Trip to Nepal: Following the honey gatherers of the Himalayas

Discover the highlights of this trip to Nepal

► Bhaktapur, the most spiritual Nepal

We'll begin our trip to Nepal in Bhaktapur, a medieval gem in the Kathmandu Valley. This Newar city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will offer us our first glimpse into the spiritual soul of the country. We'll walk among temples, palaces, and squares that still preserve the aesthetics and rhythm of the past. This first encounter with Nepalese culture will prepare us to delve into much less-explored areas.

► Route to the mountains: land of the Honey Hunters

We'll leave Bhaktapur and head toward the heart of the Himalayas. During this trip to Nepal, we'll take mountain roads until we reach a remote region inhabited by Gurung communities. The landscape changes: cultivated terraces, villages perched on the hillsides, and the constant murmur of rivers marks the beginning of a new stage. We'll settle in one of the region's villages, where time seems to stand still.

►Trekking through traditional Himalayan villages

Over two days, this trip to Nepal will be a gentle hike through villages that preserve their original architecture and connection to the land. We'll walk through cornfields, rhododendron forests, and trails that connect communities. Although there are slopes, the stages are manageable, with walks lasting between three and four hours per day. Along the way, we'll share tea with villagers and greet schoolchildren. Each encounter reveals a way of life in balance with nature.

► Gurung Full Moon Festival

Coinciding with the full moon, we will witness the Gurung Festival. This celebration, which combines animistic, Buddhist, and Hindu elements, is a unique and vibrant experience. Throughout the day, the village will be filled with songs, dances, and rituals that express the spiritual connection with the surrounding environment. Participating in this event transforms this trip to Nepal into something profoundly experiential.

► Daily life in a Gurung village

We'll spend a full day of this trip to Nepal in a Gurung village. We'll immerse ourselves in their daily lives, participate in everyday tasks, and hear stories from the elders. This immersion in Gurung culture will allow us to better understand their values, worldview, and symbiotic relationship with the mountains.

► Journey in search of wild bees

One of the most intense moments of the trip to Nepal is approaching. For three days, we'll accompany honey hunters on their journey to the cliffs where the giant Himalayan bees live. We'll camp in the forest, sleep under the stars, and share long hikes along high mountain trails. Before beginning the honey harvest, the Gurung people perform complex animistic rituals. These ceremonies, steeped in symbolism, are essential for connecting with the forest spirits and seeking permission to collect honey. Finally, we will witness the perilous climb on which the harvesters, suspended by bamboo ropes, extract the precious wild honey. This unique experience will forever be etched in the memory of travellers who witness it.

► Discovery of Kathmandu

After this immersion in the lives of the Gurung honey gatherers, we'll begin the return journey to Kathmandu. The hours of driving will allow us to digest what we've experienced, while the landscape transforms once again. The trip to Nepal will enter its final stretch, but the emotions will remain fresh. We'll dedicate the last few days of our trip to Nepal to exploring the capital. We'll visit ancient temples, statues tucked away in alleyways, and bustling markets. Kathmandu is a mosaic of cultures, religions, and eras. We'll let ourselves be carried away by its energy and celebrate a farewell dinner with the group, sharing lessons learned and emotions. This trip to Nepal isn't just an itinerary; it's a transformation. An opportunity to experience one of the planet's last foraging cultures and live an experience only a few have had the privilege of experiencing.

© Photos by Aníbal Bueno taken during a trip to Nepal.

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