Makalu Barun National Park to open Yarsagumba collection from June 8

SANKHUWASABHA: Makalu Barun National Park has announced that the collection of the high-value medicinal herb Yarsagumba will begin from June 8.

Information Officer Sanskar Subedi said permission has been granted for collection for one month from the same date.

According to him, two species of Yarsagumba are found within the park area. The park office has arranged permit distribution through Makalu Barun National Park headquarters Hedangnagadhi, Hatiya Sector Office (Bhotkhola Rural Municipality-3), Seduwa Sector Office (Makalu-2), Gola Post (Bhotkhola-4), Tamku Sector Office (Silichong-3), Bung Sector Office (Mahakulung-1, Solukhumbu), and Cheskam Rain Post (Mahakulung-3, Solukhumbu).

Individuals or groups obtaining permits will be allowed to collect Yarsagumba from June 8 to July 8. Subedi said collectors are allowed to carry permit documents, first aid supplies, essential medicines, cooking gas or stoves, and tarpaulins for shelter. However, the use of explosives, khukuri, knives, ropes, snares, spears, slingshots, loudspeakers, drum sets and similar items has been prohibited during the collection period.

Yarsagumba is found in Makalu Rural Municipality, Bhotkhola and Silichong rural municipalities, and parts of Mahakulung Rural Municipality in Solukhumbu district. It is a major source of income for residents of the high Himalayan region, helping them meet household expenses and education costs.

The park office has fixed an entry fee of Rs 500 for locals within the buffer zone, Rs 2,000 for residents of Sankhuwasabha and Solukhumbu outside the buffer zone, and Rs 3,000 for those from outside the district.

The park has previously generated over Rs 5 million annually from Yarsagumba collection. Although top-grade Yarsagumba can fetch up to Rs 4 million per kilogram, traders say it is usually sold locally at Rs 550,000 to Rs 750,000 per kilogram. Most of the collected Yarsagumba is exported to Tibet and China via Kathmandu.

Makalu Barun National Park spans about 1,500 square kilometres across Sankhuwasabha and Solukhumbu districts.