--- title: "Honey Hunting in Kaski: Research, Communities & Visitor…" description: "Kaski district honey hunting guide: Sikles and Landruk cliffs, Annapurna foothills access from Pokhara, and research-led conservation." canonical: "https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/honey-hunting-in-nepal/honey-hunting-in-kaski" last-updated: "2026-08-21T00:00:00+05:45" --- Kaski district guide # Honey Hunting in Kaski: Research, Communities & Visitor Planning Kaski district, encircling the Annapurna foothill valleys north of Pokhara, is a historic stronghold of traditional Himalayan honey hunting. Centered on prominent Gurung villages like Sikles, Landruk, and Ghandruk, honey hunters harvest giant cliff combs from the sheer rock walls of the Modi Khola and Madi Khola river canyons beneath the dramatic gaze of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). **Sikles & Tangting**Key cultural villages **Madi & Seti**River gorges **Pokhara**Direct gateway **Ecological hub**ICIMOD study sites DB **By [Dinesh Bhusal](/author-dinesh-bhusal)**5 min read **✓ Reviewed 21 Aug 2026** Information checked against current official and local sources. Fees, access, permits and transport can change. [Sources & methodology →](/data-methodology) On this page ## Kaski’s Legacy in Honeybee Research The river canyons of Kaski were the primary field sites for pioneering ecological studies on Apis laboriosa conducted by ICIMOD and international biologists. Research here documented the bee's altitudinal migration, venom biochemistry, and complex nesting behavior. Local Gurung communities in Kaski have coexisted with cliff bees for centuries, harvesting seasonal comb while strictly regulating cliff access through village forestry committees. ## Key Honey-Hunting Villages in Kaski Swipe to view table → | Village | Valley / River | Trekking Time from Pokhara | Highlight | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Sikles | Madi River Valley | 4–5 h drive or 2-day trek | One of Nepal's largest Gurung villages; home to the ACAP Park Visitor Center and Eco-Museum | | Tangting | Opposite Sikles on Madi ridge | 3–4 h drive/hike from Pokhara | Tranquil artisan village overlooking Sikles and the Annapurna IV / II massif | | Landruk | Modi Khola Valley | 3 h drive + 1 h walk | Terraced village along the Annapurna Sanctuary trek route with cliffs on the opposing gorge face | | Lwang | Mardi Khola foothills | 2 h drive from Pokhara | Organic tea garden village with excellent homestays and canyoning cliffs nearby | ## Responsible Observation & Environmental Safeguards - Exact cliff coordinates in Kaski are kept confidential by local committees to protect colonies from commercial poachers seeking mad honey for illegal export. - Visitors must travel with licensed local guides who coordinate directly with village tourism sub-committees. - Keep safe observer distances along opposite valley ridges rather than crowding the cliff base. ## Sikles and Landruk: Premier Gurung honey-hunting strongholds Sikles (1,980m) is one of the largest and most beautifully preserved traditional Gurung villages in Nepal, perched directly opposite the towering icefall of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. The cliffs lining the deep Madi River gorge below Sikles host some of the largest colonies of Apis laboriosa in western Nepal. On the western side of the Annapurna Sanctuary trail, the village of Landruk (1,565m) perches above the roaring Modi Khola canyon. The sheer cliffs near Landruk and Jhinu Danda are famous for seasonal cliff honey harvests where master hunters descend over 100 meters on swaying rope ladders to harvest sacred combs, witnessed by travelers trekking in the Annapurna foothills. - Sikles village: Authentic stone-paved Gurung stronghold overlooking the wild, untamed Madi River valley. - Landruk cliffs: Dramatic vertical granite faces flanking the Modi Khola canyon near the Annapurna Base Camp trail. - Convenient Pokhara launchpad: Reachable within a 3-to-4-hour jeep drive or scenic trek from Pokhara. - High bee colony density: Cliffs host dozens of massive active Apis laboriosa combs during peak seasons. ## Research initiatives, conservation challenges, and visitor logistics Kaski district is a primary focus for international entomological and ecological research. Institutions like the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) study the impacts of climate change, deforestation, and tourism on native bee populations. Responsible viewing: To protect fragile bee colonies, ACAP enforces guidelines requiring hunters to leave at least one-third of every comb intact for brood survival. Travelers must book through registered community eco-tours, wear protective bee veils, and purchase honey certified by local village conservation committees. - ACAP sustainable harvest rules: Mandates partial comb harvesting to ensure colony survival and prevent bee abandonment. - Scientific research hub: Ongoing ecological studies tracking Apis laboriosa populations and alpine flora pollination. - Trekking integration: Easily combined with short Annapurna treks (Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, or Sikles Eco-Trek). - Economic support: Purchasing wild honey directly from village committees guarantees revenue reaches indigenous hunters. ## Choose the route that fits the day you have Before you book or set out for honey hunting in kaski, keep these details visible in the plan: Key cultural villages: Sikles & Tangting; River gorges: Madi & Seti; Direct gateway: Pokhara; ICIMOD study sites: Ecological hub For this honey hunting in kaski guide, the right choice depends on the hardest stage, the highest sleeping point, transport exposure and the time left after a delay. Read the route as a sequence of decisions rather than as a list of attractions. - Write down the start, finish, overnight stops and fallback for the key day. - Protect recovery and departure time before adding another stop. - Ask the operator to explain what changes when weather, health or access disrupts the plan. ## Check the day-to-day fit For this honey hunting in kaski guide, compare the actual start, finish, overnight stops, longest day, highest sleeping point and transport exposure. For Honey hunting in Kaski, two routes with similar names can feel completely different once stairs, road delays, weather and recovery time are included. Ask what the group does when the main viewpoint, pass, road or lodge is unavailable on this honey hunting in kaski plan. For Honey hunting in Kaski, a good itinerary shows a lower or slower alternative and protects time before the next flight or international connection. - Choose the route that matches the group's real pace. - Protect a buffer before a critical departure. - Ask how an early finish or changed route affects cost and transport. Continue planning ## Related planning guides [Related guide ### Best honey hunting locations Compare the best places to witness honey hunting in Nepal: Lamjung (Ghalegaun, Bhujung), Kaski (Sikles), and Myagdi cliffs.](/honey-hunting-in-nepal/best-places-to-see-honey-hunting-in-nepal)[Related guide ### Honey hunting in Myagdi Myagdi district honey hunting: Kali Gandaki and Dhaulagiri foothills, Magar and Gurung cliff traditions, and seasonal timing.](/honey-hunting-in-nepal/honey-hunting-in-myagdi)[Related guide ### Permits & cliff access rules Permits and legal regulations for honey hunting in Nepal: Community Forest User Groups, ACAP conservation rules, and commercial export laws.](/honey-hunting-in-nepal/honey-hunting-nepal-permits-rules) Useful answers ## Frequently asked questions How far is Sikles from Pokhara?+ Sikles is located approximately 40 km northeast of Pokhara. A rough mountain jeep road connects Pokhara to Sikles in about 4 to 5 hours. Can I combine an Annapurna trek with honey-hunting areas in Kaski?+ Yes. Sikles and Tangting can be integrated into the Sikles Eco-Trek or connected via Landruk to the Mardi Himal or Annapurna Base Camp trekking routes. When do Kaski villages harvest honey?+ Harvests take place in late spring (May) and late autumn (November), depending on local cliff microclimates and colony health. ## Sources & methodology Use the dated sources below for the claims they support. Recheck time-sensitive permits, fees, transport and border procedures before booking. [**ICIMOD — Himalayan honeybee biodiversity and indigenous Apis laboriosa research** ↗](https://www.icimod.org/mountain-agriculture/beekeeping/)International Centre for Integrated Mountain DevelopmentSupports: Ecological distribution, nesting biology, and altitudinal migration of Apis laboriosa [**Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) — community biodiversity & forestry guidelines** ↗](https://ntnc.org.np/project/annapurna-conservation-area-project-acap)National Trust for Nature ConservationSupports: Community forestry rights, harvesting seasons, and protected area visitor regulations [**Nepal Tourism Board — cultural heritage and sustainable community tourism** ↗](https://ntb.gov.np/)Nepal Tourism BoardSupports: Community homestay standards, cultural preservation, and ethical visitor guidelines Continue planning ## Related Honey hunting in Nepal guides [Lamjung field guide ### Honey hunting in Lamjung Read the Honey hunting in Lamjung guide →](/honey-hunting-in-nepal/honey-hunting-in-lamjung)[Safety & risk analysis ### Honey hunting safety & risks Read the Honey hunting safety & risks guide →](/honey-hunting-in-nepal/honey-hunting-nepal-safety-risks)[Village destination guide ### Honey hunting in Bhujung Read the Honey hunting in Bhujung guide →](/honey-hunting-in-nepal/honey-hunting-in-bhujung)[Village destination guide ### Honey hunting in Ghalegaun Read the Honey hunting in Ghalegaun guide →](/honey-hunting-in-nepal/honey-hunting-in-ghalegaun) Personalised planning ## Plan Your Honey hunting in Nepal Journey Tell our Kathmandu-based planning team your travel dates, group size and preferred pace. We will help you shape a realistic Honey hunting in Nepal itinerary with clear inclusions and proper acclimatization buffers. [Plan with Amigo Treks →](/contact#planning-enquiry)[Ask on WhatsApp ↗](https://wa.me/9779851136878?text=Hello%20Amigo%20Treks%2C%20I%20need%20help%20planning%20a%20Honey%20hunting%20in%20Nepal%20journey.)[Back to Honey hunting in Nepal](/honey-hunting-in-nepal) Plan with context ## Custom Himalayan Route Planning Our Kathmandu operations team arranges itemised itineraries, verified permits, and private transport matched to your travel dates and pacing. [Request custom itinerary →](/contact#planning-enquiry)[WhatsApp a trip planner ↗](https://wa.me/9779851136878?text=Hello%20Amigo%20Treks%2C%20I%20need%20help%20planning%20Honey%20hunting%20in%20Kaski.)[← All Honey hunting in Nepal guides](/honey-hunting-in-nepal) Talk through the next decision ## Ask a trip planner about Honey hunting in Kaski. Share your name, contact details and one short question. 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