Honey Hunting Expedition

Want to join Honey Hunting Expedition with us?

Join us on a beautiful journey where you’ll witness extraordinary landscapes and the cliffs where Himalayan giant honey bees gather nectar.

Our Mad Honey hunting expeditions are organized twice a year, taking advantage of the perfect timing for harvesting this unique honey.

Discover the history, culture, and traditions of the honey-hunting community living in the remote Himalayan region.

Trip Facts:

Trip Duration: 5 Days
Max. Group Size: 10
Departures: Nov 2024 – May 2025

Highlights

• Experience the stunning Himalayan landscape, offering majestic mountain vistas and lush valleys as the backdrop to this adventure.
• Gain insights into the traditions and lives of the local communities, particularly the Gurung people, who have perfected this honey-hunting practice for generations.
• Witness firsthand the age-old practice of honey hunting, where skilled climbers ascend sheer cliffs using ropes, ladders, and handmade tools.
• Observe the honey extraction process up close, feeling the excitement as the hunters harvest the golden combs.
• With proper safety precautions in place, sample this unique honey, known for its distinct flavor and potent properties.

Experiencing Honey Hunting Expedition in Nepal

For those seeking an authentic cultural and natural adventure, honey hunting expedition in Nepal is an unparalleled experience. Guided expeditions offered by local organizations and tour operators allow visitors to witness this extraordinary practice firsthand, promoting sustainable tourism and supporting local communities.

Participants can observe the honey hunting process, capture stunning videos and images, and even create documentaries. For the adventurous, there’s the option to climb the cliffs for a closer view, guided by experienced locals and professionals.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience not only awakens your inner adventurer but also provides a golden opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of Nepalese villages.

Physical Fitness Level

You should be physically prepared to hike approximately 3-4 miles (2-3 hours) on the day of honey hunting. Walking the trail requires a reasonable level of endurance and stamina.

The Process of Mad Honey Hunting:

1. Preparation and Planning:
   • Timing: The honey hunting season typically occurs twice a year, in the spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November), when the bees are most active.
   • Location: Hunters trek to remote cliffs in the Himalayas, often in the Manaslu region or other high-altitude areas.
   • Equipment: Essential tools include ropes, ladders made of bamboo or other strong materials, protective clothing, and traditional smoking gear to calm the bees.
2. Ascent to the Hives:
   • Climbing: Using ropes and ladders, hunters climb the steep cliffs where the honeybee hives are located. This is a dangerous task requiring great skill and physical fitness.
   • Safety Measures: Hunters secure themselves with harnesses and ropes to prevent falls from the precarious heights.
3. Harvesting the Honey:
   • Smoke Application: Hunters use smoke to calm the bees and drive them away from the hive temporarily. This is done by burning green leaves or other materials that produce dense smoke.
   • Hive Cutting: The honeycombs are cut using long poles with sharp blades attached at the end. This requires precision to avoid damaging the hive structure.
   • Collection: The cut honeycombs are collected in baskets or containers and carefully lowered to the ground.

Essential Safety Precautions for Wild Honey Hunting in Nepal

Wild honey hunting in Nepal offers a unique and thrilling adventure, but ensuring your safety is paramount. Follow these crucial safety precautions to protect yourself during this exhilarating activity:

1. Physical Fitness: Be in excellent physical shape to handle the strenuous demands of honey hunting. Regular exercise is essential, and it’s wise to consult a healthcare provider to assess your readiness.
2. Appropriate Gear: Use high-quality equipment, including climbing gear, safety ropes, and a well-stocked first aid kit. Regularly check and maintain your gear to ensure it’s reliable and in good working order.
3. Weather Considerations: Plan your honey hunting expeditions based on weather forecasts and seasonal conditions. Avoid undertaking this activity during severe weather or unfavorable conditions to ensure your safety.
4. Allergy Precautions: If you have a known allergy to bee stings, take necessary precautions. Carry an epinephrine auto-injector, inform your companions about your allergy, and seek medical advice before embarking on your honey hunting adventure.

Note:

Throughout the trip, you will need to carry a backpack weighing around 20-25 pounds. This weight includes personal gear, essential items, and supplies necessary for the duration of the honey-hunting expedition. It is crucial to have the strength and endurance to bear this weight throughout the trip.

Itinerary

Day 1:
Drive to Besisahar and then either trek or take a jeep to Tangring Village in the Marshyangdi Rural Municipality. Stay at a special Gurung Tribe homestay. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Gurung cultural dance performance. The homestay package includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a honey hunting experience.

Day 2:
After breakfast, take a short hike or excursion around Tangring Village and Ghermu Village. Your guide will explain and show you the honey hunting process. Participate in the honey hunting event and return to the Tangring Village homestay for the evening. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 3:
Following breakfast, hike or drive by local jeep to Ghalegaon, a famous Gurung village known for its cultural heritage. Spend the night in Ghalegaon. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 4:
Drive from Ghalegaon to Besisahar by jeep, then drive back to Kathmandu or Pokhara by private tourist vehicle.

Inclusions

• Meals: Throughout the journey, you will be served all meals – breakfast, lunch, and dinner with tea/coffe
• Accommodation: Teahouse
• A Local Guide and Honey Hunting Crew: An experienced local guide and honey hunting crew will accompany you, making your trip easier and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Transportation: Private vehicle
• Permits: All necessary permits and paperworks
• Mad Honey Hunting Adventure with 500gm honey

Exclusions

• Accommodation in Kathmandu
• Safety gear and sleeping bag
• Travel insurance and emergency evacuation costs
• Personal expenses

Departure Dates

Price: $1350 USD Per Person

Note:

• The prices listed are per person and based on single occupancy.
• Please be aware that all dates are tentative and may vary slightly due to weather conditions and other prevailing factors.

Gear Lists

What we provide

• Protective Clothing: Beekeeping suit, gloves, beekeeping hat
• Safety Equipment: First aid kit, EpiPen (for bee sting allergies), protective goggles
• Miscellaneous Items: Water bottle, snacks, insect repellent, maps or navigation tools

Recommended Gears

• Backpacking Pack: 65-75L
• Base Layers: Lightweight tops and bottoms (synthetic or cotton)
• Gloves and Hats
• Hiking Boots and Pants: Quick-dry, lightweight
• Hiking Socks: Synthetic or cotton
• Insulated Jacket/Vest
• Plastic Garbage Bag
• Long Sleeve Shirts: Synthetic, lightweight
• Pack Rain CoverPersonal Bathroom Kit: Toilet paper, ziplock bags, wipes, hand cleaner
• First Aid Kit/MedicationsRain Jacket: Hooded, lightweight, waterproof
• Rain Pants: Lightweight, waterproof
• Sunblock and Lip Balm
• Sunglasses
• Water Bottles: Three 1-litre or hydration system plus one 1-litre
• Sleeping Bag

Might be Essential Gear for You

• Camera and Accessories: Capture your journey with a reliable camera and necessary accessories to ensure you don’t miss any moments.
• Drone: For aerial shots and capturing stunning landscapes from unique perspectives.
• Reading and Writing Materials: Keep yourself entertained and jot down your experiences or observations.
• Small Binoculars: Perfect for wildlife spotting and enjoying distant views.
• Hiking Shorts: Opt for quick-dry, lightweight shorts to stay comfortable during your trek.
• Sleeping Bag: Ensure a good night’s sleep with a suitable sleeping bag for the trek’s conditions.

Booking Process

• For a detailed look at your trip, Please download our comprehensive itinerary and read it thoroughly.
• This guide covers everything from transportation and accommodation to honey-hunting experiences and cultural interactions.
• When you’re ready to book, visit our secure online booking portal. Fill out the brief form with your details and payment method. We accept all major credit cards and secure online payments.
• You’ll receive a confirmation email with all trip details after your booking is complete.

Cancellation and Transfer Policy

• Deposit: A refundable deposit of $250 is required to secure your booking. Full payment is due upon arrival in Kathmandu after the trip date.
• Cancellation Fees:
  • 100 days or more before departure: Full refund minus credit card fees.
  • 60 to 99 days before departure: 20% cancellation fee.
  • 31 to 60 days before departure: 30% of the total trip cost is non-refundable.
• Transfer Policy: No additional fee for transferring to another date. Please note that honey hunting occurs only twice a year.