The fierce wind swept through the empty landscape but Dawa remained unaffected. Her eyes showed the sun and laughter etched crinkles at the corners as she searched intently at the ground. The high-altitude mountain communities situated beneath the Himalayas entered Yarcha Gunbu season when hope intertwined with strenuous labor. Like her ancestors before her Dawa pursued the role of Cordyceps harvester and traveled through rugged landscapes to locate the rare “caterpillar fungus” which locals call “Yarcha Gunbu.”

Her work transcended employment as it became deeply connected with the natural mountain cycles. Dawa spent her days working through difficult terrain and coping with unpredictable weather on steep slopes. The photograph of her smile during an instance of pure happiness reveals an alternative narrative. The narrative portrays resilience through finding joy in nature’s connection alongside family provision.

Material possessions held no meaning for Dawa when it came to her happiness. Her happiness derived from working together with others during harvest time and knowing that her labor supported her village’s welfare. The theme “Caring and Sharing” from this year’s International Day of Happiness struck a profound chord with her. The Yarcha Gunbu harvest represented a collective effort that demonstrated the strength of united work and support.

The Yarcha Gunbu she discovered holds value for generating income while simultaneously promoting wellness for others. At Himalayan Cordyceps we grasp the deep relationship between natural environments and the combined elements of health and happiness. The radiant smile of Dawa demonstrates how true happiness emerges from maintaining both physical health and spiritual well-being. The greatest treasures emerge from difficult environments where they become shared resources within supportive communities.