Honey Trip: How One Sweet Treat is Taking Nepal’s Tourists on a Wild Ride

Nepal is a country of stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and diverse wildlife. But for some adventurous travelers, there is another attraction that draws them to this Himalayan nation: honey hunting.

Honey hunting is an ancient tradition practiced by the indigenous Gurung and Magar communities in the remote mountain villages of Nepal. They harvest the honey from the hives of the giant Himalayan honey bee (Apis laboriosa), the largest honey bee in the world, which builds its nests on steep cliffs up to 300 meters high.

The honey hunters use bamboo ladders, ropes and baskets to reach the hives, which can contain up to 60 kilograms of honey each. They have to brave the attacks of thousands of angry bees, which can sting through their clothes and even their eyes. They also have to deal with the risk of falling from the precarious heights or being hit by falling rocks or honeycombs.

But why do they do it? And why do some tourists want to join them?

The answer lies in the honey itself. The Himalayan honey bee feeds on the nectar of various wildflowers, including rhododendrons, which contain a natural toxin called grayanotoxin. This toxin gives the honey a reddish color and a bitter taste, but also a psychoactive effect. In other words, the honey is hallucinogenic.

The honey hunters and their families consume the honey for its medicinal and spiritual benefits. They believe it can cure various ailments, such as coughs, colds, arthritis and diabetes. They also use it as a ritual offering to their gods and ancestors.

The tourists who seek out the honey hunting experience are looking for a different kind of benefit: a natural high. They want to taste the honey and feel its effects, which can range from mild tingling and euphoria to vivid hallucinations and altered states of consciousness.

The honey trip is not for the faint-hearted or the inexperienced. It can be dangerous and unpredictable, depending on the amount and quality of the honey consumed, as well as the individual’s tolerance and reaction. Some people may enjoy it, while others may regret it.

But for those who are willing to take the risk and respect the culture of the honey hunters, it can be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that combines thrill, beauty and mystery.

Honey hunting is not only a tourist attraction, but also a way of life and a source of income for the local communities. However, it is also under threat from various factors, such as climate change, deforestation, commercialization and overharvesting.

Therefore, if you are interested in joining a honey hunting expedition, make sure you do your research and choose a reputable and responsible tour operator that supports the conservation and empowerment of the honey hunters and their environment.

Honey hunting is not for everyone, but for some, it is the ultimate honey trip.