Bhutan in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Bhutan

20°C (68°F) High Temp

2°C (36°F) Low Temp

0 mm (0 inches) Rainfall

45% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect mountain visibility - November offers the clearest skies of the year with 28-30 crystal clear days, making it ideal for viewing the Himalayas including Jomolhari and Gangkhar Puensum peaks
Post-harvest festival season - Experience authentic local celebrations like the Thangbi Mani festival and witness freshly harvested red rice being processed in traditional methods
Optimal trekking conditions - Daytime temperatures of 15-20°C (59-68°F) at valley level with no rainfall create perfect conditions for multi-day treks without muddy trails or leeches
Winter bird migration peak - Over 160 species including black-necked cranes arrive in Phobjikha Valley, creating exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities unavailable other times of year

Considerations

Significant temperature drops after sunset - Temperatures plummet to 2°C (36°F) at night, requiring heavy winter gear and substantially increasing accommodation heating costs
Limited high-altitude access - Passes above 4,200m (13,780 ft) may close due to early snow, restricting access to some remote monasteries and limiting advanced trekking routes
Peak season pricing - November is prime season with accommodation rates 40-60% higher than monsoon months and mandatory advance booking 8-12 weeks ahead for quality lodges

Best Activities in November

Phobjikha Valley Black-Necked Crane Watching

November marks the peak arrival of endangered black-necked cranes from Tibet. The valley offers pristine morning viewing conditions with frost-covered wetlands creating dramatic backdrops. Temperatures of 5-8°C (41-46°F) at dawn require warm layers but provide optimal wildlife activity. Local Gangte Monastery monks conduct traditional crane blessing ceremonies unique to this season.

Booking Tip: Book valley homestays 6-8 weeks ahead as crane season fills quickly. Early morning tours (6:30-9:00 AM) offer best viewing, typically costing Nu. 3,500-4,500 including breakfast and guide. Look for operators with spotting scopes and local ornithologist guides.

Druk Path High-Altitude Trekking

November provides ideal conditions for this classic 6-day trek with zero rainfall and consistent clear skies. Daytime temperatures at 3,500m (11,480 ft) reach comfortable 12-15°C (54-59°F) while nights drop to -5°C (23°F). The post-monsoon period eliminates muddy trails and leeches while offering unobstructed Himalayan views including Everest on clear days.

Booking Tip: Reserve trekking permits 4-6 weeks in advance through licensed operators. Complete trek packages typically cost $180-220 per person per day including camping gear rated for sub-zero temperatures. Ensure operators provide -10°C (14°F) rated sleeping bags.

Traditional Archery Tournament Participation

November's crisp, windless conditions create perfect archery weather, and post-harvest season means villages organize traditional competitions using bamboo bows. The dry air and stable temperatures improve accuracy while daylight hours of 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM provide extended practice time. Participate in authentic cultural exchanges while learning Bhutan's national sport.

Booking Tip: Contact village tourism groups directly or through cultural tour operators 2-3 weeks ahead. Half-day experiences typically cost Nu. 2,800-3,200 including traditional lunch and equipment rental. Best organized through community-based tourism programs in Thimphu or Paro valleys.

High-Altitude Monastery Photography Tours

November's exceptional visibility and low humidity create perfect photography conditions with sharp mountain backdrops and minimal haze. Morning golden hour occurs around 7:00 AM with temperatures of 8-12°C (46-54°F) ideal for equipment performance. Monasteries like Tiger's Nest appear dramatically clear against snow-dusted peaks, while monks' winter robes add rich burgundy colors to compositions.

Booking Tip: Book photography-focused tours 3-4 weeks ahead, typically costing Nu. 4,500-6,000 per day including monastery entrance fees and photography permits. Seek operators familiar with optimal lighting times and monk schedule coordination for authentic shots.

Traditional Weaving Workshop Immersion

November's post-harvest season means rural women have time to focus on traditional weaving before winter festivities begin. Cool indoor temperatures of 18-22°C (64-72°F) create comfortable workshop conditions while artisans prepare ceremonial textiles for upcoming winter festivals. Learn authentic kira and gho patterns passed down through generations.

Booking Tip: Arrange through women's cooperatives or craft centers 2-4 weeks in advance. Multi-day workshops typically cost Nu. 5,500-7,200 including materials and homestay accommodation. Best experiences found in Bumthang or Thanza villages where master weavers maintain traditional techniques.

Organic Farm-to-Table Harvest Experiences

November is prime harvest time for red rice, buckwheat, and winter vegetables. Cool morning temperatures of 8-12°C (46-54°F) provide comfortable working conditions while participating in traditional harvesting methods unchanged for centuries. Experience authentic farmhouse meals featuring just-harvested ingredients and learn organic techniques adapted to Himalayan conditions.

Booking Tip: Connect with organic farm cooperatives through agritourism programs 2-3 weeks ahead. Day experiences typically cost Nu. 3,200-4,100 including meals prepared from harvested ingredients. Look for certified organic farms in Bumthang or Haa valleys for most real feels.

November Events & Festivals

Early November (typically November 3-5)

Thangbi Mani Festival

Three-day Buddhist festival featuring sacred cham dances performed by monks from Thangbi Monastery in Bumthang. The festival includes rare displays of ancient thangka paintings and traditional mask dances performed only during this period. Local communities gather to receive blessings and witness religious ceremonies dating back 500 years.

Mid November (typically November 11-12)

Black-Necked Crane Festival

Community celebration in Phobjikha Valley honoring the arrival of endangered cranes from Tibet. Features cultural performances by local school children, traditional folk songs, and educational programs about crane conservation. The festival combines environmental awareness with authentic Bhutanese cultural expression in a spectacular natural setting.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Four-season sleeping bag rated to -10°C (14°F) - even heated rooms drop to 5°C (41°F) at night in budget accommodations

Layering system with merino wool base layers - temperature swings of 18°C (32°F) between day and night require adaptable clothing

UV-protection sunglasses rated Category 4 - high altitude sun reflection off snow and thin air create intense glare conditions

Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support - morning frost creates slippery conditions on stone monastery steps and mountain paths

Down jacket or synthetic insulation rated to -5°C (23°F) - essential for early morning wildlife viewing and high-altitude monastery visits

High-SPF sunscreen (50+) and lip balm with UV protection - dry air and UV index of 6 at altitude causes rapid burning

Portable phone charger/power bank - cold temperatures drain batteries 40% faster than normal, especially during long trekking days

Headlamp with extra batteries - daylight ends at 5:30 PM and many monasteries have limited lighting for evening ceremonies

Moisturizing lotion and nasal spray - humidity levels of 45% combined with altitude cause severe skin and nasal dryness

Cash in small denominations (Nu. 100-500 notes) - rural areas and monastery donations require cash, and ATMs are scarce outside main towns

Insider Knowledge

Book internal flights between Paro and eastern regions by September - November's clear weather creates high demand for scenic flights, and seats sell out 8-10 weeks ahead during crane migration season

Carry glucose tablets or energy bars during monastery visits - the combination of altitude, cold, and walking on empty stomach for early morning ceremonies causes frequent lightheadedness among visitors

Schedule Tiger's Nest Monastery visits for 8:00-10:00 AM - afternoon shadows obscure the dramatic mountain backdrop that makes November photography exceptional, and morning temperatures are 5°C (9°F) warmer than early starts

Stock up on hand warmers in Thimphu before heading to rural areas - small shops outside main cities don't carry cold-weather accessories, and November's unexpected temperature drops catch many visitors unprepared

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating nighttime cold - many travelers pack for daytime temperatures of 20°C (68°F) but aren't prepared for nighttime drops to 2°C (36°F), especially in valley locations and traditional farmhouse stays

Booking accommodation without confirming heating systems - many budget guesthouses and even some mid-range hotels rely on wood stoves or minimal heating that's inadequate for November's cold nights

Planning high-altitude treks without acclimatization time - November's perfect weather tempts visitors to rush into multi-day treks, but altitude sickness is more severe in cold, dry conditions typical of this month