Daring Honey Seekers on Nepal's Mountain Cliffs

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Adventurous Pursuit of Mountain Honey in Nepal

Amidst the mountains in eastern Nepal's Himalayas, Kulung men make a living by suspended mid-air, harvesting honey from the wild forest.

Adventurous Pursuit of Mountain Honey in Nepal

In the footsteps of writer Mark Synnott and photographer Reman Ozturk from National Geographic, the realm of the last mountain honey harvesters in the deep and rugged landscapes of Nepal becomes vivid.

Suspended dozens of meters in the air, Mauli Dhan clings to a rope made of clouds. He ascends to a rocky hollow where thousands of gigantic Himalayan forest bees build their hives. With one slip of his hand, he could risk his life in the deep abyss below, while above, the swarm of bees fiercely defends their territory.

Priced at 60 – 80 USD per half kg, Himalayan forest honey fetches six times the value of regular honey in the black markets of Asia in Nepal. This high value prompts daring individuals like Mauli to climb to great heights for the harvest.

For Mauli, hunting honey on the mountain cliffs is the sole way he earns money to afford essentials like salt and cooking oil. Mauli acknowledges being among the last undertaking this perilous job. 'If this continues, our culture will vanish,' Mauli states.

At the age of 57, nearing old age, Mauli's grip is no longer secure enough to cling to the climbing rope. Surrounded by relentless bee stings defending their territory, Mauli, despite pain and danger, persists, ascending each ladder rung to reach the rocky hollow.

Himalayan honey comes in various types, depending on the season and the flowers the bees gather nectar from in this region. The daring mountain climbers are Kulung people living in eastern Nepal, a community with a centuries-old tradition of using wild honey as a syrup for treating coughs and as an antiseptic. Meanwhile, the beeswax they harvest is in high demand in Kathmandu, used for molding copper and creating statues of deities.

In recent years, the Himalayan wild honey market has exploded, with Kathmandu acting as the central hub for trade. From here, honey is transported to markets like South Korea, where people believe Himalayan honey enhances their vitality in intimate matters.

Source: Duy Binh/Vnexpress

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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour

MytourFebruary 7, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Himalayan forest honey in the culture of the Kulung people?

Himalayan forest honey holds great cultural significance for the Kulung people, serving as both a source of income and a traditional remedy. They have used wild honey for centuries, not only as a syrup for treating coughs but also as an antiseptic. This cultural practice reflects their deep connection to the mountains and the challenges of harvesting honey.

How do the honey harvesters in eastern Nepal manage the risks involved in their work?

Honey harvesters like Mauli Dhan manage risks by using ropes to ascend steep cliffs, carefully navigating their way to the hives. Despite the dangers of falling and bee stings, they persist due to the high value of Himalayan honey, which can fetch six times the price of regular honey. Their skill and experience help them survive in this perilous profession.

What are the primary markets for Himalayan wild honey beyond Nepal?

The primary market for Himalayan wild honey extends beyond Nepal, with significant trade occurring in places like South Korea. In these markets, Himalayan honey is sought after for its reputed health benefits, including enhancing vitality. Kathmandu serves as a central hub for this lucrative trade, where honey is transported to international destinations.

What challenges do the last mountain honey harvesters face in continuing their traditions?

The last mountain honey harvesters face numerous challenges, including the physical demands of climbing and the risk of injury from falls or bee stings. As traditional climbers age, there is a concern that this unique cultural practice will vanish. The dwindling number of experienced harvesters like Mauli highlights the urgent need to preserve their heritage.

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