Yarsagompo (Cordiseps Synesis) Jeevanbutti

Dolpa is known for the immense deposit of natural and cultural treasure. The vast biodiversity can be experienced everywhere in the huge geographical expanse. It has been presumed that several precious species of herbs can be available within this vast spread land. Unfortunately, very few species have been in focus till now that is also only for its raw market values.
Lets take “Yarsagumpo” the latest natural cash crop which is found naturally grown. There is no any tension in pre investment for the cultivation, nature have provided it in readymade form with high trade value. In fact this is the Living Gold gifted by nature. When the warm or larva (according to some experimenters it is supposed to be the larva of Tiger Moth) hibernates in the snow after then a kind of mushroom is grown from it, when the snow melts the creature with mushroom is seen along the pastures remaining as half animal and half plant. When it is dragged out from the earth it is alive but just for a short time. When it is gently brushed, it shines yellowish like gold therefore it is called the Living gold.
When the snow on the pastures starts to melt the hope of the harvesters start to bloom. Everybody wishes to have this living gold instead of green healthy grass for the cattle the source of living since their existence around these pastures.
It seems to be the easiest way of earning but one has to risk the life for it. The collectors have to suffer different hazards like altitude sickness, different problems due to lack of essential equipments. Moreover, there is no any certainty of earnings and even life because the number of collectors is increasing every season and in other hand the fast money makers (robbers)are being active as we got to know about several murder cases in the field since last few years.
During the month of June and July most of the people are not available in their houses except the old ones. All the members who can take self care go to the Yarsa field for the collection. Not only the local, there are many others from the neighboring districts make their way to the pastures of Dolpo in the hope of good collection.
In these recent days this strange species has become the easiest source of income for most of the families and the huge money making business for the traders. Though it is so popular the people are still unknown about the ultimate utility and the real value of this strange species.
Now so many questions arise about this strange thing. What is it in real? What could be the real value? How long will it sustain? What will be the environmental impacts of harvesting?
Before the way out of these questions let us observe the recent socio impact: people have started the easy earnings instead of their hardship in agriculture ultimately they are being totally dependent in ready products.

Yarsagumba Collection Experince Trek (23 Days)

BBC documentary film maker called as “Himalayan Viagra” as its sexual tonic property. The name of YARSAGUMBA means (summer grass, winter worm) in Tibetan language, for a rare fungus that parasites on the body of a caterpillar of a moth (genus THITARODES). This so-called CATERPILLAR FUNGUS (CORDYCEPS SINENSIS) grows only at elevation 3500m -4500m altitude of Tibet, Nepal, China, Bhutan and North-East India. For its medicinal values, YARSAGUMBA has been an important component for a many of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine. However, due to a constantly growing demand and the difficulties in harvesting, YARSAGUMBA has become the most expansive medicinal substance in the world. The harvesting period of yarsagumba is June & July. So during this month’s all the people of Dolpo region were go to pasture and camp there to collect the yarsagumba.
This trek is unique and first time in Nepal ever done by any trekking agencies. So in this trek we explore the Yarsagumba abounding places. We guide you to take on pasture and feel of real & live experiences of yarsagumba harvesting process. In this trek we will take you to pasture and you also can involve collecting the yarsagumba & interaction with local people (Yarsagumba Collector) which will be the wonderful experience. The following are our outline itineraries. But based on your interest we will make optional itineraries too.