November is one of the best months for trekking in Uttarakhand. The monsoon has gone, the air is dry and dust-free, and the Garhwal Himalaya shows its clearest skyline of the year: Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba and Bandarpunch stand out sharp against a deep blue sky. Days on the trail are sunny and pleasant, nights at high camps drop below freezing, and the first snow usually reaches the upper ridges in the second half of the month.
November is also a quiet month. The summer and autumn crowds have left, the snow-trek rush has not started, and campsites and meadows feel empty. Our trek leaders have walked these trails every season for over two decades, so this guide gives you the treks we actually recommend for November, what the weather is like, what is closed for winter, and how to prepare.
Why November Is a Great Month to Trek in Uttarakhand
- Clearest mountain views of the year: post-monsoon air is crisp and haze-free, so summit panoramas of the Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba ranges are at their best, especially at sunrise.
- Stable weather: November is one of the driest months in the Garhwal Himalaya, so trails are firm and campsites stay dry.
- Golden meadows and autumn forests: high-altitude bugyals turn golden-brown, and oak, rhododendron and maple forests hold their autumn colours.
- A chance of first snow: on the higher treks you may walk through the season’s first snowfall, without the deep snow of January.
- Fewer trekkers: quieter trails, empty campsites and starry skies with almost no light pollution.
November Weather on Uttarakhand Treks
Temperature depends mostly on altitude. As a rule of thumb, it gets about 6°C colder for every 1,000 metres you climb, and clear November nights lose heat fast.
| Altitude band | Daytime | Night | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foothills (below 2,000 m) | Pleasant and sunny | Cool to cold | Kunjapuri, Ranital |
| Mid altitude (2,000–3,000 m) | Sunny and fresh | Around freezing | Chopta, Deoriatal, base camps |
| High altitude (above 3,000 m) | Cold in the shade, warm in the sun | Well below freezing | Kuari Pass, Chandrashila, Brahmatal top |
First snow: in most years, light snow reaches the higher summits and passes in the second half of November, and a fresh western disturbance can bring a surprise snowfall earlier. Lower trails usually stay dry. If a snow trek is your main goal, see our guide to the best winter treks in Uttarakhand for December to March.
The 8 Best Treks in Uttarakhand in November
We have picked these treks for November conditions: clear views, safe trails before the heavy snow, and good campsites. The first five are treks we run; the last three are good options to know about.
1. Kuari Pass Trek: best Himalayan panorama in November
The Kuari Pass trail, also called the Curzon Trail, climbs through oak and rhododendron forest to open meadows and a pass at about 3,600 m. From the top you get a wide view of Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Kamet and Hathi Ghoda. November gives the sharpest views of the season, and the meadows are golden.
- Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
- Difficulty: easy to moderate
- Our season: October–November and May–June
- Price: from ₹45,000 per person (minimum age 15)
See dates and the day-by-day plan for our Kuari Pass trek.
2. Chopta–Chandrashila Trek: summit sunrise above the clouds
From Chopta, the trail climbs past the Tungnath temple to the Chandrashila summit at about 4,000 m, with a 360° view of Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, Nanda Devi and Trishul. Add Deoriatal lake, where the peaks reflect in still water on a calm morning. Our 5-day package also includes Kartik Swami.
- Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
- Difficulty: easy to moderate
- Our season: September–November
- Price: from ₹18,000 per person (minimum age 12)
Book the Chandrashila and Kartik Swami trek. The Tungnath temple closes for winter in early November, but the trail and summit stay open.
3. Brahmatal Trek: pre-snow lakes and Trishul views
Brahmatal is famous as a winter trek, but early in the season it is quieter, with frosty lakes, oak forests and close views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. Our trip combines the trek with a Ganga rafting day.
- Duration: 8 days / 7 nights (trek + rafting)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Our season: September–December
- Price: from ₹32,000 per person (minimum age 15)
See the Brahmatal trek and rafting expedition.
4. Ranital Trek: a gentle trek close to Rishikesh
Ranital is a low-altitude forest trek in the Ranakot–Devprayag area. It suits first-time trekkers, families and anyone who wants Himalayan village life and forest trails without the cold of a high pass.
- Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
- Difficulty: easy
- Our season: September–June
- Price: from ₹15,000 per person (minimum age 12)
Plan your Ranital trek.
5. Kunjapuri Sunrise Hike: the best 1-day trek from Rishikesh
The Kunjapuri temple sits at about 1,650 m above Rishikesh. On a clear November morning, the sunrise lights up a long line of snow peaks across the Garhwal Himalaya. It is the easiest way to get a Himalayan view in a single morning.
- Duration: 1 day
- Difficulty: easy
- Price: from ₹4,000 per person (minimum age 14)
Book the guided Kunjapuri hike, or read our Kunjapuri sunrise trek guide for timings and the route.
6. Dayara Bugyal: wide meadows near Uttarkashi
Dayara Bugyal’s huge meadows turn golden in November, with views of Bandarpunch and Srikanth. It is a good choice for families and first-timers, and it can get its first snow in late November.
7. Nag Tibba: a weekend trek from Delhi or Dehradun
Nag Tibba is a short trek near Mussoorie with a summit view of the Bandarpunch and Kedarnath ranges. It is popular for 2-day weekends, so go on a weekday if you can.
8. Har Ki Dun: autumn valley of the gods
Har Ki Dun is a beautiful valley trek with old wooden villages and views of Swargarohini. Our Har Ki Dun trek departures run from June to October, so if you want this valley in its autumn colours, plan it for October and keep November for the treks above.
November Treks Compared
| Trek | Days | Max altitude | Difficulty | November conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kuari Pass | 8 | About 3,600 m | Easy–moderate | Clearest views; chance of first snow near the pass |
| Chopta–Chandrashila | 5 | About 4,000 m | Easy–moderate | Cold summit sunrise; temple closed, trail open |
| Brahmatal (+ rafting) | 8 | About 3,700 m | Moderate | Frosty lakes, quiet trail before winter crowds |
| Ranital | 4 | Low altitude | Easy | Pleasant days, cool nights |
| Kunjapuri sunrise | 1 | About 1,650 m | Easy | Best sunrise visibility of the year |
What’s Closed in November
- Valley of Flowers: closes at the end of October and reopens in June. Read our Valley of Flowers trek guide to plan next season.
- Tungnath temple: the doors close for winter in early November, after which the deity is moved to Ukhimath. The Chandrashila trail stays open.
- High passes and expeditions: long high-altitude crossings are usually finished for the year by November because of snow and cold.
- Char Dham shrines: Kedarnath and Badrinath also close for winter during November, so expect fewer pilgrims on mountain roads.
Short Treks for the Diwali Long Weekend
Diwali falls on 8 November in 2026, and many people get a long weekend. If you only have 2–4 days:
- 1 day: the Kunjapuri sunrise hike, or the forest walk to Neelkanth Mahadev temple from Rishikesh.
- 2–3 days: Nag Tibba, or one of the short trails in our guide to treks near Dehradun.
- 4 days: the Ranital trek.
Book early: Diwali week is the one busy period of the month.
Which November Trek Should You Choose?
- First Himalayan trek: Chopta–Chandrashila or Ranital.
- Best mountain views: Kuari Pass.
- Hoping for first snow: Kuari Pass or Brahmatal late in the month.
- Only a weekend: Kunjapuri, Neelkanth or Nag Tibba.
- Trek and adventure combo: the Chandrashila trek with Ganga rafting (5 days, from ₹28,000) or Brahmatal with rafting.
- Families with children: Ranital, Kunjapuri or Chopta–Chandrashila (minimum ages apply).
Fitness, Acclimatisation & Safety
How fit do you need to be?
For the easy to moderate treks here, you should be able to walk 5–7 hours a day on uphill trails. Start preparing 4–6 weeks before: brisk walks or jogging, stair climbing and squats, and a few long weekend walks with a backpack.
Acclimatisation
Above 3,000 m, climb slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your trek leader early about headache, nausea or unusual breathlessness. Choose an itinerary that gains height gradually, and never push on if symptoms get worse.
Cold-weather safety
- Start summit days early and turn back on time; the afternoon wind is bitterly cold.
- Keep a warm layer and gloves in your daypack at all times.
- Watch for ice on shaded sections early in the morning; walk slowly and use trekking poles.
- Carry a government photo ID; some forest and protected areas need entry permits.
November Trek Packing List
- A down jacket or heavy fleece jacket, plus a windproof outer layer
- Two sets of thermal inners
- Quick-dry trekking pants and full-sleeve T-shirts
- Warm woollen cap, a sun cap, and a neck gaiter or buff
- Insulated gloves and a thin inner pair
- Waterproof trekking shoes with good grip, and woollen socks
- Sunglasses (UV protection), sunscreen and lip balm: the high-altitude sun is strong
- Headlamp, water bottles, and a power bank (cold drains batteries fast)
- Personal medicines and a small first-aid kit
- A government photo ID
Add Rafting or Camping to Your Trek
November is also a great month on the Ganga. Many trekkers spend a day in Rishikesh before or after the mountains for river rafting and a night at camp. Read our guide to rafting and camping in Rishikesh in November, or, if you are coming from the capital, our Rishikesh camping trip from Delhi.
From Our Trek Leaders
Our trek leaders have guided groups in the Garhwal Himalaya every season for years. Their advice for November:
- “Be at the top for sunrise.” November mornings are the clearest of the year. The first light on Nanda Devi or Chaukhamba is the moment people remember.
- “Pack for the night, not the day.” Trekkers see a warm, sunny afternoon and underestimate how cold the campsite gets after dark.
- “Hydrate even when you’re not thirsty.” Cold, dry air dehydrates you quickly, and dehydration makes altitude feel worse.
Why Trust This Guide
This guide is written by Bheem Singh Chauhan, founder of White World Expeditions, with our trek leaders. We have run treks, rafting and expeditions in the Garhwal Himalaya for over two decades, and the trek durations, seasons and prices here come from our own published trips. Weather and snow vary from year to year, so we always check current conditions before every departure. White World Expeditions is a government-registered adventure company in Tapovan, Rishikesh, rated 4.9★ from 919+ Google reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is November a good time for trekking in Uttarakhand?
Yes. November has dry, stable weather, the clearest mountain views of the year, quiet trails and pleasant sunny days. Nights at high camps are cold, so you need proper winter layers.
Which is the best trek in Uttarakhand in November?
Kuari Pass is the best for Himalayan views, Chopta–Chandrashila is the best summit trek for beginners, and Brahmatal is good for frosty lakes before the winter crowds. For a short trip, try the Kunjapuri sunrise hike or Ranital.
Will there be snow on Uttarakhand treks in November?
Usually only on the higher summits and passes, mostly in the second half of November. Lower trails are normally dry. For reliable deep snow, plan a winter trek from December to March.
How cold is it on treks in November?
Days are mild and sunny, but nights at high camps drop below 0°C. Temperatures fall by roughly 6°C for every 1,000 metres you climb, so the higher the camp, the colder the night.
Is the Chandrashila trek open in November?
Yes. The Tungnath temple closes for winter in early November, but the trail to Tungnath and the Chandrashila summit stays open, weather permitting.
Is the Valley of Flowers trek open in November?
No. The Valley of Flowers closes at the end of October and reopens in June. In November, choose Kuari Pass or Chopta–Chandrashila instead.
Which treks are good for the Diwali long weekend?
For 1 day, try the Kunjapuri sunrise hike or the Neelkanth temple trek from Rishikesh. For 2–3 days, try Nag Tibba, and for 4 days, the Ranital trek.
Can beginners trek in Uttarakhand in November?
Yes. Chopta–Chandrashila, Ranital and Kunjapuri suit beginners. Prepare with 4–6 weeks of walking and stair climbing, and pack warm clothes for the cold nights.
What should I pack for a November trek in Uttarakhand?
Pack a down or heavy fleece jacket, thermal inners, warm gloves and a cap, waterproof trekking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a headlamp, a power bank, personal medicines and a photo ID.
How much does a November trek in Uttarakhand cost?
With White World Expeditions, the Kunjapuri hike starts at ₹4,000, Ranital at ₹15,000, Chandrashila at ₹18,000, Brahmatal with rafting at ₹32,000 and Kuari Pass at ₹45,000 per person.
Plan Your November Trek in Uttarakhand
Kuari Pass, Chandrashila, Brahmatal, Ranital or a Kunjapuri sunrise: tell us your dates, group size and fitness level, and our trek team will suggest the right trail for November.