The Magical Honey Hunters of Nepal

🍯The Gurungs are the last honey hunters in Nepal and have an incredible rapport with the giant Himalayan bees.

🌿The honey collected by the Gurungs has medicinal properties and is used as an aphrodisiac and hallucinogen.

🐝The honey hunting ritual involves a special ceremony to invoke the spirits of the forest for protection.

🏔️The Gurungs live in a remote village surrounded by a thick jungle and an 8,000-meter mountain peak.

🔥The honey hunters use smoke to calm the bees during the honey collection process.

What are the benefits of the honey collected by the Gurungs?

—The honey collected by the Gurungs has medicinal properties and is used for its aphrodisiac and hallucinogenic effects.

Why do the honey hunters risk their lives to collect honey?

—The honey hunting ritual is a longstanding tradition for the Gurungs, and the honey has cultural significance and economic value.

How do the Gurungs communicate with the bees?

—The Gurungs have developed a unique rapport with the bees, enabling them to work without protective clothing and communicate through their actions and rituals.

What dangers do the Gurungs face during honey hunting?

—The Gurungs face the risk of bee stings and falls from the cliffs while collecting honey.

What is the impact of honey hunting on the environment?

—Honey hunting done sustainably has minimal impact on the environment, but overexploitation can harm bee populations and their habitats.

00:09The Gurungs are a tribe of honey hunters living in the heart of Nepal.

01:05The honey collected by the Gurungs has medicinal, aphrodisiac, and hallucinogenic properties.

04:47The honey hunting ritual involves a special ceremony to invoke the spirits of the forest for protection.

06:43The Gurungs risk their lives to collect honey from cliffside hives without any protective clothing.

11:10The honey hunting process involves using smoke to calm the bees and cutting out the honeycombs.

18:52The honey has various uses, including as an aphrodisiac and for improving immunity.

22:24The honey collected by the Gurungs is toxic in high doses and can cause intoxication and hallucinations.

25:52The honey hunters consume honey with moderation and respect for its powerful effects.