: Book trekking permits and guide services 2-3 weeks ahead through licensed agencies. Expect to pay NPR 8,000-12,000 per day for guide and porter services. Check current permit requirements in booking section below as 2025 regulations have tightened.

Sarangkot Sunrise Viewpoint Hiking

November mornings provide the clearest Himalayan views of the year. The 1-hour pre-dawn hike to 1,600m (5,249ft) rewards you with 270-degree mountain panoramas. Post-monsoon air clarity means you can see individual peaks from Dhaulagiri to Manaslu, impossible during hazy summer months.

Booking Tip: Start hiking by 5am for 6:30am sunrise. Local jeep services charge NPR 1,500-2,000 roundtrip if you prefer not to hike. November's stable weather means 90% success rate for clear views versus 40% in monsoon season.

Paragliding from Sarangkot

November thermals are perfect for paragliding - strong enough for extended flights but not so turbulent as to cancel trips. Morning flights (9-11am) offer 85% success rates with 15-45 minute airtime over Phewa Lake. Post-monsoon clarity provides spectacular aerial photography opportunities of the entire Annapurna range.

Booking Tip: Morning slots fill fastest - book 3-5 days ahead. Tandem flights typically cost NPR 8,000-12,000 including transport and photos. Afternoon flights have 40% cancellation rate due to thermal instability, so prioritize morning bookings.

Phewa Lake Kayaking and Stand-up Paddleboarding

November's calm mornings and stable weather create ideal lake conditions. Water temperature remains comfortable at 18°C (64°F) while mountain reflections are crystal clear before afternoon breezes start. The lake level is optimal after monsoon refilling but before winter evaporation lowers it.

Booking Tip: Early morning sessions (7-9am) offer glass-like water conditions and best mountain reflections. Equipment rental costs NPR 500-800 per hour. Book through lakeside operators who provide life jackets and basic instruction. See current options in booking section below.

Gupteshwor Cave and Devi's Falls Exploration

November water levels make these attractions spectacular. Post-monsoon flow creates powerful cascades at Devi's Falls, while Gupteshwor Cave's underground river system is at optimal viewing levels - high enough for drama, low enough for safe access to all chambers.

Booking Tip: Visit between 10am-3pm for best lighting inside caves. Combined tickets cost NPR 60-100. Bring waterproof phone case as cave humidity is 90%+ and spray from falls can damage electronics. November crowds require 30-45 minute waits at peak times.

World Peace Pagoda Hiking

The 45-minute uphill hike to 1,113m (3,652ft) elevation offers panoramic views of Pokhara Valley, Phewa Lake, and the entire Annapurna range. November's clear air provides visibility up to 50km (31 miles), making this the premium month for photography. The Buddhist stupa itself offers peaceful meditation opportunities away from Lakeside crowds.

Booking Tip: Start early morning (7-8am) or late afternoon (3-4pm) to avoid midday heat and crowds. Entry is free but bring NPR 100-200 for offerings if desired. The trail can be muddy after November's occasional rains, so wear proper hiking shoes.

November Events & Festivals

Early November

Tihar Festival (Nepali Diwali)

Five-day festival of lights typically occurring in early November. Each day honors different animals and deities - crows, dogs, cows, oxen, and brothers. Lakeside area transforms with oil lamps, colorful rangoli patterns, and traditional music. Many restaurants offer special Tihar menus featuring sel roti and traditional sweets.

Mid November

Chhath Puja

Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God, celebrated with elaborate rituals at Phewa Lake's shoreline. Devotees stand waist-deep in lake water offering prayers at sunrise and sunset. The lake becomes a spiritual focal point with hundreds of flickering oil lamps floating on the water surface.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight merino wool layers - temperature swings from 12°C (54°F) at dawn to 23°C (75°F) midday require easy-to-remove layers

Waterproof hiking boots - November's 10 rainy days create muddy trails, especially on Sarangkot and World Peace Pagoda hikes

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 at 822m (2,697ft) altitude burns skin in 15 minutes, even on cloudy days

Compact rain jacket with hood - afternoon showers are brief but intense, lasting 20-30 minutes with minimal warning

Headlamp with red light setting - essential for pre-dawn Sarangkot sunrise hikes and navigating power outages common in November

Insulating sleep layer - guesthouses rarely heat rooms and November nights drop to 8°C (46°F) in budget accommodations

Quick-dry hiking socks - multiple pairs essential as feet stay wet from morning dew and afternoon showers

Portable phone charger - November's variable weather leads to frequent power cuts lasting 2-4 hours in Lakeside area

Insect repellent with DEET - post-monsoon mosquito populations peak in November, especially near Phewa Lake at dusk

Polarized sunglasses - essential for lake activities and mountain views, as November's clear air creates intense glare off snow peaks

Insider Knowledge

Book mountain-view accommodations by late September - Lakeside guesthouses with Annapurna vistas fill completely by mid-October for November peak season

Start trekking activities by 7am - November's afternoon thermal activity cancels 40% of paragliding flights after 2pm, and clouds obscure mountain views by 3pm

Carry cash reserves - November's peak season overwhelms ATMs in Lakeside area, with machines running empty 2-3 days per week

Negotiate accommodation rates for stays over 5 nights - despite peak season, longer stays can secure 20-30% discounts even in November demand

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking afternoon paragliding slots - 60% cancellation rate due to thermal instability versus 15% for morning flights

Packing only summer clothes - November nights drop to 8°C (46°F) and early morning activities require warm layers

Arriving without confirmed accommodation - November's peak season means walk-in travelers often sleep in back-alley guesthouses without mountain views