DOLPA, July 5: Every year after mid-May, crowds of people throng Dolpa - the largest district of the country - in order to pick yarsagumba, a prized fungus with medicinal properties. Everyone seems to be in a rush to collect as many yarsa as possible to make more money.

DOLPA, June 1:  Three people who had gone to pick the precious herb Yarshagumba died in Dolpa district in the past three days.

DARCHULA, July 9: Yarsagumba collectors who spent more than a month in the highlands have come home disappointed due to the decrease in production of the prized herb.

MUGU, June 30: After spending a month in the high hills of Mugu, yarsagumba collectors have finally returned back to their homes.

RUKUM, June 27: Yarsa collectors swarming over highlands of Rukum have returned home to exercise their voting rights in the historic local elections slated for June 28.

MUGU, June 11:  Lack of proper management of waste materials, garbage and human feces in various pasturelands of eastern Mugu is not just giving rise to environmental pollution but is also affecting the health of Yarsa collectors.