Ghanpokhara and Ghalegaun are famous for village tourism activities in Nepal. They are also known for one more attraction: Wild Honey hunting.
The tall hills and cliffs surrounding Ghanpokhara and Ghalegaun are home to a variety of wild bees. The availability of wild and colorful flowers and lush vegetation allows wild bees to thrive in this environment. As a result massive honeycombs are easily found hanging from cliffs.
Overtime, the ethnic Gurung people have mastered the skills to hunt honey from these cliffs. Wild honey form a part of their staple diet and is used in many traditional and social festivities.
Honey hunting activity is planned every year by local elders and dates fixed based on astrological calendar. Entire village gather around the site in a festive mood. Honey hunters climb up the cliff using bamboo poles and traditionally weaved ropes.
Tourists will be able to enjoy this enthralling act of the honey hunters as they showcase great acrobatic and daring skills in their attempt to collect honey. Feel free to taste this rare Himalayan honey straight out of the honeycomb. You can also take part in local festival and discover Gurung culture.
Honey hunting usually done in either Spring or Autumn. You must book in advance to reserve your place. Both lodges and home-stay facility are available for accommodation in honey hunting areas.
You drive along the Prithivi highway and come across beautiful villages, colorful people and agricultured landscapes. Today the route takes you all along the river valley.
After breakfast, the trail ascends all the way to Ghalagaun, The trail passes through the beautiful forest and if you are lucky, you will also get to see some of the areas wildlife. This area holds a tremendous potential for bird watching. It really can be a birdwatcher's paradise.
It is beautiful place to enjoy breathtaking views of numerous mountains. It is also situated on a beautiful mountain and is populated by Gurung people who have wonderful culture & tradition
After breakfast, your trail descends to Bhujung all the way, After the Bhujung trail; you will then ascend to Passgaun. It is long and hard day trip.
Trail ascends gently through jungles and beautiful waterfalls. Here you can also enjoy the joyful chirpings of the birds. After lunch, the trail once again begins to descend. It is a steep descent for about half an hour. One has to ensure that you carry enough water as there is shortage of drinking water in this area. The intense heat, humidity and the direct sunlight can sometimes be unbearable.
Trail descends about 1150 meters and then you drive approximately 3 hrs by jeep through unpaved road. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
Early morning, you drive to Sarangkot to have close-up views of Mt. Fishtail and Annapurna. Enjoy some sight-seeing in and around the city of Pokhara and in the afternoon drive or fly back to Kathmandu. (Driving takes about 5 hours by private car while flight takes about 25 minutes.).
Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for Honey Hunting. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination. Appropriate gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trip but also to improve safety factor. Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the honey hunting trip.
General Items:
Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)
Clothing Items:
Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks
Sun-worn Items:
Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm
Gadgets:
Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries)
Liquid/Snacks:
Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks
Medical Essentials:
First Aid Kit
Optional:
Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc
Additional items for camping:
Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses
Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.
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