Cordyceps, known locally as Yartsa Gunbu, is one of the most valuable natural resources in Bhutan. It is a rare fungus that grows in the high Himalayan regions, usually above 4,000 meters. This unique organism forms when a fungus infects and grows inside a caterpillar, eventually producing a small shoot that appears above the ground.

Every year, during the harvesting season in May and June, many Bhutanese people travel to the mountains to collect cordyceps. It plays an important role in the rural economy, as it can be sold at very high prices, helping families improve their living standards. Because of its high value, it is often called “Himalayan gold.”

Cordyceps is also used in traditional medicine. People believe it helps increase energy, improve health, and strengthen the body. However, the collection of cordyceps is carefully controlled by the government to protect the environment and ensure sustainability.