Honey Hunting Tour in Nepal
$1800
Per Person
Overview
Honey hunting is a traditional practice that has been carried out in Nepal for centuries. It is a dangerous activity, where honey hunters climb steep cliffs and cliffs to reach the hives of wild bees, often using makeshift rope ladders or bamboo poles. The honey hunting tradition is mainly found in the mountainous region of Nepal, mainly in the hilly district such as Mustang, Dolpa, Manang, and Langtang.
The honey collected through this method is considered to be of high quality and is highly valued by the local communities. The honey is also considered to have medicinal properties and is used to treat a variety of ailments.
Tourists often visit Nepal to witness the honey hunting tradition and to learn about the cultural and historical significance of the practice. Visitors can take part in organized honey hunting tours, which usually include a trek to the honey hunting site, a demonstration of the honey hunting process, and the opportunity to taste the honey and other bee-related products.
It is important to note that the honey hunting tradition is under threat from a variety of factors, including the destruction of bee habitats, the use of pesticides, and the increased commercialization of the honey trade. Efforts are being made to preserve the tradition, including by promoting sustainable honey hunting practices and raising awareness about the importance of protecting bee populations.
Let the freshness of the Lamjung district ( Gandaki valley) and its people add new vigour to your holiday. Capture the raw lively view nature provides as you embark in this journey. Experience the adrenaline rushing through you as you witness the adventures of the honey hunters of Nepal.
Trip Highlights:
- Explore the culturally rich capital of Nepal enjoying the marvellously preserved history in the monuments of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur listed by UNESCO as the world heritage sites.
- Get introduced to the livelihoods of the Gurungs of Ghalegaun and Bhujung and witness their traditional practices.
- Enjoy the freshness of the chilly breeze encircling the foothills of the Annapurna mountain range.
- Get acquainted with the interesting villages that you pass by on the journey.
- Engage with the honey hunters in their exciting adventure of harvesting wild honey (mad honey).
- Rejoice with the Gurungs, tasting the deliciousness of the harvest and lose yourself in the goodness of mad honey.
Best Comment from Our Clients!!
By surfing on the Internet, the Nepal Tibet Tours & Treks is the only agent that I found who can organize this kind of honey-hunting trip, that's why we contacted them, and we found them doing a great job of guiding us through the magnificent villages and wonderful views before reaching the hunting site. Even though we camp all the way, but their team of porters takes good care of everything from the camp setting and nice cooking. We enjoyed a great deal. This honey-hunting tour allows us to witness the wonderful and mythical practice of Gurung people's still thriving hunting skill that is almost finished in other parts of the world. And the honey hunters village 'Bhujung' is the one of the most beautiful village I ever seen, not to mention the hospitality of the local people. Can only say that I left my heart in Bhujung.
Jason LIU. (17th May 2006)
Taiwan, Mobil: +886 953 414 812
Jasonycl@hotmail.com
And
J.F.Biellmann
Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica
Taipei 115, Taiwan, Tel 02 2789 8526
Mob 0927298484, jfb@chem.sinica.edu.t
Included/Exclude
- All government and local taxes.
- International & domestic airport transfers as per the itinerary.
- Kathmandu - Pokhara ground transportation by private vehicle.
- 3 meals a day during the trip (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Professional government license holder English speaking trekking guide and supporting staff.
- Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
- International airfare to/ from Nepal.
- Nepal Tourist Visa fees - at present $30 for 15 day
- Insurance, which covers, medical, emergency evacuation, lost, etc.
- Beverages, alcoholic drinks, mineral water, boiled water during the trekking.
- Hot shower during the trip.
- All food and beverages other than on the itinerary.
- Personal gear and expenses.
- Tips and gratitude provided to staff.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will pick you up at the airport and take you to the hotel to freshen up and relax. There, we will brief you about the tour. The afternoon is yours to vibe in with the city and rest. In the evening, we take part in a typical Nepali dinner with folk dance performances.
Includes: Hotel Accommodation| Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner| Private vehicle
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour of Swayambhu/Kathmandu Durbar/Patan
After Breakfast, we will take you on a sightseeing tour across the cities that hold historical and cultural significance for Nepal.
Patan City: Patan Durbar Square has been recognized as one of the finest urban streets in the world. Most of the monuments seen today were constructed between the 16th and 18th centuries. It is known as the hub of fine arts and the superb artistry of its craftsmen. Practically a Buddhist city, historic inscriptions make Patan an important city.
Swayambhunath:The great Buddhist Stupa stands on a green hill to the west of Kathmandu. This is a site that is more than 2,500 years old, flagging the point where the legendary spiritual leader Manjushree mystically discovered the lotus of the historic valley lake. Built on specific rules each with a symbolic significance, the Swayambhunath stupa is a model of its kind.Swayambhunath, also colloquially referred to as the Monkey Temple, is also the perfect view point to observe the entire Kathmandu Valley.
Kathmandu City: Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the most popular squares that many visitors like because of its sublime architecture and artistic adornment.The palace complex, the legendary Kasthamandap Temple, the Hanuman Dhoka Palace and many other shrines, courtyards and temples, built between 1200 and 1768 A.D., with hundreds of erotic sculptures epitomize the religion and cultural life of the people.
Includes: Hotel Accommodation| Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Kathmandu - Besishahar
Driving Dynamics: 5 hours in a private vehicle
After Breakfast, we will drive you to Besishahar in a private car through the Prithivi Highway. The view of the Marsyangdi river seen in this 5 hour drive will surely give you goosebumps.
Includes: Camping| Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner| Private vehicle
Day 4: Besishahar - Ghalegaun
After Breakfast, we begin our trek through some interesting villages.Our well experienced cook will prepare a delectable meal for lunch. After all of us have had our lunch we will slowly trek towards the 1st camp called Ghalegaun. Ghalegaun is a pure Gurung Village which encases the history of Gurung people. The trek will last a good 6 to 7 hours. After we reach our destination, tented camps will be set up for everybody to rest for the day.
Includes: Camping| Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Ghalegaun - Bhujung
We begin a short trek of about 3 hours from Ghalegaun, to yet another Gurung Village called Bhujung. We will have lunch prepared by our team and then set camp in the village. This is a short trek day. Rest of the day is yours to get acquainted with the hospitable Gurung residents of the village.
Includes: Camping| Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Bhujung - Thakur Bhir
From Bhujung, we make our way to a place called Thakur Bhir. This is where the real deal happens. This is the place where the job of honey hunting is carried out by well experienced locals. We will set camp for the day and the locals will introduce you to their ways carrying out their daily routine.
Includes: Camping| Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Thakur Bhir
Today you get to watch how Honey Hunters prep for the expedition. Honey hunting holds a religious as well as a cultural significance in the lives of the Gurungs. Hunters will start by praying and sacrificing a goat or a chicken to the god. As honey hunting is a dangerous practice the Gurungs pray to their god for protection. Some of the honeycomb cliffs are named after hunters who died extracting wild honey. You are bound to be awestruck as the Gurungs make full use of local resources available to make their expedition as secure as possible.
Includes: Camping| Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Thakur Bhir
You get to watch the whole honey hunting process in all its greenness. You might marvel seeing how adept Gurungs are in this honey hunting art. You will also get to enjoy the honey from the harvest and relax.
Includes: Camping| Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Thakur Bhir - Bhujung
We trek back to Bhujung today and set camp for the day to take in the scenic view nature provides and relax.
Includes: Camping| Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Bhujung - Besishahar
Today, we start a trek of a good 6 hours back to Besishahar.Then, we will set camp after the moderately long trek at Besishahar.
Includes: Camping | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11: Besishahar - Kathmandu
Driving Dynamics: 5 hour drive in a private vehicle
After Breakfast, we will drive you back to Kathmandu. It is going to be a 5 hour drive through the winding hilly roads back to the hotel in Kathmandu where you can rest and reflect back upon our journey.
Includes: Hotel Accommodation | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner | Private Vehicle
Day 12: Departure
Today we say our goodbyes as we drop you off at the airport as per your flight schedules until we meet again.
Includes: Breakfast | Airport Transfer
Note: This itinerary can be customized as per situation.
