Nepal Honey Hunting Tour Package

Experience a thrilling Honey hunting tour in Nepal, scaling towering cliffs with local guides for a unique, adrenaline-fueled taste of wild honey.

Trip Facts

duration Duration 8 days
trip-difficulty Trip Difficulty Moderate
trip-difficulty Highest Point 3000m
Average Group Size 4-10 People
trip-code Trip Code NHHTP
trip-code Area Annapurna Region
trip-code Start Point Kathmandu
trip-start-point Trip End Point Kathmandu
trip-accomodation Accomodation 3 Star Deluxe
trip-meals Meals As Mentioned
transportation Transportation On Private Basis

Trip Highlights

  • An exciting outdoor activity called Mad Honey Hunting.
  • Cultural sightseeing in Kathmandu to get an insight into Nepal’s history.
  • Traditional village visit for the Mad Honey Hunting in Lamjung. 
  • Experience the local community homestays and the warm hospitality of the natives.
  • Witness the timeless tradition of Honey Hunting by the locals.
  • Taste the native delicacy of hallucinating honey with the locals.

Trip Overview

Honey hunting in Nepal is becoming increasingly popular as an exciting adventure activity. Honey hunting is a traditional method of extracting wild honey that has gained popularity among adventure enthusiasts. Nepal offers a variety of experiences, one of which is honey hunting. This activity allows you to connect with nature and appreciate its gifts without exploiting it in an unsustainable manner. Native people carry it out using traditional techniques. The main highlight of this trip is the unique honey known as Mad honey or hallucinating honey. It is not your ordinary honey, but rather a special delicacy with medicinal properties that have been used by the locals for decades.

Our Nepal Honey Hunting Tour Package is an 8-day trip that promises to provide you with the best thrilling adventure while experiencing the culture and tradition of Nepal’s rich diversity. Throughout this trip, you will go on a journey where you will explore the beauty of tradition and natural splendor. During your honey-hunting trip, you will have the opportunity to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. Afterwards, you will proceed to Ghanpokhara, a traditional village where the honey hunting programme will take place. During your honey hunting activity, you will experience the authentic local culture by staying in community homestays. You will also have the chance to savor the delicious local cuisine and enjoy the warm hospitality of the friendly locals.

During your tour, you will discover the rich historical beauty of Nepal within Kathmandu City. Through a comprehensive sightseeing programme, you will be able to explore and witness the ancient allure of the city as you visit various architectural marvels and historical sites. The landmarks you will visit hold significant religious and historical importance, reflecting Nepal's rich history and artistic heritage. You will start your sightseeing from Kathmandu Durbar Square, a former royal palace now open to the public. This palace in Nepal is truly a sight to behold, and it is one of the three Durbar Squares you will be visiting on this tour. Within Kathmandu Durbar Square, you'll find a plethora of captivating monuments, including temples, a museum, stunning architecture, statues, and a charming courtyard.

Next is Swayambhunath Stupa, situated atop a gentle hill, providing a breathtaking view of the entire city of Kathmandu. The temple is famously referred to as the "Monkey Temple" due to the large number of monkeys that inhabit its premises. The Pashupatinath Temple, devoted to the Hindu deity Shiva, holds distinction as one of the most crucial and revered temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in the world. Inside the temple, you will get to see pagoda-style architecture built during the Malla era. Another notable site you will be visiting is the Boudhanath Stupa, a significant Buddhist religious site and one of the largest Buddhist stupas globally. This place is highly regarded as a popular spiritual destination where you can truly experience a sense of tranquility.

The architectural design is truly stunning, with a magnificent stupa adorned with vibrant prayer flags that spread a sense of peace throughout the world. Another durbar square, Patan Durbar Square, is located in the Lalitpur district near Kathmandu. The royal complex features a stunning display of monuments and intricate carvings depicting deities and historical figures. The entire courtyard is filled with stunning architecture that will captivate you with its mesmerizing beauty and rich historical significance. Lastly, Bhaktapur Durbar Square is located in the Bhaktapur district and offers one of the most captivating durbar squares. The courtyard is filled with remarkable monuments that will leave you in awe. The landmarks showcase authentic Nepalese art with beautifully executed craftsmanship, reflecting the skills of ancient artisans.

What is Honey Hunting?

Honey Hunting is an absolutely captivating activity that you will have the opportunity to experience during this tour. During the honey-hunting tour, you will observe the fascinating process of extracting wild honey from a unique location. Wild honey is known by various names, including "Mad Honey", "Cliff Honey" and even "Hallucinogenic Honey." The activity offers a unique adventure, taking you to local villages where people continue to practice traditional methods of harvesting honey. The honey is located on a cliff at an impressive altitude of 1500 to 2000 meters above sea level. This honey is considered a delicacy and has been used by the locals for medical purposes for decades. Collecting this honey is not just an activity but also a cherished tradition. 

This peculiar practice of mad honey hunting is observed in the Gurung community, which resides in hilly regions. On this tour, you'll explore charming villages, immerse yourself in the local culture by staying at homestays, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the genuine warmth and hospitality of the locals. During your stay in the village, you will participate in the fascinating tradition of honey hunting. This activity is carried out by the locals, who have acquired years of experience and mastered the local techniques. During the tour preparation day, the locals skilfully craft ladders, baskets, and ropes from scratch using available materials like bamboo and hemp fiber. You'll have some free time today to explore the village and the surrounding area. The view from Lamjung offers breathtaking sights of the surrounding mountains, including Lamjung Himal, Ganesh Himal, Mt. Machhapuchhre, Manaslu in the west, and Himal Chuli in the east.

Honey Hunting Process:

During the honey hunting day, you visit the honey hunting site along with the local honey hunters, who will carefully place all the ladders and necessary equipment to ensure a smooth harvest. Before beginning the harvest, the hunters take part in a local tradition of worship to ensure a successful harvest and express gratitude to their gods and ancestors. It is truly a sight worth witnessing. During the honey hunting programme, the local experts prepare themselves with their traditional safety measures. They skilfully climb the ladder and light a fire to create smoke, which helps distract the bees. After successfully removing the majority of the bees from the hive, they proceed to cut it and distribute the honey to others on the ground. 

The team carefully extracts the honey from the hive, using a bamboo basket as a strainer. During this process, you will be on the ground, observing them carefully execute the honey-hunting process, as you cannot climb and risk your life. Experience the jaw-dropping view and lend a hand from the ground. After extracting the honey, they will tidy up the area and ensure it remains clean and well-maintained for the upcoming season. They will also make sure to harvest a sustainable amount of honey without exploiting it while leaving enough for the bees.

What to expect from the Nepal Honey Hunting Tour?

Exploring the art of Honey Hunting in Nepal is an exhilarating outdoor activity that allows you to immerse yourself in a unique adventure and traditional experience. This is a private and relaxing tour where you will experience a unique travel experience exploring the quaint villages among the locals and immersing yourself in historical arts in cities. Your journey begins in Kathmandu, where you will visit and discover the religious and historical sites that are recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You'll be amazed by the captivating mix of modern development and rustic landmarks scattered throughout the city. Once you've finished sightseeing and made all the necessary tour preparations, your journey will lead you to a serene and traditional village area, far away from the chaos and commotion of the city. You will see and take part in Mad Honey Hunting, a long-standing custom that the locals and indigenous people have cherished for generations. This activity is not only an adventure but also a significant part of the local culture. The locals have developed their traditional methods to extract honey. 

The activity is truly unique and amazing, just like the honey. This honey is known by several names, including Mad Honey, Cliff Honey, and even Hallucinogenic Honey. It is renowned for its hallucinogenic properties and is considered a local delicacy. This particular type of honey is not commonly found everywhere but rather in regions with high altitudes and seasonal flowers like rhododendron, which provide pollen and nectar for the bees to make their honey. Once you arrive at the location, prepare to be captivated by beautiful scenery featuring majestic mountain views and rich cultural experiences. During your honey hunting activities, you will participate in honey hunting preparation. On the next day, you will witness the locals extracting honey right in front of your eyes using traditional methods. After finishing the honey hunting, you will return to Kathmandu via road and explore a few more cultural sites before you depart. 

The Honey hunting tour in Nepal is truly an incredible and exhilarating activity that you must experience. This tour is perfect for those who have a deep appreciation for the wonders of nature and its jaw-dropping beauty. Witness the thrilling activity of people harvesting honey laid on a cliff using their traditional techniques. Experience the best of both adventure and culture on this tour as you explore the historical and cultural beauty of the city, along with the stunning landscapes of Nepal. The tradition of honey hunting has been cherished by the indigenous people of Nepal for generations. This trip is perfect for any age group as it does not require a heavy physical challenge. Anyone can enjoy this trip. Curious about how Mad Honey Hunting works? Come join us to witness the beauty of a trip along with an amazing once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01

Kathmandu Arrival.

Your Arrival Time (?) Our office representative will meet and greet you in typical Nepali style at Kathmandu Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu.

At. 06:00 PM: We will meet for a coffee talk at your hotel and brief you on the details of your ongoing trip itinerary. If you arrive late after 5 p.m., we will meet the following day for breakfast.

If you're interested in additional activities during your tour in Kathmandu, please let us know your preferences in advance. This will allow us to schedule and book the programs accordingly.

Optional Activities in Kathmandu are:

  • Everest Mountain Flight (It is a 1-hour flight (scheduled at 6:30 AM) with a breathtaking view of the mountain range.) (USD 250 PP)

  • Gosaikunda Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu. (USD 400 PP)

  • Everest Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu with Kala Patthar Landing. (USD 1200 PP)

trip-accomodation Arts Kathmandu
trip-meals N/A
transportation On Private Basis
Day 02

Kathmandu Sightseeing, Trip Preparation.

At. 10:00 AM: Start your fully guided Kathmandu sightseeing from the closest place, Kathmandu Durbar Square. The former royal palace will fascinate you with its intricate architectural designs and exciting myths and histories related to it. In front of the court, you will see numerous vendors selling handcrafted items like jewelry, decoration pieces, and many other pieces of stuff. Next, visit Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple. It is one of the most important Buddhist sites in Nepal. One must climb hundreds of stairs to reach the top of the monument. See the panoramic view, and challenge yourself. The environment is peaceful, so if you want to practice meditation, you can do so.

Visit the renowned Pashupatinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and known for its remarkable pagoda architecture. Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal's highly revered Hindu temple, and explore another culturally significant monument. The final stop is Boudhanath stupa, where you will be greeted warmly by the divine scent of incense and the gentle sounds of pigeons. After arriving at the Boudhanath stupa, the divine aura will declare peace among people's souls. Enjoy the rooftop view of the entire place while sipping aromatic coffee and comfort food, and end your exciting day. In the evening, we will gather for a welcome dinner. The dinner will feature traditional Thakali cuisine and will be followed by a cultural programme with traditional songs and performances.

Note: After completing your sightseeing program, consider visiting Thamel for convenient shopping for all the necessary gear for your trip. You can purchase all the necessary items, but we suggest bringing them from your hometown, as the local products may not meet your expectations.

duration 6-8 Hours
trip-accomodation Arts Kathmandu
trip-meals B
transportation On Private Basis
Day 03

Drive to Lamjung, Stay at Ghanpokhara.

At. 08:00 AM: Have breakfast at the hotel in Kathmandu as your transportation arrives to pick you up from the hotel. Your guide and driver will drive you to your destination (Lamjung), which is 200 km from Kathmandu. The estimated travel time for this distance is 6-7 hours, depending on road traffic and conditions. Please note that there are some off-road sections along the way. On your way to Ghanpokhara Village, you'll pass through Dumre and Besisahar. Ghanpokhara is one of the most beautiful prehistoric villages in Nepal. It serves as the gateway to the amazing activity of Mad Honey hunting. After reaching the bus stop, you will walk a short distance to the village and rest your bags at the local lodges where you will be staying. During your stay, you will have the opportunity to live with and learn from the locals. You will join them in honey-hunting activities, using their traditional techniques and skills in the following days.

In the evening, enjoy a local dinner with the locals, trying out the delicious local cuisine and exploring the gastronomy of the village area. Ghanpokhara, located near the Himalayan range, offers mesmerizing sunset views from the village area.

duration 6-8 Hours
duration 230 KM
trip-accomodation Local Lodge
trip-meals B,L,D
transportation On Private Basis
Day 04

Honey Hunting Preparation.

At. 09:00 AM: Today, you will have the opportunity to learn and prepare for the big day tomorrow alongside the skilled locals. For honey hunting, the locals use traditional equipment such as handmade ropes and other tools like baskets. These items are all crafted by hand by the locals themselves. Enjoy breakfast and join the locals to witness honey hunting at the site. Prepare for the next day and learn valuable skills from experienced local honey hunters. Discover the surroundings and immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the nearby village. You can observe people making traditional ropes and ladders and explore the village area before going honey hunting.

trip-accomodation Local Lodge
trip-meals B,L,D
Day 05

Honey Hunting Day.

At. 08:00 AM: Enjoy a delicious breakfast before joining the locals on a honey-hunting adventure at the nearby site where you will collect honey. The site is conveniently located near water resources, allowing you to be near waterfalls and rivers. To reach the location, one must walk anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. This provides an added advantage, as you can explore the area while observing the locals extracting honey. You will get to observe the entire process without participating. The local honey hunters have years of experience in honey hunting. This activity typically takes 5-6 hours, depending on the challenge and amount of honey involved. Once the honeycomb is harvested, locals will ensure they don't take all the honey and leave some for the honeybees, making it a sustainable harvest.

Note: You are prohibited from participating in honey hunting due to the dangerous location of the hive on a cliff. Climbing and extracting the honey yourself is not safe, and you should leave that to the professionals. You can assist them on the ground, but it's not advisable to climb the ladder and participate with them. You can taste some honey on the site, but you need to buy it if you want to bring it with you.

Once you have collected honey, you will return to the village and extract it from the honeycomb using a traditional handmade basket. If you want to consume honey, please be aware that it can cause hallucinations and intoxication. Therefore, it is important to consume it in moderation to avoid any potential life-threatening effects.

duration 10 KM
trip-accomodation Local LOdge
trip-meals B,L,D
transportation On Private Basis
Day 06

Drive back to Kathmandu.

At. 08:00 AM: Today, you will return to Kathmandu. After having breakfast, you will walk up to the bus station and bid a final farewell to the amazing village. You'll need to travel approximately 200km on a road that may take 6-8 hours due to some off-road sections. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, check-in at the hotel and enjoy the rest of your evening as you please. You can explore the vibrant nightlife of Thamel and enjoy dinner near your hotel before calling it a day.

duration 230 KM
trip-accomodation Arts Kathmandu
trip-meals B,L
transportation On Private Basis
Day 07

Patan and Bhaktapur Sightseeing.

At. 09:00 AM: Today, you will have the opportunity to visit two historical monuments situated in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. In addition to the magnificent formal royal palaces, you will also have the opportunity to visit a breathtaking hill station for an overnight stay. Before the program starts, make sure to have breakfast at the hotel while your transportation arrives. 

Patan Durbar Square is situated approximately 7 km south of Thamel, making it easily accessible from the Thamel area. Patan Durbar Square is an ancient city that was built by King Siddhi Narsing Malla. When you visit, you will have the opportunity to see a wide range of fascinating artifacts, including bronze statues, religious objects, a stunning collection of metal crafts, and intricately carved woodwork (which is a unique form of art known as Newar Art). Additionally, you will also find a valuable Malla-era throne that holds great historical significance. Some incredible architectural wonders in Nepal include the Krishna Mandir (Temple), Vishwanath Temple, Patan Museum, Taleju Bhawani Temple, and many others.

Next, visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square to admire its historical monuments, intricately carved wood columns, majestic palaces, and temples adorned with exquisite carvings and gilded roofs. It is situated approximately 12 km west of Patan Durbar Square. You will see amazing architecture such as Ugrachandi Bhagwati, Badrinath Temple, The Golden Gate, 55-Window Palace, Vatsala Durga Temple, Siddhi Laxmi Temple, and many more. Have lunch near the Durbar area with a spectacular aerial view of Durbar Square and drive towards Kathmandu. Have dinner at a nearby restaurant in the evening, then check in at your hotel and call it a day. Thamel is renowned for its handmade home decor and authentic Nepali items, making it a great place to go shopping for souvenirs.

trip-accomodation Arts Kathmandu
trip-meals B
transportation On Private Basis
Day 08

Departure, Farewell!

You will have leisure time in Kathmandu after breakfast at your hotel. Our office representative will escort you to the Kathmandu airport 3 hours before boarding your flight. It may take 30 minutes to reach the airport from the hotel. Have a safe return home!

trip-meals B
transportation On Private Basis

Trip Guide

The information about the Nepal Honey Hunting Tour Package is in-depth; feel free to contact us 24/7. We will be available on WhatsApp to assist you instantly. You can write an email if this trip doesn't fit your vacation schedule and requirements. Altitude Himalaya aims to offer the best possible travel experience to customers. Depending on the needs of the visitors and the group size, we customize each vacation package. We will put together a bespoke itinerary just for your private group.

Travel insurance: Travel insurance is important before traveling to a new place especially when you are traveling for adventure. Travel insurance covers risks such as loss of personal belongings, and any unexpected expenses. Travel insurance also covers sudden medical emergencies such as accidents. It also covers high-altitude emergency evacuation in case of trekking. Travel insurance is not compulsory but highly recommended.

Medical emergency: If you face any serious medical emergency during your trekking program you will immediately evacuate the place through Helicopter Rescue which the traveler’s insurance company will cover. While trekking to the highlands of Nepal you may face minor health issues such as scratches, headaches, etc. For such a situation, your guide carries a well-equipped first aid kit, ensuring nothing happens to you. 

Do’s and Don’t:

  • Select the ideal time to travel. 

  • Select a reputed trekking/ travel organization.

  • Training and getting ready for any kind of situation are necessary.

  • Efficient packing is the key. (Nepal trekking gear checklist)

  • Carry all the necessary paperwork. 

  • Having the proper personal gear makes your journey more enjoyable.

  • Respect the culture and people of the area.

  • Ask for permission before taking photos and videos of the locals. 

  • Travel for experience and not for the sake of traveling.

  • Don’t litter, put trash in its place.

Why with Altitude Himalaya: Altitude Himalaya is one of Nepal’s growing travel companies providing excellent service to its clients. We believe in providing quality experiences and memories. We are concerned about maintaining and following our own standard service that includes a private transfer, at least a 3-star hotel accommodation in urban areas, the best available lodges/tea houses at the trekking trails and dedicated personalized assistance. Additionally, we also operate our trips in Bhutan and Tibet.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What kind of honey is Mad Honey?

    Mad Honey is a unique variety of honey that possesses hallucinogenic properties. This is attributed to a chemical known as "Grayanotoxin," which is present when bees consume the pollen and nectar of wild high-altitude flowers, particularly wild rhododendrons. The honey has a potent hallucinogenic effect due to its high altitude and unique source of nectar. The honey has a slightly bitter taste and a darker color compared to regular honey, with a reddish hue.

  • Where is Mad Honey found in Nepal?

    Mad Honey is quite difficult to come across, as it is not produced on a large scale but rather in small quantities in the wild. This wild honey is produced by special bees and made using unique pollen and nectar from carefully chosen flowers in high-altitude regions. Some notable areas include the remote parts of the Himalayan foothills, particularly in districts like Lamjung, Kaski, and Manang.

  • What kind of equipment is used in Honey Hunting?

    The locals who engage in Honey Hunting rely on traditional equipment that is all handmade. This includes ladders, ropes, and baskets, all crafted from scratch using materials like bamboo and hemp fiber. They do not use modern equipment, as Honey Hunting is deeply rooted in their traditional practices. They do, however, use a hat with a net veil to protect their faces while harvesting the honey.

Services Includes

  • All airport transfers on a private basis.

  • Private transfer from Kathmandu to Lamjung (Besi Shahar) and back upon requirement.

  • A 4WD Jeep transfers from Besi Shahar to the honey hunting site. (3 guests in one) 

  • All (7 Nights) accommodations are based on twin/double-sharing deluxe rooms.

  • Daily breakfast throughout the trip.

  • Lunch and dinner are also included as mentioned in the itinerary, dinner will be at the hotel/lodge where you will stay and lunch will be arranged upon convenience. 

  • All necessary paperwork. (Annapurna conservation area permit)

  • An English-speaking, experienced, and licensed trek/tour guide.

  • Honey-hunting site royalty fee.

  • All government and local taxes.

  • A Nepali dinner with a cultural program along with folk songs on your welcome.

  • Guide’s salary, food, and accommodation during the trek.

  • Well-equipped medical kit with necessary medication (carried by the guide) 

  • Arrangement of emergency helicopter service which will be paid by your traveler’s insurance company.

Services Excludes

  • Personal expenses.

  • Sightseeing entrance fee in Kathmandu.

  • Nepal visa costs. (You will require 2 passport-size photos and 30 USD for a 15-day Nepal tourist visa; visa forms can be filled out online in advance)

  • International flight ticket.

  • Travel health insurance. (Recommended)

  • Tips for the guide and driver. (Recommended)

  • Any other expenses which are not mentioned in the included section.

8 Days USD 1500 / Person

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Why Travel With Altitude Himalaya?

We believe in the quality services to accommodate our guests 360 degrees need with tour personalization and customization. Our dedicated and experienced team believes not only in arranging trips, but making creating life long memories. Our travel experience within the region of Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet could make a memorable trip of yours.

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Mr. Kiran has experience of 10+ years in tourism across Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet holiday arrangements to thousands of travellers from around the world. He will help you to figure out the best possible vacation plan according to your choice and preference.

KIRAN NEUPANE

Nepal, Bhutan & Tibet Expert