Nepal’s honey hunters are brave men from the Gurung communities who practice the centuries-old tradition of harvesting wild honey from the cliffs of the Himalayas. This daring practice, often passed down through generations, involves scaling dangerous heights to extract honey from the hives of the giant Himalayan  honey bee (Apis dorsata laboriosa), the largest honey bee species in the world. The bees build their massive hives on high, steep cliffs, far away from human settlements, adding to the perilous nature of the honey harvest.

Each year, usually during the spring and autumn seasons, honey hunters from remote regions like Lamjung, Gorkha, and Dhading prepare for the harvest. The process is not just about collecting honey but is deeply rooted in ritual and tradition. Before starting the hunt, they perform a special ceremony to pay homage to the local gods and spirits, asking for protection and a successful harvest.

The hunt begins with skilled honey hunters climbing up bamboo ladders or ropes, braving swarms of bees that fiercely defend their hives. They use smoke to drive away the bees while carefully cutting down the honeycombs using long sticks called “tangos.” The hunters must maintain a delicate balance, working on narrow ledges hundreds of feet above the ground while avoiding being stung by the bees.

The honey they collect is highly prized not only for its sweet taste but also for its medicinal properties. The spring harvest, in particular, produces what is known as “mad honey.” This honey contains grayanotoxins from the rhododendron flowers, giving it hallucinogenic and medicinal effects. While the honey is consumed locally, it is also sought after by international buyers due to its rarity and believed health benefits.

However, this ancient practice is under threat. Climate change, deforestation, and overharvesting have significantly reduced the population of wild bees, putting the honey hunters’ way of life at risk. Additionally, modernization has led to fewer young people in these communities taking up the dangerous tradition, leaving the future of honey hunting uncertain.

Despite the challenges, the honey hunters of Nepal continue to practice this remarkable and risky art, preserving a tradition that connects them to their ancestors, the land, and the bees themselves. It remains a testament to their resilience, skill, and respect for nature.

Picture Credit- The Gurdian, Easter Light Trek, Inside Himalyas

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