Introduction

 

One of the most interesting adventures in the center of the Annapurna region is the Mad Honey Hunting Tour in which the brave gurung honey hunters climb high cliffs to harvest honey found in the world. This is an Himalayan tradition of not just a spectacular show of talent and daring but also a heritage, which is handed over through generations.

The honey hunting tour is an excellent opportunity to witness the Himalayan bravery, craftsmanship, and community in action when the trekking routes become too confusing. Adventure Series Nepal is recommending that visitors visit Lamjung, a stunning Gurung village in a picturesque setting, to witness the art of mad honey picking, a process as captivating as the honey itself.

The Tradition of Mad Honey Hunting

The Gurung people have practiced honey hunting for centuries, climbing sheer cliffs to harvest honey from the massive hives of Apis Laboriosa, the world’s largest honeybee species. These bees thrive at elevations above 3,000 meters, nesting on vertical rock faces where only the most skilled hunters dare to venture.

The local Gurung hunters prepare their traditional equipment and organize their team for the ascent at the start of every honey hunting tour. They expertly build long rope ladders and descend from dizzying heights to reach the hives clinging to the cliffs, armed with bamboo baskets and smoke torches to soothe the enormous bees. The end product is honeycombs brimming with the uncommon reddish “Mad Honey,” which is prized for its distinct flavor, inherent strength, and healing properties.

 

Why Lamjung Is the Heart of Honey Hunting

Among Nepal’s honey hunting regions, Lamjung stands out for its accessibility, warm hospitality, and breathtaking Himalayan scenery. Here, visitors are welcomed into traditional Gurung homes and treated like family. Unlike other remote hunting sites that require camping in the wild, Lamjung offers comfortable homestays and community-based hospitality allowing travelers to experience the authentic culture without compromising comfort.

During the honey hunting tour, guests can witness:

  • Gurung hunters preparing ropes, ladders, and tools.
  • Rituals and songs performed before the hunt.
  • The daring cliffside climb and honey extraction.
  • The traditional filtering and preservation of honey in bamboo or clay pots.

It’s a journey that blends adventure with cultural immersion ,a glimpse into Nepal’s living heritage.

Best Time for the Honey Hunting Tour

Mad Honey Hunting Tour is a seasonal tour and it is best in spring (March-May) and in autumn (October-November). The weather of Lamjung during these months is more stable and clear thus offering the adventurous cliff climbers a safer day out and the visitors to enjoy the awe-inspiring views offered by the Himalayan ranges.

The spring is also mild, rhododendrons are in blossom, and the scenery is filled with green, thus providing a colorful background to the expedition. Autumn, conversely, is characterized by cool weather, low rainfall and amazing views of the Annapurna range- perfect in photography and panoramas.

Sustainability and Cultural Respect

The honey hunting tour in Nepal is more than an adventure; it’s a commitment to preserving ancient traditions. Adventure Series Nepal works closely with the Gurung communities of Lamjung to ensure the practice remains safe, sustainable, and respectful of the environment.

Only select hives are harvested each season, allowing bee populations to thrive. The local hunters follow strict customs to maintain balance with nature, ensuring that their livelihood and the ecosystem remain intact.

By joining this tour, travelers directly support community-based tourism, providing income and recognition to the indigenous Gurung families who have kept this art alive for generations.

 

Safety and Ethical Tourism

At Adventure Series Nepal, every honey hunting tour is conducted with respect for the environment and local customs. We ensure:

  • Safety equipment and professional support throughout the tour.

  • Sustainable harvesting practices that protect bee populations.

  • Fair compensation for local hunters and communities.

Responsible tourism ensures that the honey hunting legacy continues for generations to come.

Join the Mad Honey Hunting Expedition

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining culture, thrill, and nature into one unforgettable journey, the Mad Honey Hunting Tour in Nepal is your perfect adventure. Whether you’re a photographer, traveler, or cultural enthusiast, witnessing the Gurung Honey Hunters in action will leave you in awe.

Adventure Series Nepal offers customized expeditions where guests can:

  • Trek to the honey hunting sites.

  • Observe traditional harvesting.

  • Taste authentic Himalayan Mad Honey.

  • Learn the cultural and medicinal secrets behind this rare honey.

Conclusion

The Mad Honey Hunting Tour in Nepal with the Gurung Honey Hunters is not just an expedition ,it’s a story of courage, culture, and coexistence. It invites you to step into the world of the Gurung people, to witness their harmony with nature, and to experience a rare Himalayan ritual still alive today.

Whether you’re drawn by the thrill of adventure, the beauty of Lamjung, or the mystery of Mad Honey itself, this journey offers something unforgettable.

And for those who wish to taste this Himalayan treasure, the same authentic honey collected during these expeditions is available globally through the Mad Honey Store ,connecting you directly to the heart of the Himalayas.