Things to Do in Lhasa in November

November Weather in Lhasa

-2°C (28°F) High Temp

-15°C (5°F) Low Temp

5mm (0.2 inches) Rainfall

35% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Crystal clear skies with 300+ days of sunshine annually - November offers spectacular mountain views of Everest, Cho Oyu, and surrounding peaks that are often obscured during other seasons
Dry season begins - minimal precipitation means outdoor activities aren't disrupted by rain or heavy snow, making it ideal for trekking and monastery visits
Lower tourist volumes compared to September-October peak - accommodation prices drop 20-30% and major sites like Potala Palace have shorter queues
Perfect weather for high-altitude acclimatization - stable atmospheric conditions with less wind make the adjustment to 3,650m (11,975ft) elevation more manageable

Considerations

Extreme temperature drops at night - temperatures can plummet to -15°C (5°F) requiring serious cold weather gear and significantly higher heating costs
Some remote monasteries and mountain passes may close - routes above 4,500m (14,764ft) can become inaccessible due to early snow and ice
Intense UV radiation at altitude - the UV index of 9 combined with snow reflection can cause severe sunburn even in cold temperatures

Best Activities in November

Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple Tours

November's clear skies provide optimal lighting for photography inside these UNESCO World Heritage sites. The dry air means less condensation on camera lenses, and reduced crowds allow for longer viewing times. Morning tours benefit from natural light streaming through ancient windows.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators. Tours typically cost ¥400-600 ($55-85) including permits. Reserve morning slots for best lighting conditions. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Everest Base Camp Overland Expeditions

November offers the clearest mountain views before winter road closures. Stable weather patterns provide excellent visibility of the Himalayas, though temperatures at EBC drop to -20°C (-4°F). This is the last reliable month before winter access restrictions.

Booking Tip: Book 14-21 days ahead for proper permits and vehicle arrangements. Expeditions typically cost ¥3,500-5,500 ($485-760) for 4-day trips. Ensure operators provide proper cold weather equipment. Check current availability in booking section below.

Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier Tours

The lake's turquoise waters create stunning contrast against November's snow-dusted mountains. Stable weather means reliable access via the 4,794m (15,728ft) Kamba La pass. Clear skies offer unobstructed glacier views that become rare in winter months.

Booking Tip: Day tours typically range ¥800-1,200 ($110-165). Book 5-7 days ahead with operators providing oxygen supplements for high passes. Weather windows are reliable but brief in November. See current tours in booking section below.

Sera Monastery Monk Debates

November's afternoon sunshine warms the debate courtyards, making the famous 3pm philosophical debates comfortable to observe. Clearer air improves acoustics, and fewer tour groups mean better positioning to witness this centuries-old tradition.

Booking Tip: Individual entry costs ¥50 ($7). Arrive by 2:30pm for optimal seating. Combine with guided monastery tours ranging ¥200-350 ($28-48). No advance booking required but check current guided options in booking section below.

Namtso Lake Sacred Camping

November offers the last opportunity for lake access before winter closure. At 4,718m (15,479ft), the lake freezes partially, creating unique ice formations. Crystal clear night skies provide exceptional stargazing opportunities in the thin atmosphere.

Booking Tip: 2-day camping tours cost ¥1,500-2,500 ($210-345) including cold-weather camping gear. Book 10-14 days ahead as weather windows are limited. Operators must provide altitude sickness medication. Check current availability in booking section below.

Traditional Tibetan Medicine Experiences

November's dry air often triggers altitude-related health concerns, making traditional medicine consultations particularly relevant. Local practitioners offer seasonal treatments using herbs harvested in autumn, providing authentic cultural insights unavailable in other months.

Booking Tip: Consultation sessions range ¥300-800 ($42-110) including herbal preparations. Book through licensed cultural centers 3-5 days ahead. Combine with monastery visits for holistic experiences. See current cultural tours in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Late November

Ganden Ngamchö Festival

Commemorating the death of Tsongkhapa, founder of Gelug Buddhism. Thousands of butter lamps illuminate monasteries across Lhasa, creating spectacular nighttime displays against November's clear skies. The festival involves special prayers and offerings at major monasteries.

Mid November

Palden Lhamo Festival

Dedicated to Tibet's principal female protective deity, featuring traditional cham dances and ceremonial processions. November's stable weather ensures outdoor ceremonies proceed as planned, with elaborate costumes and masks displayed in monastery courtyards.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Down-filled jacket rated for -20°C (-4°F) - essential for early morning temple visits and high-altitude excursions where temperatures drop rapidly

SPF 50+ sunscreen and glacier glasses - UV index of 9 at 3,650m (11,975ft) elevation causes severe burns even in cold weather, intensified by snow reflection

Layered thermal system - merino wool base layers, fleece mid-layer, and waterproof shell for temperature swings from -15°C to 10°C (5°F to 50°F)

Altitude sickness medication (Diamox) - November's dry air exacerbates dehydration and altitude symptoms at Lhasa's 3,650m (11,975ft) elevation

Moisturizing cream and lip balm with SPF - 35% humidity combined with intense UV causes rapid skin damage and chapping

Insulated water bottles - liquids freeze in temperatures below -10°C (14°F) during early morning activities

Traction devices for boots - morning frost and ice patches create slippery conditions on monastery stairs and stone pathways

Portable oxygen canister - backup for high-pass crossings above 4,500m (14,764ft) where November weather can change rapidly

Cash in small denominations - ATMs freeze in extreme temperatures and many vendors prefer exact change in winter months

Power bank with cold weather rating - standard electronics fail in sub-zero temperatures common during November nights

Insider Knowledge

November marks the start of 'sky burial season' when frozen ground makes traditional burials impossible - respectful observation opportunities exist at designated sites outside Lhasa with proper permits

Local Tibetans begin consuming more yak butter tea and tsampa in November to build body heat for winter - trying these traditional foods becomes culturally significant rather than just touristic

Many guesthouses offer heated rooms for the first time in November but charge 50-100% premiums - book accommodations with confirmed heating systems or bring sleeping bags rated for indoor temperatures of 5-10°C (41-50°F)

Prayer flag replacement ceremonies peak in November before winter weather makes mountain access difficult - participating in these rituals at sites like Drepung Monastery offers profound cultural experiences unavailable other times

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating nighttime temperature drops - many travelers pack for daytime highs around 10°C (50°F) but aren't prepared for overnight lows of -15°C (5°F)

Assuming winter weather means poor visibility - November actually offers some of the year's clearest mountain views before December cloud cover arrives

Booking summer-weight accommodations - many budget guesthouses don't provide adequate heating, leading to uncomfortable nights and potential health risks