Yarsha Gumbu
Yarchagumbu means summer plant and winter insect in Tibetan. Before the rainy season begins, spores of the cordyceps mushroom settle on the heads of caterpillars’ that lives underground. The fungus gets so much into the body of the caterpillars’ that it grows out through its head and drains all the energy from the insect and ultimately it dies.
Yarchagumbu is a rare and unique herb that grows in the meadows above 3,500 meters in the Himalayan region of Nepal.For the last couple of years, the trade of yarchagumba has been increasing and it has been regarded as an expensive life saving tonic. Headache, toothache or any other disease - yarsagumba is the remedy. And not only that, it is also believed to be a cure for sexual impotency .
Map of Manang where Yarcha Gumbu is found
Every year during May and June, thousands of villagers from remote areas especially from Gorkha,Dhading & Pokhara risking their own lives come to Manang to collect yarsagumba. It is estimated that one good piece of yarcha would cost around 1000 to 1200 NPR .
Yak hotel -Yak Kharka
Yak hotel was established by Tshering Gurung around 27 years now his sons have taken over to serve the trekkers who trek through thorong pass. Lately they have been renting room to people who come to collect yarcha. Almost 100 people live in this hotel in small rooms and even in the tents. Tha yarcha collectors wake up very early and go hunting all day . In the evening people come back to their camps to rest and for some snacks.
