Makalu Barun Opens One-Month Yarsagumba Harvest Window Starting June 7

Makalu Barun National Park in Sankhuwasabha has announced that collectors will be allowed to gather Yarsagumba starting June 7, opening a one-month harvest window for one of Nepal’s most valuable medicinal herbs.

According to Information Officer Sanskar Subedi, the collection period will remain open for one month across multiple locations inside the park. Permits can be obtained from designated offices, including Hedangnagadhi and Hatiya, before collectors head into the high-altitude areas where the fungus is found.

A seasonal rush for a high-value herb

Yarsagumba, often described as a prized Himalayan medicinal fungus, is among the most economically important natural products collected in eastern Nepal. The short collection season can draw significant local interest because the herb commands strong market demand and can generate substantial income for mountain communities.

Previous reporting from the region shows that Makalu Barun National Park has issued month-long collection permissions in past seasons as well, reflecting the highly seasonal nature of the harvest and the park’s controlled permit system.

Why the permit system matters

The permit-based approach helps the park manage access to sensitive alpine habitats while still allowing local collectors to benefit from the harvest. Rules for Yarsagumba collection in Nepal typically include fees and restrictions tied to protected areas, with the goal of balancing conservation and livelihood needs.

In Sankhuwasabha, where Yarsagumba collection has long been an important seasonal activity, the opening of the harvest period is closely watched by local residents, traders, and officials alike. The one-month window is especially important because it defines when collectors can legally enter the area and begin harvesting.

What collectors need to know

Collectors must secure permits from the designated offices before entering the collection zones. The park has identified Hedangnagadhi and Hatiya as the main permit points for this season, making them the first stop for anyone planning to participate in the harvest.

With the season now set to begin on June 7, attention will likely turn to how much Yarsagumba is gathered this year and how the harvest affects local livelihoods in the Makalu-Barun region.