Introduction
Mad honey is a special kind of honey found only in high places, like the cliffs of the Himalayas in Nepal. It is famous for causing hallucinations. For centuries, the Gurung people have been the only ones who harvest this honey. They believe it has healing powers, and now the rest of the world is taking notice. A bottle of mad honey can sell for $300 in the United States.
The Honey Hunting Tradition
The Gurung People
The Gurungs live in a small village called Sildhunga, about 20,000 feet above sea level. Sixty-four families live here, and they all take part in the honey hunting tradition. The day before the harvest, they gather for the Maruni dance, celebrating good over evil.
Preparing for the Hunt
The next day, Man Bahadur Gurung, the main honey hunter, gets ready. He uses a handmade bamboo ladder and carries ropes, buckets, and gear to protect himself from bee stings. They are heading to Tarebhir, a cliff where they have hunted for honey for thousands of years.
The Honey Harvesting Process
Climbing the Cliff
It takes about three hours to drive to the cliff. Once there, the village elder leads a ritual to bless the hunt. At the bottom of the cliff, they start a fire to smoke out the bees. Meanwhile, another group sets up the ladder at the top.
Man climbs down the ladder barefoot for a better grip, tying himself to the ladder with a rope for safety. He is about 80 stories above the ground! As bees swarm around him, he protects his hands by putting them in his pockets.
Collecting the Honey
To avoid fainting from the stings, Man rubs honey on his hands. However, this makes his hands slippery. Despite the risks, it has been 30 years since a honey hunter died during the harvest.
Using a long stick called a tango, he cuts the honeycomb. Finally, he breaks off the comb, and they catch it with a plastic sheet below. They collect eight combs, leaving behind 36 others for the bees.
Returning to the Village
The next day, the hunters return to the village to extract the honey. Man says honey is stronger and sweeter in the spring. They usually find about 500 ounces of honey in the smaller combs.
When they arrive home, the locals celebrate their safe return in a tradition called Shyo Shyo. This helps settle any nerves the men had during the hunt. The Gurung people have used mad honey as a natural medicine since 1300 BC. They believe it cures respiratory issues and acts as an antiseptic and aphrodisiac.
Growing Global Demand
Recently, global interest in mad honey has exploded. However, this has led to overharvesting. Many outsiders come to the Gurungs’ land to hunt for honey. The Gurungs are trying to regain control over their honey production.
The Unique Bee Species
Mad honey comes from the world’s largest bee species, the Apis laboriosa. These bees live between 3,000 and 10,000 feet above sea level. They feed on a specific type of rhododendron flower, which contains a neurotoxin that causes hallucinations.
Challenges from Climate Change
Unfortunately, climate change is affecting the flowers and bee population. Natural disasters like wildfires and heavy rain are causing problems. In 2022, the village harvested only four gallons of honey, compared to 40 gallons in 2017. Half of the honey collected is shared among villagers, while the rest is sold in local markets.
The Economic Reality
Despite the high prices for mad honey, the village earns only about $1,800 a year from honey sales. Most families rely on farming for a steady income. Man’s father farms, and Man participates in honey hunting because it is part of his culture.
A Legacy to Continue
Man started honey hunting in his early 40s, when Gurungs believe a man is at his prime. Before that, he worked in construction in Malaysia. Many Nepali families have someone working abroad due to a lack of jobs at home. They send back more than $6 billion in remittances each year.
Man hopes his son will return soon to carry on the tradition of honey hunting. This rare and ancient practice is not just about the honey; it’s about family, culture, and history.