The remote, picturesque village of Ghale Gaun in Nepal’s Lamjung district hosts a remarkable tradition centred around “mad honey”, locally known as pagal mah.
This rare honey results from a challenging process that involves scaling towering cliffs, often over 800 feet high. With nothing but rudimentary ropes for support, honey hunters risk life and limb to harvest this unique treasure.
Mad honey is one of the many types of honey that Nepal is famous for. It derives its name from its distinctive psychoactive properties, caused by grayanotoxin (GTX)—natural neurotoxins present in the nectar of some rhododendron flowers. When consumed in small amounts, it induces mild euphoria and relaxation.
However, higher doses can lead to severe symptoms, such as dizziness, nausea, hallucinations, or even heart complications. Harvested from altitudes exceeding 3,500 metres (11,500 feet), the potent honey is one of the most sought-after globally.
For the Gurung community of Ghale Gaun, honey hunting is more than a livelihood; it is a deeply spiritual and traditional craft. From a young age, individuals learn the techniques of honey hunting, passed down through generations.
Harvested at altitudes over 3,500 metres, it offers medicinal benefits and hallucinogenic effects, making it a rare and sought-after product. The community performs rituals before hunting each time. They do it to honour Rangkemi, the bee spirit, and seek blessings for a successful harvest.
The day before the hunt, shamans led ceremonies filled with chants and offerings, dressed in stinging nettle waistcoats and vibrant bands. These rituals highlight the profound respect the honey hunters have for nature and their craft.
On the day of the hunt, the honey hunters approach the cliffs with determination and precision. Using smoke to calm the bees, they work methodically to extract the honey without harming the hives or themselves.
Mad honey hunting occurs twice a year, from April to May and September to October, and offers adventurous travellers a chance to witness this extraordinary tradition.
Medicinal value of Mad Honey
Research on the effects of GTX-containing honey (mad honey), normal honey, and propolis on fracture healing showed that GTX-containing “mad honey” and propolis can aid in fracture healing more.
The experimental study revealed a time-dependent beneficial effect of GTX and propolis on fracture healing as evaluated by radiographic and histological assessment.
It also confirmed that GTX and propolis have similar radiological and histological therapeutic effects on bone fractures over a period of 30 days.
Challenges to honey production
Climate change poses a significant threat to bees, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable practices to protect this ancient craft.
Even though Nepal has produced more honey recently, from 3,997 tonnes in 2019–20 to 5,168 tonnes in 2021–22, exports are still disproportionately low. The nation only exported 5.4 tonnes in 2022–2023, valued at Rs 18.49 million, or less than 0.1 % of its total output.
One major threat to honeybees, climate change, is expected to slow them down further. A total drop in production could result from unpredictable weather patterns that interfere with flowering seasons.
Professor of entomology Sundar Tiwari of the Agriculture and Forestry University of Nepal claims that “Honeybees are very sensitive to temperature extremes; they die quite easily.”
Symbolic of the harmonious relationship between the people of Ghale Gaun and their natural environment, the mad honey represents more than its psychoactive effects or medicinal potential. By safeguarding this age-old tradition, Nepal can continue to share its unique cultural and ecological wealth with the world.
Sudipa Mahato is a junior editor with Nepal Connect.