Discovering Nepal's Mad Honey: A Journey with the Last Honey Hunters of the Annapurna Region

Nepal, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is also home to a unique and ancient practice: the harvesting of mad honey. This rare honey, produced by Himalayan cliff bees (Apis laboriosa), has been collected for centuries by indigenous honey hunters, particularly in the Annapurna region. In a rapidly modernizing world, the art of harvesting this psychedelic honey is at risk of disappearing, but a few brave hunters still keep the tradition alive. I was fortunate enough to meet one of these last honey hunters during my recent trip to Nepal, and what followed was a profound experience of tradition, nature, and adventure.

Meeting a Honey Hunter

My journey took me to the Annapurna region, a place renowned for its towering peaks and lush valleys. Here, I had the incredible opportunity to meet one of the remaining honey hunters. As we sat surrounded by the beauty of the Himalayas, he shared stories passed down through generations, recounting the rituals and skills required to harvest the precious mad honey. His eyes lit up as he spoke of his ancestors, who risked their lives scaling treacherous cliffs in pursuit of this valuable nectar.

Harvesting the honey is not for the faint-hearted. The bees that produce mad honey build their massive combs high on steep, inaccessible cliffs, hundreds of feet above the ground. With nothing more than handmade bamboo ladders, ropes, and sheer will, the honey hunters climb these cliffs in pursuit of the prized honey.

The Mystical Power of Mad Honey

Mad honey gets its name from the hallucinogenic effects it can induce, thanks to the presence of grayanotoxins, compounds found in the nectar of rhododendron flowers that the bees feed on. Consuming small amounts of this honey can cause a range of sensations, from mild euphoria and lightheadedness to intense visual and physical effects. In Nepal, mad honey is prized not only for its psychedelic qualities but also for its medicinal properties. Locals use it in small doses to treat ailments such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and anxiety.

The honey hunter explained the delicate balance required to harvest this honey safely. Too much consumption, he warned, can lead to "madness," nausea, and even poisoning. But in moderation, it is seen as a gift from the gods, offering both healing and transcendental experiences.

An Invitation to Collect Mad Honey

What made this encounter even more special was the invitation we received from the honey hunter to join him for the next mad honey harvest in June 2025. He explained that this harvest only takes place twice a year, during the spring and autumn seasons, when the rhododendrons are in full bloom and the bees are most active. He graciously invited us to witness, and even partake in, this extraordinary tradition—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the honey hunters in action.

As I listened to him, I realized how deeply connected these hunters are to the land, their traditions, and the rhythm of nature. Their knowledge of the environment and their respect for the bees is profound. The entire process is steeped in ritual: prayers are offered to the gods for protection and success, and the honey is harvested with great care to ensure that the bees are not harmed.

The Future of Honey Hunting

Despite its ancient roots, honey hunting in Nepal faces numerous challenges today. The younger generation is increasingly moving to cities, and fewer people are learning the skills required for this demanding and dangerous practice. The honey hunter expressed his concerns about the future of this tradition. With modernization, climate change, and diminishing bee populations, the future of mad honey harvesting is uncertain.

However, there is still hope. The tradition has drawn the interest of travelers, scientists, and adventurers from around the world, who visit Nepal to learn about and support the honey hunters. The honey hunter I met remains committed to passing on his knowledge to those who show interest, keeping the tradition alive for as long as possible.

Conclusion: A Unique Connection to Nature

Visiting Nepal and meeting one of the last honey hunters of the Annapurna region was a life-changing experience. His stories, insights, and the invitation to join him in the upcoming mad honey harvest opened my eyes to a deeper connection between humans, nature, and the spiritual world. This practice is more than just harvesting honey; it is a way of life that binds the people of Nepal to the natural world in a delicate balance of respect, risk, and reward.

As I left the Annapurna region, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe for these honey hunters. Their courage and commitment to preserving this ancient tradition in the face of modern challenges are inspiring. I look forward to returning in June 2025, to witness firsthand this extraordinary ritual, and to immerse myself once again in the mystical world of Nepal’s mad honey.