Mad honey the legendary wild nectar of Nepal isn’t just another sweet treat. It’s an adventure in a jar. Sourced from the towering cliffs of the Himalayas by fearless Gurung honey hunters, mad honey is known for its medicinal properties and unique psychoactive effects.
Whether you’re visiting Pokhara, staying in Kathmandu, or searching for an authentic jar to take home, this guide has everything you need to know about where to buy mad honey in Nepal, how much it costs, and how to choose the right type.
What is Mad Honey?
Mad honey is a rare variety of wild honey harvested from the Himalayan giant honey bee (Apis dorsata laboriosa), which feeds on nectar from rhododendron flowers a plant rich in grayanotoxins.
When consumed in small quantities, mad honey may cause mild euphoria, body relaxation, improved stamina, or even hallucinogenic experiences. For centuries, Nepali hill tribes have used it for medicinal and ritual purposes.
Where to Buy Mad Honey in Nepal
If you’re wondering where to buy mad honey in Nepal, you’ll be happy to know there are trusted locations in both Pokhara and Kathmandu, plus direct-from-village options and online access.
Mad Honey in Kathmandu
Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital and entry point for most travelers, is a convenient place to find mad honey. The best areas include:
➤ Thamel
This bustling tourist district has numerous organic stores, herbal shops, and traditional medicine stalls. Some notable spots include:
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Ayurvedic product shops near Amrit Marg
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Trekking supply stores that also offer wild honey
Tip: Always ask where the honey was sourced. If the shop can name regions like Lamjung, Myagdi, or Gandaki, it’s a positive sign.
Mad Honey in Pokhara
Closer to the Himalayas, mad honey in Pokhara is easier to find fresh and direct from harvesters. Popular spots include:
➤ Lakeside Pokhara
The Lakeside area has several small organic outlets and souvenir shops that carry wild and local Gurung honey.
➤ Mad Honey Cooperatives
If you dig deeper, you’ll find family-run stores and cooperatives that work with local harvesters from Annapurna region villages like Ghorepani, Ghandruk, and Sikles.
Because Pokhara is closer to the source, the quality and authenticity of mad honey here are often superior.
Buy Direct from the Source (If You’re Adventurous)
Some travelers go the extra mile literally by visiting the villages where mad honey is harvested. Here are a few to consider:
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Lamjung (Upper Marsyangdi Valley)
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Myagdi (Ghaleshwor region)
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Kaski (Mohare Danda trail, near Nagi Village)
Here, you can meet the Gurung honey hunters, see the traditional harvesting tools, and get 100% pure mad honey straight from the cliffs.
Types of Mad Honey You Can Buy
At ExploreAllAboutNepal, we offer three types of authentic mad honey, each tailored to different needs:
1. Rare Harvest Mad Honey
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Collected once a year from cliffside hives at high altitude
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Limited supply and highly exclusive
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Ideal for collectors or those seeking the most authentic experience
2. Strong & Potent Mad Honey
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Sourced during peak rhododendron bloom
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Contains higher levels of grayanotoxins
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Best for those who want to explore the full psychoactive effects
3. Medicinal Mad Honey
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Collected mid-season with moderate potency
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Traditionally used for relaxation, digestion, immunity boost, and blood pressure control
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Safe for therapeutic use in small doses
Mad Honey Nepal Price Guide (2024)
If you’re searching for the mad honey Nepal price, here’s a general breakdown based on location and type:
| Quantity | Price in Kathmandu (NPR) | Price in Pokhara (NPR) | Price in USD (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100g | 1,200–1,800 | 1,000–1,500 | $9–$14 |
| 250g | 2,500–3,800 | 2,200–3,500 | $19–$28 |
| 500g | 4,500–6,500 | 4,000–6,000 | $35–$48 |
| 1 kg | 8,000–12,000 | 7,000–11,000 | $60–$90 |
Note: Prices may vary depending on purity, season, and seller. Rare harvest mad honey typically costs more.
How to Spot Fake Mad Honey
Because of its growing popularity, fake or diluted mad honey is common in the market. Use this checklist to buy only the real stuff:
Dark amber or reddish-brown color
Slightly bitter or earthy taste
Unfiltered, raw texture (not overly smooth or sugary)
Seller knows the region it was harvested from
Comes in glass or sealed containers, not plastic
How to Use Mad Honey Safely
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Start with ¼ to ½ teaspoon on an empty stomach
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Wait 30–60 minutes before taking more
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Do not mix with alcohol or caffeine
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Avoid during pregnancy or if you have a heart condition
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Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight
Whether you’re a curious traveler or a natural wellness enthusiast, mad honey offers a one-of-a-kind experience rooted in centuries of tradition. With this guide, you now know:
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Where to buy mad honey in Nepal
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Where to find mad honey in Pokhara and Kathmandu
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The types of mad honey available
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How much mad honey costs in Nepal
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And how to use it responsibly
At ExploreAllAboutNepal, we proudly offer 100% authentic mad honey harvested by local Gurung communities and delivered to you with care.
Explore our Mad Honey Store to order now
Follow us on Instagram @ExploreAllAboutNepal for behind-the-scenes harvesting videos
Or contact us for custom trekking & mad honey experience packages
Let the wild spirit of Nepal flow through every drop.