Mad Honey Expedition
Explore the World of Mad Honey Harvesting & Honey Hunters.
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Duration of the Journey
4 Days
Group Size
10 Max
Starting from
$1599
Departures
Nov 2023 – May 2024
Join us on a journey to uncover the secrets of this extraordinary substance, crafted by nature’s hand. From the breathtaking landscapes where the bees gather nectar to the ancient traditions of honey hunting passed down through generations.
Twice a year, we organize an exclusive honey-hunting expedition, offering you a chance to delve into this ancient practice.
Discover the history, culture, and thrill of harvesting this one-of-a-kind honey, and let BestMadHoney be your guide to an unforgettable expedition.
Trip Highlights
- You can see firsthand the age-old practice of honey hunting, in which skilled climbers ascend sheer cliffs using ropes, ladders, and handmade tools.
- The backdrop to this adventure is the stunning Himalayan landscape, offering majestic mountain vistas and lush valleys.
- Gain insights into the traditions and lives of the local communities, particularly the Gurung people, who have honed this honey-hunting practice for generations.
- Witness the honey extraction process up close, feeling the excitement as the hunters harvest the golden combs.
- (With proper safety precautions in place) Sample this unique honey, known for its distinct flavor and potent properties.
What’s Included
- Safety net and gloves to ward off bees.
- Honey hunting adventure with 500 grams of local Mad Honey as a souvenir.
- Cultural programs include ethnic dance, songs, and performances.
- Food (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Tea/Coffee) and accommodation during travel.
- Permit charges to stakeholders like the government and honey-hunting community
- (associated with honey hunting only) Local guides and porters.
What’s Excluded
- Safety gear and sleeping bag
- Travel Insurance
- Additional food and beverages
- Emergency accident and evacuation cost
- Activities not mentioned in the ‘Cost Includes’ section.
Activities
Mad Honey harvesting tour in Lamjung is Moderate Plus, which means you should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. Here are a few health factors you should check before signing up for the honey-hunting expedition:
Physical Fitness Level: You should be physically ready to hike approximately 3-4 miles (2-3 hours) on the day of honey hunting. Walking the trail requires a reasonable level of endurance and stamina.
Carrying a Backpack: Throughout the trip, you must carry a backpack weighing around 20-25 pounds. This weight includes personal gear, essential items, and supplies necessary for the duration of the honey-hunting expedition. Having the strength and endurance to bear this weight throughout the trip is crucial.
Moderate Elevation Change: The tour will encompass moderate elevation changes, ranging from 2000-3500 feet. Prepare yourself for ascending and descending steep paths and trails as you traverse the mountainous landscape of Lamjung. Uphill climbs and downhill descents will strain your muscles and joints, so it’s vital to be mentally and physically prepared for the elevation change.
Your honey-hunting itinerary in Nepal
DAY 1
Kathmandu to Besishar on private transport
Accommodation: Gateway Hotel
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
The drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar follows the Trishuli River Valley, offering stunning views of the mountains, rice paddies, and traditional villages.
This 176 km/109 m takes roughly 7 to 8 hours to complete
DAY 2
Besisahar to Lamjung
Accommodation: HomeStay
Meals: Breakfast Lunch, Dinner
Gear up for an off-road adventure! Buckle in for a 4-5 hour ride on a 4WD vehicle traversing 55 kilometers of rugged terrain to reach a hidden honey-hunting village. followed by 2 hours of hiking
The Gurung honey hunters greet you, the keepers of this ancient tradition there.
Immerse yourself in their culture as you savor a local meal and spend the night in a cozy homestay, experiencing firsthand Nepali hospitality.
This promises to be an unforgettable cultural exchange before you delve into the world of mad honey hunting!
DAY 4
Lamjung to Kathmandu
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast, Pack Lunch, Dinner
Saying Good bye to all honeyhunters, you will return to Kathmandu with all those memories.
Departure Dates
Honey Hunting Tour
Nov 5 – Nov 10
from $1599
Available
May 15 – May 20
from $1599
Available
- The prices stated are per person and are based on single occupancy.
- Please note that all dates provided are tentative and subject to slight variations depending on climate and prevailing circumstances.
Gear List
Before you set off on this exciting journey, make sure you’re properly equipped. Here’s a comprehensive gear list to ensure you have everything you need for a safe and unforgettable mad honey hunting experience:
Provided by Us
- Protective Clothes:- Beekeeping suit, Gloves, Beekeeping Hat
- Safety Equipment:- First aid kit, EpiPen (if allergic to bee stings) , Protective goggles
- Miscellaneous Items: Water bottle and snacks Insect repellent
- Maps or Navigation Tools
You might also consider
- Camera and Accessories
- Drone
- Reading and Writing Materials
- Small Binoculars
- Hiking Shorts (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
Sleeping Bag
Recommended Packing List (Required)
- Backpacking Pack (Extended, 65-75L)
- Base Layer Tops and Bottoms (Lightweight, Synthetic or Cotton)
- Gloves
- Hiking Hats
- Hiking Boots
- Hiking Pants (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
- Hiking Socks (Synthetic or Cotton)
- Insulated Jacket and/or Vest
- Large Plastic Garbage Bag
- Long Sleeve Shirts (Synthetic, Lightweight)
- Pack Rain Cover
- Personal Bathroom Kit: Toilet Paper, Ziplock Bags, Personal Wipes, Hand Cleaner
- Personal First Aid Kit/Medications (Lightweight)
- Rain Jacket (Hooded, Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
- Rain Pants (Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
- Sunblock and Lip Balm
- Sunglasses and Accessories
- Water Bottles (Three 1-Litre) or Hydration System Plus One 1-Litre Water Bottle
- Sleeping Bag
Contact Us
Practical details
Call +9779851198750 to reserve this trip on the phone.
Not Included
- Transportation from your country to Kathmandu
- Insurance of any kind
- Alcoholic beverages
- Soft drinks
- Guide gratuities and items of a personal nature.
Booking Procedure
- Select your preferred travel dates We offer two departures throughout the honey hunting season, typically coinciding with spring and autumn.
- Dive deeper into the details of the trip by downloading our comprehensive itinerary.
- This outlines everything you can expect, from transportation and accommodation to the honey-hunting experience and cultural interactions.
- Once you’ve chosen your dates and are ready to book, head to our secure online booking portal. You can fill out a short booking form with your details and preferred payment method here. We accept all major credit cards and secure online payments.
- You’ll receive a confirmation email with all trip details upon successful booking.
Accommodation
Shared Rooms: Accommodation is typically in shared rooms with other guests or family members. This can be a great way to meet new people and experience local culture, but privacy might be limited.
Additional Information
Cancellation and Transfer Policy
A refundable deposit of $299 is required when booking to secure your space. Full payment must be made upon your arrival in Kathmandu after the trip date. If you choose to cancel your trip, the following cancellation fees will apply, payable upon receipt of your cancellation notice:
- 91 days before departure: Full refund minus credit card fee
- 60 to 90 days before departure: 10% cancellation fee
- 31 to 60 days before departure: 20% of the total trip cost is non-refundable.
Alternatively, if you wish to transfer to another date, there won’t be any additional fee. Please note that honey hunting will happen only twice a year.
The weather during the trip
- March and November generally fall within the dry season in Nepal, with daytime temperatures in Kathmandu averaging around 20-25°C (68-77°F). Lamjung, being at a higher elevation, might be slightly cooler, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15-20°C (59-68°F).
- Precipitation: Rainfall is less frequent during this time, so you’re unlikely to encounter heavy rain on your journey. However, light showers or mist are still a possibility, particularly as you climb higher towards Lamjung.
- Sunshine: March and November generally offer plenty of sunshine,