Honey Hunting Tour- 4 Days

Lamjung Siurikhola is another beautiful destination in Nepal known for its honey-hunting tours. Honey hunting is a traditional practice in the region where local honey hunters climb steep cliffs and trees to collect honeycombs from wild beehives. Apart from long day treks honey hunting tour is a unique and thrilling experience that allows visitors to witness the traditional honey harvesting techniques of the indigenous Gurung community. Suirikhola is located near another popular honey-hunting destination Ludi, which is also known for its wild honey.

Trip Facts

Trip Points Kathmandu - Khorlabesi - Soti Khola- Nimrung Khola- Khorlabesi

Duration 5 Days

Group size Min. 2 – Max. 12

Best Time for Visit Spring and Autumn

Activity Honey Hunting Tour

Trip Guide & Porter Experienced | Licensed | Strenuous

Meals Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

Accommodation Tea-House / Lodge Basis

DIFFICULTY Difficult

LOCATION Lamjung

Departure From Kathmandu Nepal

Tour Highlights

Witnessing Traditional Honey Hunting Techniques
Spectacular Natural Beauty
Immersion in Local Culture
Adventure and Thrill
Educational Experience
Unique Photo Opportunities

Overview

Honey Hunting is one of the most exciting programs in Nepal for adventure lovers. Located in Dharche Rural Municipality of Gorkha district, Khorlabesi village is a popular destination for cliff honey hunting. The village is located at an altitude of 1400m and is the oldest historical site for honey hunting.

Witness local honey hunters of Khorlabesi climb a high cliff using traditional tools such as bamboo scaffolding and ropes. Their acrobatic skills and sense of judgment is crucial in the successful collection of honey. You can enjoy the taste of honey of wild bees to your fill. From Khorlabesi, you can also capture splendid views of Ganesh Himal range, Budi Gandaki River and beautiful waterfalls in the surrounding area.

Khorlabesi also presents a rare opportunity to learn about the rural lifestyle of ethnic Gurung people and their culture. Honey hunting activity is usually seasonal. The best time to go for honey hunting program is during Spring season (April-May). There are further options to go for Manaslu trekking or Tsum Valley trekking from Khorlabesi. Khorlabesi is also the nearest point to access the Tibet border.

Itinerary

Expand All

Take early morning drive from Kathmandu to Khorlabesi which takes about 7 hrs. Enjoy the views of rolling green hills, rivers and snow-capped Himalayan peaks along the journey. Stay overnight in Khorlabesi.

Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, dinner

Accommodation : Hotel, Guesthouse, Teahouse

After breakfast, get ready to trek to Nimrung Khola, the site for honey hunting. You will be accompanied by local honey hunters to the spot. The trail makes a steep climb for 3 hrs (4km) to reach Nimrung Khola, which is a historical site for honey hunting. There is also a big waterfall and a lake nearby that you can also explore. Enjoy the acrobatic and daring skills displayed by the local honey hunters as they collect honey from the bee hive cliffs. The honey hunters use bamboo scaffolding and traditional rope to climb up a hill, which in itself is an enthralling event to witness. If you wish, you can taste the wild honey at the spot. Camp overnight in Nimrung Khola .

Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, dinner

Accommodation : Hotel, Guesthouse, Teahouse

After breakfast continue to witness honey hunting activities in the surrounding cliffs of Nimrung Khola. By late afternoon you will return to Khorlabesi. Stay overnight at lodge in Khorlabesi.

Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, dinner

Accommodation : Hotel, Guesthouse, Teahouse

Today you will drive back to Kathmandu from Khorlabesi. The journey will take about 7 hrs passing by scenic villages, green hills and wonderful views of snow-capped peaks.

Meal : Breakfast

Cost Includes:

All airport pick-up and drop-off transport by private vehicle
Porters (One porter carries up to 25 kgs of luggage of 2 participants)
Sleeping bags, down jackets, duffel bags and trekking poles if required
Lodge expenses during the trek.
Breakfast, day meal, and supper are all included in the full board hike package.
Farewell dinner in a typical Nepali kitchen.

Cost Excludes:

Your entrance visa and international travel costs
Meals not listed in the "Daily food Inclusions"
Personalized hiking kit
Traveling insurance
Tips for guide and porter.
Drinks, snacks, water as well as other individual needs and expenses

Equipment

Trekking requires careful selection of gear to ensure comfort, safety, and efficiency on the trail. Depending on the conditions (terrain, weather, duration), the equipment you need may vary, but here’s a comprehensive list of essential trekking gear:

Backpack

Capacity: Typically, for a multi-day trek, a 40-60L pack is ideal.
Fit: Adjustable straps for shoulder, chest, and hip.
Features: Hydration system compatibility, side pockets for easy access, and a rain cover.

Footwear

Trekking Boots: Look for boots with good ankle support, durable soles (Vibram is a popular choice), and waterproof features.
Trail Shoes: For lighter treks or well-maintained paths, trail shoes may suffice.
Sock Layers: Merino wool socks or synthetic socks that wick moisture and reduce blisters. Avoid cotton.
Gaiters: To keep debris, mud, and snow out of your boots.

Clothing (Layering System)

Base Layer: Moisture-wicking (synthetic or merino wool) long-sleeve top and bottoms.
Mid Layer: Insulating layer, such as a fleece or down jacket.
Outer Layer (Shell): Waterproof, windproof jacket and pants. Gore-Tex or similar fabrics are excellent choices.
Trekking Pants: Convertible pants (with zippers for shorts) can be useful.
Trekking Shirt: Lightweight, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying.
Gloves: Lightweight gloves for warmth, plus an additional heavier pair if trekking in cold climates.
Hat/Cap: A sunhat or beanie depending on the weather.
Neck Gaiter/Buff: For sun protection, warmth, or dust.

Sleeping Gear

Sleeping Bag: Temperature-rated for the conditions you’ll face. Down bags are warmer and lighter but lose effectiveness if wet, while synthetic bags dry quicker.
Sleeping Pad: Inflatable or foam pads that insulate from the cold ground.
Tent: Lightweight trekking tents (1-3 person) that suit your conditions. Some options include 4-season tents if you're trekking in harsh weather.

Hydration System

Water Bottles: Collapsible or hard plastic bottles (ensure they’re BPA-free).
Hydration Reservoir: Camelbak or similar bladder systems for easy access to water.
Water Purification: A filtration system (e.g., Sawyer, LifeStraw) or chemical tablets to purify water from streams or other sources.

Food and Cooking

Stove: Compact gas or alcohol stove for cooking on the trail.
Cookware: Lightweight pots or pans, often titanium or aluminum.
Fuel: Compatible fuel for your stove (check for availability in the region you’re trekking).
Food: Dehydrated meals, energy bars, trail mix, nuts, and fruits. Lightweight, high-calorie, and easy-to-prepare foods are best.

Navigation Tools

Map and Compass: Always have a paper map as a backup, even if you use a GPS.
GPS Device or Smartphone with a Trekking App: Make sure to download offline maps.
Altimeter Watch (optional): Useful for tracking elevation and route progress.

Lighting

Headlamp: Hands-free lighting for night-time use, with extra batteries.
Flashlight: A backup to your headlamp.

First Aid Kit

Include basic supplies: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister treatment, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
Personal Medications: Always bring enough for the whole trip, plus extras in case of delays.
Sunscreen and Lip Balm: Protect your skin from sun exposure.

Safety Gear

Multi-tool/Knife: A good multi-tool (like a Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman) is very useful for repairs and emergencies.
Whistle: For signaling.
Emergency Blanket: Lightweight and compact for warmth in case of emergency.
Firestarter: Matches or a lighter, and waterproof if needed.

Miscellaneous

Trekking Poles: Help with balance, reduce strain on knees, and improve traction on uneven terrain.
Towel: Quick-dry, compact towel.
Sunglasses: UV protection for your eyes.
Camera/Smartphone: For documenting the journey, with extra storage or a portable charger.

Personal Hygiene and Toiletries

Toilet Paper: Always carry biodegradable toilet paper and a small trowel for digging a "cathole" if there are no facilities.
Hand Sanitizer: To keep clean without access to water.
Wet Wipes: For cleaning yourself when there's no shower.
Biodegradable Soap: If you need to wash, use eco-friendly soap.
Toothbrush/Toothpaste: Compact travel versions.

Weather Protection

Sun Protection: Sunglasses, sunblock, and a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection.
Rain Gear: A high-quality waterproof jacket, pants, and gaiters, especially if you're trekking in areas with unpredictable weather.
Cold Weather Gear (if needed): Depending on the trek, you might need additional gear like down jackets, insulated gloves, or even crampons for ice or snow.

Extra Considerations for Specialized Treks:

High-altitude Treks: Consider gear for altitude sickness (like Diamox), extra layers for extreme cold, and an oxygen system if necessary.
Long-distance Treks: You might need additional gear like extra food storage, a larger stove, or a lightweight trekking umbrella.

Always check the weather forecast and understand the terrain and altitude of your trek to fine-tune your gear selection.

FAQ's

Honey hunting is a traditional practice where individuals collect honey from wild or remote beehives, often located in difficult-to-reach areas like cliffs or tall trees. This practice has been followed for centuries, particularly in regions like India, Nepal, and parts of Africa.

Honey hunting tours are typically held in rural or wilderness areas where honey hunting is still practiced. Common locations include forests, mountains, or areas with natural wild beehives. Popular destinations include Nepal, India, Ethiopia, and other regions with a rich history of honey hunting.

While honey hunting can be dangerous due to the unpredictable nature of wild bees and difficult terrain, experienced guides ensure that safety measures are in place. Participants are typically briefed on what to do and not do to avoid bee stings and other hazards.