People flock to Bajhang highlands for yarsagumba harvest

Local markets are buzzing with activity as people shop for stay in the mountains for months. Yarsagumba fetches up to Rs2 million a kilo in the district.

Anjana Bohara from Surma Rural Municipality in the mountain district of Bajhang had headed to the highlands on April 14 to collect yarsagumba (Ophiocordyceps sinensis), a caterpillar fungus prized for its purported medicinal properties. But she returned home after a few days to cast her vote in the April 27 by-election in the district.