November can be a great time for trekking and exploring nature as it’s the month that marks a perfect seasonal transition. Autumn is bidding goodbye and winter is just round the corner. This means November offers a mixed bag experience – best of the both seasons.
Mild weather, changing landscapes, crisp autumn air, and clear skies are the main highlights of this season. On top of that, a long wait for snowfall is almost over as snow starts appearing in some elevated spots. These are some of the most compelling factors that make November an excellent choice for outdoor adventures.
In this article, we will discuss the treks that are a perfect getaway in November due to their unique features and other details.
Why November is the Best Month for Trekking
Trekking in November is one of the best Himalayan adventures for everyone who fancies a unique experience. From gentle weather conditions to comfortable temperature ranges to an overall pleasant atmosphere, this season is quite unlike others. Here are the key advantages that the month of November offers:
To begin with, weather is the key factor in November. Skies are crisp and clear, air is cool, breezy and dry due to colder altitudes, and views of mountain peaks are turned even more panoramic. Due to the exceptional visibility, sunrise and sunsets look stunning and vibrant.
Trails are mostly cleared off and properly marked. All the elements seem to be enhanced under the glorious aura of autumn. Due to this beautifully transformed and easy-to-tread landscape, November becomes an ideal month for photography as well as beginner-friendly.
9 Best Treks to Do in November 2025
November’s vibrancy and liveliness are basically at the heart of choosing it as the perfect time to trek in the Himalayas. To add to that, there are certain chosen treks that carry the enigmatic charm of November only to give a double dose of excitement. Keeping that in mind, we curated a list of the best treks to do in November. Here are the best ones:
- Sandakphu Trek
- Chopta Chandrashila Trek
- Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek
- Dayara Bugyal Trek
- Har Ki Dun Trek
- Brahmatal Trek
- Kedarkantha Trek
- Winter Kuari Pass Trek
- Surya Top Trek
Altitude: 12000 Ft.
Grade: Moderate
Days: 7
Best For: Viewing four of five highest peaks in the world
Located deep into the Himalayan embrace of West Bengal, Sandakphu trek is an amazing blend of natural beauty, nice adventure, and unique culture. It offers a majestic view of Everest peaks on one side, while enchanting Kanchenjunga range on the other. The seasonal influence like absence of haze and crystal clear skies increases the beauty of the trek manifold.
Kanchenjunga massif is truly the cultural icon of this region. The veneration for Kanchenjunga is also profound because its peaks seem to be lined up to form a sleeping human figure. That’s why it is also known as “Sleeping Buddha”. The other prominent Himalayan peaks you can see simultaneously from the exact spot are: Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt. Makalu.
The other features that make Sandakphu an ideal destination are its lush green Bamboo forest covers, mesmerizing trails, and eye-grabbing sunrise and sunsets. Since Sandakphu trek is in the close proximity of Singalila National Park, you have a fairly good chance to see its rich biodiversity. It is home to some rare species such as red panda, black bears, and clouded leopards.
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Altitude: 12000 Ft.
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Days: 5
Best For: Witnessing breathtaking snow-covered peaks and ancient temples
Chopta Chandrashila trek is an amazing destination that offers breathtaking natural beauty throughout the journey. A trekker’s paradise, this trek has a rare magical charm that keeps calling you, even when you’ve been there many times over. The gradual and engaging climb of this trail gives you ample time to enjoy beautiful landscapes, including expansive meadows, lush-green and dense forests, and snow-covered summits.
One of the most panoramic visuals waiting on this trek is the sight of peaks: Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba. This panoramic 360o view is compounded by the serene and peaceful ambience of the landscape. The stunning Deoriatal Lake appears to be a surprising marvel in the middle of nature. Its breathtaking reflection during sunrise and sunset gives you a rewarding experience. The trail also gives you a chance to visit iconic Tungnath Temple – the highest Shiva temple in the world. Finally, the Chandrashila summit is so stunning that it will sweep you away with its beauty.
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Altitude: 12500 Ft.
Grade: Moderate
Days: 6
Best For: Viewing lush, green, dense forests and mesmerizing meadows
If you want to experience the true beauty of breathtakingly vast meadows of the Himalayan region, Ali Bedni Bugyal trek should be your preferred landing place. The extremely beautiful alpine meadows - Ali and Bedni are the main highlights of this trek. The mesmerizing trail takes you through the dense forests of oak and rhododendron – picture-perfect scenery. On top of the summit, Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti are their captivating best.
The beauty of Ali Bedni Bugyal trek is augmented by the seasonal diversity. You just can’t take your eyes off of attractive wild flowers and typical autumn colors. Also, the incredible Bedni Kund is a picture-perfect alpine lake that is definitely a soul-soothing wonder in the mountains. Thus, the sheer grandeur of Ali Bedni Bugyal makes it stand out from the rest.
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Altitude: 12000 Ft.
Grade: Easy
Days: 5
Best For: Seeing breathtakingly beautiful meadows
Dayara Bugyal Trek simply qualifies to be among those treks that unexpectedly give you extremely majestic views and experiences. This relatively easy trail offers you a relaxing stride through vast clearings and beautiful landscapes. Dayara Bugyal is basically a high-altitude, stunning and popularly known meadow. Its charm is a real show-stealer of this trek. A perfect mix of natural beauty and adventure, it is also an awesome place for photography. The rich biodiversity of this place includes Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Monal, snow leopard, barking deer, and golden eagle.
During the month of November, the surrounding views are so gripping that the beauty can take your breath away. That’s not all, the view of Himalayan range is stunningly beautiful as this trek gives you a perfect chance to witness famous peaks like Bandarpoonch, Srikanth, Jaonli, Gangotri Range, and Draupadi ka Danda 2.
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Altitude: 12000 Ft.
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Days: 6
Best For: Passing through a magnificent valley along Supin River
If you want to experience the magical vibe of a true Himalayan wonder, you might as well choose Har Ki Dun Trek as your next memorable sojourn. It is a breathtaking valley through which the Thamsa River passes with amazing twists and turns. On one side of the valley, the lush green forest cover lures you away, on the other side the steep mountain is standing like a giant. And filtering through the middle of it is the glory of the majestic Himalayan peaks.
The trail takes you to Osla and Gangad, typical beautiful Himalayan villages that are known for their unique wooden houses. These villages perfectly showcase the authentic traditions and culture of this region. Along the trail, you will get a chance to see a famous Duryodhana temple in Osla village. Other key attractions of Har Ki Dun Trek are prominent peaks like Swargarohini I and II, Bandarpoonch, and Kala Nag (Black Peak).
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Altitude: 12300 Ft.
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Days: 6
Best For: Viewing high-altitude glacial lake and snow-covered trails
Bramhatal Trek is one of the most sought-after autumn/winter destinations in the Himalayas. This trek offers a series of breathtaking views right from the start of the journey. It takes you through snow-laden forests, elevated meadows, frozen lakes and waterfalls. The rich biodiversity of the entire region will captivate you even further. You might get an opportunity to see dense woods of oaks and rhododendrons, animal species like Musk Deer, Himalayan Monal, Snow Leopard, and Barasinga.
This trek is so peaceful and secluded that its beauty seems to remain in the pristine condition. Brahmatal is a moderate trek perfectly ideal for beginners. As you proceed further the trail, you will see a breathtaking 180o vista of Himalayan peaks, including Mount Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. Brahmatal Trek has a deep mythological significance among the local people. It was believed that Lord Brahma, God of Creation, meditated in this lake before creating the universe.
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Altitude: 12500 Ft.
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Days: 6
Best For: Experiencing enchanting campsites and towering mountains
There are very few places that can be termed as trekkers’ paradise in true sense. Kedarkantha Trek should feature in that list as it offers extremely breathtaking landscapes from start to finish. Nature reveals its magical charm as you explore it further, it has its own way of calling you again and again. It’s like a dream journey where you walk through magnificent forests, miles long snowy trails, and incredible-looking meadows. The snow-clad tree line of pine and cedar in the backdrop of your campsite is absolutely mind-blowing.
The most eye-catching moment of the trek is when you reach at the top and watch that rare panoramic view of the Himalayas. From here, you can see a full 360o visual of prominent peaks from one end to another. These peaks are: Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, Black Peak, and Draupadi ka Danda 2. Other than that, this trek offers you to watch some beautiful destinations like Har Ki Doon Valley, Rupin Valley, Gangotri, and Yamunotri mountain ranges.
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Altitude: 12750 Ft.
Grade: Moderate
Days: 6
Best For: Experiencing close-up views of Mt. Nanda Devi and Dronagiri, ridge climbs
Winter Kuari Pass Trek is a breathtakingly beautiful destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It is located in Chamoli district – an extremely attractive region of Garhwal. The trek offers some of Uttarakhand’s most famous mountain views including Kamet, Chaukhambha, Dronagiri, Changabang, Kunti bhandar, and Neelkanth. You begin this moderate trek journey from Pipalkoti, crossing terraced fields, and passing through vast, snow-covered meadows.
There are a lot of things to enjoy here during autumns and winters like forest walks, snow sliding, and ridge climbing. One such amazing experience to carry with you forever is an exciting climb to Kuari Pass. The Nanda Devi Sanctuary is a beautiful wilderness that appears on the trek, which is home to a rich biodiversity. You will also have a chance to see Tali Lake, a serene, alpine, frozen water body. The reflection of mountain peaks from this lake looks surreal.
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Altitude: 12900 Ft.
Grade: Moderate
Days: 7
Best For: Viewing sunset from Surya Top summit, fun-filled ridge-walk
If you want to explore a rare, hidden Himalayan gem to your full satisfaction, Surya Top Trek emerges as a strong contender. Among very few untouched landscapes, Surya Top serves as a perfect place for adventure seekers, photographers, and mountain lovers. The trail starts giving you chills just after embarking on the journey. From massive descending valleys on the one side to towering, enigmatic mountain peaks on the other. The famous peaks that are usually seen from here are: Bandarpoonch, Srikanth, Jaonli, Gangotri range, and Draupadi ka Danda 2.
The final ascent to the summit of Surya Top Trek is extremely rewarding to complete. The majestic view from here is just out of the world. The rolling meadows of Surya Top appear like a green paradise that is stretched endlessly. The vibrant wildflowers then complete the picture-perfect canvas. It’s a less-crowded trek and is in the close proximity of Dayara Bugyal. Thus, this place is extremely peaceful and immersive expedition into nature
View TrekQuick Comparison Table
| Trek Name | Region | Difficulty/Altitude | Duration | Highlights | Ideal For |
| Sandakphu Trek | West Bengal | Moderate 11930 Ft. | 7 Days | The Himalayan range resembles a Sleeping Buddha. Mt. Everest and Mt. Kanchenjunga is seen from here | Beginners & Experienced |
| Chopta Chandrashila Trek | Uttarakhand | Easy to Moderate 12000 Ft. | 5 Days | Stunning mountain views, Tungnath Temple, Deoriatal. Camping under a starlit sky | Beginners & Families |
| Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek | Uttarakhand | Moderate 12500 Ft. | 6 Days | Ali Bedni meadows, beautiful snow-covers, Bedni Kund, Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti | Beginners & Experienced |
| Dayara Bugyal Trek | Uttarakhand | Easy 12000 Ft. | 5 Days | Camping in the peaceful ambience, lush-green meadows with wildflowers | Beginners & Families |
| Har Ki Dun Trek | Uttarakhand | Easy to Moderate 12000 Ft. | 6 Days | Thamsa River, Lush-green forest covers, unique local culture, Duryodhana Temple in Osla village | Beginners & Experienced |
| Brahmatal Trek | Uttarakhand | Easy to Moderate 12300 Ft. | 6 Days | Frozen alpine lake, famous spot for photography, Bekaltal Lake, Mt. Trishul, and Mt. Mrigthuni | Beginners & Experienced |
| Kedarkantha Trek | Uttarakhand | Easy to Moderate 12500 Ft. | 6 Days | Deep cultural significance, mesmerizing Juda Ka Talab, Yamunotri mountain range is visible | Beginners & Experienced |
| Winter Kuari Pass Trek | Uttarakhand | Moderate 12750 Ft. | 6 Days | Curzon Trail, 360o wide Himalayan range, Nanda Devi Sanctuary, Tali Lake | Beginners & Experienced |
| Surya Top Trek | Uttarakhand | Moderate 12900 Ft. | 7 Days | Stunning landscapes, Bandarpoonch, Srikanth, Jaonli, breathtaking meadows and rich diversity of flora and fauna | Beginners & Experienced |
How to Choose the Right Trek for You
Trekking is always a fulfilling and satisfying experience. To go out there, breathe fresh mountain air, and explore unknown territories – absolutely a great way to free yourself from the monotonous city life. However, it is more than just walking – it involves difficult climbs, stamina, mental resilience, and terrain navigation. Therefore choosing the right trek to hike requires a thorough analysis based on your experience, fitness level, weather conditions and travel duration.
Following are the key factors to consider before selecting the perfect trek:
- Figure Out Your Existing Fitness Level
- Determine Your Experience and Acclimatisation Exposure
- Factor In the Difficulty and Duration
- Consider Timing and Weather
- Use A Reliable Gear
- Do Fitness Training to Prepare for the Chosen Trek
- Increase cardiovascular strength by swimming, cycling, and jogging.
- Get involved in strength training exercises like squats, lunges, and core.
- Do stair climbing to prepare for inclination.
- Yoga and breathing exercises.
A genuine self-assessment is very crucial to figure out how fit you are for a trekking expedition. See for yourself how physically active you are on a daily basis. How much do you involve in activities like walking, jogging, cycling etc? If you are able to complete these activities without physical exhaustion, consider yourself a base level fit. On the other hand, if you regularly find yourself just sitting around idle and doing no exercise at all, you should choose easy treks for a start.
We at Trek The Himalayas have an extensive and detailed fitness assessment section on our website that goes by the title, “Who Can Participate”. We have provided fitness criteria for every trek along with a preparation chart that you can view or download. So before choosing a trek, you can check its fitness requirements and other crucial details.
The Himalayan treks can vary dramatically from one region to another. At one instant, you are enjoying a lowland hike, the next moment you are standing atop a summit. That means, your body needs to acclimatize according to the conditions, else there is a chance you might fall sick. Treks that are situated higher than 2500 meters or 8000 feet are more likely to cause altitude mountain sickness (AMS). Thus you need to allow your body to acclimatize by taking scheduled rests and building resilience.
It is highly important to know the difficulty and duration of a trek. If you are a beginner, there’s no need to test your limits on the first try. You can begin with short, easy-grade treks. Similarly, for intermediate level experience, you can go for higher altitudes. Moreover, the duration of the trek tells you how much mental and physical endurance will be required. For example, treks taking up to 3 days may not be that much demanding. But treks that take more than 5 days need more energy, planning, and resilience.
The timing and weather matter a great deal. So choose a time that the trek is best enjoyed in. Imagine this: you have taken precious time from your professional routine to explore nature only to see the trip spoiled due to bad weather. If you are a beginner, avoid trekking in those seasons when trails are slippery and dangerous. Next, keep a close watch on the weather forecast for your chosen trek. Also, do a little research about possible negative aspects or potential hazards if the trek if any.
Finally, whenever on trek, a sturdy, reliable gear is your best friend – just a simple rule! Due to unpredictable weather, sometimes treks can be challenging all of a sudden. To be ready for those circumstances, you need a proper and specialized gear. For example, better quality trekking shoes, multilayered clothing, insulated jackets/pants, gloves, trekking poles, strong backpacks, sunglasses, navigation device, headlamp, first-aid kit, and water bottle.
Pro Packing Tips for November Treks
Before setting your foot in nature, always make sure to have your prep work done. Make a checklist and document everything from expenses to trek highlights. Here are some pro-tips that can be extremely helpful for you:
- Rolling is more efficient than folding as it saves space of your backpack and minimizes wrinkles.
- Use items that can work as multipurpose tools. For example, Swiss army knife, convertible pants, windbreakers (jackets), spoon + forks (sporks), headwear buffs as face towel and scarf.
- Make it as lightweight as you can. For example, compact items, lightweight tents or hammocks, ultra-light mats.
- Use the most effective layering system. For example, the base layer is moisture-soaking, the middle layer is insulating, and the outer layer is waterproof.
- For more efficient packing, you can use compression sacks or packing cubes.
- Always arrange your packing in such a way that essential items are easily accessible.
- Bring an extra pair of socks, blister pads, and foot powder.
- An emergency kit is a life-saver. Don’t forget it!
Conclusion
November is usually an ideal time for Himalayan trekking. It offers clearer skies with moderate temperatures. The trails are less disturbed due to fewer crowds. The most striking aspect of this season is the way the landscapes transition from autumn to winter. It showcases a good mix of greenery and snowy landscapes, while the ambience is calm, peaceful and tranquil. There are many cool Himalayan destinations that are in their best embodiment in winters. So this is the perfect time to turn to them in order to escape from your everyday hustle.
FAQs
- Which place in India is best to trek in November?
- Which trek has snow in November in India?
- Which is the most beautiful winter trek in India?
- Is November good for hiking?
- Which trek is best for beginners in India?
November is among the best times in India to trek the Himalayas. With cheerful weather, clear skies, and pleasant temperature, nature seems to be in its best shape. There are many beginner-friendly treks that are absolutely worth trekkable in November, including Kedarkantha, Chopta-Chandrashila, Har Ki Dun, Dayara Bugyal, Sandakphu, Winter Kuari Pass – to name a few.
Snow is one of the most crucial factors that attract more visitors on the trek. Although November isn’t the time of full-blown winters, some treks start receiving snowfall. So the treks with snow in winters are: Kedarkantha Trek, Har Ki Dun Trek, Brahmatal Trek, Dayara Bugyal Trek, Winter Kuari Pass Trek.
Well, every person has their own way of interpreting as to what strikes them beautiful. But when it comes to selecting a beautiful trek, there are a few factors you should consider – snow, high mountain peaks, flora and fauna, landscapes, water bodies, cultural flavor, etc. So from that point of view, some of the beautiful winter treks are: Kedarkantha, Har Ki Dun, Dayara Bugyal, Chopta Chandrashila, and Brahmatal.
Absolutely! November does have an uncanny appeal because of the way weather and temperature transition during this time period. The season offers crisp air, clear skies, good weather, warm temperature, clear trails – all perfect for good hiking.
Some Himalayan treks are extremely breathtaking but equally difficult for first-timers due to difficult terrain and weather conditions. However, some are beautiful as well as easier, such as: Har Ki Dun, Sandakphu, Ali Bedni Bugyal, Kedarkantha, Dayara Bugyal.