Honey Hunting In Nepal

Honey hunting is among the centuries old tradition practiced by indigenous communities, including the Gurungs in Nepal. This tradition is more than a thrilling adventure as it involves collecting wild honey from bee hives in steep Himalayan cliffs. The bee species are Apis Laborisa and Apis Dorsata, whose honey is popular for its rare flavours and medicinal properties.

Youths from Gurung community demonstrate their bravery and exceptional skills while hunting the mad honey in Nepal. They show their physical and technical abilities during the honey hunting tradition by hanging in steep cliffs using bamboo ladders and hemp ropes. This entire process of honey harvesting is a thrilling adventure to experience that you must not miss in Nepal.

Honey Hunting Tradition in Gurung Communities

Honey hunting is among the oldest honey harvesting traditions of Gurung communities in mid-hilly region of Nepal. This tradition is performed twice a year in spring and Autumn. It involves skilled hunter, Amecchi, accessing steep cliffs using handmade rope ladders, smoke, and bamboo basket to collect the honey. This tradition is an adventure that holds significance cultural and ritual values in Gurung communities.

Before and during the harvest process, various spiritual rituals are performed to serve the mountain spirits. Following the adventurous harvesting process, the collected honey is shared with the community. These honey are used as offerings to god during ritual and cultural ceremonies.

This traditional honey hunting techniques is passed down through generations. Many youths in present day follow the exciting honey harvesting techniques from their elders.

The Cliff Hanging Technique

The cliff hanging technique used by the honey hunters is one of the most remarkable aspect in honey hunting process. The hunters hangs down the cliffs using their handmade ropes and bamboo ladder to reach the hives. While hanging in the cliffs, they use smokes to drive away bees. Following that, hunters use cutting tools to cut and extract the honeycombs. This process requires courage, balance, and knowledge about the behaviour of bee. Witnessing this adventure full of human skill and nature’s challenges surely gives you an adrenaline-filled experience.

Top Honey Hunting Locations in Nepal

Nepal offers many destinations where you can get the best honey hunting experience. The indigenous communities including Gurung communities, practice the honey hunting tradition. The following are some of the famous locations where you can get best honey hunting experience:

1. Lamjung

Lamjung is famous for lush, dense forests that hold some of the best honey hunting spots in Nepal. It is inhabited by indigenous Gurung communities, who regard and practices honey hunting traditions. They use traditional tools and techniques to harvest wild honey. Ludi, Siurikhola, Ghanpokhara, and Ghalegaun are some of the best honey hunting locations where you can witness the captivating honey harvesting tradition in Lamjung.

2. Kaski

Kaski district is famous for steep cliffs and wild bee colonies in Nepal. The district is popular for the honey hunting tradition and harvesting of mad honey in Nepal. Honey harvesting in the Kaski district is performed twice a year during Spring and Autumn seasons. Here, you witness hunters extracting honey in a traditional technique through cliff hanging using tools like rope ladder, bamboo basket, and smoke.

3. Dhading

Dhading offers many adventurous and traditional honey harvesting destinations. The Tembhara cliff in Dhading district offers you an opportunity to witness adrenaline-pumping honey hunts. Tembhara also provides you an opportunity to participate in harvesting with locals

4. Myagdi

Myagdi is also among the popular districts renowned for best honey hunting location in Nepal. Locations such as Darbang, Nagi, Chhahare Cliff, and Kharsu are known destinations for experiencing the honey hunting event. Honey hunting in this location are practiced by indigenous Gurung and other communities. Besides traditions, many locals perform the harvesting as part of their daily livelihood.

Best Honey Hunting Season in Nepal

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best honey hunting seasons in Nepal. During the spring season, mad honey is extracted from honey combs due to rhododendron nectar. Spring is also the ideal season as bees are mostly active in this season due to the flower bloom. Meanwhile, Autumn offers clear sky and favourable weather for both hunter and observers.

Risks to Consider

Although honey hunting offers adventure and a unique experience, it possesses risks. Hunters face bee stings and may fall from the cliffs due to unstable equipment. The change in weather conditions might also impact the hunt. Honey hunters can also get distracted by the audience or visitors nearby, causing risk to both visitors and hunters.

How to experience Honey Hunting in Nepal

Interested to witness adventurous and thrilling honey hunting tradition of Nepal? Travel service providers like Mountain Delights Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd can be the best medium. Mountain Delight Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd offers the best honey hunting tour in various location of Nepal. They offer a customized and organized itinerary for you to learn and witness the honey hunting tradition of indigenous communities in Nepal.