Mandira Itani
Honey hunting in Nepal is an ancient practice most prominent in regions characterized by rugged terrains, steep cliffs, dense forests, and remote mountain areas, making Lamjung a key destination for witnessing this daring activity. To satisfy those interested in the unique tradition and culture behind it, Honey Hunting in Lamjung delves into the interesting yet risky art of wild honey hunting in Lamjung district of Nepal. It highlights the key locations where the activity has been practised for ages. Through vivid descriptions, the blog brings to life the intricate process and cultural significance of honey hunting, offering readers a clear picture before they are actually involved in it. Far from limiting this journey surrounding the skilled hunters alone, the blog emphasises the unique perspective available to visitors who come to witness this remarkable tradition firsthand. Beyond the tradition itself, it invites the readers to appreciate Lamjung as a destination itself rich in nature, culture, and adventure. The blog aims to inspire travellers to experience this extraordinary slice of Himalayan heritage, “Honey Hunting,” firsthand.
What is honey hunting?
Honey hunting is the process of collecting the honey from the hive made in the high cliffs by the wild honeybees. It is carried out in remote regions of rocky terrain where the wild honeybees build their hives. The precious honey is known for its medicinal properties, especially “mad honey” from certain Rhododendron nectars, which is highly valued. Honey hunters use basic local tools like bamboo ropes, bamboo ladders, and bamboo baskets to safely collect the honeycomb from the hive. The whole process requires skill, bravery, and deep knowledge of bee behaviour, as they might attack aggressively once touched.
The activity is particularly famous in regions like Nepal, where it is a part of the cultural heritage of the indigenous communities. The aim of the activity might just be collecting the honey, but behind it lies the cultural significance of it associated with the tradition of the communities such as Gurung, Rai, and Magar and the connection with the nature they respect. Additionally, the geography and various flower species found in this region make it perfect for the wild bees to make their hive. Honey hunting also has economic significance in these areas, as the honey fetches a high price in local and international markets.
This timeless practice has captured the interest of travellers and adventure enthusiasts from around the world, resulting in a unique experience blending adventure, education, and cultural appreciation. In response, communities have begun organising guided tours, offering visitors the chance to witness this extraordinary ritual while contributing to the economic well-being of the locality. As honey hunting is considered a display of art passed down from generations to generations, only by valuing this age-old practice responsibly and with respect can the communities continue to display this legacy for future generations.
Honey Hunting Tradition in Lamjung
Lamjung is known for its people's way of life and culture, with honey hunting standing out as a long-running tradition. The district boasts several well-known honey hunting locations, including Nayagaun, Bhujung, and Ghanpokhara. These villages offer a unique approach for the activity while also displaying their culture in different forms, such as their daily way of life, welcoming guests, dance performances like Ghatu Naach, traditional clothes, and others.
Honey hunting, also a cultural practice of the region, is deeply rooted in the Gurung community’s culture. The Gurung people, the major inhabitants of this region, consider honey hunting a sacred practice. The hunting involves rituals and prayers to appease forest spirits and ensure the safety of the hunters. It is the process of harvesting wild honey from the towering cliffs of the Himalayan region, where the wild bees build their massive hives. Honey hunting in Lamjung is a vivid example of how human creativity and respect for nature can coexist. It is a tradition that not only defines the identity of the Gurung community but also captivates those who come to witness its beauty and daring spirit.
Related Package: Nepal Honey Hunting Tour
Honey Hunting Process
The activity requires careful preparation, skilled harvesting, and communal connection. Each phase of the process showcases the honey hunter's teamwork, courage, and connection to nature, each worth the praise and appreciation.
Preparation
It is the first phase of honey hunting where the tools and equipment required are prepared by the hunters. The hunters assemble and inspect the tools and equipment, many of which have been crafted to last for years. New tools are made only when absolutely necessary, while existing ones are repaired if necessary and made ready to use. This phase is done a day before the harvesting. On the day of harvest, before starting, a ritual is performed to honour nature and seek blessings for a safe harvest.
Harvesting
This is the most thrilling phase of the whole event, as you will see the hunters actually in action. They set up the bamboo ladder and ropes required for the harvest and before starting, they gently alert the aggressive bees through smoke and disperse them out of their hives. And carefully cut off the hives to collect the precious honey, all while dangling themselves in the rope ladder.
Honey Tasting
Once the honey is harvested, the hunting team is gathered below to savour the sweet rewards of their hard work. If there are visitors, they can also taste the freshly harvested honey. The outcome is not just about honey but the celebration of teamwork, courage, and their bravery.
Major Honey Hunting Locations
In the foothills of the Himalayas, Besisahar, the district headquarter of Lamjung, serves as the gateway to major honey hunting locations in Lamjung. The distance from Kathmandu to Besisahar, approx. 175 KM, adds to the adventure, making these locations accessible yet remote enough to preserve the cultural essence.
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Honey Hunting Locations |
Distance from Besisahar |
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Nayagaun |
30 KM |
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Ghanpokhara |
25 KM |
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Bhujung |
31 KM |
Honey Hunting Experience
There are few experiences as thrilling as witnessing traditional practices like honey hunting, where the excitement comes not from direct involvement but from observing the skill and courage of those who do. For people living out of the local community, it can be intriguing even for the domestic visitors, where the journey ends with appreciation and praise for the people involved in the activity.
The process of honey hunting itself is thrilling. Dressed in protective gear, locals demonstrate their courage and skill on a different level, using handmade tools like bamboo ladders, ropes, and other tools to extract honey from their hives. The air becomes dramatic with the smoke and buzzing of bees here and there as the bees are dispersed through the smoke made at the bottom of the cliff. The visitors, standing at a safe distance, watch as the hunters carefully handle the bees. At last, they are also privileged to taste the raw honey directly from the comb, a delight like no other.
In recent years, honey hunting has gained popularity as a cultural and adventure tourism attraction. Villages like Bhujung, Ghanpokhara, and Nayagaun invite visitors to witness the fascinating process and immerse themselves in the Gurung life of Lamjung. Along with the hunting experience, they can enjoy traditional dances, taste freshly harvested honey, and experience the warm hospitality of the locals. Interacting with the local community offers insight into their connection with the environment and rituals that surround this practice. This not only preserves the tradition but also provides economic support to the community.
Things to Consider
As a visitor participating to witness the thrilling honey hunting activity in the remote villages of Lamjung, there are various challenges and risks that come within. Learning something beforehand is always better than being practical during the journey. Here are some things you might want to consider for honey hunting in Lamjung.
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Food |
Basic food |
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Accommodation |
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Transportation |
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Packing List |
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Season |
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Food
The food available during the honey hunting period in Lamjung is simple yet satisfying. The authentic dal bhat is served in most of the homestays found in the area. It includes rice, lentil soup (dal), vegetable curry, and pickles. While more elaborate meals might not be available due to the remote location, the home-cooked meals prepared by locals offer an authentic taste of the region. In some cases, tour operators enhance the food options by bringing along their own cooks and resources. This approach ensures a varied menu and greater convenience during the honey-hunting period. For instance, we offer a specially fixed menu with some varieties, ensuring a fulfilling meal for participants.
Accommodation
Accommodation options in Lamjung vary based on the location and its remoteness. In villages like Bhujung and Ghanpokhara, there are various homestay options that offer an immersive cultural experience and interaction with the locals. However, in villages like Nayagaun, the accommodation facility is yet to be developed. Visitors here need to stay in a local lodge/guest house located about 30 minutes downhill from the village, offering essential amenities like Wi-Fi and hot showers. Alternatively, for those seeking more comfortable hotel options, Besisahar serves as a convenient base.
Transportation
Getting to the honey hunting sites in Lamjung involves a combination of long distance and off-road travel. Visitors generally start their journey from Kathmandu to Besisahar and further towards the specific locations. Any kind of vehicle can be used for this transfer according to the number of people travelling, preferences, and budget. From Beshishar, however, the terrain becomes rugged, making a Scorpio Jeep a necessity to navigate the off-road trails that lead to the honey hunting sites.
Packing List
Packing well is essential for a comfortable and safe honey hunting experience. As a visitor, there might not be as much risk as the hunters do. However, one might not be used to the environment of the activity, so packing the right gear and equipment helps you to keep you safe during your journey. From the right weather-appropriate clothing to hiking boots, personal hygiene items, and first aid, each item serves its own purpose. Most importantly, the specific items for the honey hunting itself can’t be forgotten, which is the key item for the journey, such as a bee suit, beekeeping hats, and gloves. These essentials will ensure that you’re prepared for both the physical demands and potential risks of the activity.
Learn More: Honey Hunting Packing list Suggestion
Season
The best time to visit Lamjung for honey hunting is twice a year during autumn and spring. Only during these two seasons is the activity actually operated. Honey harvesting is done by local hunters during Autumn (Late October - Late November) and Spring (Late April - Late May). The spring harvest produces honey with greater potency due to the abundance of blooming flowers, giving it a unique richness. While spring is often more popular among visitors, the autumn season tends to attract smaller crowds, offering a more intimate and immersive honey-hunting experience.
Conclusion
The geographic landscape of Lamjung creates a perfect habitat for giant honeybees to thrive, making it one of Nepal’s primary destinations for honey hunting. The blog portrays the ancient tradition of Honey Hunting in Lamjung, spotlighting various locations where the legacy has been preserved for ages. It offers a unique perspective, contrasting the honey-hunting practices of Lamjung with those of other regions in Nepal. From the process of experiencing the activity firsthand and learning the essential considerations, this blog provides comprehensive information about the activity and environment surrounding it.
For visitors, the experience of honey hunting goes beyond the thrill of witnessing hunters scale steep rocks. It is an opportunity to connect with the stories, rituals, and culture that define this extraordinary tradition. Lamjung, located in the foothills of the Himalayas, boasts scenic landscapes, natural beauties, cultural heritages, and various community homestays, making it an ideal reason to visit the place other than honey hunting. As you marvel at the bravery of the hunters and the striking beauty of Lamjung, you also become part of a community for a certain time that celebrates the Himalayan way of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the frequently asked questions regarding Honey hunting in Lamjung:
Where is Lamjung located?
Lamjung is a district in the Gandaki province of Nepal, situated in the foothills of the Annapurna range. It is approximately 185 KM west from Kathmandu, famous for its scenic natural beauty, Gurung villages, and traditional honey hunting practices.
Do I need a permit for honey Hunting in Lamjung?
The activity itself doesn’t require a permit. However, you will require a permit to enter the conservation area, as some part of Lamjung falls in the Annapurna conservation, where hunting locations like Nayagaun are also there. Moreover, other permits and consent letters will also be required if the activity is done for the filming purpose.
What kind of honey is collected in Lamjung?
The honey collected in Lamjung is from the Himalayan giant honeybees called wild honey, which can have the intoxicated effect or is called “mad honey” if collected during the spring time as the honeybees feed on the nectar of the rhododendrons. It is highly valued for its medicinal properties, which are often used in traditional medicines.
Why is honey hunting in Lamjung special?
The honey collected in Lamjung is unique due to the Himalayan giant honeybee, which produces honey with medicinal and sometimes hallucinogenic properties. The practice itself is a cultural tradition passed down through generations, often involving rituals and community participation.
