Dolpa to Open Yarsagumba Collection Season from Jestha 10

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Dolpa to Open Yarsagumba Collection Season from Jestha 10

Dolpa to Open Yarsagumba Collection Season from Jestha 10

Ecosphere News Correspondent 2026-05-05 18:54:00

Dolpa, Nepal - Authorities in Dolpa district have decided to officially open all designated Yarsagumba collection sites from Jestha 10 (late May), marking the beginning of the annual harvesting season of the high-value Himalayan fungus.
The decision was made during an all-party meeting held on Tuesday, reflecting a coordinated agreement among local stakeholders to regulate and manage the collection period. According to Bigyan Sen, Acting Office Chief of Shey-Phoksundo National Park, the move aims to ensure systematic harvesting while maintaining ecological balance in the fragile alpine ecosystem.
Yarsagumba, known scientifically as Ophiocordyceps sinensis, is a rare medicinal fungus that grows in high-altitude regions of Nepal, including Dolpa. It is one of the most valuable natural products collected in the Himalayas, providing a critical seasonal income source for thousands of local households.
Each year, the opening of Yarsagumba collection sites draws large numbers of collectors to Dolpa’s remote pastures. While the harvest significantly contributes to the local economy, it also raises concerns regarding overharvesting, environmental degradation, and the need for sustainable management practices.
Officials have emphasized the importance of adhering to regulations during the collection season, including designated harvesting periods and conservation guidelines, to protect biodiversity within the national park and surrounding areas.
The coordinated decision to open all collection sites simultaneously is expected to improve monitoring efforts and reduce conflicts among collectors, while supporting both livelihoods and conservation priorities in the region.
#Yarsagumba #Dolpa #SheyPhoksundo #HimalayanEconomy #SustainableHarvest #Biodiversity #Nepal #Environment #EcosphereNews

Published Date 2026-05-05 18:54:00