KATHMANDU: The collection of the highly valued medicinal fungus Yarsagumba has officially begun in various high-altitude areas of Mustang district, with local authorities and conservation bodies enforcing regulated harvesting procedures.
In the lower region of Mustang, under Thasang Rural Municipality, collection has started in high pastures of Kunjo, Kowang, and Tukuche, which fall under conservation area management committees. The rare herb is also being harvested in other traditional collection zones across Baragung Muktikshetra, Gharapjhong, and Thasang, where seasonal collection typically runs from mid-April to late June.
Yarsagumba, found at altitudes between 3,000 and 6,000 meters, attracts hundreds of local residents, seasonal workers, and collectors from outside the district each year who travel to high Himalayan meadows during the harvesting season.
According to officials of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project in Jomsom, local Conservation Area Management Committees (CAMCs) are issuing permits after collecting fees and enforcing strict guidelines for collection.
These regulations include measures to prevent illegal harvesting, forest fires, and other potential criminal or environmental risks during the season.
In Kowang, Thasang, the committee has already distributed collection permits, as informed by committee chair Jeevan Thakali. Local collectors are charged Rs 3,500, while outsiders are required to pay Rs 7,000.
So far, 87 individuals—including nine locals—have received permits for designated collection sites such as Mulikharka, Muli, Padke, Thulo Sare, and Sano Sare.
Similarly, permits have been issued for Batase area, where 45 collectors have been authorized. The Tukuche committee has set fees of Rs 1,000 for locals and Rs 3,000 for outsiders.
Collection has also begun in Kunjo Lek, while the Gharapjhong Conservation Area Committee plans to open collection permits from May 8.
In the Jomsom area, locals from Jomsom, Thini, and Dhumba villages are charged Rs 4,000, whereas those residing temporarily in the area must pay Rs 6,000.
The Baragung Muktikshetra Conservation Area Management Committee has announced that harvesting in areas such as Mukti Nath, Liri, Risamba, and Chhimi Gwa will open from May 16.
Authorities have also mandated a royalty fee of Rs 3,100 for anyone transporting Yarsagumba outside the district.
Officials emphasize that the permit system is designed not only to regulate collection but also to protect fragile alpine ecosystems and ensure safety in the high-altitude harvesting zones.
