NHK World Special Programs

Braving the Himalayas: The Search for an Elixir (2023x11)

Data emisji: Paź 14, 2023

The Himalayan mountains, with an elevation of some 5,000m, conceal a valuable "elixir." Caterpillar fungus is a parasitic fungus growing on insects that is especially valued in China for nutritional and anti-aging properties. High-quality specimens sell to wealthy buyers for as much as $70,000 per kg. In order to seek out this buried treasure, impoverished residents of Nepal's villages climb the snowy mountains to seek out the fungus from May through July, when it briefly becomes visible. In this program, a young man accompanies his father on this journey, joining the "Himalayan gold rush" to hopefully provide a better life for their family.