(content by Ramsi)
Among many adventures that take you close to nature, honey hunting is one of a kind. Here, we are talking about mad honey hunting, a unique variety that’s not found in all parts of the world.
Specific to high altitudes of the wild, the formation process of mad honey is completely natural. Being a part of this adventure means you get to observe Himalayan giant honeybees and their huge hives, local harvesters using their centuries-old harvesting technique and, certainly, the whole process of harvesting.
A Glimpse of Honey Hunting
Honey hunting in Nepal is not only a practice, but a generation-old tradition. The ancient technique of harvesting is still faithfully practiced by the Gurung people of the Himalayan foothills. The wild hives are frequently seen hanging from overhangs of sharp cliffs, deep in the forest. Local harvesters choose a mature hive carefully, the one having enough deposits of rich golden honey is selected as the first step.
After the selection of the hive, preparation begins. Every single tool, such as bamboo ladders or rope harnesses, needed for the process is made out of locally available materials. A suitable day is picked in accordance with folk beliefs.
The harvesters start their journey towards the hive on the designated day. They ascend the high cliffs with the tools they had made earlier. One of the harvesters smokes the hive to calm the swarm, and the main harvester uses a long bamboo stick to drop the hive into the baskets below. The whole process might not seem that hectic to outsiders but it requires precision and strength that these native harvesters have inherited from generations.
Honey Hunting Process- A Daring Adventure
Rising hundreds of feet above the ground is no fun; the harvesting process is risky and demanding. One wrong move, one slip of hands/ legs, and the consequences can be life-threatening. The hunters balance themselves on fragile bamboo ladders tied to uneven rocks and they also have to deal with the furious swarm of bees.
Danger of Aggressive Bees
The Himalayan giant honeybee (Apis laboriosa) is an aggressive species of the honeybees. These bees attack once they feel threatened by any source. Their bite is very painful and with several bites, the harvester have to face swelling, dizziness or even fainting.
This is one of the toughest challenges that harvesters should deal with during honey hunting. Although they wear covers and veils to ensure they are completely safe of the bites, there is a risk of the swarm getting out of control. The atmosphere can really get overwhelming, where harvesters are really tested for focus and endurance.
When you join the adventure, you will be able to see how harvesters will approach the hive with patience, skill, and reverence which, in turn, keeps the harvesters safe. It is their profound knowledge of the behavior of the bees, passed by generations of practice, which makes them able to live together with these giant insects under such harsh conditions.
Season of Hunting
Mad honey hunting is a seasonal event that takes place twice a year in Nepal, mainly in spring (April-May) and in the fall (October-November). At these times, flower blossoms are abundant in the high altitudes, ensuring the hives are full of new honey.
Both of the harvesting seasons are charismatic. In spring, the weather is too beautiful and participants can view hills full of blooms throughout the journey. The autumn harvest is also equally interesting in terms of the scenic charm you get to enjoy.
The harvesters strategize months in advance and keep track of the bee behavior, flowering and the weather conditions to decide on the best time to harvest. More than just honey-gathering, the process is more about rituals, community, and appreciation of nature. Elderly people pray for safety and maintain peace prior to the harvesting process for success.
Summary- What to Expect?
If you’re planning to join the mad honey hunting adventure in the near future, be sure to experience the following events:
- Being familiar with local communities: You will get a friendly and hospitable welcome from Gurungs who have been continuing this old practice for ages. Their good relationship with the bees and nature can be viewed through sharing stories, local meals, and folklore with them.
- Getting introduced to centuries-old harvesting methods: See how the old knowledge is confronted with bold art. Hand-woven rope ladders to bamboo tools, all the equipment the harvesters use is made of what is found in the neighboring environment and with the centuries and wisdom of its time.
- Watching brave harvesters in action: You get to see the brave reapers, how they go high up the cliffs with such a wonderful poise and fearlessness. Their coordinated action, smoking the hive, cutting the comb and putting it down safely, all demonstrate how accurate and coordinated it is possible to be after centuries of practice.
- Trying fresh mad honey on the spot: And lastly, taste the lusty and sweet mad honey out of the comb. Its cozy, faintly woody taste and calmingly sweetness take the wildness of the Himalayas- the experience is as crude and true-to-life as possible.
