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.
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Recent questions
What is the traditional honey hunting practice in Nepal?
It involves risking lives to climb cliffs for special honey.
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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.
