Asia is a large continent, and its inner parts receive very few clouds from the distant oceans. This is why Central Asia receives so little rainfall. It is dominated by deserts and temperate grassland or steppes. 

The steppe is a treeless vegetation zone. Grasses and bulbous plants are the most common vegetation types in this temperate grassland. The soil is beneficial for agriculture, but it is only possible with the help of artificial irrigation. 

The vast Arabian Peninsula is covered by plantless desert. Similarly, the large Gobi Desert of Central Asia is almost completely without plant life. Despite this, it is still inhabited by Asian camels and wild horses. 

Alpine vegetation is found on the slopes of the Himalayan mountain range. It consists mostly of lichens, mosses and low grasses and shrubs. The highest peaks are covered by snow and glaciers. 

Although the highest peaks of the Himalayas are over 8 kilometers tall, some migrating birds travel over the mountain range every summer. These birds nest in northern coniferous forests and bogs, but return to South Asia for the winter.