Tibet Travel in November

Winter begins in Tibet in November. When you visit Tibet in winter, you can not only enjoy the true snow-covered plateau scenery, but also feel the warm sunshine of the holy city of Lhasa in winter. Tibet in November is not as cold as expected. There are always tourists who think that Tibet, deep in the Tibetan plateau, should be frozen and completely covered with snow in winter. In fact, that is not the case. It is true that there are some high altitude areas in Tibet, especially the northern part of Tibet, which is in a state of extreme cold, and cannot be visited by ordinary tourists. However, Lhasa-Shigatse-Mount Kailash route is still available for sightseeing. 

Tibet Weather Feature in November

In November, Tibet is actually not so cold. Most of the tourist areas are located in the south of 30° north latitude, with the temperature of 5-18℃. The temperature difference between morning and night is large, and the body feeling is relatively cold before and after sunrise and sunset. There is little rain in Tibet in November, and because of the dry air, there won’t much snow. The snow concentration area is mainly in Nyingchi and Shannan in the southeast of Tibet. Everest base camp area is cloudless in most situations, with clear views of Mount Everest.

Read More: Tibet Travel Weather and Climate in November

What to Wear in Tibet in November

In November, Tibet gradually enters winter from late autumn, and the weather turns cold. Even in Lhasa urban area, tourists need light down jackets to keep warm. Although November in Tibet is not as warm as summer, the temperature is not too low. Most areas of Tibet, including Lhasa, Shigatse, Shannan and Nyingchi, are suitable for travelling. Winter clothes and cold-proof jacket are needed to defend cold. 

What to Wear in Lhasa in November

Lhasa has an average altitude of 3,600 meters, and the air in November is relatively dry with strong sunshine. In the holy city of Lhasa, there are more sunny days in winter. Under sunny conditions, the temperature in Lhasa is higher, up to 18℃. Wearing an ordinary padded coat is enough. Most visitors to Lhasa in November will choose a combination of sweater, cold-proof jacket and scarf, while those who are afraid of the cold can add a hat. Due to the strong wind in Tibet, the hat can effectively keep the head warm, so as not to have a headache and affect the journey.

What to Wear in Shigatse in November

The average temperature of Shigatse in November is 5-15℃, which makes the body feel cold. You should wear thick coat. Wind proof is the key to travel in Shigatse in November. In winter, the wind in Tibet is stronger, it is suggested to wear a hat and scarf to prevent colds and altitude sickness.

What to Wear at Everest Base Camp in November

In November, temperatures on Mount Everest is from -5℃ to 8℃. Down jacket with outdoor jacket is the best choice. You should wear thermal underwear and sweater underneath, and down jacket and outdoor jacket over to keep warm. For those who are afraid of the wind and cold, you should add a woolen hat and scarf when enjoying the Mount Everest at the Everest Base Camp.

What to Wear at Mount Kailash in November

In November, temperatures at Mount Kailash area are around 0℃, colder than at Everest base camp. You’d better wear thermal underwear and woolen sweater underneath, warm fleece jacket and outdoor jacket over. What’s more, hat, scarf and mask are essential. Choose light and warm clothes as far as possible.

What to Do in Tibet in November

As the weather turns cold, fewer tourists go to Tibet, especially demestic Chinese tourists. As Tibet is the holy land of Tibetan Buddhism, coupled with the geographical position of the world roof ridge, a unique tourist landscape is formed. You can experience the Tibetan buddhist culture different from the mainland, and visit various monasteries and temples. Another unique scenery is the snow mountain represented by Mount Everest and Namcha Barwa. The best season to enjoy the snow mountain on the plateau is winter, because winter is dry and less rain, less fog and higher visibility.

Various sacred lakes in Tibet are also popular among tourists. Due to the geographical location, Namtso Lake is frozen in winter, and the road to Namtso is usually closed by rain and snow. Another sacred lake, Yamdrok, is so beautiful in winter and is easy to be seen even if it is frozen. Lake Manasarova accompanied by Mount Kailash has high visibility in winter, and it is very easy to see the magnificence of Mount Kailash by the side of the holy lake.

Things to Do in Lhasa in November

November is the off-season for tourists in Lhasa, and there are fewer tourists. For tourists, when visiting buildings like the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, the time spent in line to visit is reduced. If you have free time, it is also a good way to relax in the streets of Lhasa and enjoy the sunshine with the Tibetans while drinking tea.

Visiting Mount Everest in November

Tent hotels at Everest base camp have been evacuated in November. November is the off-season of Tibet travel, fewer visitors to the Mount Everest, coupled with lower temperatures, makes tent hotels difficult to maintain normal operations. When visiting Mount Everest in winter, tourtists can stay at Rongbuk Monastery, in Tingri County or in Shigatse for overnight, so you don’t have to worry about the accommodation.

Mount Kailash Kora in November

The golden season of Ngari travel is from June to September, and few tourists will visit Ngari after October. However, due to the fine weather in autumn and winter, a small number of tourists will hike around the Mount Kailash in the cold temperature. Ngari has a wide range of area. In November, it is already winter in Ngari and the temperature is very low, but the scenic spots of sacred mountain and sacred lake located near 30° north latitude can still be visited. Due to the dry weather, there is not much rain or snow in November at Mount Kailash area. The weather is clear with high visibility.

Tips for Travelling to Tibet in November

  • Keeping warm and defending cold is the most important consideration of traveling equipment to Tibet. Although the sunshine duration in Tibet is long and abundant, it is still cold in November. Although accommodation in Tibet is equipped with heating facilities and air conditioners are available in travel cars, it is still cold when visiting temples and doing outdoor activities. Hats and scarves are good for cold protection. 
  • During the visit to monasteries and temples, most of the views inside the temples, such as the worshipping statues and the murals on the walls, are not allowed to be photographed. But outdoor scenes can be shot at will. Over the years, Tibet has become a photography base for photography enthusiasts due to its magnificent landscape of mountains and rivers. Please bring a telephoto lens when you travel to Tibet to shoot mountains and a wide Angle lens when you shoot lakes.
  • Travel to Tibet in winter, you need to pay attention to the problem of altitude sickness. Compared with summer, the air in Tibet in November is indeed drier, which makes the body feel dry and cold, and easy to be short of water. Remember to replenish water at any time, and communicate with the guide immediately if there is any abnormality in your body.

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