Things to Do in Lhasa in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Lhasa
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Crystal-clear skies and exceptional visibility - November sits right in the middle of Lhasa's dry season, meaning you'll get those postcard-perfect views of the Himalayas without the summer haze. The air is so clear you can see mountain ranges 100 km (62 miles) away, and the Potala Palace photographs beautifully against impossibly blue skies.
- Significantly fewer tourists than peak summer months - You'll actually be able to walk through Jokhang Temple without being part of a massive tour group shuffle. Accommodation prices drop by 30-40% compared to July-August, and you can book quality guesthouses for 300-500 RMB per night instead of the 600+ summer rates.
- Intense but manageable cold with brilliant sunshine - The UV index of 8 at this altitude (3,650 m or 11,975 ft) means daytime temperatures feel surprisingly comfortable in the sun, even when it's technically only 10°C (50°F). Locals say November is when Lhasa shows its true personality - crisp mornings that warm up beautifully by midday.
- Major Tibetan festivals and authentic cultural experiences - November 2026 will likely see preparations for Palden Lhamo Festival (typically late November or early December), and you'll witness monks preparing for winter rituals. The absence of peak tourist crowds means pilgrims outnumber visitors at sacred sites, giving you a more genuine sense of living Buddhism.
Considerations
- Brutal nighttime temperatures and genuine altitude challenges - When the sun drops at 7pm, temperatures plummet to -3°C (27°F) or lower, and at 3,650 m (11,975 ft) elevation, the thin air makes it feel even colder. Budget guesthouses often have inconsistent heating, and you'll genuinely need thermal layers even indoors after dark. Altitude sickness hits harder in cold weather too.
- Limited access to remote monasteries and high-altitude sites - Mountain passes above 5,000 m (16,404 ft) can be closed or extremely difficult to reach in November. Namtso Lake trips become challenging as temperatures there drop to -15°C (5°F), and some tour operators simply won't run these routes. If visiting remote areas is your main goal, you're better off coming in May or September.
- Permit processing takes longer and requires more advance planning - Tibet Travel Permits for foreign visitors typically take 15-20 working days in November, and you absolutely cannot enter Tibet without one. You'll need to book through a registered travel agency, join an organized tour with a guide, and have your entire itinerary locked down weeks before arrival. Independent travel is not possible.
Best Activities in November
Potala Palace and Historic Center Walking Tours
November is actually ideal for exploring Lhasa's UNESCO sites because the cold keeps crowds minimal and the dry air means you can spend hours outside without weather interruptions. The Potala Palace limits daily visitors to 2,300, but in November you'll rarely hit that cap. Morning visits (9-11am) give you the best light for photography and temperatures around 8-10°C (46-50°F) in the sun. The lack of summer monsoon moisture means ancient murals and thangkas are easier to see without humidity damage or protective coverings. Budget 4-5 hours for a thorough Potala visit, then another 2-3 hours for Jokhang Temple and Barkhor circuit in the afternoon when it warms to 13°C (55°F).
Sera Monastery Monk Debate Sessions
The famous monk debates happen year-round, but November offers the best viewing conditions because the courtyard isn't packed with tour groups and the afternoon timing (3-5pm) coincides with the warmest part of the day at 12-13°C (54-55°F). You'll sit on cold stone, so bring a cushion, but the dry weather means you can stay comfortable for the full two hours. The debates are genuine theological training, not performances, and in November you'll see more serious scholarly exchanges with fewer interruptions. The hand-clapping and philosophical arguments are mesmerizing, and guides can explain the debate topics if you book tours that include translation services.
Ganden Monastery Day Hikes
Ganden sits at 4,300 m (14,108 ft) and offers spectacular kora (pilgrimage circuit) hikes that are actually more accessible in November than summer. The trails are dry and stable, without the muddy conditions from monsoon rains, though you'll need to start early (7-8am) to complete the 4-5 hour circuit before afternoon winds pick up. The high-altitude hiking is challenging but the clear skies give you unobstructed views of the Kyichu Valley. November temperatures at Ganden range from -5°C to 8°C (23°F to 46°F), so this is serious cold-weather hiking. The monastery itself is less crowded, and you can explore the assembly halls and monk quarters without tour group congestion.
Yamdrok Lake Scenic Drives
This turquoise lake at 4,441 m (14,570 ft) is one of Tibet's holiest sites, and November offers the clearest views you'll get all year. The lake doesn't freeze until late December, so you'll see the full color contrast between turquoise water and snow-capped peaks. The drive crosses Kamba La Pass at 4,794 m (15,728 ft), which stays open in November but requires warm clothing since temperatures at the pass hover around -8°C to 2°C (18°F to 36°F). Full-day tours combine Yamdrok with Karola Glacier viewpoints and traditional Tibetan villages. The dry roads make this much safer than summer monsoon conditions when landslides are common.
Traditional Tibetan Medicine and Hot Spring Experiences
November's cold weather makes this the perfect time to experience Tibetan hot springs, which locals use for winter health treatments. Tidrum Nunnery hot springs, about 130 km (81 miles) from Lhasa, offer natural geothermal pools at 4,300 m (14,108 ft) elevation. The contrast between -5°C (23°F) air and 40°C (104°F) spring water is intense but therapeutic. You'll also find Tibetan medicine hospitals in Lhasa offering consultations and traditional treatments - November is when locals seek preventive care before deep winter. These experiences give you insight into living Tibetan culture beyond the monastery circuit.
Tibetan Cooking Classes and Tea House Cultural Sessions
November is when Tibetan families prepare for winter, making traditional foods like dried yak meat and butter tea supplies. Cooking classes teach you to make momos (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and tsampa (roasted barley flour) - the staples that sustained Tibetans through harsh winters for centuries. These indoor activities are perfect for November afternoons when you need a break from the cold. Tea house sessions let you join locals drinking butter tea and sweet tea while playing mahjong or dice games. You'll learn why butter tea isn't just a drink but a calorie source crucial for altitude living.
November Events & Festivals
Palden Lhamo Festival Preparations
While the main Palden Lhamo Festival typically falls in late November or early December depending on the lunar calendar, November sees extensive preparations at major monasteries. Monks create elaborate torma (ritual sculptures) and practice ceremonial dances. You'll witness the behind-the-scenes work that makes Tibetan festivals spectacular - watching monks debate ceremonial details, prepare costumes, and conduct preliminary rituals. This isn't a tourist event but actual religious preparation, giving you rare insight into how these ancient traditions continue.
Winter Pilgrimage Season Beginning
November marks the start of winter pilgrimage season when Tibetan and Nepali pilgrims complete koras before deep winter sets in. You'll see increased prostration pilgrims around Jokhang Temple and the Lingkhor (outer pilgrimage circuit around Lhasa). The atmosphere becomes more devotional and less touristy. Joining these circuits at dawn (7-8am) when pilgrims are most active gives you an authentic spiritual experience. Bring warm layers since temperatures at dawn are around -3°C (27°F).