Destination Nepal
Site Location Lamjung & Kaski
Duration 12 Days
Accommodation Hotel/ Lodge/ Tent
Group Size Minimum 2 people
Meals As Mentioned
activity Honey Hunting
start/end point Kathmandu
Transportation On Private

Highlights

  • A private and site sharing trip.
  • Kathmandu UNESCO world heritage sites exploration.
  • Historic Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square sightseeing.
  • Honey Hunting in 2 different sites.
  • Cultural performance by the locals in the honey hunting village.
  • Observing the traditional honey hunting process.
  • Taste the freshly harvested cliff honey.
  • Have a close cultural interaction with the locals.

Trip Overview

Honey Hunting in Nepal is a rare and unique adventure unlike anything you have imagined. Blending the cultural vibrancy of Kathmandu with the traditions of rural honey hunting communities, our Nepal Honey Hunting Filming Tour is a rare opportunity for urban exploration and rustic adventure, offering a comprehensive view of Nepal’s diverse landscape and lifestyles. In Kathmandu, you will explore the cultural and historical heritages and in the honey hunting location, you will experience the raw culture of the indigenous communities. With visits to two distinct honey-hunting sites, this journey is especially suited for those interested in filming or in-depth observation. Alongside the honey hunting activities, guests also engage with local traditions and enjoy local cuisines, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, physical challenge, and rich cultural insight.

Major Attractions

This tour takes you through the Kathmandu valley, where you’ll explore Nepal's most significant historical and spiritual sites, followed by a journey to remote honey hunting sites nestled in the hills. Together, these attractions provide a well-rounded glimpse into Nepal’s rich culture and landscape variation. 

Kathmandu Valley

Your arrival city, Kathmandu, serves you with significant cultural and historical sites that you will explore during your sightseeing. As you roam around this historic city, you’ll visit sacred Hindu and Buddhist sites that hold great importance in the lives of Nepalese people, such as Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath stupa, and Swayambhunath stupa, which will be visited during this tour where Hinduism and Buddhism are the dominant religions. All three durbar squares—Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square are the must-see sites within Kathmandu Valley that reveal Newari art and culture with artisan shops, wood carvings, pottery, and other temples.

As you explore these locations, you will be able to learn more about the authentic Newari culture, which has been the major inhabitants of Kathmandu for ages. The three cities boast living arts and architecture, vibrant markets, and local handicraft that provides a significant introduction of Nepalese culture and tradition, making it an ideal complement for your filming work.

Honey Hunting Sites

In this extended tour, two sites are allocated for the hunting. The honey hunting days of your tour take you deep into the rural hillsides of Nepal, where the local communities practise traditional honey-gathering techniques. This journey will likely bring you to two of the several popular honey hunting sites, such as Lamjung, Myagdi, Kaski, Khotang, or Gorkha. As you observe, you’ll witness villagers using skills refined over generations to harvest honey from high cliffs, relying on teamwork, bravery, and ancient techniques to safely secure the honeycombs.

At each honey hunting location, you will have the chance to interact closely with local villagers, learning about their customs, lifestyles, and traditions. Along with the hunting, you’ll taste fresh honey straight from the cliff and experience the rhythm of rural life. Your hunting tour will take place in two of the several regions known for this tradition. The specific site will be chosen based on availability and optimal conditions. Possible regions include:

Hunting Location

Lamjung

Myagdi

Kaski

Khotang

Gorkha

Honey Hunting Filming

Before you make your way towards the honey hunting site, your journey begins in Kathmandu, which offers you a chance to document the rich artistic traditions of Newari culture, providing the perfect starting point for your filming tour. The valley provides an ideal setting for capturing Nepal’s religious harmony with its various temples like Pashupatinath Temple, stupas like Boudhanath and Swayambhunath, and Durbar squares like Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. 

Moving on, the honey hunting destination provides the essence of Nepalese rural life with its deeply rooted cultural significance. The thrill of it lies not only in watching the hunters scale the cliffs but also in observing the preparation process, community effort, and courage of the hunters that make each of these possible. For filmmakers, this scene is visually captivating; the steep cliffs, dense forests, and traditional techniques that have remained unchanged for generations create a dramatic and cinematic backdrop for their work.

To make all these possible, the filmmakers must abide by the filming rules and regulations stated by the Nepalese government. There are various documents required and consent letters you will need for filming in Nepal, which are listed below:

Document

  • Letter from Local coordinator
  • Authorization letter
  • Application form
  • Documents
  • Filming Member Details
  • Itinerary
  • Equipment List

Consent Letter

  • Consent letter of Nature Trust for Nature Conservation for filming in Annapurna, Manaslu, Gaurishankar Conservation Areas.
Consent Letter Fee
NRs 50,000 (SAARC countries)
US $1500 (except SAARC countries) 
(25% extra will be charged for aerial (drone) filming)
  • Consent letter of Department of Wildlife Conservation (Babar Mahal, Kathmandu) for filming in conservation areas.
  • Consent Letter of Department of Archaeology for filming in archaeological places like Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, Durbar Squares, Boudhanath, and Swayambhunath.
  • Consent Letter of Pashupati Development Fund Office, Gaushala, Kathmandu for filming in the Pashupatinath temple area.

Note: The filming team is responsible for paying the permit fees; however, the company can arrange the necessary permits.

What to expect from this tour?

As of the moment you arrive, you are introduced to Nepal’s rich heritage, which provides you with a fascinating look at Hindu and Buddhist harmony. The initial portion of the journey is a brief glimpse for you of Nepal’s historical, cultural, and religious sites. Walking around the streets of Kathmandu to visit these popular sites is like learning more about the beauty of the culture that lies behind it.

The core of the tour centers around the rural honey hunting experiences, providing first hand insight into this age old tradition. You are hosted in local homestays or similar, experiencing Nepalese hospitality and village life up close. Honey Hunting is an adventure activity that lets you experience the thrill. Even as an observer, you’ll feel the adrenaline as hunters scale the cliffs. Watching the process gives you insight into the physical and mental resilience required for this demanding task.

This cultural event brings together villagers and fosters community spirit, making it a unique chance to engage yourself with local traditions and history. The tour includes ample time to rest with dedicated days to relax in the peaceful rural settings. Most importantly, you’ll have great opportunities for filming and documenting both in Kathmandu and the honey hunting sites. This package balances adventure, culture, and relaxation, providing travellers with a combined pack of Nepal’s natural and cultural wonders.

Food and Accommodation

Kathmandu, being the capital city and the major tourist hub, offers you a wide variety of food options. However, your hunting location in the rural areas provides limited and a fixed food menu provided by us. The meals and items on the menu are:

Meals

Menu

Breakfast

  • 2 Eggs (Boiled/Plain Omelette)
  • Fried Potato
  • Tea or Coffee
  • Muesli or Porridge
  • Toast with Butter/Jam/Honey
  • Fresh Fruits

Lunch (Veg)

  • Pasta
  • Fried Rice and Noodles
  • Additional: French Fries/Veg Pakoda

Dinner (Veg/Non-Veg)

Nepali Thali Set

Note: The menu may be changed as necessary.

While there will be star rated hotels available in Kathmandu, you will have to adjust to the basic accommodation facility in the hunting site, which is listed below:

Homestay

Tented Accommodation

Local Lodge

This 12 days honey hunting tour package offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines thrills, traditional practice, and cultural immersion. This unique journey allows you to witness the ancient practices followed by the local communities for generations. This extended honey hunting tour is designed for in-depth observation of the traditions of the remote regions; you'll gain rich insights into one of the world’s rarest traditions, perfect for a filming tour. Book your spot today for an adventure that only a few travellers get to experience.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu Arrival.

Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing.

Day 3: Drive to Honey Hunting Site.

Day 4: Site Observation and Village Exploration.

Day 5: Honey Hunting Day.

Day 6: Rest Day.

Day 7: Move to the next site.

Day 8: Site Observation and Village Exploration.

Day 9: Honey Hunting Day.

Day 10: Back to Kathmandu.

Day 11: Patan and Bhaktapur Sightseeing.

Day 12: Departure, Farewell!

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Kathmandu Arrival.

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

At. 06:00 PM: In the evening, we will meet for a short briefing about your tour program. If you are arriving late (after 4 p.m.), then we will have a briefing the next morning during breakfast. If any payment is due, then it will be collected during the briefing time.

Note: If you have an early flight to Kathmandu and have some free time this day, you can add some sightseeing as per your interest.

Meals: Not Included.

Day 2

Kathmandu Sightseeing.

At. 10:00 AM: Have your breakfast at the hotel and get ready for your sightseeing tour. Your vehicle for the whole day of sightseeing will arrive at the hotel. During your tour today, you will explore some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley.

Firstly, you will start with Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site. You will wander through the maze of the temple, surrounded by small shrines, each with its own religious significance. Then, stop by Boudhanath, one of the largest stupas in the world and the centre of Tibetan Buddhism, located just 2 km away from the Pashupatinath temple. As you witness the people circumambulating the stupa, you can feel its significance and serenity. There are various cosy cafes and restaurants around the area of Boudhanath that serve different continental cuisines. You can have your lunch there according to your timing. Later in the afternoon, you will visit the Swayambhunath Stupa, famously known as the Monkey Temple, a religious site with Hindu and Buddhist harmony. You must climb certain steps to reach the top of the hill, where the stupa is located. After that, your next exploration will be at Kathmandu Durbar Square, one of the three Durbar squares, where you will travel through the historical lane.

At 05:00 PM: Once you finish your sightseeing, you will be transferred to your hotel. Or you can also go to the nearest dining areas, such as Thamel or Durbar Marg, to enjoy a delicious dinner.

Optional Activity: You can also take part in the thrilling Everest Mountain Flight. It is a sightseeing adventure flight that departs at 06:30 AM from Kathmandu airport to Kathmandu airport, a 1 hour flight that takes you to the stunning aerial view of Mt. Everest (8848 m) and several other mountains such as Lhotse (8516 m), Kanchenjunga (8586 m), Shishapangma (8027 m), Nuptse (7881 m), Ganesh (7422 m), and Chamlang (7319 m).

Pashupatinath Temple is the largest and holiest shrine for Hindus, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple, situated on the bank of the Bagmati River, was built in the 5th century. It is represented by a four faced shiva-lingam housed in the main temple. There are around 492 temples, 15 Shivalayas (shrines of Lord Shiva), and 12 Jyotirlingas (phallic shrines) to explore. Although only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple, visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed on the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati river. A centre for Hindu pilgrimage, this temple hosts different major festivals, such as Maha Shivaratri, and pujas, such as Rudra Abhishek and evening Aarti. Additionally, no entrance fee is charged for Indian nationals to enter the temple.

Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in the world, attracting visitors for its religious and spiritual significance. Around the base of the stupa, you’ll find 108 small niches housing statues of the Dhyani Buddha Amitabha, representing the different stages of enlightenment. It is a sacred place for both Tibetan Buddhists and locals.

Believed to be the oldest Buddhist shrine in Nepal, the history of the Swayambhunath Stupa dates back 2500 years. Also known as a Monkey Temple, it is a hilltop pilgrimage site surrounded by smaller temples, stupas, and monasteries. This site shows the perfect harmony of Hindu and Buddhist religions with the combination of Buddhist stupas and Hindu shrines.

Kathmandu Durbar Square, the ancient site that was once the royal palace of the Malla kings, showcases the city’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. It is surrounded by palaces, temples, courtyards, and statues, with the centerpiece, Hanuman Dhoka, displaying Newari architecture and craftsmanship. Besides that, other heritage sites, such as Kumari Ghar (Living Goddess), Kasthamandap, Jagannath Temple, and Taleju Temple, make the square attractive. It is also the centre for different festivals celebrated throughout the year, such as Indra Jatra, Ghode Jatra, and Dashain.

Meal: Breakfast Included.

Day 3

Drive to Honey Hunting Site.

At. 08:00 AM: Our team member will pick you up from the hotel for your drive to the honey hunting site. It will be a scenic drive through the countryside, and along the way, you’ll get glimpses of rural life and local villages. Once you reach there, you will settle yourself in a local homestay. Enjoy your meal later in the evening and get some rest for the day.

Note: The location for honey hunting will depend on a number of things, including the hunting site's availability, which will be determined later.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

Day 4

Site Observation and Village Exploration.

At. 08:00 AM: After having a delicious breakfast, today you will go for site observation and explore the village. Once you reach the village, you will be welcomed with tika and flower garlands. Then you will move from the village to the preparation area, where you will observe the preparations done by the hunters themselves, from gathering tools to assessing the location of the honeycombs. It is a great chance to learn about the age-old techniques used in this tradition, which has been passed down through generations. This day is all about familiarising yourself with the local environment and customs. It will let you gain a deeper understanding before the main event. You will also get to witness the cultural performance done by the locals in the village. After that, come back and have a relaxing evening while you make yourself ready for the big day ahead.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

Day 5

Honey Hunting Day.

At. 07:30 AM: Today is the most exciting day, as you will witness the most anticipated event of the trip in person. Have your breakfast in the morning and make the necessary preparations. Don’t forget to carry your protective gear with you. 

At. 09:00 AM: Make your way towards the site along with the hunters. It involves a hike through forested areas to reach the cliffside location where the honeycombs are found. Once you reach the site, you’ll witness the fascinating and daring honey hunting process unfold in front of you. Watch the whole process as the hunters dangle themselves in the rope ladder and the whole team successfully harvest the honey from the cliff. In between all these, you will also have your lunch right at the site. You’ll have a lot of time to capture the photos and videos and observe the traditional methods used to harvest the honey while making sure to protect yourself from possible bee stings.

Note: The honey hunting site is often shared and you might find other groups on the same site as well.

At. 04:30 PM: As the harvesting is completed, you will also get a chance to taste the fresh honey. After that, head back to your accommodation, have dinner, and rest for the day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

Day 6

Rest Day.

Today you’ll have a rest day to relax after an exhilarating honey hunting experience. You can use this day to recover from the hunting day’s fatigue and immerse yourself in the rural surroundings of the village. This day will prepare you for the adventure waiting for the upcoming journey.

Note: The rest day in the itinerary is subject to change according to the harvesting date. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

Day 7

Move to the next site.

At. 07:30 AM: After having your breakfast, pack up and prepare for today’s journey. Your transportation will pick you up and take you to your next honey hunting site. Upon arrival, you’ll settle in your accommodation. The rest of the day is yours to get familiar with the surroundings in preparation for tomorrow’s site visit and exploration.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

Day 8

Site Observation and Village Exploration.

At. 08:00 AM: After your breakfast, you will go for a second site observation and explore the village. According to the various sites you will visit, you’ll find variation in the cultures that can amaze you in a unique way. You will get to observe and interact with the group of hunters as they go through the tool preparation phase. You might also find some difference in the preparation process from the previous sites, as each place has their own local way to do it. You can capture the entire experience while taking your time exploring the village and learning about the local way of life.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

Day 9

Honey Hunting Day.

At. 07:30 AM: Today is yet another exciting day for honey hunting. Once you have your breakfast, you’ll get ready and make your way towards the hunting site. Like previously, you’ll observe the whole honey hunting process, starting with their ritual sacrifice, smoking out, scaling up, and harvesting. However, the second site may offer a different landscape and experience, adding variety to your adventure. Once the honey harvesting is completed, you can taste the freshly harvested honey. Afterwards, return to your homestay, have your dinner, and rest, reflecting a long, thrilling day. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

Day 10

Back to Kathmandu.

At. 08:00 AM: After having your last breakfast, you’ll drive back from the hunting destination to Kathmandu. You will follow the same route back and yet again, you’ll enjoy the scenic landscapes on your way. Once you reach Kathmandu, you'll be dropped off at your hotel. You can either rest at the hotel or explore the nearby markets if you’re interested. 

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch Included.

Day 11

Patan and Bhaktapur Sightseeing.

At. 09:00 AM: Today you will explore two of the three remaining Durbar Squares: Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square. Our vehicle will pick you up from the hotel for your sightseeing. 

First, you will visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, where you will witness the most impressive examples of Newari architecture in the artistic palace and monuments. Next, you will move towards Patan Durbar Square, where you will wander through the former residence of the Malla Kings. 

Optional Activity: You can also participate in pottery activities in the pottery square of Bhaktapur. Here, local shops let you create your own pottery items and take them home at a cheap price. Involving yourself in this activity will be a unique experience for you.

At. 05:00 PM: After your sightseeing, our vehicle will escort you back to your hotel. You will have a free evening in Kathmandu. You can use your time for shopping and self exploring around Thamel, a major tourist hub where you can find diverse local shops, restaurants, and cafes. You can have your dinner in the area as per your interest.

Bhaktapur, also known as Khwopa, is approximately 13 km east of Kathmandu. The major highlights of Bhaktapur Durbar Square include Nyatapola Temple, 55-Window Palace, Golden Temple, and Dattatreya Temple, demonstrating the artistic and architectural talent of the Malla era. The Pokharis, such as Siddha Pokhari, Napukhu, and Kamalpokhari, add charm to this site. Moreover, it is famous for its pottery and handicrafts, and the surrounding area of the durbar soiree is dotted with local shops selling traditional pottery, wood carvings, and handicrafts. 

Patan Durbar Square, one of the three durbar squares in Kathmandu Valley, is 6 km southeast of Kathmandu. The square is an important example of Newari architecture, surrounded by prominent temples, palaces, courtyards, and statues. The Keshav Narayan Temple, which was built in the 17th century and dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, is a masterpiece of pagoda architecture. The temple is known for its nine roofed pagodas and its richly decorated interior. Other notable key attractions on the square are the Krishna Mandir, Bhimsen Temple, and Patan Museum. Wandering through the narrow alleys lined with traditional Newari houses, bustling markets selling handicrafts and souvenirs, and local shops showcasing local artisans' work is an interesting sight to see. 

Meal: Breakfast Included.

Day 12

Departure, Farewell!

As you enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel, the time to go back is already here. You can have some time of your own or add some additional activities until your flight time. Our company representative will escort you to the Kathmandu airport 3 hours before your flight. Have a safe journey back! It will be our pleasure to be part of your journey if you want to extend your stay in Nepal. 

Meal: Breakfast Included.

Package Includes

  • Two way private transfer from Kathmandu to the hunting destinations  in a 4-wheeler Jeep. 
  • All meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
  • All (4 nights) hotel accommodations in Kathmandu based on double sharing deluxe rooms.
  • (7 nights) Accommodation at local homestay/tent/local lodge.
  • The protective gear, such as beekeeping hats and gloves, are provided.
  • National Park Permit as per the requirement.
  • Honey Hunting Site royalty fee along with the required number of honey hunters.
  • Arrangement of cultural performance by locals at the village. 
  • All involving staff or guide’s salary, food, and accommodation.

Package Excludes

  • International flight ticket.
  • Lunch and Dinner are not included in Kathmandu.
  • Nature of personal expenses.
  • Sightseeing entrance fees. (Approx. USD 60 per person)
  • Any kind of shooting and drone permits. (Asked by the government; can be arranged upon request.)
  • Any kind of insurance.
  • Tips (Optional but recommended).
  • Services that aren’t mentioned above.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book this tour?

You can book this tour by reaching out to us via our website, email, or WhatsApp. Please keep in mind that the honey hunting trip is seasonal and not available year-round. To secure your spot, please check our trip schedule and plan accordingly. We offer this unique experience twice a year.

When is this trip possible?

Honey hunting in Nepal is a seasonal activity usually done in Spring (End of April- End of May) and Autumn (End of October- End of November). These months align with the local honey-harvesting period and provide ideal weather conditions for the experience. Actual trip dates are finalized closer to each season.

How difficult is honey hunting?

Honey hunting is a challenging task for hunters, who must scale steep cliffs to reach the hives. As an observer, however, the experience isn’t as physically demanding, as you’ll primarily be watching from a safe, designated area with appropriate safety gear. The hike from the village to the hunting site can vary in difficulty depending on the location, ranging from an easy walk to a more strenuous hike.

Do I need special permits for honey hunting?

Generally, permits are not required specifically for honey hunting, but permits for trekking regions (such as Annapurna) may apply.

Media

Package Cost

$ 2800.00 / Per Person
$ 2800.00 / Per Person
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