Special Honey Hunting Tour - 14 Days
Join the fascinating honey hunters of Nepal and experience their traditional way of life!
We are delighted to offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience like no other. The difficult cliffs in the foothills of Central Himalayas are home to the world's largest honey bee, the Apis Dorsata Laboriosa. Twice a year, the Lamjung district hosts the Honey Hunting Harvest Festival in spring (April – May) and autumn (October – November). Our tours take you to the Himalayan foothills of Nepal and introduce you to the fearless Gurung tribe, offering you the incredible opportunity to witness the traditional method of wild honey harvesting. Nepal honey hunting is an ancient tradition of collecting wild honey from hives hanging on cliffs approximately 300 feet high with the help of ladders and ropes.
Experience the traditional livelihood of honey hunters. Explore the exciting and breathtaking trekking routes to and from the hives. For those seeking an unforgettable experience off-the-beaten-track, look no further than our Honey Hunting Tours.
Let our local guides show you a side of Nepal very few have ever seen.
Day 01. WELCOME TO NEPAL
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our friendly representative will be waiting for you at the airport with a sign displaying your name. He will then drive you to your hotel. At the hotel, you will receive a short pre-departure briefing.
Depending on your time of arrival, you are free to relax or explore the city.
Day 02. SIGHTSEEING TOUR IN KATHMANDU AND KATHMANDU VALLEY
After breakfast, we will take you on a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu and the Kathmandu Valley.
We will visit Pashupatinath Temple, a holy pilgrimage site for Hindus. Pashupatinath is one of the four most important religious sites in Asia for devotees of Lord Shiva. Devotees are regularly taking ritual baths in the holy Bagmati river. You will see a wide range of very interesting cultural activities. We will also meet many Hindu Holy Men (also known as Sadhus).
Then, we will visit Boudhanath Stupa. Boudhanath is one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and a very important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Walk clockwise around the stupa, enjoy the mystical atmosphere, encounter the Buddhist monks and take lots of pictures under the colorful prayer flags. We will enjoy our lunch in front of Boudhanath Stupa.
In the afternoon, we will visit Swayambhunath, also known as "Monkey Temple". Swayambhunath is the oldest Buddhist Stupa in the Kathmandu Valley, and a beautiful abode for lots of monkeys.
We will also visit the famous Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 03. BANDIPUR
Early in the morning, we will drive along the Trishuli river to the picturesque Bandipur, a hilltop town located in the Tanahun district. We will visit this traditional Newari village. We will spend the evening and night in Bandipur.
Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Bandipur.
Day 04. EXPLORE BANDIPUR AND TRAVEL TO BESISAHAR
After breakfast, we will explore Bandipur. Then, we will travel to Besisahar.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner.
Overnight in Besisahar.
Day 05. GHALE-GAUN VILLAGE & HOMESTAY NEARBY THE HONEY HUNTING SITE
Early in the morning, after breakfast, we will travel to Ghale-Gaun. Then, we will hike further until we reach the village nearby the honey hunting site. We will spend the night at a local family's home.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: Homestay.
Day 06. WORK WITH THE GURUNG COMMUNITY AND PREPARATION OF HONEY HUNTING TOOLS (PHASE 1)
Early in the morning, after breakfast, we will harvest bamboo which will be used for honey hunting. After lunch, we will return back to our homestay and spend time with the local families.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: Homestay.
Day 07. WORK WITH THE GURUNG COMMUNITY AND PREPARATION OF HONEY HUNTING TOOLS (PHASE 2)
Early in the morning, after breakfast, we will make monkey ladders and ropes with the bamboos; these ladders and ropes will be used for honey hunting. After lunch, we will return back to our homestay and spend time with the local families.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: Homestay.
Day 08. WORK WITH THE GURUNG COMMUNITY AND PREPARATION OF HONEY HUNTING TOOLS (PHASE 3)
Early in the morning, after breakfast, we will again make monkey ladders and ropes with the bamboos; these ladders and ropes will be used for honey hunting. After lunch, we will return back to our homestay and spend time with the local families.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: Homestay.
Day 09. WILD HONEY HUNTING (DAY 1)
We will wake up early in the morning, have our breakfast and hike to the honey hunting site. Along the way, we will have stunning views of mountain ranges. We will reach the honey hunting site and we will assist the honey hunters. We will have lunch there. In the evening, we will return back to our homestay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: Homestay.
Day 10. WILD HONEY HUNTING (DAY 2)
We will wake up early in the morning, have our breakfast and hike back to the honey hunting site. We will reach the honey hunting site and we will assist the honey hunters. In the evening, we will return back to our homestay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: Homestay.
Day 11. HIKE TO KHUDI & TRAVEL BACK TO BESISAHAR
After a filling breakfast, we will hike to Khudi and have lunch there. Then, we will travel back to Besisahar. We will have dinner and spend the night in Besisahar.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Overnight in Besisahar.
Day 12. TRAVEL BACK TO KATHMANDU
After breakfast, we will travel back to Kathmandu while enjoying the beautiful scenery. We will have our lunch on the way.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 13. KATHMANDU - FREE TIME
You will have time to rest today. You can go for a last minute souvenir shopping; if you require, our guides will recommend the places where you can buy those souvenirs.
In the evening, in Kathmandu, we will have our farewell dinner at a local restaurant, where you will also enjoy a Nepali cultural dance show.
Meals: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 14. DEPARTURE
After a fun-filled trip, our journey ends. We hope you thoroughly enjoyed your trip. We will take you to the Tribhuvan International Airport. If you have time and would like to extend your stay in Nepal, we would be happy to offer our recommendations.
Meals: Breakfast.
Please note: This itinerary is intended to be a guideline; local conditions and weather may necessitate itinerary variations.
- Rucksack.
- Outdoor clothing: Outdoor clothing should be tough and comfortable. Wearing several thin layers is better than a few thick layers. Walking boots & sport sandals are ideal.
- Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder.
- Daypack (25-30 liters).
- Trekking Pants & Shorts.
- Flashlight.
- Wash kit and towel.
- Sleeping bag.
- Sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Camera.
- Lightweight trainers.
- Medicine (in particular, diarrhea medication): Water Purification Tablets/ Isotonic Powder/ Basic First Aid Kit/ Diamox/ Oximeter / Ibuprofen for general aches and pains/ Imodium or Pepto Bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
- Copies of important documents (passport, vaccination certificates, travel insurance) & extra passport photos.
- Insect repellent.
- Padlocks.
- Power adapter.
What’s included
- Pre-departure support.
- Airport pick-up & drop-off.
- Experienced and government licensed trekking guide.
- All ground transportation.
- All activities as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel BB on twin sharing basis in Kathmandu, Guest houses in Bandipur and Besisahar, and homestay during the trek.
- Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan).
- All necessary permits.
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu with an experienced and government licensed city guide.
- Entrance fees.
- First aid kits.
- Farewell dinner after the trip.
- All government taxes, VAT and service charges.
What’s NOT included
- International flights and domestic flights.
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Bandipur (except farewell dinner).
- Tips for guide/s, drivers & others.
- Personal climbing boots, clothing & equipment.
- Personal expenditures, all bar bills, laundry, telephone calls.
- Medical examination (if required) & vaccination costs.
- Optional trips.
- Visa fees.
- Travel insurance & Helicopter evacuation.
- Anything else not specified in the ‘what’s included’ section above.
Good health and passion for adventure.
You are required as a condition of booking to be insured against medical and personal accident risks.
