Yarsagumba Trek - Cordyceps Nepal

The Yarsagumba (Cordyceps sinesis) Trek takes visitorse away from the busier trekking pathways. Undertaking this fascinating journey will be an ideal chance to experience the rural lifestyle of the hills spiced up with some highland treasure hunting. The picturesque trails have seen few tourists. Are you ready to discover this hidden and enchanting area?

The breathtaking journey travels through remote, areas graced with wide-ranging natural highlghts and a chance to observe exotic animals in their own natural habitat including blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, and even the elusive snow leopard. In the highland areas, observe the firsthand collection on hands and knees of yarsagumba, a mushroom fungus in the shape of a caterpillar that it has eaten. Can you find a specimen, too, camouflaged in Himalayn grasslands? Yarsagumba is highly prized as a Himalayan aphrodisiac and even referred to as Himalayan Viagra by some people for its supposed effects. Caravans to the guarded collection grounds occur in the springtime. Large groups of local people migrate and camp out for a month and longer at the upland hunting grounds. Yarsagumba's high market price has brought newfound wealth to a local economy previously built on subsistence agriculture and therefore also referred to as 'Himalayan God' for the price it commands in foreign markets.

Attractions along the Guerrilla and Yarsa Trails include a remote, natural hot springs where visitors can rejuvenate mind, body and spirit and forget about worldly cares soaking in the outdoor baths. Adventurers following these trails in this region can be forgiven for having notions of a pristine Lost Horizon of Shangrila…the secluded area has a timeless mystique of ancient civilization with well-preserved traditions and heartwarming Nepali hospitality so typical fo this blessed country.

Please choose one of the upcoming departure date, or if you have different constraints, contact us to arrange a custom-tailored journey along the the Yarsagumba Trail of rugged western Nepal.

We looking forward to hearing from you with any and all questions or concerns about this journey and details about booking. Our experienced staff with locally sourced guides would be honored for the opportunity of guiding you on one of the Himalaya's most remote and unique treks for a fascinating experience that will be remembered for a long, long time.

Adventure is calling in rugged western Nepal, and Secrets of the Himalaya is ready to answer that call with you. Read about a dazzling adventure to yarsagumba hunting grounds (photos and text by Secrets of the Himalaya founder Alonzo Lyons)--Monsoon of Himalayan Mushroom Gravy

The Secrets of the Himalaya Yarsagumba (Cordyceps sinesis) Trail reaches remote areas, sometimes without adequate lodging Therefore, it is a combined lodge and camping journey, most nights will be spent camping under the HImalayan heavens. We arrange for porters to assist with supplies and equipment and to carry sufficient food along with a dining tent, chairs and tables as well as a latrine tent. Personal sleeping tents are also provided (two people per tent). Our skilled chef will prepare the day’s nourishing meals and hot beverages. In the evening, during and after dinner and drinks, relish the outdoor life and serentiy of nature in a heavenly setting --stars blinking above the secluded hills and snow-dressed peaks.

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Day to Day

Day 01Arrival at Kathmandu’s International airport (1350 m / 4450 ft)Welcome to Nepal. You will be greeted at the arrival area of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu's international airport by our representative and escorted to your hotel. Take time to refresh yourself after your international travel. The first evening is open to enjoy as you like, rest and relax at the hotel or explore the surroundings.

Day 02Full Day Tour, Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley After a leisurely breakfast, our skilled guide leads a tour of Kathmandu Valley’s highlights and attractions, including magnificent World Heritage Sites of cultural and historical significance. After the tour, we will hold a pre-departure discussion with our Trek Leader and staff.

Day 03Drive to Pokhara (915 m / 3000 ft), 200 km west of KathmanduWe make a scenic drive following an early breakfast. As we travel outside the valley, picturesque views include farmland, lush jungle, scenic villages and occasional glimpses of snowy peaks. Pokhara is a lakeside tourist destination with many facilities for travelers.

Day 04Drive to Beni (830 m / 2725 ft) and Darbang (1070 m / 3510 ft) After breakfast we make a pleasant and scenic drive to Beni alongside the mighty Kali Gandaki River and then up to Darbang where we will begin our trek. Along the way we have the option of visiting a natural hot springs beside the Myagdi River.

Day 05Darbang to Lumsum (2275 m / 7465 ft) Today's hike is a pleasant climb up through serene villages and farmland. Along they way, if the weather is clear then we can enjoy views of the Dhaulagiri range. The hike passes through secluded areas and idyllic settlements to our destination of Lumsum.

Day 06Lumsum to Jaljala (3015 m / 9890 ft) Today's hike involves a rigorous ascent through a densely forested area with mountain views peeking in along the way. We eventually reach a serene meadow beyond Jaljala pass with otherworldly scenery and mountain views. These meadows are a seasonal pastureland.

Day 07Jaljala to Chentung (2870 m / 9415 ft) We make a pleasant downhill hike along a scenic trail lined with lush vegetation to the quiet settlement of Chentung with a nearby monastery and Tibetan Medical Clinic to explore.

Day 08Chentung to Thankur Thankur traversing Phalgune Pass (3915 m, 12,485 ft)Today will be a rigorous but rewarding day. We climb to the exhilirating Phalgune Pass. Along the way and at the pass we will have broad ranging views of a feast of Himalayan Peaks including Dogari, Pyutha and Churen. We then descend to the grasslands of Thankur and it's many seasonally occupied herder's huts.

Day 09Thankur to Pelma natural hot springs (2425 m / 7955 ft)We pass through a serene forest where Himalayan yew (Taxus wallichiana) can be found. Taxol is a highly prized extract form its bark and used medicinally for treating breast and uterine cancers. We ascend to the ridge-line homes at Kayam before descending to a natural hot springs near Pelma where we can soak away any troubles and rejuvenate mind, body and spirit.

Day 10Pelma Hot Springs to Dhule (3340 m, 10,960 ft)We ascend through to the idyllic villages of HIm and Guibang, and pass through a serene and dense forest while ascending to our destination, a quaint collection of lodges and last permanent settlement before the yarsagumba collection grounds.

Day 11Dhule to Pupal Daha (4075 m, 13,370 ft) Today is a long, but exhilarating day. We begin by ascending to a pass at Deurali before descending into the remote Sen River Valley. We follow upriver for a few hours before ascending to a sacred pond surrounded by a temporary, seasonal settlement of yarsagumba collectors.

Day 12Pupal Daha to Arbijah (4075 m, 13,370 ft) Today we make a short, easy hike to a larger yarsagumba settlement known as Arbijah. We take the remainder of the day to explore and enjoy the scenery and large number of participants actively searching for yarsagumba.

Day 13Rest and Exploration Day at Arbijah We take the day to explore more of the scenery and activity around Arbijah and the yarsagumba collection grounds including a journey towards the Jang La Pass at the border between Rukum and Dolpo districts. Along the way will be many people on the hunt for yarsagumba.

Day 14Arbijah to DhuleWe retrace our steps out of the secluded Sen River Valley to the collection of lodges at Dhule.

Day 15Dhule to Maikot (2300 m / 7545 ft)We travel through secluded forests on our way to the fascinating, ridge-top settlement of Maikot. Maikot the is a breathtaking highlight of the Guerrilla Trek and Yarsa Trails and many of the people we met at the collection grounds call Maikot home.

Day 16Maikot to Hukam and Phalgune Pass Phalgune Pass (3915 m, 12,485 ft)Today will be a long and rigorous but rewarding day. From Maikot we descend to cross the Sani Bheri River and reach the astonishing village of Hukam. From here we begin a traverse through remote highlands where people gather yarsagamba towards Phalgune Pass with jaw-dropping views along the way.

Day 17Trek to Dhorpatan (2870 m / 9415 ft) Today is our last day of trekking as we descend to the grasslands of Dhorpatan and it's many seasonally occupied herder's huts.

Day 18Drive to Pokhara We say goodbye to the trekking trails and take motorized transport back to Pokhara. It is a rugged yet picturesque journey on a dirt track that passes through many villages and terraced farmland before eventually reaching the large town of Baglung and blacktop road to Pokhara.

Day 19Return to KathmanduWe take an early morning departure on a tourist bus to Kathmandu passing through scenic fields and villages along the way to the ancient capital of the Himalaya. The rest of the time is available to explore the city on your own, search for souvenirs for friends and loved ones back home, and relax and enjoy yourself after the remote, high elevation trekking. In the evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner together.

Day 20Transfer to the international airport for your final departureOur representative will escort you to the airport for your departure back home. We are sure that you will have enjoyed the experience and our services. As you travel to your own country, hopefully you will remember us and Nepal very fondly. Farewell friend.

Cost Include

Vehicle transportation to and from your trip arrival point, for example, from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport to your hotel in the city.
Clean and comfortable accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara (breakfast meals are included).
A sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley with a professional guide and entrance fees to World Heritage Sites, Palace Squares and historic temples.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the journey.
Tea–house lodging during journey.
Trained, certified and experienced guide with assistants (we typically have one porter per two trekkers).
Fees for entering the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve.
Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card as necessary.
First Aid Kit and supplies.
Farewell Dinner following the journey -- typically, on the eve of your international departure.

Cost Exclude

International travel to and from Nepal.
Major meals other than breakfast while staying in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Personal Expenses (for example, laundry expenses, extra drinks and extra snacks, telephone calls).
Personal clothing and gear.
Personal toiletries.
Travel Insurance and Medical Insurance with rescue coverage.
Extra fees at tea-houses and trailside lodges (for example, extra fees for recharging electronic equipment, alcoholic drinks, laundry).
Tips for crew and staff along the journey.
Unforeseen expenses due to cancellation of events and activities because of circumstances beyond our control (for example, weather delays, trail changes, political disruptions, illness of a group member and similar events beyond our control).

Trip Map

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Please reach us by phone/email:

+1-408-329-3042
himalayasecrets@gmail.com