Honey Hunting In Ghanpokhara And Ghalegaun

Overview

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 in this 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.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Drive from Kathmandu to Khudi 186KM, 6 hrs.

Early morning drive from Kathmandu to Khudi along the Prithivi highway. Along the way you will enjoy views of beautiful villages, green hills, rivers and snowcapped peaks. Khudi is a small village on a hill full of traditional houses.

Stay in lodge.

Day 2 : Trek from Khudi To Ghalegaun which takes about 6-7hrs.

Today we will start trek from Khdui to Ghalegaun. You will walk past colorful farmed terraces and villages. Further up the trail goes through dense forest that is full of wildlife activity. There are plenty of chances of spotting variety of bird species along the way. Once in Ghalegaun, you will be welcomed by Mother’s Group followed by cultural performance in the evening.

Stay in community guesthouse.

Day 3 : Observe Honey Hunting In Ghanpokhara & Ghalegaun.

Today is a full day of honey hunting activity. You will trek with the honey hunters to nearby cliff. The honey hunters meticulously fixed the ropes and climb the tall hills. They approach the honeycombs with long pole and extract honey from the honeycomb. The athletic prowess and stamina of these honey hunters is worth appreciating. In the evening you will return to the village and taste the honey.

Stay in community guesthouse.

Day 5 : Trek from Ghalegaun to Pasgaun, which takes about 6-7 hrs.

Have your breakfast and then start your trek to Pasgaun. The trail to Bhujung is an easy descent but from Bhujung onward the trail climbs up to Pasagaun. Pasagaun is another beautiful Gurung village where you can observe traditional lifestyle.

Stay overnight in lodge.

Day 6 : Trek from Pasagaun to Pakharikot or Nangdidhar which takes about 5-6hrs.

The trail from Pasagaun to Pkharikot or Nanghidhar is full of fun and adventure. This section consists of forests, streams and waterfalls all adding to the beauty of the environment. On a clear day you can also witness many Himalayan peaks.

Stay overnight in lodge.

Day 7 : Trek to Thumsikot, and then drive to Pokhara.

This is the final day of your trek. It takes about 3 hrs to reach Thumsikot from Pakharikot. This a downhill trek so we grow slowly enjoying the views around. Once in Thumsikot we drive back to Pokhara.

Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.

Day 8 : Sightseeing in and around Pokhara and then drive back to Kathmandu.

Wake up early to drive to Sarangkot which offers great views of Mt. Fishtail and Annapurna. Return to hotel for breakfast and then relax for sometime. Afterwards you can start your return journey to Kathmandu. The highway drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu is scenic with beautiful views of villages, rivers and snowcapped peaks.

Inclusions

What is included?

All airport pick-up and drop-off transport by private vehicle
One guide
Porters (One porter carries up to 25 kgs of luggage of 2 participants)
All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Accommodation in tea houses (lodges) /local houses
Sleeping bags, down jackets, duffel bags and trekking poles if required
Entry Permit for Annapurna conservation Area
Trekkers' Information Management system (TIMS) card
Honey Hunting equipment
Community fee for organizing Honey Hunting
Cultural program by local women group and their fee
All land transportation by public bus and jeep
First aid kit
Tax, VAT and our service charge
Rescue assistance (In case of emergency, we will organize prompt and professional rescue services. To arrange timely evacuation/rescue by helicopter, you must be well insured from a reliable travel insurance company that covers both helicopter evacuation and medical treatment cost.)
Souvenir
One farewell dinner in Kathmandu with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant on the last evening

What isn't included?

Personal nature expenses (Telephone calls, internet, toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers and any alcoholic beverages)
Travel insurance.
Tips for involved staff
Meals and hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (even in case of early arrival or late departure, early return from trekking due to any personal reason than the scheduled itinerary)

Trip code	NET-HHT-LMJG
Package name	Honey Hunting In Ghanpokhara And Ghalegaun
Duration	8
Max. elevation	m
Level	EASY
Transportation	Public Bus or Jeep
Accomodation	2-3 Star Hotel Accomodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara. Tea house/lodge or local houses during the trip
Starts at	Kathmandu
Ends at	Kathmandu
Trip route
Cost	USD 0 per person