When are Cordyceps Collected in Nepal?

Every year during May and June, thousands of villagers from remote areas risking their own lives head for high mountains to collect yarsagumba.Dolpa ? a remote district in western Nepal with high steep valleys and dry climate is one of the foremost areas for collecting yarsagumba. Almost 50% of the annual supply of yarsagumba comes from Dolpa alone. Here, not only the adults but school goers also take unofficial holidays in search of the gold rush.

Collection of yarsagumba was illegal until 2001 but following its popularity and the lobbying from various organizations, the Government lifted the ban but imposed a certain royalty rate per kilogram (2.2lbs). Tthe price of Cordyceps has been shooting up so as the international interest on the mysterious half-caterpillar-half-mushroom known as yarsagumba.