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Honey Hunting Tour

11 Days

The Honey Haunting Tour in Nepal offers an exciting opportunity to explore the Himalayan foothills of Central Nepal, where honey hunting takes place twice a year. The rugged cliffs in this region are home to the world’s largest colonies of Apis Laboriosa and Apis dorsata, two indigenous species of honeybees. These bees have been living in these cliffs for generations, and the honey-hunting practices of the local communities also vary.

This tour allows you to witness these unique rituals and meet the people who practice them. Additionally, the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in Kathmandu runs a program called the Himalayan Honeybees Project, which aims to ensure the sustainable management of honey hunting in order to preserve these bee species.

Trip Info

  • 2157 m
  • Kathmandu
  • Kathmandu
  • Tea house/Lodge/Homestay
  • Private vehicle
  • All meals during trek (B,L,D)
  • English, Hindi, Chinese

Overview

Honey haunting takes place in the village of Ghan Pokhari and Ghale Gaun which are beautiful traditional villages. To reach the village one has to drive from Kathmandu to Khudi which is at 6 hours of bus drive and from the place you will have to trek for almost 6 to 7 hours to reach the villages. This Honey haunting ritual begins with a certain kind of prayer and flower, fruits and grain offerings. After that the haunters lit fire below the cliff, this will smoke the bees so that they leave their comb and fly away. Now the haunter climbs up the cliff with the help of the ladder-made rope, he carries a tool with him and then, fighting with the honey soldiers cuts off the chunk of honeycomb. This honey has proven to be used best for many medical treatment purposes. The experience to see the traditional Honey Haunting Process is worthwhile.

These days the introduction of the noon indigenous species of plant and European honey bee Apis mellifera has created a problem of food for these indigenous species since all the nearby flower nectar is used up very fast.

The honey hunting trip itinerary can be changed at any time depending on our season. Himalayan 360 can organize a lot of places (depending on the season) for honey hunting tours please contact our team.

Trip Highlights

  • The Honey Haunting Tour in Nepal takes you to the Himalayan foothills of Central Nepal where honey hunting takes place twice a year.
  • The tour offers the opportunity to observe the world's largest colonies of Apis Laboriosa and Apis dorsata, two indigenous species of honeybees.
  • You will witness the unique rituals and practices of the local communities who hunt for honey.
  • he tour gives an opportunity to experience an authentic cultural activity that is unique to Nepal, and observe the interconnection of nature and human culture.

Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrival in Kathmandu

When you arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport, a representative from Himalayan 360 will be there to meet you and take you to your hotel. After checking in, you can rest or, with the guide, visit Himalayan 360’s office in Thamel a part of Kathmandu in the tourist district. Here there are many shops and restaurants. The shops are colourful and full of pashminas, slippers, trekking equipment, and felt items. The restaurants serve European as well as Nepalese meals. ATMs are plentiful should you require them. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Himalayan 360 where you will be served authentic Nepalese cuisine. This is a great introduction to Nepalese food.

Overnight at hotel in kathmandu

Day 2:
Kathmandu Tour and Tour preparation.

After breakfast at the hotel. We will explore the Pashupatinath Temple Boudhanath Stupa and Patan Durbar square. Rest of the time for trip preparation.

Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 3:
Drive from Kathmandu to Khudi (820m)

We drive along the Prithvi highway across beautiful villages, colourful Houses, and landscapes, and all we drive along the River. After a 6-7 hours drive, we will reach Khudi.

Overnight at lodge in Khudi

Day 4:
Trek from Khudi (820m) to Ghale Gaun (2070m)

After Breakfast, the trail ascends all the way to Ghalagaun, The trail passes through the beautiful forest, if you are lucky enough you will also get to see some of the wildlife. We will walk past settlements of various communities through the villages of the strung village, Thulo village etc. This area holds tremendous potential for bird watching. It really can be a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Trek duration: 6-7hours
Overnight at homestay in Ghale Gaun (B,L,D)

Day 5:
Trek from Ghale Gaun to Bhujung (1696m) via Ghanapokhari (2157m)

We will explore Ghale Gaun in the morning and soon after the exploration we start our walk towards the largest Gurung settlement in Annapurna Conservation Area, Bhujung. We will halt at Ghanapokhara offering a mesmerizing view of the Annapurna and Manaslu Ranges. We then have a couple of hours’ walk and reach Bhujung. After a brief rest at your accommodation.

Trek duration: 3-4 hours
Overnight at homestay in Bhujung. (B,L,D)

Day 6:
Trek to ThakurBhir (Honey Hunting sites)

After breakfast, we continue our treks towards ThakurBhir Leaving Bhujung. For the rest of the day, we will explore the sites and get to know the locals and their culture.

Trek hours: 3-4 hours
Overnight at Guest house(B,L,D)

Day 7:
Observe Honey Hunting Ceremony

We enjoy the Honey hunting ceremony, and also taste the freshly harvested honey, and observe the traditional methods of harvesting honey from the high cliffs.

Overnight at tent/Tea house (B,L,D)

Day 8:
Trek back to Bhujung (1696m)

After breakfast, we trek back to Bhujung Village. After 5-6 hours walk you will reach Bhujung village. Explore Bhujung Village.

Trek duration: 5-6 hours
Overnight at a guest house in Bhujung (B,L,D)

Day 9:
Trek back to Besisahar (760m)

After having breakfast, we will walk back to Besisahar and Spend the Night.

Trek duration:6-7 hours
Overnight at a guest house in Besisahar (B,L,D)

Day 10:
Drive back to Kathmandu (1400m)

Bidding farewell to Besisahar, we will drive back to the capital, Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you can take a rest or roam around the streets and do shopping.

Overnight at hotel in kathmandu

Day 11:
Final Departure

Today is the last day of our Trip, it is the time to say goodbye and return to the real world. If you have some time left, you can do some souvenir shopping or sightseeing around the hotel. A representative from Himalayan 360 will collect you from the hotel and take you to the airport 3 hours before your departure.

Trip FAQs

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What is the Honey Haunting Tour in Nepal?

The Honey Haunting Tour in Nepal is a tour that takes you to the Himalayan foothills of Central Nepal where you can observe the traditional practice of honey hunting. The tour allows you to witness the unique rituals and practices of the local communities and learn about the indigenous bee species that live in the area.

When is the best time to take this tour?

The honey hunting season in Nepal takes place twice a year, typically in the spring and autumn. The best time to take the tour would be during these seasons to ensure that you can observe the honey-hunting activity. For more, you can directly text us through WhatsApp.

What is the Himalayan Honeybees Project?

The Himalayan Honeybees Project is a program run by the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in Kathmandu. The program aims to ensure the sustainable management of honey hunting in order to preserve the indigenous bee species that live in the area.

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Honey Hunting Tour