Overview
Wild Honey Hunting Tour in Nepal: A Journey into Tradition, Adventure & Nature
Nepal, renowned for its majestic Himalayas, diverse cultures, and age-old traditions, also offers one of the most captivating and adventurous experiences in the world — wild honey hunting. This centuries-old practice, performed by indigenous communities in remote mountain regions, is a unique blend of cultural heritage, survival skill, and daring exploration. For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience that brings together nature, culture, and ancient knowledge, a Wild Honey Hunting Tour in Nepal promises an unforgettable adventure.
In May 2016, our team organized a remarkable wild honey hunting expedition in the Lamjung district of central Nepal. This event stood out not only for its breathtaking location and cultural richness but also because we had the honor of hosting an international film crew from the USA. With years of experience in documenting wild honey hunting practices, we facilitated this incredible shoot, which highlighted both the challenges and beauty of this rare tradition.
The expedition took place from May 11th to 17th, on a towering cliff approximately 300 meters high. The steep and rugged terrain presented significant physical challenges for both the honey hunters and the film crew. At the site, we discovered over 50 active beehives, each filled with thick, golden wild honey. As the local honey hunters carefully descended the cliff using handmade rope ladders, the air was charged with excitement and anticipation. The harvest yielded a substantial amount of honey, and there was even enough for on-site tasting. Notably, honey collected during the summer season is known for its potent medicinal properties and is highly valued in traditional healing practices.
The experience left a deep impression on both our local team and our international guests. The raw beauty of the natural setting, combined with the authenticity of the tradition, made for a powerful and inspiring journey. Following the success of the 2016 expedition, we are now preparing for the upcoming honey hunting season, which will take place between late October and December.
If you or your team are interested in capturing this extraordinary tradition on film or experiencing it firsthand, we would be delighted to assist. We specialize in organizing filming projects and adventure expeditions across Nepal and can help you access new, visually stunning, and logistically challenging honey hunting locations.
For inquiries or collaborations, please feel free to contact us. Let us help you bring the extraordinary story of Nepal’s wild honey hunting to life.
What is Wild Honey Hunting?
Wild honey hunting is an ancient tradition practiced by the Gurung and Magar communities of central Nepal. The honey is collected from massive hives built by the Himalayan giant honey bee (Apis laboriosa) — the world’s largest honeybee — which nests on steep, inaccessible cliffs at altitudes of 2,500 to 3,000 meters.
Twice a year (typically in spring – April/May and autumn – October/November), local honey hunters risk their lives to harvest this wild honey using handmade rope ladders and bamboo scaffolding, often hanging hundreds of feet above the ground with nothing but smoke and skill to help them.
Where Does the Tour Take Place?
The most popular destination for wild honey hunting tours is the remote village of Ghalegaun or Bhujung in the Lamjung District, about 6–7 hours’ drive from Pokhara.
Other notable honey hunting sites include:
Nagi and Khopra Ridge (Myagdi District)
Chitwan’s Chepang Hills
Dandruk and Landruk in the Annapurna region
These locations are not just about honey hunting — they are also windows into Nepal’s untouched rural beauty, offering panoramic Himalayan views, terraced hillsides, and authentic cultural encounters.
What Can You Expect on a Wild Honey Hunting Tour?
A typical wild honey hunting tour lasts 5 to 10 days, depending on the destination and trekking involved. Here’s what’s included:
✅ Highlights of the Experience:
Witness Live Honey Harvesting: See skilled locals climb sheer cliffs with ropes and ladders to extract honey while battling angry bees and dizzying heights.
Cultural Immersion: Stay in local homes or community lodges, enjoy traditional Gurung or Magar cuisine, and participate in local rituals.
Trekking & Scenery: Moderate trekking through terraced fields, rhododendron forests, and mountain trails with spectacular views of peaks like Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Lamjung Himal, and Annapurna.
Photography & Storytelling: Incredible opportunities for photographers, documentary makers, and travel writers.
Taste the Honey: Sample different types of honey, including the rare “mad honey” known for its hallucinogenic effects in small doses.
Best Time to Visit
There are two main honey hunting seasons:
Spring Season: April – May
Autumn Season: October – November
These times align with the natural harvesting period and offer the best weather for trekking and cultural exploration.
What to Bring
Trekking gear and comfortable hiking boots
Lightweight clothing and layers
Insect repellent and sunscreen
Camera and binoculars
Respectful clothing for village stays
A sense of adventure and curiosity!
Is It Safe?
Yes, the tour is safe when organized by experienced guides and local experts. Visitors do not participate in the actual honey hunting, as it is extremely dangerous and reserved for trained locals. Instead, you’ll observe the activity from a safe distance while learning about the techniques and history.
Guides ensure your safety during hikes and village stays, and all logistics (permits, food, accommodations) are arranged in advance.
Responsible & Sustainable Tourism
Wild honey hunting is not just a show — it’s a sacred tradition for the local communities. Ethical tour operators ensure:
The activity respects nature and bee populations.
A portion of the tour cost supports local families and community development.
There is no exploitation or disruption of cultural practices.
As a guest, you are encouraged to travel respectfully, ask questions, and engage in genuine cultural exchange.
How to Book a Wild Honey Hunting Tour
We offer tailored honey hunting experiences that include:
Full trekking and village immersion
English-speaking cultural guides
Permits and transportation from Pokhara or Kathmandu
Authentic village homestays and meals
Flexible itineraries for individuals or small groups
Contact us:info@nepalmtlovers.com or call +977 9851089399 to plan your wild honey hunting adventure in Nepal!
Final Thoughts:
Wild honey hunting tours in Nepal are not just travel experiences — they are transformational journeys into the heart of Himalayan culture, nature, and ancient wisdom. Whether you’re an adventurer, cultural explorer, or photographer, this tour will leave you with stories (and photos) that few others can claim.
So come, witness the bravery of the honey hunters, taste the nectar of the Himalayas, and immerse yourself in a tradition that defies time.
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Cost Includes
- Pick up and drop transport as mentioned in the itinerary
- Accommodation and three meals per day in Kathmandu and during the trekking
- Trekking guide and porters (Cook and sardar in the case of camping trek)
- National parks’ fees and government royalties
- Domestic air ticket and airport tax for tourists and guides as mentioned in the itinerary
- Insurance of our trekking staff members
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu valley or other parts of Nepal as mentioned in the itinerary
Cost Excludes
- International air ticket, airport tax and Nepal visa fees
- All kinds of drink during trekking and travel stay with us
- Travel insurance and cost of medical services of tourists
- All kinds of cloth and personal trekking equipment
- Other personal expenses and tips
- Charted helicopter, plane and other transports in case of emergency
Talk with a travel expert with more than a decade of experience and plan your adventure.
Gear List
- Backpack (50 liters) with outside pockets to keep smaller items
- Trekking boots, well broken in and waterproofed. Gaiters to keep snow out of boots
- Woolen sweaters and down jacket, gloves, wind proof outer garments, pants jacket, skirts, T-shirts, shirts, baggy pants and underwear
- Several pairs of woolen and few pairs of nylon socks. A pair of sandals
- Sleeping bag adequate for temperatures encountered
- Hat with wide brim and sun lotion cream
- One liter water bottle and some food for contingencies
- Repair and medical kit
- Head lamp with spare lithium batteries and bulbs
- Handkerchief and toiletries
- Verified phone number of your Embassy, consulate ,trekking agency and private phone number of your director
- Pen, pencils and letterhead to write an emergency message
- Pocket knife with opener and scissors
- Sunglasses with spare eyeglasses or contact lenses if you wear them
- Umbrella and rain coat
- Camera
SUPPORT
Important Information Before Your Trip to Nepal
Payment: Down payment: 15% of total payment is required to confirm the reservation.
Payment of the Balance: Rest amount can be paid in our office after your arrival.
Arrival Point: You will be met at the Kathmandu international airport. Our office representative will be waiting for you holding play card of the Nepal Mountain Lovers Treks and Expedition. In case of your change plan, please let us inform.
Booking Air Ticket: If you don’t have regular travel agent, please visit makemytrip.com, www.kayak.com, www.vayama.com. They offer you very good price.
Room System: Normally we have two people in a room. Twin bed or single bed depends on the choice of guests and budget. If tourists want single room, s/he should pay single supplementary.
Trekking Leading Person: Our trekking guide will lead the whole trip with his/her helpers and porters.
Currencies: USD, AUD, EURO are major acceptable currencies in Nepal and visa and credit cards also accepted. There is ATM facility in city area.
Altitude Sickness: Altitude sickness will start from 3000 meter height. Trekkers should immediately inform trekking guide if faced any problems.
Drinking Water: We can get mineral water and boiled water in city area and in some trekking places. We use water purification tablet or liquid in some remote trekking sites.
Laundry Facility: Laundry facility are available in city area but not during the trekking.
Visa: You can get arrival visa at Kathmandu airport that cost 25 USD for 15 days and 40 USD for 30 days. Please bring 2 passport size photos. You can get your visa from the closest Nepali embassy.
Orientation Program: Before starting trekking, trekkers are provided with an orientation by our office representative or trekking guide about the necessary trekking information.
Group Size: There will be maximum 12 persons in one group.
Accommodation: You will stay in a nice tourist standard hotel/resort in city areas. Normal hotels or tents are available during the trekking.
Foods: We provide breakfast, lunch, dinner. Tourists can get continental food both in city and trekking places. Food during the trekking might not meet the standard of your country.
View of Mount Everest: Trekkers to Everest region will of course see the Mount Everest. For trekkers visiting other regions where they cannot view Mount Everest, there are daily mountain flights which approach close to Mount Everest.
Travel Insurance: It is compulsory to have travel insurance.
Personal Expenses: It depends on your spending interest and shopping. There are some expensive handmade carpets, Thanka paintings, jewelries and handicrafts to purchase in Nepal.
Luggage: We take only about 10kg per person in trekking. Your excess baggage will be stored in a hotel.
Tips: Tips are highly accepted and appreciated.
Rules and Regulation
Nepal Mountain Lovers Treks and Expedition accepts your reservation under the following rules and regulations.
1. If the balance payment is not paid before your departure for trekking, the booking will be cancelled without any refund.
2. If there is war or the situation of the country is out of control and the country faces emergency situation before your arrival to Nepal, we inform you not to come Nepal and refund your payment. But in case of any emergency situation or war after your arrival or during the trekking, we will not refund your money. But we will try our best to make your trip successful and pleasant. In such situation, we may need to change the trip plan and itinerary.
3. In case of increase in government royalty and other costs such as the national park fee, you have to pay extra money.
4. If you commit any illegal act or disturbance for the safety and welfare of the group, our leader or guide can ask to leave the group without any right to refund.
5. If you have any complain with regards to trekking and tour please inform our tour leader or company. All kinds of valid complain are welcomed and processed with necessary actions.
6.You are responsible to ensure that all travel documents are with you during the entire trip.
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