Man dies while collecting Yarsagumba in Manang

By Nabin Raj Kuinkel,Lamjung, May 4: A young man has died after he fell off the cliff while collecting the rare medicinal herb Yarsagumba in Manang. 

The deceased has been identified as Akash Tamang, 32, from Gangajamuna Rural Municipality-1 in Dhading. He had travelled to Namjerkh of Narpa Bhumi Rural Municipality-2 in Manang, to search for Yarsagumba, when the fatal accident occurred.

According to Manang police, Tamang fell off the cliff on Friday, but his body has not yet been recovered. Assistant Chief District Officer Yubaraj Aryal informed that the incident site is located at least a ten-hour walk from Chame, the district headquarters. 

A joint rescue team comprising personnel from the Nepali Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force has been deployed to retrieve the body. Aryal said the team has now reached Hulaki Odar, from where it will take a further five hours on foot to reach the exact location.

The route to the site is extremely difficult, and the rescue team has been using ropes to descend steep terrain, Aryal added.

The collection of Yarsagumba in the highland pastures of Manang began in mid-April. The harvesting season generally lasts until the end of July. Permissions are granted at auspicious times for gathering the herb in designated areas across the district.

This season’s Yarsagumba collection began from Namgya Lek in Naso Rural Municipality. The Manang District Administration Office said it had arranged for additional security measures this year, learning from past incidents involving theft and disputes.

Chief District Officer Matrika Acharya stated that despite heightened security vigilance to prevent conflict and illegal activities during the collection period, some tragic incidents remain unavoidable. He emphasised that authorities are maintaining close caution and preparedness to minimise the risk of such unfortunate events.