Nepal > Expedition

Wild Himalayan Honey Hunting

Trip Length: 9 Days

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The Wild Himalayan Honey Hunting Tour is a unique cultural and adventure journey combining the highlights of Kathmandu with an authentic village experience in the hills of Lamjung. The tour offers travellers a rare opportunity to observe the traditional harvesting of wild Himalayan honey, a practice preserved for generations by local Gurung communities. The journey begins in Kathmandu with visits to important cultural and religious landmarks, including Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and Patan Durbar Square. Travellers will also have time to explore Thamel, purchase necessary equipment, and shop for traditional Nepali souvenirs.

The main adventure takes place in Ghalegaun or Bhujung, where guests stay in a community homestay and experience genuine rural hospitality. During the village stay, travellers will meet local honey hunters, visit the harvesting site, learn about traditional preparation methods, and safely observe the dramatic honey-hunting process from a designated viewing area. The experience may include community rituals, the use of smoke to calm the bees, traditional rope ladders, and the careful collection of honeycombs from steep cliffs.

In addition to honey hunting, the tour includes village exploration, interaction with local families, traditional Gurung cuisine, a cultural dance performance, scenic walks, and time to relax in the peaceful mountain environment. A rest day is included after the main honey-hunting experience, allowing guests to recover and enjoy the surrounding landscape at a slower pace. This tour is suitable for adventurous travellers, couples, solo visitors, photographers, and documentary teams seeking an immersive cultural experience. As wild honey harvesting depends on weather conditions, bee activity, and decisions made by the local community, the exact schedule may be adjusted for safety and authenticity.

Trip Facts

Max Altitude 2400
Difficulty Moderate
Best Season Mar-May / Oct-Nov
Accommodation Hotels / Homestay

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrival in Kathmandu (1350m)

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you will have time to rest and recover from your journey. In the evening, you will attend a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, where you can enjoy authentic local cuisine and meet the tour team. A detailed tour briefing will also be provided, covering the itinerary, transportation, accommodation, safety guidelines, weather conditions, and important information about the Wild Himalayan Honey Hunting Tour.

DAY 2

Kathmandu Sightseeing

After breakfast, begin the day with a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. Visit Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, one of the oldest and most important Buddhist sites in the Kathmandu Valley, offering panoramic views over the city. Continue to Kathmandu Durbar Square, where you can explore ancient palaces, courtyards, temples, and the historic heart of the old city. Later, visit Thamel for shopping and purchase any trekking equipment, clothing, personal supplies, or other necessary items required for the honey hunting journey. In the evening, drive to Pashupatinath Temple to observe the traditional Aarati ceremony on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. After the ceremony, return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Kathmandu.

 
DAY 3

Drive from Kathmandu to Ghalegaun or Bhujung via Besisahar

After an early breakfast at the hotel, depart from Kathmandu and begin the scenic drive toward Besisahar in Lamjung District. The journey passes through river valleys, terraced farmland, small towns, and traditional villages, offering a first glimpse of rural Nepal. Upon arrival in Besisahar, stop for lunch and a short rest. After lunch, continue by local jeep along the mountain road to Ghalegaun or Bhujung village. On arrival, check in at a traditional community homestay and settle into your room. In the evening, enjoy a freshly prepared local dinner and experience the warm hospitality and peaceful atmosphere of the Gurung village.

DAY 4

Honey Hunting Site Observation and Village Exploration

After breakfast at the homestay, begin a guided hike to the traditional honey hunting site. Upon arrival, meet the local honey hunters and learn about their skills, tools, safety practices, and the cultural traditions connected with wild Himalayan honey harvesting. Guests may observe and assist with simple, safe preparation activities under the direction of the local team, while all technical climbing and cliff work remains strictly with the experienced hunters. After lunch, return to the village and enjoy a guided village tour, visiting traditional Gurung homes, community areas, farmland, and local viewpoints. In the evening, experience a Gurung cultural dance performance followed by dinner at the homestay.

DAY 5

Wild Himalayan Honey Hunting Day

After breakfast at the homestay, prepare for the main honey hunting experience and hike with the local guide to the designated harvesting site. Upon arrival, observe the traditional preparations and community rituals performed before the harvest. The experienced honey hunters will then begin the process of creating smoke to calm the bees, climbing the cliff using traditional handmade rope ladders, and carefully collecting the wild Himalayan honeycombs. From a safe observation point, you will witness the complete harvesting process while learning about the skills, courage, and traditions passed down through generations. Once the harvest is completed, you may have the opportunity to taste a small amount of freshly collected honey under local guidance. Afterwards, return to the village and relax at the homestay. In the evening, enjoy dinner and rest after an unforgettable and adventurous day.

DAY 6

Rest and Relaxation in the Village

Today is reserved as a rest day following the exciting honey hunting experience. After breakfast, enjoy a slow and peaceful morning at the homestay, allowing your body to recover from the previous day’s hike and activities. You may relax in the village, admire the surrounding hills and mountain scenery, interact with local families, or take a short and easy walk through the nearby fields and forest trails. This flexible day also provides an opportunity to learn more about traditional Gurung village life and enjoy the calm rural atmosphere. In the evening, return to the homestay for dinner and a comfortable overnight stay, well rested for the next stage of the journey.

DAY 7

Drive Back to Kathmandu

After breakfast at the homestay, bid farewell to the local hosts and begin the drive back to Kathmandu. Travel by local jeep from Ghalegaun or Bhujung to Besisahar, passing through mountain villages, terraced fields, and scenic rural landscapes. After reaching Besisahar, continue by private vehicle toward Kathmandu, with a lunch stop along the way. Upon arrival in the city, transfer to the hotel and check in. The evening will be free for rest, dinner, or a short walk around Thamel.

DAY 8

Relaxation, Patan Sightseeing and Souvenir Shopping

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a relaxing massage session to refresh your body after the journey to the honey hunting village. Later, visit Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its Newari architecture, ancient temples, royal courtyards, and traditional handicrafts. Explore the historic square and the surrounding lanes before returning to Kathmandu. In the late afternoon, visit Thamel for souvenir shopping, where you can purchase local handicrafts, pashmina products, singing bowls, handmade jewellery, tea, spices, and other traditional Nepali gifts. In the evening, return to the hotel and enjoy dinner at your leisure.

DAY 9

International Departure

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy some free time depending on your flight schedule. Later, our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international departure. Bid farewell to Nepal with unforgettable memories of the Wild Himalayan Honey Hunting Tour, traditional Gurung culture, village life, and the beautiful landscapes of the Himalayas.

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Included

  • All meals specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Protective honey-hunting equipment for guests, including beekeeping hats and gloves.
  • National park or conservation-area permits, where required.
  • Honey-hunting site royalty fees and the services of the required number of experienced local honey hunters.
  • Traditional cultural performance arranged by the local village community.
  • Services of an experienced guide and supporting staff throughout the tour.
  • Salaries, meals, accommodation, transportation, and insurance for the accompanying guides and support staff.
  • Airport arrival and international departure transfers in Kathmandu.
  • Welcome dinner and detailed tour briefing on the arrival day.
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Excluded

  • International flight tickets.
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
  • Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone calls, beverages, snacks, shopping, and other individual costs.
  • Sightseeing entrance fees in Kathmandu and Patan.
  • Photography, filming, and drone permits required by the relevant government authorities. These can be arranged upon request at an additional cost.
  • Travel, medical, evacuation, and personal accident insurance.
  • Tips for guides, drivers, honey hunters, homestay staff, and other service providers. Tipping is optional but highly recommended.
  • Any services, activities, or expenses not specifically mentioned in the package inclusions.