The Mongolian Herding Calendar
Out of Mongolia’s current population of 3.2 million (according to the 2020 Census), approximately 230,000 households continue the traditional herding lifestyle. These families, managing around 71 million head of livestock (as of December 2022), move between pastures throughout the year, making the most of the seasons.
The daily routine of herders is shaped by the time of year, weather conditions, and the specific needs of their livestock, commonly known as the Five Snouts (sheep, goats, cattle, camels, and horses). Each season brings its own set of challenges and tasks, from birthing and milking to migrating and shearing.
Below, you’ll find an impression of the Mongolian herding calendar – an overview of the main annual activities carried out by Mongolia’s herders, including the families with whom we have established long-term community partnerships. Mongolia is a vast and diverse country, so these activities can vary significantly from one region to another. Even within a single province, the tasks and routines of herders may differ.
The Impact of Climate Change on Mongolia’s Herders
Mongolia’s herding way of life faces an uncertain future due to the impacts of climate change. Since 1940, average temperatures in Mongolia have increased by 1.8-2.2°C. This rise, combined with the pressures of modern life, is altering how herders live and work in the countryside.
For example, due to lack of pasture, some families now only migrate twice a year whereas previously it would have been 6-8 times a year. Other families move their livestock closer to a town or city so they can better access markets to sell their meat and so their children have better access to education opportunities. These changes not only challenge traditional practices but also highlight the resilience and adaptability of Mongolia’s herding communities.
If you’re curious to learn more, we recommend this insightful article written by a Mongolian Ph.D. candidate, now based in Ulaanbaatar, who grew up in a herding family. It offers a firsthand perspective on how climate change and modernisation are reshaping nomadic life.
Spring - March through to early May
In early spring, Mongolia’s herders remain in their winter pastures, tending to their livestock as the harsh winter gradually gives way to milder conditions. Around mid-March, the animals begin to give birth, marking the start of the lambing and calving season. Goats are combed for their valuable cashmere wool, and the castration of sheep and goats is carried out to manage herd dynamics. As spring progresses, herders prepare to move from their winter or spring pastures to their summer grazing areas, typically located near a reliable water source. This transition involves guiding livestock to the first green shoots of spring, ensuring consistent access to water by clearing ice from wells and rivers, and making necessary repairs to gers and equipment damaged by winter storms. As the animals start to lactate, milking resumes, and dairy production kicks off, bringing fresh milk into the herders’ daily routine. Despite the challenges of early spring, this time marks a period of renewal and hard work as herders embrace the new season with resilience and dedication.
The Gobi Desert in southern Mongolia experiences extreme weather with burning heat in summer, freezing temperatures in the winter and strong winds in spring and autumn. The Bactrian camel has adapted to the harshness of the environment and its wool has thermostatic properties which can protect and insulate the animal from extreme cold conditions as well as keeping it cool during the hot summers. Traditionally, herders collected the wool as the animal sheds its coat. Although shearing is now more commonplace, the wool over the humps remains covered as this is said to improve disease resistance and helps to protect the camel in the spring if there is a severe weather event such as a blizzard. The wool is highly sought after for clothes production in Mongolia.
One of the three mainstays of the Mongolian economy is animal husbandry, and one offshoot of this is cashmere production with Mongolian-produced cashmere being considered world-class as it is typically not mixed with lower standard wool. It’s the long-length, thin-diameter fibres that give Mongolian cashmere its quality.
Summer - Late May to early September
During the summer months, the primary focus for Mongolia’s herders is guiding their livestock in search of rich pastures, ensuring the animals fatten up to survive the harsh winter ahead. Livestock are typically herded in groups based on species, although sheep and goats are often kept together. Maintaining the animals’ health and building their strength during the summer is crucial for their long-term survival.
Milking becomes a central activity, with all animals being milked to produce Tsagaan Idee – the traditional dairy products of Mongolia. While most animals are milked throughout the season, horses are typically milked later, around the start of Naadam in July. They are milked 6-7 times a day to produce airag – fermented mare’s milk with an alcohol content of approximately 1.5-2.3%. This refreshing and mildly alcoholic beverage is a cherished part of summer life.
There are regional varieties, but milk products in Mongolia can be broadly classified as fat or protein-based or fermented and range from sun-dried curds known as aaruul to the infamous airag, the fermented mare’s milk. When the quantity of milk or by-products is too small to process, it is accumulated over some days, allowed to sour naturally and then treated. An important part of the Mongolian herding calendar is the milking of mares – they are milked up to six or seven times per day in the summer and the milk is poured into a large open skin sack (or now a large plastic barrel). Within this container, the milk gets pummelled up to 800-1000 times with a wooden masher to aid fermentation. The stirring needs to be repeated regularly; traditionally, anyone entering or leaving the ger would do a few strokes.
Another key summer task is sheep shearing, as their wool is collected and processed. Although sheep wool holds little financial value, it plays an important role in daily life as it is used to make eskii – the felt that insulates Mongolian gers. Meanwhile, Naadam horses undergo rigorous training in preparation for the Naadam Festival, held countrywide in July, where horse racing is a major event.
Summer also brings a change in family dynamics, as children are home from school from June 1st onward. They actively participate in daily tasks, helping with herding, milking, and other seasonal activities, making summer a time of both hard work and family cooperation.
Autumn - September and October
During the autumn months, herding remains a central activity for Mongolia’s nomadic families as they continue guiding their livestock to good pastures, preparing them for the approaching winter. Milking also continues until the 1st of September, after which some families may still milk their sheep, goats, or cows, but this practice varies from family to family. The milk collected during this period is essential for producing dairy products that will sustain the family through the colder months.
Autumn is also a time for utilising animal wool and hair, which can be processed into felt products that are crucial for insulating gers and making clothing. Where resources allow, families cut their winter hay, storing it to feed livestock during the bitter winter months.
As September begins, so does the new school year, and families face the challenge of financing their children’s education. To cover school fees, some families take out loans from local banks, while others may sell livestock to gather the necessary funds.
Repair work becomes a priority as herders focus on reinforcing their winter shelters, ensuring they are sturdy enough to withstand harsh weather. It’s also a practical time for culling livestock, reducing herd sizes to balance the availability of winter fodder. Additionally, young horses are branded during this period – a traditional practice that helps maintain ownership and herd management.
Autumn is a transitional period, marked by the careful balancing of resources, family responsibilities, and preparation for the long winter ahead. Despite the challenges, it is a season of purposeful activity, as herding families ensure their livestock and households are well-prepared for the colder months.
Winter - November to February
During the winter months, Mongolia’s herding families settle at their winter pastures, where survival becomes the primary focus. Water sources are scarce and often frozen, so families collect drinking water from nearby water points, such as frozen rivers, wells, or by melting ice. Despite the harsh conditions, herding continues, with a strong emphasis on protecting livestock from predators like wolves and ensuring that animals can reach feed buried beneath the snow.
To withstand the extreme cold, gers are insulated with extra layers of felt, and animal shelters are fortified with dung insulation to trap warmth. Protecting both the family and the livestock from the severe winter weather is essential.
With limited daylight and relentless cold, life during winter often feels like a semi-hibernation for herding families. Tasks are done efficiently, and evenings are spent indoors, conserving energy and warmth.
One of the few breaks from the routine comes with Tsagaan Sar, the Mongolian Lunar New Year (also known as the White Month), celebrated in late January or February. This holiday marks a time for families to come together, share traditional foods, and honour both the past year and the new beginnings ahead.
Winter is a season of endurance, requiring resilience, resourcefulness, and a deep connection to the rhythms of nature. Despite the challenges, Mongolia’s herders continue to uphold their traditions, adapting to the season while protecting their animals and preserving their way of life.
Female members of the Zorgio family based at Tsagaan Suvraga White Stupa) in the Gobi Desert during Tsagaan Sar (White Month) – Mongolia’s Lunar New Year. In the words of our guest Ross Briggs: ‘On to our hosts, the Zorgio family. We are invited into the main ger, it is beautiful. Centre at the back of the ger is the Tsagaan Sar feast. A stack of large biscuits, 9 high topped with dried cheeses, dried yoghurt, white sweets and sugar cubes. Around this are plates of buuz, potato salad, pressed mutton, salami and gherkins, pickled vegetables, a large bowl of sweets and beverages. The eldest daughter serves us individually, milk tea first followed by airag (here it is fermented camel milk, I like it) followed by all the dishes and beverages ending with a shot of vodka. The hospitality is marvellous.’
If you’re curious about experiencing a slice of traditional Mongolian herding life, why not explore our Mongolian Nomads’ Migration post? It offers insights into how we can arrange for you to join a family on their seasonal migration, immersing you in one of the most authentic aspects of nomadic culture.
Alternatively, take a look at our Mongolia tours, which include a range of homestay experiences. You’ll have the opportunity to stay with the families we partner with through long-term community collaborations, gaining a deeper understanding of their way of life while actively supporting local communities.
Jess @ Eternal Landscapes
