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.
11 Days
Best Price Guaranteed
No Booking Fees
Professional Local Guide
Local Operators
Max. Altitude
2157m
Destination
Nepal
Transportation
Private Vehicle
Start / End
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Accommodation
Tea house / Lodge / Homestay
Meals
All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) during the trek
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.
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.
The tour gives an opportunity to experience an authentic cultural activity that is unique to Nepal and observe the interconnection of nature and human culture.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01:
Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02:
Kathmandu Tour and Tour preparation
Day 03:
Drive from Kathmandu to Khudi
Day 04:
Trek from Khudi to Ghale Gaun
Day 05:
Trek from Ghale Gaun to Bhujung via Ghanapokhari
Day 06:
Trek to ThakurBhir (Honey Hunting sites)
Day 07:
Observe Honey Hunting Ceremony
Day 08:
Trek back to Bhujung
Day 09:
Trek back to Besisahar
Day 10:
Drive back to Kathmandu
Day 11:
Final Departure
Itinerary
Day 01:
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.
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Accomodations:
Hotel
Day 02:
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.
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Accomodations:
Hotel
Day 03:
Drive from Kathmandu to Khudi
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.
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Accomodations:
Lodge
Day 04:
Trek from Khudi to Ghale Gaun
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Trek Duration:
6-7hrs
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Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodations:
Homestay
Day 05:
Trek from Ghale Gaun to Bhujung via Ghanapokhari
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Trek Duration:
3-4hrs
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.
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Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodations:
Homestay
Day 06:
Trek to ThakurBhir (Honey Hunting sites)
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Trek Duration:
3-4 hours
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.
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Meals:
Breakfast
Accomodations:
Guest House
Day 07:
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.
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Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodations:
Tent / Tea House
Day 08:
Trek back to Bhujung
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Trek Duration:
5-6hrs
Highest Altitude:
1696m
After breakfast, we trek back to Bhujung Village. After 5-6 hours walk you will reach Bhujung village. Explore Bhujung Village.
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Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodations:
Guest House
Day 09:
Trek back to Besisahar
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Trek Duration:
6-7 hours
Highest Altitude:
760m
After having breakfast, we will walk back to Besisahar and Spend the Night.
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Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodations:
Guest house
Day 10:
Drive back to Kathmandu
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Highest Altitude:
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.
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Accomodations:
Hotel
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.
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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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