On a funnier note, Nepalese people say that there are three major religions in Nepal. They are Hinduism, Buddhism, and Tourism. Yes, tourism is the major source of national economy after remittance. Major chunk of the tourism revenue contribution is from the trekking industry. For years, the Annapurna Circuit Trek being the oldest route of Nepal has been hosting trekking activities in Nepal. Today’s blog is about providing minute details on the Annapurna Circuit Trek in November. It is essential to know even smaller information for a successful trekking trip. Therefore, this blogger is delving deeper into all important information to do trekking in one of the major months of autumn season in Nepal.
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When is the best time to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The best times to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal are during the months of spring and autumn season. Normally, spring season in Nepal starts from the month of March and ends in May, followed by the monsoon – summer season. Temperature, stable weather conditions, clear skies, and easy availability of logistics make these months suitable for trekking adventures. However, it may come up with lots of compromises like over crowded trail.
Some trekkers may not prefer to travel when there are large numbers of people. These people love tranquility and seek solitude in nature while trekking. Note down that the commercial trekking routes like the Annapurna Circuit Trek route may not provide such experiences.
Springtime Annapurna Circuit Trek Guide
Blooming flowers in the forests and green lush environment make the springtime Annapurna Circuit Trek mesmerizing. Daytime temperature during the months of spring season is comparatively warmer than the daytime temperature during the months of autumn season in Nepal. Therefore, the number of trekkers in the spring season is more than the autumn season. The case is same in other popular trekking routes of Nepal like the Everest Base Camp Trek, the Manaslu Circuit Trek, and the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal.
Which month is the best time to do Spring Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal?
Nepal experiences four seasons with equal number of months. However, monsoon season and summer season share same months. They are June, July, and August. The months of spring season are March, April, and May. Among these three months, lots of trekking experts and trekkers have shared that the month of April is the best time to do the spring Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal. If you take a look at the number of tourist arrival in Nepal, the month of April has attracted lots of tourists. These tourists may or may not do the trekking but visitors traveling to Nepal is high during this month of the year.
Monsoon Trek in Annapurna: Is it a possible or disastrous decision?
The debate of the possibility of the Monsoon Annapurna Circuit Trek is very high. Majority of the sections in this amazing trekking trail are in the rain shadow area. It is discussed in detail in the next subheading. Even if some sections are okay to trek with fewer rainfalls, it is not highly recommended for the trek due to geographical terrain near the trail head. The trail head of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is in the hilly region. Normally, people use Jagat, Dharapani, Chame, and Pisang as the trail head for the trek. Some even start the trek from Besisahar. Accessibility is very risky and nearly impossible during the monsoon season in Nepal especially in the Annapurna Circuit Trek route.
Rain shadow areas are suitable for monsoon trekking in Nepal
What is rain shadow area? The places which are beyond high hills or mountains where little rainfall occurs are called as the rain shadow areas. The rain carrying clouds are blocked by these gigantic hills or mountains preventing rainfall in such places. Places like Upper Mustang and Nar Phu Valley are the major rain shadow places of Nepal. Therefore, people choose to travel to Upper Mustang either for the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour or for the Upper Mustang Trek. It is absolutely safe to travel these places without any issues. However, the Annapurna Circuit Trek extends from the lower elevation places with heavy rainfall chances. Therefore, this blogger recommends you to avoid monsoon season for the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal.
Winter Trekking in Nepal’s oldest trekking route
Plan it properly and associate yourselves with the most experienced team of travel planners – trekking crew members from the reliable trekking agency. If you do so, then there is high chance of successfully and safely completing the Tilicho Lake with Annapurna Circuit Trek in winter season. The months of December, January, and February experience heavy snowfall. The trail is often covered by snow and it makes it hard for you to walk comfortably. Therefore, you must allocate at least 2 to 3 reserve days to meet the international flight schedule. This blogger has another opinion. Not so many people have endurance to trek in such harsh conditions. Trekking must be for all. Therefore, I personally recommend you to choose either spring or autumn season.
How hard does it get to cross Thorong La Pass if it snows?
The biggest hurdle of the successful winter Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal is the Thorong La Pass (5416 m). The chance of the snowstorm is very high during the months of winter season. If you are in the middle of the snowstorm, then the consequence can be fatal. The trail gets covered by snow and you may end up wandering in the wilderness. Therefore, to cross the Thorong La Pass (5416 m) when it is snowing heavily is nothing sort of stupidity. Strictly avoid it and wait the snow to clear before attempting to cross the pass.
Why is autumn ideal season alongside spring for trekking in Nepal?
September, October, and November are the months of the autumn season in Nepal. The visibility, availability of tea houses & eateries, trail conditions, and transportation means are similar during spring and autumn season. However, the temperature may change between spring and autumn season. The autumn season is comparatively colder and chillier than the spring season temperature. If you are looking for an enhanced trekking experiences, then look no further than these two trekking seasons. In addition, the months of autumn season are less crowded than the months of spring season. The decision is yours ultimately and decide wisely.
What happens during the Annapurna Circuit Trek in November?
Now, let’s find out more about the Annapurna Circuit Trek in November. Please remember that November is the last month of the autumn season. You must consider various things before booking the Annapurna Circuit Trek in November. Major factors to consider during the November trek in the Annapurna Circuit Trek route are temperature, availability of tea houses & eateries, visibility, transportation, and trail conditions. Let’s now go in brief about these factors which can be instrumental in knitting the quality trekking vacation.
Temperature
Temperature varies between daytime and nighttime during autumn season in the Annapurna Circuit Trek route. In addition, you need to understand the temperature variation by dividing the trekking section to lower elevation places and higher elevation places. The lower elevation places experience daytime temperature around 25 degree Celsius to 28 degree Celsius whereas the higher elevation places may experience 10 degree Celsius to 15 degree Celsius. Nighttime temperature in lower elevation places may range from 15 degree Celsius to 20 degree Celsius whereas the higher elevation places may rang from 0 degree Celsius to 5 degree Celsius. Plan accordingly!
Availability of Tea Houses and Eateries
Tea houses and eateries in the Annapurna Circuit Trek route are available abundantly. The peak trekking time even during the autumn season in Nepal is the month of October. Therefore, it may be hard for trekkers to get the lodging facilities of their choice during this time of the year. The case is different for the Annapurna Circuit Trek in November. You can easily find the accommodation facilities as there are less number of trekkers.
Clear Skies and High Visibility
One of the diverse and picturesque trekking routes of Nepal is the Tilicho Lake with Annapurna Circuit Trek route. Therefore, it is important for trekkers to get astounding scenery of mountains from the Dhaulagiri to the Annapurna Himalayan range. Walking in the trails in the Himalayan belt but not getting the best scenery of mountains sounds odd. Therefore, the decision to trek in right time is crucial. Don’t worry about the clear skies and visibility rate during the Annapurna Circuit Trek in November.
Trekking Route Condition and Crowd in Annapurna Circuit Trek Route
Trail is dry and it is easy to walk during the months of autumn season. In addition, the season is after the monsoon season. Therefore, all the dust and debris are washed away by the monsoon rain making the surrounding landscape spectacular. The crowd starts to get thinner during the Annapurna Circuit Trek in November. Therefore, there is high chance for you to find the solitude in the beautiful landscapes of the region.
Issues about Transportation
It’s not hard to reach the trail head of the Annapurna Circuit Trek during November. The month is still a dry month with less chance of rainfall. Therefore, it is not hard to find local jeep from Besisahar to the trail head destination. Similarly, you can also book the Jomsom to Pokhara flight which has less chance of cancellation during the autumn season especially November. The road from Kathmandu to Besisahar and the road from Jomsom to Pokhara are well tarred which are possible to travel throughout the year.
Does it snow heavily during late November in Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The chance of snowfall during the late November is very high. You may experience snowfall but expect less than during the winter season. If it drizzles lightly, then an experienced trekking guide can help you navigate through the trail safely. So, you don’t need to worry about the Annapurna Circuit Trek in November even if it is in the last week of the month.
Trekking to Tilicho Lake in November from Thorong La Pass Trek route
Are you planning to add the Tilicho Lake itinerary in the plan of the November Annapurna Circuit Trek? No worries at all! You can comfortably trek to the Tilicho Lake (4919 m) during November. However, plan the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake at least before the second week of November for safety. Do not attempt to do the Meso Kanta La Pass if you are traveling in late autumn season.
Possibility to do the Nar Phu Valley Trek in November from Annapuran Circuit Trek
One of the mesmerizing side trip to do from the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal is the Nar Phu Valley Trek. These two iconic villages beyond mountains in the border of Nepal – Tibet (Autonomous region of People’s Republic of China) are the places to be for unique cultural experiences. You can always combine these two itineraries without any hiccups. Beware of doing the trek in the last few days of November especially due to the risk while crossing the Kangla Pass to enter the Manang Valley from Nar Phu Villages.
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