The Mad Honey Experience: High in the Himalayas and way up high
A Perilous Pursuit in the Clouds
High in the remote cliffs of Nepal, where the air thins and the mountains scrape the sky, a centuries-old ritual unfolds each spring and autumn. Here, the Gurung people—renowned for their bravery and skill—risk their lives to harvest one of nature’s most enigmatic treasures: mad honey. This rare, reddish nectar, known locally as Deli bal, is not just a delicacy but a potent elixir, famed for its psychoactive effects and deep cultural significance.
Image of a guy high up in the mountains of nepal amongst the honey hunters.
The Ancient Art of Cliffside Harvesting
Mad honey hunting is a spectacle of human daring and tradition. Teams of hunters, often led by elders whose knowledge has been passed down through generations, gather at dawn beneath sheer rock faces dotted with the golden semicircles of wild beehives. The world’s largest honeybee, Apis dorsata laboriosa, builds these massive hives hundreds of feet above the ground, making the harvest both treacherous and awe-inspiring.
Armed with nothing more than handmade bamboo ladders, hemp ropes, and a few layers of thick clothing, the hunters ascend the cliffs. Smoke from burning green leaves is wafted upward to disorient the swarming bees, while the lead climber, suspended in mid-air, uses a long stick with a crescent blade to slice away chunks of honeycomb. Each movement is a dance with danger—one slip could mean a fatal fall, and the bees’ stings are relentless.
The Mystique of Mad Honey
What sets mad honey apart is its unique origin. The bees collect nectar from wild rhododendron flowers, which flourish in the high-altitude forests of Nepal. These blooms contain grayanotoxins—compounds that, when transferred to the honey, give it its signature psychoactive properties. In small doses, mad honey can induce a gentle euphoria, a warming sensation, and even mild hallucinations. In larger amounts, however, it can cause severe nausea, dizziness, and, in rare cases, dangerous toxicity.
The honey’s deep red hue, floral aroma, and tingling aftertaste have captivated adventurers and healers alike. Local communities have long used it as a natural remedy for joint pain, digestive issues, and as an aphrodisiac. Shamans and elders sometimes employ it in rituals, believing it can connect the mind to the spirit world.
Ritual, Reverence, and Celebration
Mad honey hunting is not merely a harvest—it is a cultural event steeped in ritual. Before the climb, hunters perform ceremonies to honor the spirits of the cliffs and seek protection from harm. Offerings of flowers, grains, and sometimes livestock are made to appease the mountain deities. The return from a successful hunt is met with communal celebration: villagers gather to share stories, feast, and taste the honey fresh from the comb.
The experience is transformative for both locals and visitors. Tourists who trek for days to witness the hunt are often struck by the blend of danger, teamwork, and reverence for nature. Some even sample the honey themselves, guided by the hunters’ strict advice: start with a half-teaspoon, wait for the effects, and never overindulge.
Benefits, Risks, and Modern Allure
Mad honey’s allure lies in its dual nature: part medicine, part mind-bending experience. Traditional uses include:
Natural energy booster and digestive aid
Anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties
Aphrodisiac and stress reducer
Remedy for colds, flu, and even blood pressure regulation
Yet, the line between remedy and risk is thin. Overconsumption can lead to grayanotoxin poisoning, with symptoms ranging from nausea and vomiting to hallucinations and, in extreme cases, heart complications. Local wisdom dictates moderation, and the honey is typically reserved for special occasions or medicinal use.
In recent years, mad honey has captured global curiosity, fetching high prices on the international market and drawing wellness seekers, psychonauts, and thrill-seekers to Nepal’s highlands. Organized tours now offer outsiders a glimpse into this ancient tradition, blending adventure tourism with cultural preservation.
Preserving a Living Legacy
As modernization encroaches and younger generations seek new livelihoods, the future of mad honey hunting faces uncertainty. Conservation efforts and sustainable tourism initiatives aim to protect both the bees and the cultural heritage of the Gurung people. For now, the mad honey experience endures—a rare intersection of danger, tradition, and natural wonder, high in the Himalayas.
“Only those who can control their fears and remain unflinching in the face of death can be a honey hunter,” says a Gurung elder, capturing the spirit of a people and a practice as wild and untamed as the cliffs themselves.
In the taste of mad honey lingers the memory of ancient rituals, the thrill of the hunt, and the mysterious power of the mountains—a true Himalayan high.
