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..
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.
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 .
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.
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.
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.
