MANANG: A youth has died after falling off a cliff while collecting Yarsagumba herbs in Manang district.

The deceased has been identified as 32-year-old Akash Tamang from Ward 1 of Gangajamuna Rural Municipality, Dhading. He had gone to Namjerkha in Narpa Bhumi Rural Municipality–2 of Manang for Yarsagumba collection when he slipped and fell to his death on Friday.

According to the Manang District Police, Tamang’s body has not yet been recovered due to the difficult terrain. Assistant Chief District Officer (CDO) Yuvraj Aryal stated that the incident site lies at least a 10-hour walk from Chame.

A joint rescue team comprising personnel from the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force has been dispatched toward the location.

The team has currently reached Hulaki Odar, and it is expected to take another five hours on foot to reach the exact site. Assistant CDO Aryal informed that the path is extremely difficult, requiring the rescue team to use ropes to descend steep slopes.

The collection of Yarsagumba began in the alpine pastures of Manang in the second week of Baisakh. The harvesting season usually continues until the end of Asar (mid-July). Permissions for collection are granted at designated times and auspicious dates across various locations in Manang.