How do the Himalayas create a rain shadow over the Gobi Desert?

The Himalayas create a rain shadow over the Gobi Desert by acting as a massive physical barrier to moisture-laden air masses. As air moving from the Indian Ocean encounters these high mountain ranges, it is forced to rise, causing it to cool and release its moisture as precipitation on the windward side. By the time this air passes over the mountains and reaches the Gobi, it has lost much of its water content, resulting in the arid conditions characteristic of the region.1