How far can nomadic herds migrate in the Gobi Desert?

In the Gobi Desert, nomadic livestock raising is a primary economic activity, with herds typically moving several times throughout the year. These nomadic groups migrate as much as 120 miles (190 km) between their extreme points of travel.1

This movement is essential for finding adequate pasturage for livestock, which includes sheep, goats, cattle, and Bactrian camels. While these specific distances apply to the Gobi, nomadic pastoralists in broader steppe regions have historically followed seasonal patterns that can span 400–500 miles (640–800 km) across open country or along mountain slopes.12