Visiting Bhutan in November: Essential Weather and Travel Guide for Bhutan Tours in November

November sees the beginning of the end for autumn, the second tourist season of the year. As temperatures being their slow decline into winter and the rains that once swept across the kingdom have all finally disappeared, the last of the major trekking months of the year comes to pass. November is one of the last times of the year when you can trek safely in Bhutan, but the month has so much more to it than trekking.

From the arrival of the Black-Necked Cranes from northern Tibet to the fabulous monasteries and the golden scenery, November is one month that you are never going to forget after a trip to Bhutan in the tail-end of autumn. As one of the major tourist months of the year, November is the ideal time to come for that last look back at autumn and the view forward into the beginning of the Himalayan winter.

Bhutan Weather in November

General weather condition of November Bhutan

As the temperature begins to drop, the bright clear weather that September and October saw the beginning of continues throughout the month. The days become crisp and sharp, as the colder weather slowly comes around, the drop in temperatures signifying the approach of the winter months. At the beginning of November, daytime temperatures range from around 12-16 degrees in the main tourist areas of the country, lifting a little higher still in the lower areas such as Punakha, where 20 degrees during the day is normal. Dry clear skies are predominant, and the month sees almost no rain at all.

As the month progresses, the temperatures continue to drop, and by the last week of the month, the highs of the main tourist towns are only around 9-10 degrees, dropping to around freezing at night in the higher-altitude areas of the kingdom. In Punakha, the nightly temperatures are still hovering around 9 degrees, and there is a tendency to rain for a few days throughout the month.

Does it snow in Bhutan in November?

While the majority of the northern area of Bhutan sees a good ground frost in the mornings, only the areas above 3,000 meters will normally see snow in November. Above that altitude, it is still not a guarantee that you will find snow, as the country is not one that has heavy snowfall, despite being in the southern part of the eastern Himalayas. Around the major tourist areas, you are unlikely to see any snow until January.

Black-necked Cranes Festival in November

Black-necked cranes festival held at Gangtey Monastery

November is a great month to travel to Bhtuan for festivals, and one of the most important in this month is the famous Black-Necked Crane Festival. In the second week of November, usually on November 11, the festival is held in the ancient Gangtey Monastery in celebration of the coming of one of the most auspicious creatures in Bhutan. After flying south from their summer resort in northern Tibet, the cranes head for the Phobjikha Valley in Wangdue Phodrang. Heading for the Gangtey Monastery in particular, these rare and endangered birds fly into the valley and circle the monastery three times before landing. An auspicious event in Tibetan Buddhism, the cranes do this every time they arrive, and again when they leave in March.

The festival is held as a way of educating people about the endangered status of these beautiful birds, and the dances and performances of the event are performed by the local population and schools, with little in the way of religious ceremony.

Other festivals held in November

One of the most interesting of all the festivals in Bhutan, the Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival is held at the 7th century Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang Dzongkhag. Famous for the delightful and colorful Cham dances, the festival is also infamous for its performances of the midnight "terccham", the Naked Dance performed behind closed doors for the promotion of fertility in Bhutan.

Bhutan Trekking in November

In November, there are many trekking routes available to tackle, including the Bumdrak trek, the Druk path trek, the Dagala trek, and the Samtengang trek in the western regions; the Gangtey trek, the Bumthang trek and the Nabji Korphu trek in central Bhutan; and the Merak Sakten trek in the east of Bhutan. The following three Bhutan treks are most frequently completed in November by trekkers:

Gangtey trek - November is one of the best times of year to tackle the 4-day Gangtey Trek, which takes you through the amazing landscapes and scenery of the Phobjikha Valley. Winding up around the valley, through primeval forests of rhododendron, juniper, and bamboo, the trek offers you some of the most beautiful views of the valley and its gentle forested slopes.

Bumdrak trek - A short overnight trek that has a lot to offer, the Bumdrak Trek runs around Paro, starting at the Sangchen Choekor Shedra and trekking all the way to Ramthangkha. The hike is short, averaging around four hours each day, but is very steep, and is not the easy stroll many people think short treks are. You even get a bird's eye view of Taktshang monastery from the cliff above.

Druk path trek - An awesome six-day trek that has some of the most amazing scenery in the world, the Druk Path Trek passes through forests of blue pines, crosses high alpine ridges, and passes by the pristine Himalayan lakes in high alpine meadows. Reaching an altitude of around 4,200 meters, this stunning hike has some of the best views of Mount Gangkar Puensum, the highest unclimbed peak on the planet.

Un-missable Things to Do in November in Bhutan

Go to the must-visit city - Paro

One of the most visited towns in Bhutan; Paro is the location of the famous Paro Dzong, known as the Rinpung Dzong, one of 155 monasteries and temples in the Dzongkhag. Above the town lies the amazing and awe-inspiring Taktshang Monastery, known as the Tiger's Nest. Built on a ledge on the cliff face more than 900 meters above Paro, the monastery sits on the site of the meditation caves of Padmasambhava from the 8th century. In the valley below, you can visit the National Museum, located in the Ta Dzong, and the famous Drugyel Dzong, otherwise known as the Fortress of the Victorious Bhutanese. And to cap it all off, take a tour of the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most beautiful temples in Bhutan. The roots of this temple date back to a building that was constructed in the 7th century, as one of the temples built to hold the ogress from Lhasa.

Visit Bhutan’s capital city - Thimphu

Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, is one of the most amazing cities to visit, and is the center of commerce, religion, and government in Bhutan. The famous Thimphu Dzong, also known as the Tashichho Dzong, is one of the most popular Dzongs in Bhutan for pilgrims, and houses the offices of the royal government. The Tango Monastery is a little-known Buddhist monastery that lies to the north of the city, and dates back to the 13th century. The National Memorial Chorten is one of the largest landmarks in the capital, and is the focus of daily worship for many Bhutanese locals. Built in 1974 as a memorial to the Third Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the Chorten is a monument to modern Bhutan and its reformist king.

Visit the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan - Punakha Dzong

Renowned as the most beautiful Dzong in the world, Punakha Dzong lies on the banks of the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers. The Dzong, which is really named Pungthang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang, which means "the palace of great happiness or bliss", is the administrative center of Punakha District, and is the second oldest Dzong in Bhutan, built in the 17th century. The Dzong was once the seat of government in Bhutan, and the construction of the Dzong was previously foretold by Padmasambhava, during his first visit to Bhutan.

Experience the culture of Bumthang

Bumthang Dzongkhag in Central Bhutan is known as the center of culture in the kingdom, and the amazing sites are proof of this. The Kurjey Lhakhang, located in the Bumthang Valley, is the final resting place of the first three kings of Bhutan, who originated as a noble family from this district. Behind the temple is a large tree, which many believe to have been planted by Guru Rinpoche as a religious terma.

The Tamzhing Lhündrup Monastery in Bumthang is renowned for its connection to the Bhutanese saint, Pema Lingpa, and is the current seat of the Sungtrul Rinpoche, the reincarnation of Pema Lingpa. The temple, which is under reconstruction now, was built in the 16th century, following the visit of Pema Lingpa to Tibet to retrieve a treasure secreted there by Guru Rinpoche.

What to Pack for Visiting Bhutan in November

November may not be the winter yet, but it can get cold in Bhutan in the end of autumn. Packing sweaters is a requirement for Bhutan tour in November, and you will need to have a good warm fleece or quilted jacket to help keep out the cold. If you are planning on trekking, then you need to take layers of clothing, to help moderate your temperature while hiking. Good strong hiking boots are essential at this time of year, even for those not trekking. The ground in much of Bhutan is rough and rocky, with only the cities being paved and flat. The sun is bright and strong, so bring sun block and your sunglasses, to keep off the harsh UV rays. And make sure you bring a hat to keep your head warm and dry.

Special Attention during your Bhutan Tour in November

If you are planning a trip to Bhutan in November, then you may need to book your flights early, to avoid disappointment and hassles. November is one of the busiest times of year in Bhutan for tourism, and you may find you have trouble getting flights to Bhutan if you leave it too late.

Accommodation can also fill up quickly at this time of year, as it is also a popular time for tourists from India, who do not need to be on an organized tour. It is a good idea to book your tour early, so we can arrange your preferred hotel without incident.

Conclusion

November may be autumn still, but it can still get cold by this time of year. Temperatures in most tourist places can drop to as low as 4-5 degrees at night, and even down to almost freezing in some areas. Days are still bright and sunny though, with clear skies and excellent weather for trekking. However, it is still a busy time of year, so plan well in advance to avoid any problems.