Nepal is renowned for its captivating honey hunting, rooted in ancient customs and thriving among indigenous communities. This tradition involves skilled individuals venturing into Himalayan foothills to gather honey from wild bee colonies, often near waterfalls. Notably, the Gurung and Magar communities in Lamjung’s Bhujung and Pasgaon areas have preserved this practice, making it an integral part of Nepal’s cultural fabric. The rugged landscapes of Nepal, particularly the Himalayan ranges, serve as prime honey-hunting locations, offering a unique blend of adventure and cultural immersion for those seeking to witness this age-old practice firsthand.
Noteworthy Locations in Nepal
Nepal has several notable locations for honey hunting where the practice of collecting wild bee honey continues. These places hold cultural significance and contribute to the uniqueness of the honey-hunting tradition. Notable spots include Ghalegaun, Pokhara, and Myagdi.
Ghalegaun:
Ghalegaun stands out as a top location for honey harvesting because it is tucked away in the Annapurna range. The Gurung community engages in the ancient craft, merging time-honored methods with stunning scenery. The cultural diversity of honey hunting blends with the natural beauty of the lush surroundings to provide a thrilling and immersive experience.
Kaski:
In Nepal, Kaski District is well known as one of the best places to find honey. There are 26 cliffs in the vicinity that are home to Apis laboriosa colonies, according to local honey hunters. This specific species of bee migrates, with predetermined times for arrival and departure throughout the year. As a result, the hives are cared for at the appropriate periods thanks to the regional custom of honey collecting. Along with recognizing honey-hunting events as a kind of tourist entertainment, there is a focus on the social and economic aspects of the honey hunters life.
Myagdi:
Myagdi stands out as another honey-hunting hub, drawing enthusiasts to its Akkare hills. This district has a longstanding tradition of honey hunting. In Myagdi, locals construct bamboo ladders to ascend the hills, ensuring safety measures are in place. Interestingly, those leading the honey hunting expeditions avoid using safety belts, relying instead on mental preparation while utilizing bamboo sticks for support during climbs.
Throughout the year, the movement of bees follows specific patterns. In winter, the bees migrate downward due to the harsh cold, while in summer, they ascend to the upper hilly regions during April. Spring proves advantageous for the bees, offering a blossoming garden of flowers and vibrant plants. Consequently, the bees produce more honey in March. For optimal honey hunting, late March to early September is the most favorable period.
Significance of upholding the tradition:
People participate in religious rituals before going honey hunting in order to protect themselves from possible bee attacks and accidents. A festival is held in honor of this custom, and before starting the hunt, the residents pay their respects to God by offering flowers, cereals, and lambs. Honey hunting has a rich cultural history that is rooted in Nepal’s mountainous regions. Honey has several uses and has medical benefits around the world. The practice of hunting for honey is avidly pursued by ethnic communities like the Gurung and Magar, which helps to sustain it. This centuries-old practice is admired and regarded as a courageous undertaking worldwide, even in the market for international trade. Honey hunting is still a significant part of Nepal’s cultural heritage and is still practiced by some local groups there, despite its popularity across the globe.
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Honey hunting procedure
Hunting honey is done by skilled villagers who hang from very tall cliffs, sometimes as high as 300 meters, using ropes and ladders they make themselves. The main honey hunter collects the honey from the beehives and gives it to someone else. This special honey was used as a medicine long ago, and it’s still valuable and used in medicine today, even sold for a lot of money in other countries.
Before they start hunting, they have a special ceremony to show respect to the hardworking bees and how they help people survive.
Honey hunting happens two times a year. The honey hunters gather and go to the Himalayas for this big task, even though it’s risky. It takes them about two to three hours to collect honey from one bee colony, depending on where the hive is and how big it is.
Ideal Time for Honey Hunting in Nepal
The prime seasons to experience honey hunting in Nepal are autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). During these periods, the weather is excellent, with sunny days providing clear mountain vistas. Collecting honey is a customary practice in both spring and autumn, making these times particularly well-suited for this activity.
