Things to Do in Pakistan in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Pakistan
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak trekking conditions in the north - Hunza Valley, Skardu, and Fairy Meadows have clear skies and stable weather after monsoon season ends. Trails are dry, visibility stretches for miles, and daytime temperatures in Gilgit-Baltistan sit around 12-18°C (54-64°F), perfect for 6-8 hour hiking days without overheating.
- Smog-free air quality in northern regions - While Lahore and other Punjab cities deal with seasonal pollution spikes in November, the mountain areas maintain crystal-clear air. You'll actually see K2 from Concordia viewpoints, and sunrise photography at Attabad Lake delivers those postcard shots without haze.
- Shoulder season pricing drops 30-40% from peak October rates - Hotels in Hunza and Skardu that charge PKR 8,000-12,000 in October fall to PKR 5,000-7,000 by mid-November. Domestic tourism slows as Pakistani families return to work after Eid holidays, so you'll have trails and guesthouses largely to yourself.
- Citrus harvest season brings incredible food experiences - November is when kinoo oranges flood markets in Punjab, pomegranates ripen in Balochistan, and persimmons appear in northern valleys. Street vendors sell fresh-squeezed orange juice for PKR 100-150, and you'll find seasonal fruit incorporated into traditional dishes at roadside dhabas.
Considerations
- Unpredictable weather windows in high-altitude areas - While generally stable, November sits at the edge of winter closure season for passes above 4,000 m (13,123 ft). Khunjerab Pass typically closes mid-November, and sudden snowfall can trap you in Skardu or Chitral for 2-3 days. Flight cancellations from Islamabad to Gilgit happen 20-30% of the time due to cloud cover.
- Significant temperature swings require layered packing - Lahore might hit 28°C (82°F) at midday but drop to 12°C (54°F) at night. In northern areas, you're looking at 15°C (59°F) during the day and near-freezing overnight. This means packing for both warm afternoons and cold mornings, which complicates light travel.
- Limited daylight hours reduce activity time - Sunset arrives around 5:15 PM by late November, giving you roughly 10 hours of usable daylight. For multi-day treks or long drives through mountain passes, this compressed schedule means starting before 7 AM and finishing activities by 4 PM to avoid navigating rough roads in darkness.
Best Activities in November
Hunza Valley autumn trekking routes
November delivers the last reliable weather window before winter closes high passes. The post-harvest landscape shows off golden poplar trees against snow-capped peaks, and trails to Ultar Meadows or Passu Glacier remain accessible without technical equipment. Daytime temperatures stay comfortable for uphill climbs, and the dry conditions mean you're not slipping through mud like you would in August. Most trekkers clear out after October, so popular routes to Eagle's Nest viewpoint feel genuinely quiet.
Lahore heritage walking circuits
Morning temperatures in Lahore sit around 18-20°C (64-68°F) in November, which is actually pleasant for 3-4 hour walking tours through Walled City neighborhoods. The brutal summer heat is gone, and winter fog hasn't arrived yet. You can comfortably explore Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, and the narrow lanes of Androon Shehr between 8 AM-12 PM without melting. The UV index of 8 means you'll still need sun protection, but it's manageable compared to May-August when outdoor walking becomes genuinely miserable by 10 AM.
Skardu and Deosai Plateau jeep expeditions
Deosai Plateau officially closes for winter by late November, so early November represents your last chance to see this 4,000 m (13,123 ft) high-altitude plain before snow makes it inaccessible until June. The landscape shifts to browns and golds after summer's wildflowers fade, but Sheosar Lake still reflects surrounding peaks beautifully. You'll need 4x4 jeeps for the rough tracks, and temperatures drop to near-freezing at night even if days reach 10°C (50°F). Wildlife spotting improves as animals concentrate near remaining water sources before hibernation.
Karachi street food evening circuits
November evenings in Karachi cool to 20-22°C (68-72°F), making outdoor food exploration actually enjoyable rather than sweat-soaked. Burns Road, Boat Basin, and Saddar food streets come alive after 6 PM when the day's heat dissipates. You can comfortably stand at chai stalls, wait for fresh parathas at roadside setups, and navigate crowded markets without the oppressive humidity of summer months. The 70% humidity level is about as good as Karachi gets - still present but not suffocating.
Chitral and Kalash Valley cultural visits
November catches the tail end of accessible weather before winter isolates Kalash valleys. The autumn harvest period brings community activity to villages, and you'll see traditional food preservation methods as families prepare for winter months. Temperatures range 10-15°C (50-59°F) during the day, cool but manageable for village walks and valley exploration. The Lowari Tunnel keeps road access open when the pass itself would be snowbound, though you should still plan for potential weather delays of 1-2 days.
Islamabad and Margalla Hills day hiking
The Margalla Hills trail network offers 2-6 hour hikes with November temperatures perfect for uphill exertion - starting around 12°C (54°F) in early morning and reaching 24°C (75°F) by midday. Trails to Pir Sohawa, Monal, and various viewpoints stay dry and well-defined after monsoon season ends. Air quality in Islamabad remains relatively good compared to Lahore's November smog, so you'll actually enjoy the views rather than staring into haze. Weekend mornings see local hiking groups, but weekday trails stay quiet.
November Events & Festivals
Kinoo Orange harvest season in Punjab
Not a formal festival, but November marks peak harvest for Pakistan's famous kinoo oranges throughout Punjab province. Markets in Sargodha, Lahore, and smaller towns overflow with fresh citrus, and you'll see roadside vendors selling fruit by the crate. This is when you get the sweetest, juiciest oranges at rock-bottom prices - PKR 80-120 per kg compared to PKR 200-300 later in winter. Street vendors squeeze fresh juice on demand, and local families make seasonal preserves.
Urs celebrations at various shrines
Several Sufi shrine urs commemorations fall in November, though exact dates shift with the Islamic lunar calendar. These multi-day gatherings bring qawwali music, night-long devotional sessions, and communal meals at shrines across Punjab and Sindh. The atmosphere blends spiritual devotion with festival energy, and visitors are generally welcome to observe. Check specific shrine calendars closer to travel dates, as lunar calendar shifts mean November dates vary year to year.