Jumla, May 6 -- Dilraj Rawat of Chaurgaun in ward 3 of Patarasi Rural Municipality, Jumla, is preparing to head to the highlands to collect yarsagumba. Many of his friends have already gone in search of the caterpillar fungus prized for its purported medicinal properties. This will be his third consecutive year on the journey.

Each year, Dilraj depends on the income from yarsagumba to buy notebooks, pens, and other basic expenses. He usually collects between 250 and 300 pieces in a season. Selling them at around Rs500 each, he earns between Rs125,000 and Rs150,000.

The income supports more than basic school supplies. He also uses it to pay for private tuition during winter to make up for lessons missed during his stay in the highlands. ...