Weather
There is very little chance of rain in the Everest region in November—it is actually the driest month of the entire year. This means that humidity is very low, and the chance of crisp mountain views are higher than any other time of the year. Temperatures are a few degrees cooler than in October, with an average low in Namche Bazaar (11,290 feet/3440 meters) of 26°F (-3°C) and an average high of 48°F (9°C). Temperatures at higher altitudes will be even colder. But, given the low chance of rain and the clear conditions, it could be said that weather-wise, November is the best month of the year to trek to Everest.
Crowds & Costs
November is almost as busy as October, but traveler numbers dwindle towards the end of the month. The Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek is the most popular in Nepal, and you're likely to have plenty of company on the trails in November. Teahouses fill up quickly, so trek with a good guide who will get you a bed at a comfortable teahouse. Flights from Kathmandu to Lukla in November fill up way ahead of time, so make travel bookings as early as you can.
Recommended Routes
The classic EBC trek is a classic for good reason, and if this is the route you have your heart set on, November is a good month to do it. But, if you'd rather avoid the busy trails, there are many alternative routes in the Everest region that still offer spectacular views of Everest and friends, but without the crowds. The Gokyo Lakes Trek, the Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek, or other treks that skirt the main trails and head up different valleys are a good idea. Many of the alternative routes overlap with the main EBC trek at places, providing the best of both worlds.
If trekking later in November, just be sure to check the conditions at higher altitudes. Routes that require crossing high passes, such as the Three Passes Trek, could be blocked by snowfall earlier in the season than expected.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Bring
Bringing your own sleeping bag on a trek is always a good idea, but even more so in November, when you will be glad of the extra warmth. Most good teahouses provide blankets, but these aren't always very clean, and you may be more comfortable piling them on top of your own sleeping bag.
Make sure to bring a good sunscreen from home when trekking in November. The high-altitude sunshine can be very damaging to the skin, and the quality and range of sunscreens available in Kathmandu may not match what you can get at home.
Check out the following article for more details on what you should pack for a Himalayan trek: Trekking Gear List for Nepal.
Getting There & Away
The quickest way of getting from Kathmandu to the Everest Region is to fly to the small mountain airstrip at Lukla. It's important to leave buffer days in your itinerary in case of delays leaving Lukla. Although conditions are generally favorable in November for flights to leave on time from either direction, don't risk missing an international flight.
Alternatively, if you have more time on your hands, you could take the 'Pioneers' Route' from Jiri to Lukla. It's called this because it was the trail that early Western mountaineers took to access the Everest region before the airport was built at Lukla. Jiri is a day's drive from Kathmandu. Similarly, fly from Kathmandu to Phaplu and trek through the Solukhumbu region from there. Few trekkers these days take this trail, meaning you're unlikely to see many other trekkers until you join the main trail in Lukla. These treks take 4-7 days.
Read more about getting from Kathmandu to Lukla in the following article: How to Get from Kathmandu to Lukla.
Events in November
Nepali festivals usually follow a lunar calendar. This means that some festivals that fall in November one year may be in October or December the next.
The people who live in the Everest region are mainly ethnic Sherpas, and follow Tibetan Buddhism. They don't celebrate all of the same festivals as Hindu Nepalis of the hill areas. But, if you're traveling to Nepal earlier in November and passing through Kathmandu, you may come across Tihar festivities. This is one of the most important festivals of the tear for most Nepalis. It's the festival of lights, and a particularly lovely time of year in the capital.
One of the most important festivals for the Sherpa people is Mani Rimdu, which falls in either October or November. It's worth trying to be in Tengboche for the festival if you can. Tengboche Monastery is the most important monastery in the area, and monks dress in colorful and elaborate costumes to perform ritual dances.
Our Favorite Itineraries in November
Everest Base Camp Trek - 16 Days
Best Short Treks in the Everest Region
Gokyo Lakes Trek - 16 Days
Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek - 13 Days
Tengboche Monastery Trek - 10 Days
More Helpful Information
Best Time to Visit Nepal
Nepal in November: Travel Tips, Weather, and More
Everest Base Camp in October
Everest Base Camp in December
Unique Ways to Experience Everest Base Camp
Domestic Flights in Nepal