Is Dolpo Yartsa Gunbu Harvest happening right now?

As of today, past peak, season runs to ~June 30. Earth Exhibit tracks the live conditions and flags it the moment it is on.

Each spring alpine meadows in Dolpo produce the fruiting bodies of the caterpillar fungus (yartsa gunbu), Ophiocordyceps sinensis.

Collectors harvest emergent stromata from high pastures for 4–8 weeks after snowmelt.

The harvest is a major seasonal livelihood, highly regulated because of ecological and social impacts.

Where to see it

A taste of where to see it. The full map, exact coordinates and the best timing for each spot live in the app.

Viewing spots
Juphal Airport (airstrip) - arrival/staging point
Ringmo / Phoksundo Lake (viewing and staging area near collection meadows)
+ 2 more spots, with exact coordinates and timing, in the app →

This is the short version

This page shows a taste. The app has the full list of where to see this, the exact timing, and live conditions for 1,000+ natural phenomena worldwide, so you know the moment one is genuinely worth the trip.