Manang, April 29: The collection of the lucrative Himalayan herb Yarsagumba, also known as “Yartsa Gunbu” in Tibetan, has officially begun in Manang. People from nearby districts such as Lamjung, Gorkha, and Dhading have arrived to gather the valuable herb.
In accordance with the Conservation Area Management Regulations 2053, the Conservation Management Directive 2056, and the 2080 Directive on the Management (Collection and Transportation) of Yarsagumba and other herbs in Himalayan National Parks, Reserves, Conservation Areas, and Buffer Zones, individuals must obtain permission from the Area Conservation Office under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) before collecting Yarsagumba. Only after obtaining this permission, the Conservation Management Committees issue collection permits to individuals.
According to Dhak Bahadur Bhujel, head of the Area Conservation Office under ACAP, permits are granted for collection within all forest areas of the conservation zones across local governments. For individuals from outside Manang, permits are issued by the relevant conservation management committees.
Collectors can only proceed to the Himalayan region after receiving approval. In Narpa Bhumi, only residents of the district are allowed to collect Yarsagumba; outsiders are not granted permission due to the area’s remoteness and associated security concerns. Other local levels, however, have allowed collection activities.
Permits are issued only under the leadership of the ACAP Area Office and its management committee. In Namgyal Lek, individuals from both Manang and other districts are allowed to collect Yarsagumba with proper authorization.
Chief District Officer Matrika Acharya mentioned that security measures have been tightened in response to the start of the Yarsagumba collection season. He emphasized that steps have been taken to prevent any untoward incidents.
Collection has started from Namgyal Lek in Nasong Rural Municipality–8, according to the chair of the Conservation Area Management Committee and ward chair Yad Ghale. The ideal time for Yarsagumba collection is from Baisakh (April–May) to the end of Asar (June–July).
Konjo Tenzing Lama, chairperson of Narpa Bhumi Rural Municipality, confirmed that outsiders are not allowed to collect Yarsagumba in Nar and Phu areas due to security concerns. Only locals are permitted to do so. Given the restricted and protected nature of Nar and Phu, such decisions aim to prevent previous security issues.
In other Himalayan regions of Manang, collection begins in Baisakh, while in Narpa Bhumi, it starts from Jestha (May–June).
Buyers from Manang must pay a fee of Rs 20,000 per person, while those from outside the district are charged Rs 40,000. Only after paying Rs 35,000 for a permit are collectors allowed to access the collection areas. Among Manang’s four local governments, Yarsagumba is found in all except Dharapani and Thoche.
Major Yarsagumba-rich areas include Namgyal Lek, Kincho Lek, Yak Lek, Pisang Lek, Phu Lek, Manang Lek, Ice Lak, Syakyu Lek, and Thorong La Lek. #nepal #yarsha
