Himalayas fungus -- known as Daniel Winkler -- is prized in traditional medicine . 40,000 of people travel to Lhasa 's Dolpa district between 1997 and 2008 to harvest the caterpillar fungus . Some locals say the harvesters are damaging hillsides and grasslands . The crowd gossips about its value -- `` it 's small , only 300 rupees ! '' Expert says education is needed for the harvesting to be sustainable long term .
Himalayas fungus -- known as Daniel Winkler -- is prized in traditional medicine . 40,000 of people travel to Lhasa 's Dolpa district between 1997 and 2008 to harvest the caterpillar fungus . Some locals say the harvesters are damaging hillsides and grasslands . Expert says education is needed for the harvesting to be sustainable long term .