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Nepal is often associated with Mount Everest and rugged trekking trails in the Himalayas, as well as a variety of thrilling activities like rafting, paragliding, and bungee jumping. However, Nepal offers more than just these adventures; it also boasts the incredible experience of honey hunting.
Participating in a Honey Hunting Tour in Nepal is both thrilling and adventurous, requiring a considerable amount of courage as it involves scaling cliffs to extract honey. This activity isn't for the faint-hearted, but for those seeking an exhilarating challenge. Witnessing people harvest honey from lofty cliffs is an awe-inspiring sight, and you might find yourself joining in the next harvest!
Scientific studies have confirmed that the pursuit of wild honey is among the oldest survival activities practiced by humans. Evidence from geological studies suggests that honey hunting has been a tradition in Nepal since 1300 BC.
In many villages, particularly in western Nepal, honey serves as a crucial source of livelihood. Harvesting honey from the world's largest bee species, Apis, is a labor-intensive endeavor. These bees inhabit high cliffs in the foothills, and honey hunters risk their lives to gather honey, vital for their survival.
The honey hunters construct rope ladders and baskets to reach the honeycombs, using smoke from a fire lit beneath the hives to disperse the bees. Typically, honey harvesting occurs twice a year, prompting hunters to gather and embark on this perilous task in the Himalayas.
Harvesting from a single colony takes approximately two to three hours, depending on factors such as hive location and size. The ritual of harvesting, which varies slightly among communities, commences with prayers and offerings of flowers, fruits, and rice. Subsequently, a fire is ignited at the cliff's base to smoke out the bees from their combs.
Descending from above, a honey hunter is tethered to a ladder by ropes, while companions secure the ropes and ladder from above and hoist up harvesting tools. Amidst the territorial bees' resistance, the hunter extracts honeycomb pieces.
Prepare yourself for the exhilarating adventure of honey hunting in Nepal.
After landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, you'll be welcomed by a representative from Himalayan Dream Team who will escort us to your hotel. Upon arrival at the hotel, you’ll check in, freshen up, and have some time to rest. In the evening, Himalayan Dream Team will host a welcome dinner for us. We will spend the night in Kathmandu
After breakfast, we'll take you on a tour of Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Boudhanath Stupa, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Durbar Square offers insights into the lives of royals in ancient times. Pashupatinath Temple holds great significance as a pilgrimage site for Hindus. Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa, one of the world's largest stupas, are both iconic landmarks.
At tour, we will gather with our fellow participants at our office to introduce ourselves and discuss your upcoming trip.
Today marks the beginning of our trek with boundless enthusiasm and energy. Our journey commences with a drive along the Prithivi Highway until Dumre, where we transition onto a rugged path tracing the Marshyangdi River. Along this route, we'll traverse low-lying villages and picturesque rice fields, approximately six hours in total, until we arrive at Besi Sahar.
Besi Sahar, situated on the banks of the Marshyangdi River, is a quaint market hub serving as the headquarters of the Lamjung District.
Following breakfast, our journey will lead us towards Ghalegaun. While driving to Ghale Gaun is an option, trekking uphill offers a more exhilarating experience.
We'll trek through diverse settlements, passing through villages such as Sirung and Thulo, among others. Along the trail, you'll be treated to captivating vistas of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. Upon arrival at the village, you'll receive a warm and festive welcome from the local villagers.
In the morning, we'll embark on an exploration of Ghale Gaun. Following our exploration, we'll commence our journey towards Bhujung, the largest Gurung settlement in the Annapurna Conservation Area. Along the way, we'll pause at Ghanapokhara, which offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Manaslu Ranges.
After a few hours of trekking, we'll arrive at Bhujung. Following a brief rest at our accommodation, we'll set out to visit significant landmarks in the village, such as the Bhujung Museum and Hydro Power Sites. Once our exploration is complete, we'll return to our homestay.
Following breakfast, we'll resume our trek towards ThakuBhir, departing from Bhujung. Throughout the remainder of the day, we'll immerse ourselves in exploring the area, visiting various sites, and engaging with the local community to gain insights into their culture and way of life.
We delight in participating in the honey hunting ceremony, savoring the freshly harvested honey, and observing the traditional techniques employed in gathering honey from the lofty cliffs.
We return back to Bhujung village today.
Returning our trail, we will walk back to Besisahar and stay the night.
As we bid farewell to Besisahar, we'll journey back to the capital, Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you'll have the option to relax or explore the bustling streets for shopping and leisure.
Depending your return ticket, we in time drive you to the international airport
See this interesting article from The Guardian.
The best time for the Honey Hunting Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These periods offer favorable weather conditions for trekking and observing the honey hunting ceremony.
Accommodation during the trek includes staying in teahouses, lodges, and village homestays. These accommodations provide basic amenities such as meals and a place to sleep, allowing you to experience local hospitality.
The Honey Hunting Trek is considered moderate in difficulty. It involves daily walks of 4-6 hours on varied terrain. Trekkers should be in good physical condition and have some prior trekking experience.
Trekkers need a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card and an entry permit for the Annapurna Conservation Area. These permits are usually arranged through your trekking agency.
Essential items include sturdy trekking boots, comfortable trekking clothes, a warm jacket, rain gear, a sleeping bag, personal medications, a first aid kit, a water purification system, and snacks. A detailed packing list will be provided by your trekking agency.
Yes, the Honey Hunting Ceremony is conducted by experienced local honey hunters who take necessary safety precautions. As an observer, you will be kept at a safe distance to watch the process.
The Honey Hunting Ceremony is a traditional practice where local honey hunters collect honey from wild bee hives located on steep cliffs. It is an ancient tradition that holds cultural and spiritual significance for the local communities.
Local teahouses and lodges offer a variety of meals, including traditional Nepali dishes such as dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), as well as Tibetan and basic Western food options.
While there are no specific rest days in the itinerary, the day of observing the Honey Hunting Ceremony (Day 7) provides a break from trekking and allows for cultural immersion.
The trek starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Besi Sahar. The return journey also involves driving from Besi Sahar back to Kathmandu. Local transportation is used for these segments.
Charging facilities are available at some teahouses and lodges for a small fee. It’s advisable to bring a power bank or a solar charger for convenience.
The weather can vary, with cooler temperatures in the mornings and evenings and warmer conditions during the day. Be prepared for occasional rain and temperature fluctuations, especially in higher altitudes.
Yes, hiring a guide and/or porter is highly recommended. They can assist with navigation, carrying your luggage, and provide valuable insights into the local culture and environment.
The trek offers rich cultural experiences, including visits to traditional Gurung and Ghale villages, interactions with local communities, and participation in the unique Honey Hunting Ceremony.
Inform your guide immediately if you encounter any health issues or emergencies. Guides are trained in first aid and can arrange for evacuation if necessary. It’s important to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation.
Honey hunting tours in Nepal offer travelers a unique opportunity to witness the traditional practice of harvesting wild honey from cliffs by indigenous Gurung and Magar communities in the Himalayan region. These tours typically take place in the remote areas of central and western Nepal, where honeybees build their nests on high cliffs.
During a honey hunting tour, participants embark on a trek through stunning mountain landscapes to reach the honey hunting sites. Once there, they observe skilled honey hunters as they use ropes, ladders, and traditional tools to climb the cliffs and collect honeycombs from the wild bee colonies. It's a thrilling and awe-inspiring experience to watch the hunters brave the heights and gather the honey.
In addition to witnessing the honey hunting itself, these tours often include opportunities to learn about the cultural significance of honey hunting to the local communities, interact with the honey hunters, and enjoy traditional Nepali hospitality. Many tours also involve overnight stays in local villages, providing a deeper immersion into the local culture and way of life.
If you're interested in joining a honey hunting tour in Nepal, it's essential to choose a reputable tour operator like ours that prioritizes safety, sustainability, and respect for the local communities and environment. These tours can vary in duration, level of difficulty, and inclusion of additional activities, so be sure to research and select one that aligns with your preferences and interests.
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