Hunting Nepal’s Mad Honey That Makes You Hallucinate - HONEY HUNTERS

Yes Theory・2 minutes read

Honey hunters in Nepal risk their lives for hallucinogenic honey, a tradition threatened by climate change and generational risk aversion. A 10-day expedition to document this fading tradition and test new activewear culminates in a dangerous cliff climb for the unique Himalayan honey, symbolizing the potential end of this cultural practice.

Insights

  • The tradition of honey hunting in eastern Nepal, once popular for its medicinal and hallucinogenic honey, is fading due to climate change and a lack of interest among the younger generation, risking the extinction of this unique practice.
  • A 58-year-old honey hunter, potentially the last of his lineage, leads a village that still practices honey hunting, showcasing the cultural significance and perilous nature of this tradition, emphasizing the need for preservation efforts to maintain this valuable aspect of Nepal's heritage.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • What is the traditional honey hunting practice in Nepal?

    It involves risking lives to climb cliffs for special honey.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Endangered tradition: Nepal's risky honey hunting ritual

  • In the eastern mountains of Nepal, there are honey hunters who risk their lives climbing cliffs for hallucinogenic honey.
  • The honey, once used as medicine, gained popularity in Korea, China, and Japan, but in high doses can cause severe reactions.
  • Due to climate change and risk aversion among younger generations, the honey hunting tradition is fading.
  • A village still practices honey hunting, led by a 58-year-old hunter potentially the last of his lineage.
  • A 10-day camping trip in Nepal is planned to experience and document this tradition authentically.
  • The journey to the remote village involves days of travel, including driving and hiking through challenging terrains.
  • The trip also serves to test and showcase a new line of activewear designed for rugged adventures.
  • The village's indigenous ceremony, involving sacrifices and blessings, precedes the honey hunting expedition.
  • The ceremony signifies the seriousness of the honey hunting process and predicts a death in the village within eight months.
  • The expedition finally commences after days of preparation, marking the beginning of the intense adventure.

22:29

Perilous Himalayan Honey Harvest Tradition Threatened

  • Hiking in the rainy monsoon season poses risks due to the lack of rescue options, necessitating self-reliance and caution.
  • The hunters prepare for a dangerous honey harvest involving climbing treacherous cliffs with bamboo ladders.
  • The unique Himalayan honey is believed to have healing properties and hallucinogenic effects due to the bees' nectar sources.
  • The honey harvest is challenging, with bees attacking and dangers like leeches and snakes present.
  • The dangerous cliff climb is completed successfully, but the harvest is cut short due to lower honey yields than expected.
  • The tradition of honey hunting is endangered as younger generations move to cities, potentially marking the end of this practice.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.