Bhutan is an exotic kingdom, a land of high mountains and lush green valleys, snow clad peaks, clear running springs, and rich Buddhist culture. The warm hospitality and the vibrant environment will melt the heart of every travellers.
Bhutan in November is a great option to explore and experience this land of variations.
The first half of the month is especially more captivating, with the dramatic views of the mountains and crispy wind of the autumn. This dry month is perfect for wandering around ancient monasteries and even trekking.
The weather conditions in Bhutan during November is pristine and allows the idyllic views of the mountains. But in the higher altitudes, you can also see the dusting of the snow.
You can trek in the Phobjikha Valley, to see the Black Necked Crane and explore the isolated valleys of Gogona, Phobjikha, and Gangtey Gompa.
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Weather and Climate of Bhutan in November
Bhutan in November is not very cold. In fact, Bhutan welcomes a large number of visitors all the way to Christmas and New Year. This month of the year is ideal for visiting top places in Bhutan with the elevations from 2500 to 3500 meters above sea level.
Days are typically sunny and warm while the evenings are slightly cooler. So, traveling during November is advantageous since you can witness the cloudless Jumolhari range.
Weather in Paro
Maximum Temperature: 6 degree Celsius
Minimum Temperature: -11 degree Celsius
Average Temperature: 3 to 5 degree Celsius
During November, Paro usually remains cloudy. Around 12% of the day remains cloudy in this month.
Weather in Thimpu
Maximum temperature: 12 degree Celsius
Minimum temperature: -2 degree Celsius (at night)
Average temperature : 5 degree Celsius
Thimpu is moderately cold in this time of the month. You can expect an average of 2 rainy days and 3 snowy days in November.
Weather in Punakha
Maximum Temperature: 9.5 degree Celsius
Minimum Temperature: 21.3 degree Celsius
Average Temperature: 15.4 degree Celsius
Punakha is generally a warm place, and November serves warmer in Punakha than in Thimpu and Paro. The weather is quite clear with crisp blue skies. So this month is perfect for you to trek through the trails of Punakha. The trails are quite dry and safe for hikes.
Weather in Bumthang
Maximum Temperature: 14 degree Celsius
Minimum Temperature: 0 degree Celsius
Average Temperature: 7 degree Celsius
The temperatures average a little lower across Bumthang district. The nights can get quite chilly in November. The temperatures can drop freezing in the nights, resulting in frost covering the grounds in the morning. Yet, it quickly burns off with the bright sunlight as the day proceeds.
You need not worry about the rain in November. If the worst comes, the rain falls only in the evening.
Weather in Jakar
Maximum Temperature: 15 degree Celsius
Minimum Temperature: 1 degree Celsius
Average Temperature: 8 degree Celsius
The weather in this part of the country remains warm throughout the month. Yet, the nights can still get quite chilly, with temperatures just above freezing. Bumthang experiences lesser rain than in Paro and Thimpu.
The days are bright and refreshing, and the late afternoons start getting a little chilly. The trails of the area are dry and clean. Overall, the weather perfectly supports your wish to trek.
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Accommodation Services in Bhutan in November
Accommodation facilities in Bhutan are somehow limited because of controlled development activities. However, within the limited boundaries too, you can always get services of your choice.
You can find luxury hotels with excellent facilities in the west and central Bhutan. Yet, most places for accommodation are simple but comfortable. You should also know that Bhutanese hotels do not confirm rooms until 60 days before arrival.
Since you want to visit this beautiful land in the peak season, we would highly recommend you to book your rooms at least 3 months prior to your visit. This will ensure your reservation and keeps you away from confusion.
If you want to experience the authentic culture of the country, we would suggest you seek for home stays. However, not all families have modern facilities like water heater and electricity. But, your host family will more than makeup to provide you what you need.
Best Bhutan Tour Packages for November
The Druk Path Trek
The Druk Path Trek is one of the finest short treks in Bhutan. This trek offers the finest views of Jimiling Lake, Mt. Gangkar Puensum, beautiful blue pines, and dwarf rhododendron forests.
Autumn gives you an even clearer view of the natural panorama, that will simply melt your heart.
The best part about this trek is that you do not need prior trekking experiences to conquer the route. It is a moderate trek, and it navigates through a route famous high altitude lakes, heaving with fish, ancient temples and dzongs. The spectacular Himalayas are inevitable.
Discover Bhutan Tour
While on the Discover Bhutan Tour, you get the opportunity to embark a 6-day journey into the mystery of magical destinations. You will witness the most spectacular mountain sceneries in the world, ancient temples, and monasteries.
In November, you can witness and experience local festivals. You will see how truly beautiful the Bhutanese culture is.
This tour’s major highlight is a hike to Taktshang, or ‘Tiger’s Nest’, a monastery built in a series of caves at an elevation of 7000 feet.
Phobjikha – Gangtey Valley Trek
The Phobjikha – Gangtey Valley Trek is a very popular trek in Bhutan, as it is avidly promoted by the Bhutanese Government. The government promotes it as a part of ecotourism.
You can experience and be a part of the Black Necked Crane festival in the Phobjikha Valley in November. The weather also remains pretty moderate this month, with a maximum of 27 degrees and a minimum of 5 degrees Celsius.
This trek takes you through the isolated valleys of Gogona, Phobjikha and Gangtey Gompa. You can see the most exotic and beautiful bamboo and fir forests, and cultural Dzongs in Paro and Thimpu.
Witness Traditional Festivals
Bhutan is very rich in culture and traditions. This country celebrates different festivals almost every month of the year. While on your trip to Bhutan this November, make sure you do not miss out these festivals:
Blacked Necked Crane Festival
It is an annual festival celebrated at the Gangtey Gompa in Phobjikha Valley. The locals celebrate and rejoice the arrival of the endangered Black Necked Crane. These birds become an inseparable part of their daily lives in the winter months.
The annual black-necked crane festival aims to generate awareness. It aims to educate people on the importance of conserving the endangered Black-Necked Cranes. This festival includes cultural programs such as folk songs and dances.
The people also perform mask dances, crane dances, and environmental conservation-themed dramas.
Prakhar Duchhoed
The celebration of Prakhar Duchhoed festival for honoring the Treasure Discoverer, Pema Lingpa’s, son Lama Thukse Dawa. It dates back to the fifteenth century and includes a rare display of a giant silk thangka portraying Guru Padmasambhava.
It is an annual festival celebrated in Prakhar Lhakhang in Chummi gewog in Bumthang. You can witness various forms of mask dance performed at this festival.
Jambay Lhakhang Drup
It is one of the most spectacular festivals in the country. You can witness this festival in Jambay Lhakhang and it lasts for five consecutive days. The main highlight of this festival is a ritualistic naked dance. The crowds gather in the evening to witness the dance.
Jakar Tshechu
The Jakar Tshechu is a three days long festival. The locals celebrate it inside the massive Jakar Dzong or “the Dzong of the white bird.” It is on the hillock overlooking Chamkhar town & places surrounding it.
The three-day festival displays several sacred mask dances and also hosts different types of folk songs and dances. People visit the festival dressed in their finest clothes and the festival is also popular among tourists.
Dechenphu Tshechu
This festival is purely dedicated to Gay Nguyen Jakpa Melen, a powerful guardian deity of Bhutan. You can witness traditional, sacred and classical Bhutanese dances during this festival. Some of the famous dances are Zhananga Cham, Genyen Kunchaam, Shazam Cham, and Nga Cham.
Foods to Taste during Bhutan Tour in November
While in Bhutan, make sure that your taste buds do not only savor to the hotel foods. The best foods are best served local. You should know that Bhutanese food is highly influenced by Chinese, Tibetan and Indian taste. Yet, it does maintain its own uniqueness.
Here are some of the foods you can taste while you are in Bhutan this November:
- Ema Datshi (chilies and cheese)
- Jasha Maru (Spicy Chicken)
- Phaksha Paa (Pork with red chilies)
- Momos (Dumplings)
Packing for Bhutan Tour in November
November is autumn in Bhutan. Though it is not quite wintering yet, it is on the verge of welcoming winter. So, the month is colder than the other previous months.
We highly recommend you to carry a few sweaters and warm jackets, so that you remain warm in the chilly nights.
If you seek to trek in Bhutan, you should carry several layers of trekking clothes and gears. This way, you can add or remove the layers depending on how cold or hot you feel.
We recommend you carry a pair of strong hiking boots even if you do not plan to trek. There are few places outside the cities that have paved ways that are more than just dirt tracks.
The sun is still bright and strong in November. So it would be wise of you to pack head gears such as hats, caps, beanie, etc. UV rays protection glasses and sunscreen will keep you safe from the daylight.
November is quite windy in Bhutan, so make sure you pack windproof jackets, buff, lip balms, and moisturizers. Although the rain is quite low in November, do pack light raincoats to be on a safe side.
All in all, do pack light and only the stuff that is necessary for you.
Conclusion
Bhutan is a beautiful kingdom, and you can visit this land in any season. Every season of the year will give you a majestic experience. If you want the perfect and dry seasons for trekking experiences, do visit in Spring and Autumn.
November is a beautiful month with moderately chilly weather and clear views of the landscape. This month also observes a variety of local festivals in the country. It is also the peak season for tourist flow; so be sure to have your flight and hotel reservations a few months prior to the visit and be ready for 5 days Bhutan tour or other tour of different durations.
If you have any queries, please feel free to contact us. Our experts are ready to be at your service.
Want more information? Send us your query, and our experts will get back to you within 24 hrs.
Madhav started working as a porter in 2001 and then moved on to work as a trekking guide. After working in the trekking and tourism industry for eight years, he co-founded Mosaic Adventure in 2009.
Madhav has trekked to most of the trekking destinations in Nepal, including Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Poon Hill Trek, Jomsom Muktinath Trek, Indigenous Peoples Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, and all of the day hikes around Kathmandu.
He has also extensively traveled to other countries such as Australia, the USA, the UK, France, Hong Kong, Japan, China, the Philippines, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Thailand, Turkey, and India. Madhav is the one who answers most of your questions about trekking and tours and helps to plan your trip by giving a personal touch.
