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Tibetan nomads examine cordycep fungus for sale at a market on May 22, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau in Yushu town in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. The Tibetan Plateau is home to the cordyceps fungus, also known as caterpillar fungus, is a parasitic spore that thrives in high altitude, low temperature conditions on the Tibetan plateau. While not historically a part of Tibetan culture, cordyceps are a prized ingredient of traditional Asian medicinal treatments that purportedly heal ailments ranging from asthma to impotence to cancer. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Tibetan nomads examine cordycep fungus for sale at a market on May 22, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau in Yushu town in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. The Tibetan Plateau is home to the cordyceps fungus, also known as caterpillar fungus, is a parasitic spore that thrives in high altitude, low temperature conditions on the Tibetan plateau. While not historically a part of Tibetan culture, cordyceps are a prized ingredient of traditional Asian medicinal treatments that purportedly heal ailments ranging from asthma to impotence to cancer. Demand in China alone has created a booming economy for what Tibetans call yartsa gunbu, or summer grass, winter worm, which sells for up to $50,000 US per pound. As the state-supported cordyceps industry has developed, Tibetans who rely primarily on farming and herding have turned to the weeks-long harvest as a means of earning income to last through the year. The annual gold rush has transformed parts of rural Tibetan areas, generating about 40% of the local economy. However, environmentalists increasingly warn that over-harvesting of cordyceps carries the cost of degradation to mountain grasslands that are essential for yak and cattle grazing. Due to below average rainfall the 2016 harvest is expected to be the lowest on record with many harvesters reporting yields way lower then expectations. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A Tibetan nomad walks her yak past the Sershul Monastery on May 21, 2016 in Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A Tibetan nomad walks her yak past the Sershul Monastery on May 21, 2016 in Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



Tibetan women clean and sort cordycep fungus at a market on May 24, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Tibetan women clean and sort cordycep fungus at a market on May 24, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A Tibetan inspects high quality cordycep fungus on May 18, 2016 at a market in Yushu on the Tibetan Plateau in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A Tibetan inspects high quality cordycep fungus on May 18, 2016 at a market in Yushu on the Tibetan Plateau in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A Tibetan nomad couple laugh together while harvesting cordycep fungus on May 20, 2016 near Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A Tibetan nomad couple laugh together while harvesting cordycep fungus on May 20, 2016 near Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



Tibetan nomads walk on the 15th day of Saka Dawa, the holiest day of the Buddhist calendar when it is prohibited from harvesting, on May 21, 2016 at the  Sershul Monastery on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Tibetan nomads walk on the 15th day of Saka Dawa, the holiest day of the Buddhist calendar when it is prohibited from harvesting, on May 21, 2016 at the Sershul Monastery on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



Tibetan monks walk in fresh snow with their horses on the 15th day of Saka Dawa, the holiest day of the Buddhist calendar when it is prohibited to harvest cordycep fungus on May 21, 2016 near Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Tibetan monks walk in fresh snow with their horses on the 15th day of Saka Dawa, the holiest day of the Buddhist calendar when it is prohibited to harvest cordycep fungus on May 21, 2016 near Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



Tibetan nomads play after a day of working at a temporary camp for picking cordycep fungus on May 22, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Sershul in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Tibetan nomads play after a day of working at a temporary camp for picking cordycep fungus on May 22, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Sershul in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A Tibetan nomad laughs as vendors buy and sell cordycep fungus on May 20, 2016 at a market in Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A Tibetan nomad laughs as vendors buy and sell cordycep fungus on May 20, 2016 at a market in Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A Tibetan woman holds a baby as she stands outside a tent at a temporary camp for cordycep pickers on May 23, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Zadoi in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A Tibetan woman holds a baby as she stands outside a tent at a temporary camp for cordycep pickers on May 23, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Zadoi in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A Tibetan nomad hangs prayer flags placed at his camp for picking cordycep fungus on the 15th day of Saka Dawa, the holiest day of the Buddhist calendar when it is prohibited from harvesting, on May 21, 2016 near  Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A Tibetan nomad hangs prayer flags placed at his camp for picking cordycep fungus on the 15th day of Saka Dawa, the holiest day of the Buddhist calendar when it is prohibited from harvesting, on May 21, 2016 near Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



Tibetan nomads crawl on their knees on a hillsode at high altitude as they harvest cordycep fungus on May 19, 2016 near Yushu on the Tibetan Plateau in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Tibetan nomads crawl on their knees on a hillsode at high altitude as they harvest cordycep fungus on May 19, 2016 near Yushu on the Tibetan Plateau in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



Chinese and Tibetan nomads buy and sell cordycep fungus on May 20, 2016 at a market in Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Chinese and Tibetan nomads buy and sell cordycep fungus on May 20, 2016 at a market in Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



Tibetan children sit on a mattress in a tent at a temporary camp for cordycep pickers on May 23, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Zadoi in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Tibetan children sit on a mattress in a tent at a temporary camp for cordycep pickers on May 23, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Zadoi in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



Tibetan nomads wait to buy cordycep fungus at a market on May 22, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Sershul in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Tibetan nomads wait to buy cordycep fungus at a market on May 22, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Sershul in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



Tibetan nomads buy and sell cordycep fungus on May 20, 2016 at a market in Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Tibetan nomads buy and sell cordycep fungus on May 20, 2016 at a market in Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



Tibetan nomad s crawl while harvesting cordycep fungus on May 20, 2016 near Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Tibetan nomad s crawl while harvesting cordycep fungus on May 20, 2016 near Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



Tibetan nomads walk on a hillsode at high altitude as they harvest cordycep fungus on May 19, 2016 near Yushu on the Tibetan Plateau in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Tibetan nomads walk on a hillsode at high altitude as they harvest cordycep fungus on May 19, 2016 near Yushu on the Tibetan Plateau in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



Tibetans inspect high quality cordycep fungus on May 18, 2016 at a market in Yushu on the Tibetan Plateau in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Tibetans inspect high quality cordycep fungus on May 18, 2016 at a market in Yushu on the Tibetan Plateau in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A young Tibetan monk walks on a road on May 20, 2016 near Sershul, an area well known for cordycep harvesting, on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A young Tibetan monk walks on a road on May 20, 2016 near Sershul, an area well known for cordycep harvesting, on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A Tibetan nomad inspects cordycep fungus as he makes a deal at a market on May 20, 2016 near Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A Tibetan nomad inspects cordycep fungus as he makes a deal at a market on May 20, 2016 near Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



Tibetan nomads examine cordycep fungus for sale at a market on May 22, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau in Yushu town in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Tibetan nomads examine cordycep fungus for sale at a market on May 22, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau in Yushu town in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



Tibetans crawl at high altitude while picking cordycep fungus on May 23, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Zadoi in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Tibetans crawl at high altitude while picking cordycep fungus on May 23, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Zadoi in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



The mountains and grasslands of the Tibetan Plateau are seen from the air in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province on May 24, 2016 in Yushu, China. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

The mountains and grasslands of the Tibetan Plateau are seen from the air in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province on May 24, 2016 in Yushu, China. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



Tibetan nomads woman stand amongst prayer flags placed at their camp for picking cordycep fungus on the 15th day of Saka Dawa, the holiest day of the Buddhist calendar when it is prohibited from harvesting, on May 21, 2016 near  Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Tibetan nomads woman stand amongst prayer flags placed at their camp for picking cordycep fungus on the 15th day of Saka Dawa, the holiest day of the Buddhist calendar when it is prohibited from harvesting, on May 21, 2016 near Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



Tibetans crawl at high altitude while picking cordycep fungus on May 23, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Zadoi in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Tibetans crawl at high altitude while picking cordycep fungus on May 23, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Zadoi in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



Tibetan buddhist monks, who are prohibited from harvesting cordycep fungus, debate  on May 20, 2016 outside the Sershul Monastery on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Tibetan buddhist monks, who are prohibited from harvesting cordycep fungus, debate on May 20, 2016 outside the Sershul Monastery on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A Tibetan nomad boy walks at a temporary camp for cordycep harvesting after a fresh snowfall on the 15th day of Saka Dawa, the holiest day of the Buddhist calendar when it is prohibited to pick cordycep fungus on May 21, 2016 near Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A Tibetan nomad boy walks at a temporary camp for cordycep harvesting after a fresh snowfall on the 15th day of Saka Dawa, the holiest day of the Buddhist calendar when it is prohibited to pick cordycep fungus on May 21, 2016 near Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A young Tibetan child from a poor family cries as she sleeps on a mattress at a temporary camp for cordycep pickers on May 23, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Zadoi in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A young Tibetan child from a poor family cries as she sleeps on a mattress at a temporary camp for cordycep pickers on May 23, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Zadoi in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A Tibetan nomad holds her dog at a temporary camp for picking cordycep fungus on May 22, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Sershul in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A Tibetan nomad holds her dog at a temporary camp for picking cordycep fungus on May 22, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Sershul in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A young Tibetan boy tends to horses at a camp for cordycep pickers on May 23, 2016 on the TIbetan Plateau near Zadoi in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A young Tibetan boy tends to horses at a camp for cordycep pickers on May 23, 2016 on the TIbetan Plateau near Zadoi in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A Tibetan nomad counts money after selling his cordycep fungus at a market on May 22, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau in Yushu town in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A Tibetan nomad counts money after selling his cordycep fungus at a market on May 22, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau in Yushu town in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



An elederly Tibetan nomad woman walks past horse skulls used for prayer at a temporary camp for picking cordycep fungus on May 22, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Sershul in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

An elederly Tibetan nomad woman walks past horse skulls used for prayer at a temporary camp for picking cordycep fungus on May 22, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Sershul in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A Tibetan woman holds a baby as she stands outside a tent at a temporary camp for cordycep pickers on May 23, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Zadoi in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A Tibetan woman holds a baby as she stands outside a tent at a temporary camp for cordycep pickers on May 23, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Zadoi in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A Tibetan nomad woman stands on a road on May 20, 2016 in Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A Tibetan nomad woman stands on a road on May 20, 2016 in Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



An elderly  Tibetan nomad woman swings a prayer wheel as she stands at a temporary camp for picking cordycep fungus on May 22, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Sershul in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

An elderly Tibetan nomad woman swings a prayer wheel as she stands at a temporary camp for picking cordycep fungus on May 22, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Sershul in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



Tibetan nomads, right, check cordycep fungus as another tries to sell his horse on the 15th day of Saka Dawa, the holiest day of the Buddhist calendar on May 21, 2016 in Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Tibetan nomads, right, check cordycep fungus as another tries to sell his horse on the 15th day of Saka Dawa, the holiest day of the Buddhist calendar on May 21, 2016 in Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A Tibetan family ride on a motorcycle as they return after a day of working in the mountains at a temporary camp for cordycep pickers on May 23, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Zadoi in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A Tibetan family ride on a motorcycle as they return after a day of working in the mountains at a temporary camp for cordycep pickers on May 23, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Zadoi in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A Tibetan baby lays in a tent at a temporary camp for cordycep pickers on May 23, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Zadoi in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A Tibetan baby lays in a tent at a temporary camp for cordycep pickers on May 23, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Zadoi in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A Tibetan nomad woman crawls on her knees while harvesting cordycep fungus at high altitude on May 20, 2016 near Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A Tibetan nomad woman crawls on her knees while harvesting cordycep fungus at high altitude on May 20, 2016 near Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A Tibetan nomad lays out his cleaned cordycep fungus for sale at a market on May 22, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau in Sershul in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A Tibetan nomad lays out his cleaned cordycep fungus for sale at a market on May 22, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau in Sershul in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A Tibetan nomad family crowds on a motorcycle at a camp for cordycep pickers on May 21, 2016 near Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A Tibetan nomad family crowds on a motorcycle at a camp for cordycep pickers on May 21, 2016 near Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A Tibetan nomad checks a fake gold cap that he had put on a tooth by a street dentist during a break from harvesting cordycep fungus on the 15th day of Saka Dawa, the holiest day of the Buddhist calendar on May 21, 2016 at the Sershul Monastery on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A Tibetan nomad checks a fake gold cap that he had put on a tooth by a street dentist during a break from harvesting cordycep fungus on the 15th day of Saka Dawa, the holiest day of the Buddhist calendar on May 21, 2016 at the Sershul Monastery on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A Tibetan nomad woman prays on the 15th day of Saka Dawa, the holiest day of the Buddhist calendar when it is prohibited from harvesting, on May 21, 2016 at the  Sershul Monastery on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A Tibetan nomad woman prays on the 15th day of Saka Dawa, the holiest day of the Buddhist calendar when it is prohibited from harvesting, on May 21, 2016 at the Sershul Monastery on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



Tibetan nomads crowd around as they bid on cordycep fungus for sale at a market on May 22, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau in Yushu town in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Tibetan nomads crowd around as they bid on cordycep fungus for sale at a market on May 22, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau in Yushu town in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



Young Tibetan monks, who are prohibited from picking cordycep fungus, read religious text under a full moon on the 15th day of  Saka Dawa, the holiest day of the Buddhist calendar, at the Sershul Monastery on May 21, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Young Tibetan monks, who are prohibited from picking cordycep fungus, read religious text under a full moon on the 15th day of Saka Dawa, the holiest day of the Buddhist calendar, at the Sershul Monastery on May 21, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A Tibetan man carries his child on his back as they climb at high altitude while picking cordycep fungus on May 23, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Zadoi in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A Tibetan man carries his child on his back as they climb at high altitude while picking cordycep fungus on May 23, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Zadoi in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A Tibetan family gather in their tent after a day of working in the mountains at a temporary camp for cordycep pickers on May 23, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Zadoi in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A Tibetan family gather in their tent after a day of working in the mountains at a temporary camp for cordycep pickers on May 23, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Zadoi in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A Tibetan woman stands amongst her yak herd, a traditional source of income, at a camp for cordycep pickers on May 23, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Zadoi in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A Tibetan woman stands amongst her yak herd, a traditional source of income, at a camp for cordycep pickers on May 23, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Zadoi in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A Tibetan nomad woman carries her child on the 15th day of Saka Dawa, the holiest day of the Buddhist calendar when it is prohibited from harvesting, on May 21, 2016 at the  Sershul Monastery on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A Tibetan nomad woman carries her child on the 15th day of Saka Dawa, the holiest day of the Buddhist calendar when it is prohibited from harvesting, on May 21, 2016 at the Sershul Monastery on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A Tibetan man walks with  his sons at high altitude after picking cordycep fungus on May 23, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Zadoi in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A Tibetan man walks with his sons at high altitude after picking cordycep fungus on May 23, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Zadoi in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



Young Tibetan monks, who are prohibited from picking crodycep fungus, walk under a full moon on the 15th day of  Saka Dawa, the holiest day of the Buddhist calendar, at the Sershul Monastery on May 21, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Young Tibetan monks, who are prohibited from picking crodycep fungus, walk under a full moon on the 15th day of Saka Dawa, the holiest day of the Buddhist calendar, at the Sershul Monastery on May 21, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A Tibetan nomad takes a break from harvesting cordycep fungus on the 15th day of Saka Dawa, the holiest day of the Buddhist calendar on May 21, 2016 at the Sershul Monastery on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A Tibetan nomad takes a break from harvesting cordycep fungus on the 15th day of Saka Dawa, the holiest day of the Buddhist calendar on May 21, 2016 at the Sershul Monastery on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



Tibetan nomads take a break from harvesting cordycep fungus on the 15th day of Saka Dawa, the holiest day of the Buddhist calendar on May 21, 2016 at the Sershul Monastery on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Tibetan nomads take a break from harvesting cordycep fungus on the 15th day of Saka Dawa, the holiest day of the Buddhist calendar on May 21, 2016 at the Sershul Monastery on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A Tibetan nomad boy watches as vendors buy and sell cordycep fungus on May 20, 2016 at a market in Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A Tibetan nomad boy watches as vendors buy and sell cordycep fungus on May 20, 2016 at a market in Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



Tibetans display high quality cordycep fungus on May 18, 2016 at their shop in Yushu on the Tibetan Plateau in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Tibetans display high quality cordycep fungus on May 18, 2016 at their shop in Yushu on the Tibetan Plateau in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



Tibetan nomads search for cordycep fungus at high altitude on May 20, 2016 near Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Tibetan nomads search for cordycep fungus at high altitude on May 20, 2016 near Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



Tibetan monks get caught in a wet snowfall on May 20, 2016 outside the Sershul Monastery, an area well known for cordycep harvesting, on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Tibetan monks get caught in a wet snowfall on May 20, 2016 outside the Sershul Monastery, an area well known for cordycep harvesting, on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A Tibetan woman displays high quality cordycep fungus on May 18, 2016 at a market in Yushu on the Tibetan Plateau in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A Tibetan woman displays high quality cordycep fungus on May 18, 2016 at a market in Yushu on the Tibetan Plateau in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A young  Tibetan nomad girl rests on a motorcycle  at a temporary camp for picking cordycep fungus on May 22, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Sershul in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A young Tibetan nomad girl rests on a motorcycle at a temporary camp for picking cordycep fungus on May 22, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Sershul in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A Tibetan nomad crawls while harvesting cordycep fungus on May 20, 2016 near Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A Tibetan nomad crawls while harvesting cordycep fungus on May 20, 2016 near Sershul on the Tibetan Plateau in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A Tibetan man throws prayers in the air at a high altitude pass on May 22, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Yushu town in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A Tibetan man throws prayers in the air at a high altitude pass on May 22, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Yushu town in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



Tibetan nomad women clean cordycep fungus at a market on May 22, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau in Yushu town in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Tibetan nomad women clean cordycep fungus at a market on May 22, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau in Yushu town in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)



A young  Tibetan nomad girl holds her sister at a temporary camp for picking cordycep fungus on May 22, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Sershul in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

A young Tibetan nomad girl holds her sister at a temporary camp for picking cordycep fungus on May 22, 2016 on the Tibetan Plateau near Sershul in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
05 Jun 2016 13:03:00