In the Himalayan region, local communities maintain a perilous tradition: harvesting 'mad honey'. They seek this substance for its hallucinogenic properties, but its collection demands bravery and skill.

Hunters navigate slippery cliff faces, often barefoot. They face falls into ravines and thousands of bees guarding their nests. Despite these dangers, generations pass down the practice.

'Mad honey' gets its properties from grayanotoxin, a neurotoxin in certain rhododendron flower nectar. When people consume this toxin, it induces hallucinogenic effects, distinguishing 'mad honey' from conventional varieties.

Hoai Anh (Source: Ruhi Cenet)