Mad Honey Hunting Tour in Nepal – 7 Days

The Mad Honey Hunting tour is a rare cultural and adventure experience set in the mid-hills of Nepal, where travelers witness the ancient tradition of harvesting wild honey from steep Himalayan cliffs. Practiced by the Gurung communities, this expedition is not just about observation but also about understanding a deep-rooted cultural heritage that combines shamanic rituals, ecological knowledge, and extreme mountain skills. The journey passes through scenic villages, terraced farmlands, and forested hills, offering a blend of cultural immersion and soft trekking in the Annapurna foothills.

Best Season

The best time to undertake this tour is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). In spring, the forests are vibrant with rhododendron blooms, and honey bee activity is high, making it an ideal season for witnessing honey harvesting. Autumn offers stable weather, clear mountain views, and comfortable trekking conditions. Winter (December–February) can be cold in villages but still doable, while the monsoon season (June–August) is generally avoided due to heavy rain, landslides, and slippery trails.

Accommodation

Accommodation during the trip varies depending on the location. In Kathmandu, travelers stay in comfortable tourist-standard hotels with modern amenities. In Besisahar, accommodation is typically in lodges or boutique guesthouses offering basic comfort. In the Gurung villages such as Ghalegaun or Bhujung, guests stay in traditional community homestays, where local families provide simple but clean rooms. These homestays offer an authentic cultural experience, with shared bathrooms and traditional village hospitality rather than luxury facilities.

Meals

Meals are included throughout most of the journey and are freshly prepared using local ingredients. In cities, meals include a mix of Nepali and international cuisine. During the trek and village stay, food is simple and nutritious, mainly consisting of dal bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables), seasonal greens, soups, eggs, and locally grown organic produce. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided daily during the trekking portion, and special welcome and farewell dinners are arranged in Kathmandu. Vegetarian meals are easily available upon request.

Permits and Entry Requirements

This tour does not require high-altitude trekking permits like restricted area or conservation permits used in major Himalayan expeditions. However, travelers may need to pay local community entry fees or village conservation charges, which support the Gurung communities hosting the experience. These formalities are typically arranged by the trekking operator, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey.

Guide and Support Staff  

A licensed, experienced cultural guide accompanies the group throughout the journey. The guide plays an essential role in explaining local traditions, coordinating with villagers, ensuring safety, and managing logistics. In the honey hunting region, additional local experts and hunters assist in organizing the observation experience. These guides are deeply familiar with terrain conditions, cultural practices, and emergency procedures, making the journey both safe and informative.

Drinking Water

Safe drinking water is available in villages and lodges, but travelers are advised not to drink untreated tap or stream water. Bottled water is available in lower regions, while in villages, boiled or filtered water is commonly provided. It is highly recommended to carry a reusable bottle along with water purification tablets or a portable filter to reduce plastic waste and ensure safe hydration throughout the trek.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended and should include coverage for medical emergencies, accidents, trip cancellations, and evacuation. Although this is not a high-altitude expedition, insurance is still important due to the remote nature of the villages and limited medical facilities in the region. In case of emergencies, evacuation to Kathmandu or Pokhara may be required.

Transport

Transportation includes a combination of private vehicles and four-wheel-drive jeeps. The journey begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar along the Prithvi Highway, followed by off-road jeep travel into the hill villages. Roads beyond Besisahar can be rough, narrow, and unpaved, especially during monsoon or early spring. All transport is arranged in advance to ensure comfort and safety during long driving hours through mountainous terrain.

Difficulty Level

This tour is classified as easy to moderate. It does not involve technical climbing or high-altitude trekking, making it suitable for beginners and cultural travelers. Daily walking ranges from 2 to 6 hours on village trails and forest paths. Some sections may include steep ascents or descents, but overall the trek is manageable for anyone with basic fitness and a willingness to walk.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is generally not a concern on this itinerary, as the maximum elevation is around 2,000 meters (6,562 feet). This is well below the typical risk zone for acute mountain sickness. Most travelers experience no altitude-related issues. However, mild fatigue can occur due to walking on uneven terrain and changing elevations, so maintaining hydration and a steady pace is still recommended.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation by the Participant

If you decide to cancel your booking for the Mad Honey Hunting Tour in Nepal please notify Alpine Club of Himalaya in writing (via email or official communication) as early as possible. The following cancellation charges apply:

• 60 days or more before trek start date: 20% cancellation fee of the total trip cost
• 30 to 59 days before trek start date: 50% cancellation fee of the total trip cost
• Less than 30 days before departure: No refund; 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable

These fees cover administrative costs, permits, pre-arranged logistics, and potential losses caused by late cancellations.

Cancellation by the Organizer

In the rare circumstance that Alpine Club of Himalaya must cancel the trek due to unforeseen or uncontrollable events such as extreme weather, natural disasters, or safety concerns in the region, you will be offered either:

• A full refund of all payments made
  OR
• The option to reschedule your trek for a future available date at no additional cost

Your safety is our highest priority, and cancellations are only made when absolutely necessary.

Force Majeure Clause

Alpine Club of Himalaya cannot be held responsible for cancellations, delays, or extra expenses resulting from force majeure events, including but not limited to:

• Earthquakes, floods, landslides
• Political unrest, strikes, or border closures
• Epidemics, pandemics, or other health emergencies
• Airspace closures, airline cancellations, or flight delays

In such cases, participants are responsible for any additional personal costs such as extra accommodation, changed flights, or insurance claims. We strongly recommend that all trekkers purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and force majeure events before joining the trek.