Weather in Karakorum

About Karakorum

Ruins of Genghis Khan's 13th-century imperial capital lie scattered across windswept steppe where Erdene Zuu Monastery now stands as a spiritual successor. Stone foundations, carved monuments, and historical artifacts reveal the sophistication of the Great Khan's administrative center. Walking this site connects visitors directly to one of history's most pivotal civilizations.

Country

Mongolia

Best months to visit

June, July

Currency

MNT

Language

Mongolian

Things to do in Karakorum

Explore Erdene Zuu Monastery's temple grounds View khachkar stone carvings and monuments Visit the Karakorum Museum of artifacts Ride horses across the historic plains Photograph reconstructed palace foundations Camp beside ancient capital ruins under stars

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

-8C

Cold, and mostly sunny skies.

February

-5C

Cold, and mostly sunny skies.

March

Cold, and mostly sunny skies.

April

11C

Cool, and mostly sunny skies.

May

17C

Cool, with occasional showers.

Recommended

June

23C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

Recommended

July

24C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

August

22C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

September

17C

Cool, with occasional showers.

October

Cold, and mostly sunny skies.

November

-1C

Cold, and mostly sunny skies.

December

-7C

Cold, and mostly sunny skies.

Karakorum was once the capital of the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan's successors, the political centre of the largest contiguous land empire in history — though almost nothing of the original city remains above ground today. What draws visitors now is the nearby Erdene Zuu Monastery, built from the ruins of the old capital, and the sense of standing on ground that once commanded half the known world.

Best areas to stay in Karakorum

Erdene Zuu Monastery

The walled 16th-century monastery complex built on the site of the former Mongol capital, the area's main attraction.

Karakorum Museum

A modern museum near the monastery displaying artefacts from excavations of the ancient capital.

Kharkhorin Town

The small modern town adjacent to the historic site, with basic guesthouses and ger camps.

Orkhon River Valley

The wider valley surrounding Karakorum, part of the UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape.

Getting to Karakorum

✈

Flights

Fly into Ulaanbaatar's Chinggis Khaan International Airport (ULN) and continue by road.

⏱

From London

Flight times to Ulaanbaatar vary significantly by origin; plus 5-7 hours by road to Karakorum.

🚕

Getting around

Most visitors travel by hired vehicle or organised tour, as public transport options in the region are limited.

Frequently asked questions

What can you actually see in Karakorum today?

Very little of the original 13th-century capital survives visibly, but the Erdene Zuu Monastery, built partly from its stones, and a small museum give context to the site's significance.

How far is Karakorum from Ulaanbaatar?

About 350-370km, roughly 5-7 hours by road depending on conditions, making it typically an overnight stop on a longer Mongolian itinerary.

What is Erdene Zuu Monastery?

One of Mongolia's oldest surviving Buddhist monasteries, built in the 16th century on the site of the former Mongol capital, with walls studded with stupas.

When is the best time to visit Karakorum?

June to September offers the most accessible roads and mildest weather; the steppe surrounding the site is greenest in midsummer.

Is Karakorum worth visiting if I have limited time in Mongolia?

If touring central Mongolia, yes — it's a meaningful historical stop, but those with very limited time often prioritise the Gobi or Terelj instead, which are easier day trips from Ulaanbaatar.

Traveler reviews

★★★★☆

There isn't much left of the old capital itself, but Erdene Zuu Monastery and the museum do a good job of putting it in context. The drive across the steppe to get there is part of the experience.

Bat-Erdene Ts. · July 2024

★★★★☆

Stopped here as part of a longer central Mongolia loop. The monastery's setting on the open steppe, with horses grazing nearby, was beautiful.

Sarah N. · August 2023

★★★☆☆

Worth a visit for the history, though manage expectations — it's more about imagining what was here than seeing grand ruins. The museum helped a lot with that.

Tom G. · June 2024