Caterpillar Fungus and Mt. Everest

The Mountain Museum in Pokhara, Nepal, is a bit over-hyped, in my humble opinion, though there were plenty of huge mountain posters on the wall, including this Everest shot.

For those who have kept up with the caterpillar fungus craze in China, or seen the related pictures in the Golmud posts of this blog, the Pokhara Mountain Museum may be able to shed more light on the mysterious phenomenon.

Here we find out that caterpillar fungus's scientific name is Cordyceps sinensis.

The CF is gathered in 4,500 - 5,200 meter alpine meadows in the Himalayas, and in Tibet.

Diagnostic Characteristics: "Club shaped parasitic fungus, later becomes saprophytic on insect larva after its death. It comes out of the anterior end of the larva of the caterpillar (swiftmoth) during the monsoon."

Use: Tonic and aphrodisiac

Tibetan Caterpillar Fungus AND Yak Jerky

One of the specialties of Qinghai Province, China, is its medicinal caterpillar fungus. This stuff is in high demand, so be prepared to pay for your caterpillar fungus. In Golmud, I bought one single caterpillar (plus fungus) for 20 RMB (about 3 US dollars). 

The high spenders among us may way to buy a whole box.

Choices to chose from.

A single caterpillar. Note the fungus growing out (strangely) from the head.

Once you've purchased your caterpillar(s), kindly deposit in a bottle of Chinese vodka. Then allow to saturate for up to one year before drinking. When ready to drink, take a nip each day for best effect.

Qinghai province is not just famous for its caterpillar fungus - there is also some tasty yak jerky, available at any supermarket.