Best Time to Visit Karakorum

When is the Best Time to Visit Karakorum?

June to September is undoubtedly the best time to visit Karakorum for the following reasons.

1. Karakorum enjoys the most pleasant weather during this time and visitors feel neither burning hot nor freezing cold. The daytime high temperatures mostly fluctuate between 19 and 32 degrees Celsius (66 - 90 degrees Fahrenheit), rarely going over 35℃ (95℉) even in hottest July. Though local rainy season falls in this period, the precipitation is not high compared throughout the world, no more than 100mm (3.94 in) monthly, thus making it neither uncomfortably dry nor humid. Moreover, especially long daytime and abundant sunlight allow you to explore Karakorum in depth and agreeably.

Abundant Sunshine in Karakorum

Luxuriant Grassland in Summer

2. What’s more, natural views show distinctive and unique charms in different periods, for example vibrant grassland in July and August, high-flow Orkhon Waterfall in August and golden landscape in late September. The stunning primitive scenery is definitely a pleasing feast both for your eyes and mind. 

3. In addition, visitors can engage in plenty of wonderful activities from June to September. Local Naadam Fair and Yak/Horse Festival are held in July during which excellent competitions and performances are presented. Except that, you can also have fun by appreciating the Milky Way at midnight and attending campfire party.

Peak Season & Slack Season

Peak Season: July - August

The pleasant temperatures, fantastic natural scenery and lively festivals collectively contribute to the largest number of visitors in July and August who come to Karakorum to escape hot summer. With the arrival of summer and rainy season, the landscape presents the most vibrant and vigorous views in this period. Many visitors crowd into Karakorum to appreciate the natural attractions in their prime and spend an interesting as well as fulfilling journey. 

Specifically, middle July is the most crowded period since the local residents also enjoy their long holidays during this time. Even though, long queues and sea of people can be hardly seen since most scenic spots in Karakorum cover a large area. 

Visiting Erdene Zuu Monastery in Summer

However, the air tickets and hotel rooms are in greater demand and their prices goes quite high in peak travel season. To make a relatively economical Karakorum trip, you are suggested to make reservations as early as possible after your schedule is settled down.

Shoulder Season: June, September - October

As the shoulder season of Karakorum travel, June, September and October see a smaller number of visitors since most tourists travel there mainly in July and August for luxuriant grassland. At the same time, the slightly cool even cold weather in these months is another possible reason. Enlarged temperature difference between day and night require visitors to pay close attention to.

In June, the grass hasn’t grown high enough and exuberant yet, though the ground has turned green. In early September, yellowish green dominates, and then the grassland turns mostly yellow in next week. Finally, a golden autumn can be seen earliest in middle September and latest in middle October. In the last half month of October, it has become completely brown and bleak.

Autumn Scenery in Karakorum

Therefore, some visitors still choose to visit Karakorum during this time since they prefer the special natural views. As the weather is not bitterly cold for outdoor visits, it is also a good choice to avoid crowds to gain an economical and serene trip in the three months.

Slack Season: November - Next May

Snow-covered Landscape in Winter

Throughout the year, November to next May is least chosen to pay a Karakorum visit. It is mainly caused by unfavorable weather conditions and bleak natural views. 

The extremely low temperature which keeps below -20℃ (-4℉) in most time is the biggest challenge for visitors to conduct sightseeing outdoors. Though obvious temperature rise is seen in April and May, sudden drops often occur and bring you back to winter. The weather is so changeable that strong winds and heavy snow might hit suddenly even in May. Meanwhile, most scenic spots shorten their opening time during this time, making the already insufficient daytime less available. 

Besides, the natural scenery during this period is less attractive. The whole landscape is frozen and snow-covered from November and next March; it is not until April that the ice and snow start to melt gradually. Entering into May when snow cover almost melts away completely, barren land emerges and grasses sprout; only lightly and palely green grassland can be seen after middle May.

However, there are still a few visitors who visit Karakorum in winter especially during December to February because of the magnificent snow views. For them, Orkhon River with thick ice cover and frozen Orkhon Waterfall are of exclusive beauty and charm.