Is the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek possible in November?
Yes, and November is a excellent month, the best-kept secret of the autumn season. Weather remains stable and clear, similar in reliability to October, while nights grow noticeably colder, particularly at altitude. Trail traffic is heavy in the first half of the month as an extension of the October peak, then thins out steadily after mid-month as the main autumn season winds down. If you can schedule your trek for the second half of November, you often get October-quality weather with a meaningfully quieter trail. The main adjustment needed is a warmer night-time layer than October, since temperatures at Dharmasala and the pass drop further as the month progresses.
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek in November at a glance
| Factor | November conditions |
|---|---|
| Overall feasibility | Recommended, one of the more underrated months of the year |
| Larkya La (5,106 m) | Normally stable and passable, though colder than October |
| Daytime temperature, lower valley (700-1,900 m) | 14-20°C |
| Daytime temperature, Samagaun/Samdo (3,530-3,875 m) | 2-9°C |
| Night temperature, above 4,000 m | -14°C to -20°C, colder as the month progresses |
| Rainfall/snowfall | Rare, among the driest months of the year |
| Trail crowding | Moderate to high early month, thinning noticeably after mid-month |
| Teahouse availability | Good, though some upper-route lodges begin closing for winter late in the month |
| Permit cost tier | Higher Sept-Nov rate applies |
| Best for | Trekkers who want October-quality views with a quieter trail, especially in the back half of the month |
Who should consider trekking in November
November suits trekkers who want the reliability of the autumn peak without quite as much company, particularly if they can schedule for the second half of the month. It also suits cold-tolerant trekkers who don’t mind noticeably colder nights than October in exchange for a quieter experience. It is a slightly harder fit for anyone trekking in late November specifically, when some upper-route teahouses begin closing ahead of winter, so logistics need confirming with your operator.
Reasons to choose November, and reasons to think twice
Why November works well for many trekkers
- Stable, clear weather: comparable reliability to October for most of the month.
- Thinning crowds after mid-month: a genuine advantage over October without much trade-off in conditions.
- Crisp, clear mountain views: cold, dry air often produces excellent visibility.
- Still within the standard trekking season: full guide and porter availability, unlike deep winter.
Why some trekkers should choose October or wait for spring instead
- Colder nights: particularly at Dharmasala and the pass, where temperatures drop further than October.
- Late-month lodge closures: some upper-route teahouses begin closing for winter toward the end of November, requiring itinerary confirmation.
- Shorter daylight: noticeably less than October, tightening the daily walking window.
Weather and conditions by zone in November
Lower Budhi Gandaki: Machha Khola to Deng (700-1,900 m)
Comfortable and dry, with daytime temperatures around 14-20°C, cooler than October but still pleasant for walking.
Tsum Valley: Chumling to Mu Gompa (2,400-3,700 m)
Clear and cold, with daytime temperatures around 8-14°C at Chumling and Chhokangparo, dropping toward freezing overnight higher up.
Upper Manaslu: Namrung to Samagaun (2,600-3,500 m)
Clear skies with daytime temperatures around 6-12°C. This stretch remains scenic and stable through most of the month.
Samagaun and Samdo (3,530-3,875 m)
Daytime highs typically run 2-9°C, noticeably colder than October. Nights are cold, generally -12°C to -18°C.
Dharmasala/Larkya Base Camp (4,460 m)
Daytime temperatures hover around -5°C to 0°C, with nights dropping to roughly -16°C to -20°C, a meaningful step down from October.
Larkya La (5,106 m)
Normally stable and passable through November, though conditions are colder than October and can become more marginal in the final week as winter approaches. Guides remain attentive to conditions, particularly for late-month departures.
Bhimtang and the descent to Dharapani (1,860-3,720 m)
Clear and cool, with pleasant walking conditions on the descent, though noticeably colder than earlier autumn.
November weather at a glance
| Zone | Altitude | Day temp | Night temp | Typical conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machha Khola-Deng | 700-1,900 m | 14-20°C | 4-9°C | Dry, clear, cooler than October |
| Tsum Valley | 2,400-3,700 m | 8-14°C | -4 to -10°C | Clear, cold |
| Namrung-Lho | 2,600-3,180 m | 6-12°C | -6 to -12°C | Clear, stable |
| Samagaun/Samdo | 3,530-3,875 m | 2-9°C | -12 to -18°C | Clear skies, cold nights |
| Dharmasala | 4,460 m | -5 to 0°C | -16 to -20°C | Cold but generally stable |
| Larkya La | 5,106 m | -10 to -5°C | n/a (crossed by day) | Normally stable, colder than October |
| Bhimtang-Dharapani | 1,860-3,720 m | 10-16°C | -4 to 2°C | Clear and cool |
Rainfall, wind and visibility in November
November is among the driest months of the year, with rainfall rare. Wind is generally moderate to strong above 4,000 metres, particularly as the month progresses and winter patterns begin to establish. Visibility is typically excellent, often crisper than October given the drier, colder air.
Daylight hours in November
Daylight runs from roughly 6:15 am to 5:15 pm at the start of the month, narrowing to around 6:30 am to 5:00 pm by month end, giving approximately 10.5-11 hours.
A typical day’s weather pattern in November
Mornings are clear and cold, with excellent visibility. Days generally stay clear throughout, with minimal cloud build-up compared with the spring or monsoon months. Evenings cool rapidly, particularly at altitude, so reaching your teahouse well before dark is a sensible target.
Trail conditions in November
Trail conditions are generally excellent: dry, clear and well-trodden. Some early snow can appear at Dharmasala and the pass late in the month, particularly in the final week, so check current conditions with your operator for late-November departures.
Road access and transport in November
Road access remains reliable throughout November, well clear of monsoon-season disruption.
Teahouses, rooms and food in November
Most teahouses remain open and well-stocked through November, though some upper-route lodges begin closing for winter toward the end of the month. Confirm current operating status with your operator for departures in the final week, particularly around Samdo and Dharmasala.
Water, charging and connectivity in November
Water, charging and connectivity remain reliable through most of the month, following the standard seasonal pattern with some reduction in availability late in the month as fewer lodges operate above Samagaun.
How busy is the trail in November
Moderate to high in the first half of the month, an extension of the October peak, thinning noticeably after mid-month. The second half of November offers a appealing combination of good weather and lighter crowds.
Permits and costs for November
November falls within the higher September-November permit rate tier. The Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) costs USD 100 for the first 7 days plus USD 15 per extra day. The Tsum Valley RAP costs USD 40 for the first 7 days plus USD 7 per extra day. MCAP and ACAP remain NPR 3,000 each (foreigner rate), plus the one-time NPR 1,000 local municipality fee. From December, the lower Dec-Aug rate applies. See our Manaslu trekking permits guide for full current details.
Restricted area rules
The Manaslu and Tsum Valley areas remain restricted, with all permits arranged through a registered trekking agency and checkpoints at Jagat, Philim, Namrung and Samagaun for the main route, plus Lokpa, Chumling and Chekampar for Tsum Valley. As of the 22 March 2026 rule change, one trekker with one licensed guide meets the restricted-area requirement.
Guide and porter requirements
A licensed guide from a registered agency is mandatory. Porters remain optional but recommended given the colder gear requirements later in the month.
Suggested itinerary for the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek in November
| Day | Route | Altitude |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kathmandu to Machha Khola | 870 m |
| 2 | Machha Khola to Jagat | 1,340 m |
| 3 | Jagat to Lokpa | 2,240 m |
| 4 | Lokpa to Chumling (Tsum Valley) | 2,386 m |
| 5 | Chumling to Chhokangparo | 3,010 m |
| 6 | Chhokangparo to Mu Gompa | 3,700 m |
| 7 | Mu Gompa exploration and acclimatisation | 3,700 m |
| 8 | Mu Gompa to Chhokangparo, descend to Gumba Lungdang or Rachen Gompa | 3,200 m |
| 9 | Descend to Lokpa, continue to Deng | 1,860 m |
| 10 | Deng to Namrung | 2,630 m |
| 11 | Namrung to Lho | 3,180 m |
| 12 | Lho to Samagaun | 3,530 m |
| 13 | Samagaun acclimatisation, side trip to Manaslu Base Camp or Birendra Lake | 3,530 m |
| 14 | Samagaun to Samdo | 3,875 m |
| 15 | Samdo to Dharmasala | 4,460 m |
| 16 | Dharmasala over Larkya La to Bhimtang | 3,720 m |
| 17 | Bhimtang to Tilije/Dharapani | 1,860 m |
| 18 | Dharapani to Kathmandu via Besisahar | 1,400 m |
Acclimatisation in November
The two dedicated acclimatisation days remain essential. Colder temperatures add extra importance to proper hydration and calorie intake at altitude.
Contingency planning and buffer days
A standard single buffer day is generally sufficient for most of November; late-month departures benefit from an extra day given the potential for early winter weather near the pass.
What to pack for November
| Category | November-specific notes |
|---|---|
| Insulation | Heavyweight down jacket rated to at least -20°C for Dharmasala and the pass |
| Legwear | Insulated trousers or thermal layers under shell pants above Samagaun |
| Footwear | Insulated waterproof boots; microspikes worth carrying, especially late month |
| Sleep system | Four-season sleeping bag (-20°C comfort rating) recommended |
| Sun protection | Still important given strong UV at altitude despite cold temperatures |
| Night layer | A warmer layer than October is needed given colder nights |
Clothing and layering system for November
- Base layer: two sets of merino wool or synthetic thermal tops and bottoms.
- Mid layer: fleece or light insulated jacket for daily walking.
- Insulated outer layer: a heavyweight down jacket, warmer than what October requires, given colder nights at altitude.
- Trekking trousers: a warm pair for daily walking, plus thermal leggings for the pass day.
- Hardshell layer: a windproof jacket and trousers for the pass crossing.
Footwear and traction for November
- Boots: insulated, waterproof trekking boots.
- Traction: microspikes recommended, particularly for late-month departures where early snow is more likely.
- Socks: thick wool trekking socks with liner socks underneath.
Sleep system and cold-night gear
- Sleeping bag: four-season, rated to around -20°C comfort.
- Sleeping bag liner: useful additional warmth and hygiene.
- Hot water bottle: a popular low-cost way to warm your sleeping bag at high camps.
Documents, money and extras
- Cash in Nepali rupees: carry enough for the full trek.
- Permit documents and passport copies: carry your original passport and photos.
- Basic first aid and personal medication: including any altitude sickness medication discussed with your doctor.
Health and altitude considerations
Standard altitude precautions apply throughout November: ascend gradually, use the built-in rest days, stay hydrated, and communicate symptoms to your guide early. See our guide on what happens if you get sick on the Manaslu Circuit Trek for more detail.
Safety risks specific to November
The main November-specific risk is increasing cold at altitude, particularly at Dharmasala and the pass, along with the possibility of early winter snow in the final week of the month. Both are manageable with proper gear and a flexible schedule.
Travel insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance covering trekking to at least 6,000 metres, including helicopter evacuation, is essential for this route in any month.
Is November right for beginners, experienced trekkers or solo trekkers
First-time high-altitude trekkers
November works well for a first-timer, particularly in the first half of the month when conditions closely resemble October.
Experienced trekkers
Experienced trekkers who want October-quality weather with fewer people will likely find the second half of November especially rewarding.
Solo trekkers
Since the 22 March 2026 rule change, one trekker with one licensed guide meets the restricted-area requirement. See our solo trekking rule update for details.
Guides and porters: what to expect in November
Guides remain readily available through November, particularly compared with the booking pressure of October. Expect confident, well-practised handling of the pass crossing, with extra attention to cold-weather logistics as the month progresses.
Photography in November
November offers crisp, clear mountain views, often with excellent visibility given the dry, cold air. The thinning crowds after mid-month also make for cleaner, people-free shots of the trail and villages.
Festivals and cultural events in November
Local festival timing varies year to year with the lunar calendar; check current dates with your operator, and see our guide to major festivals in the Manaslu region.
Advantages and disadvantages of trekking in November
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| October-quality weather for most of the month | Colder nights than October, particularly at altitude |
| Crowds thin noticeably after mid-month | Some upper-route lodges close late in the month |
| Crisp, clear mountain views | Shorter daylight hours than October |
| Full guide and porter availability | Requires warmer gear than earlier autumn |
| Good value ahead of the December rate change | Late-month departures need weather confirmation |
Extra costs to budget for
Budget for the higher Sept-Nov permit rate, standard trek package costs, tips for guide and porter, and any additional cold-weather gear rental if you don’t already own gear rated for the colder nights this month brings.
How November compares to October and December
October is busier but offers slightly milder nights and the widest teahouse network; see our Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek in October guide. December marks the transition into winter, with the pass becoming progressively riskier through the month; see our Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek in December guide. November, particularly the second half, offers a genuine sweet spot between the two.
November month-by-month comparison table
| Month | Feasibility | Larkya La | Crowd level |
|---|---|---|---|
| October | Recommended, peak month | Normally stable and passable | High, book ahead |
| November | Recommended | Normally stable, colder | Moderate to high, thinning after mid-month |
| December | Possible early month, harder by month end | Increasingly risky as month progresses | Low |
Alternatives to consider if November doesn’t work for you
If you want similar reliability with even fewer people, consider late September as an alternative. If you want the absolute clearest views regardless of crowds, October remains the standard-bearer. For a Tsum Valley-only itinerary without the Larkya La crossing, see our Manaslu Tsum Valley destination page.
Final recommendation: should you trek in November
November, particularly the second half, is one of the best-value months of the year: October-quality weather with a noticeably quieter trail. The trade-off is colder nights, which proper gear easily manages. Explore our 19-Day Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek or the 23-Day Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek, or get in touch via our contact page to plan your November departure. For the full seasonal picture, see our Best Time to Go guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is November a good month for the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek?
Yes, particularly the second half, which offers October-quality weather with a noticeably quieter trail.
Is Larkya La reliably open in November?
Normally yes, though colder than October, and conditions can become more marginal in the final week.
How busy is the trail in November?
Moderate to high in the first half, thinning noticeably after mid-month.
What permits do I need for November?
Manaslu RAP, Tsum Valley RAP, MCAP, ACAP and a local municipality fee, at the higher September-November rate tier, the last month before the lower Dec-Aug rate applies.
Can I trek solo in November?
Yes, since the 22 March 2026 rule change, one trekker with one licensed guide meets the restricted-area requirement.
Are teahouses open in November?
Most remain open through the month, though some upper-route lodges close for winter toward the end of November; confirm with your operator for late-month dates.
How cold does it get at night in November?
Dharmasala and the pass can see -16°C to -20°C, colder than October, so warmer gear is needed.
Is November better than October?
The second half of November often rivals October’s reliability with fewer crowds; October offers slightly milder nights and the widest teahouse network.
How many days does the trek take in November?
A typical itinerary runs 17-18 days including acclimatisation and a buffer day.
Is altitude sickness more likely in November?
Not inherently, it depends on pace and acclimatisation rather than the calendar.
Do I need heavier gear than October?
Yes, a warmer night layer and heavier down jacket are recommended given colder temperatures at altitude.
Is travel insurance required?
Yes, comprehensive insurance covering trekking to at least 6,000 metres with helicopter evacuation is essential.
Should I trek in early or late November?
Early-to-mid November offers October-like conditions with slightly fewer crowds; late November needs itinerary confirmation given lodge closures and colder pass conditions.
Is November a good time for photography?
Yes, often excellent, with crisp, clear air and fewer people cluttering the classic viewpoints after mid-month.
Do I need to book my guide ahead for November?
Less pressure than October, though booking a few weeks ahead is still sensible for your preferred team.
