I watched the documentary about honey hunting on channel 4 last night, whilst the presenter was a little wet IMHO, powdering out of the chance to take part, even with extra safety ropes, it was an enjoyable show.
The Gurungs (locals) climb sheer rock faces to harvest the honeycomb. Huge fires at the base of the cliff are used to smoke the bees out. Then a few mentalists climb the ladders without safety ropes, and secure toggles through large sections of honeycomb which are then lowered to the base of the cliff.
http://www.draperbee.com/info/photo%20album/nepal3text.jpg

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/04/0414_040414_honeyhunters.html
http://www.draperbee.com/info/photo%20album/nepal1text.jpg