Experience one of the world’s oldest and most daring traditions
Go wild honey hunting on high Himalayan cliffs
Hands-on adventure: climb cliffs with ropes and ladders to harvest honey alongside local hunters
Witness the ancient ritual and techniques passed down since 1300 BC
Experience Thrill and culture at once
Learn about the lives of Himalayan communities that depend on honey for survival
Perfect for adventure seekers looking for a unique, adrenaline-packed Nepal experience
Honey Hunting Tour in Nepal Overview
You may hear Nepal often for Mount Everest, or you may think of Nepal as rugged trails for trekking and some tours in the Himalayas, or rafting, paragliding, bungee jumping, and other wonderful activities, but Nepal is not limited to these. You as well can also experience the wonderful Honey Hunting.
Honey Hunting Tour in Nepal is an exciting and adventurous activity, and it can be a real test of your daring because this tour is not for the faint-hearted. Climbing a cliff and extracting honey is an intense activity and is very challenging. You can see people harvesting honey from the high cliffs, and you will be the next!
Some Facts
Scientific researchers have proved that the hunt for wild honey is one of the oldest activities continued by humans for survival, and according to the study of rocks in various parts, it has been found that honey has been hunted in Nepal since 1300 BC.
Many people in some villages, especially in western Nepal, depend on honey for their livelihood. They harvest honey from the largest species of bee in the world, called Apis, which is labor-intensive. These bees live on the high cliffs of the foothills, and the honey hunters risk their lives to harvest the honey to survive.
How is Honey Hunted?
The honey hunters build rope ladders and baskets to access the combs after the bees are washed away with smoke by lighting a fire under the hives. Honey harvest usually takes place twice a year, when hunters come together and migrate into the Himalayas to take on this huge task with mortal danger.
To harvest one colony, the honey hunters take two to three hours, depending on the location of the hive and its size. The harvesting ritual, which varies slightly from community to community, begins with a prayer and sacrifice of flowers, fruit, and rice. Then a fire is lit at the base of the cliff to smoke the bees from their honeycombs.
From above, a honey hunter descends the cliff that is attached to a ladder with ropes. While his friends fasten the rope and ladder from the top and lift the spring tools, the honey hunter fights territorial bees while cutting pieces of honey from the comb. Thus, get ready to experience the thrill of Honey hunting in Nepal.
Itinerary Detail
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Day 1
Arrive Kathmandu
Day 2
Kathmandu Tour & Tour Preparation
Day 3
Drive to Besi Sahar
Day 4
Trek to Ghalegaun
Day 5
Trek to Bhujung via Ghanapokhara
Day 6
Trek to ThakuBhir (Honey Hunting Site)
Day 7
Observe Honey Hunting Ceremony
Day 8
Trek back to Bhujung
Day 9
Trek Back to Besisahar
Day 10
Drive back to Kathmandu
Day 11
Final Departure
Group TripPrivate Trip
What is Included / Not Included
IncludedNot Included
Includes
On Request
Accommodation
Himalayan Trekkers promises to manage the best, most comfortable, and preferred accommodation.
Generally, in cities like Kathmandu, we arrange basic three-star facilities. If available, you can opt for a more budget-friendly option or upgrade to a more luxurious hotel by paying a little extra.
Although not all the places might have all the modern facilities, we will make sure to arrange safe and comfortable accommodation. In general, hygienic and safe tea houses/local lodges/ home-stays with all the basic facilities are arranged. But you can, if possible, personalize according to your preference.
Meals
Breakfast is usually included with your B&B Accommodation within the cost that is evident. For other meals in the city, you would have to pay separately. Often in the cities, you can choose from many different cuisines and varied food services. We can always help you find the right place to fit your taste.
In more remote areas, usually, there are not many options. But you can always find hygienic and well-prepared food. Moreover, almost all the meals during the trek are included in the cost. We can help you make changes according to your preference and budget, but only if choices are available!
On top of that, Himalayan Trekkers also organizes Welcome and Farewell Dinners as a symbol of warm greetings.
Please go through the detailed itinerary for more information. We are always there to help you travel to your heart’s content.