Nepal’s captivating landscapes, from dramatic mountains to lush valleys, make it a top filming destination. The breathtaking scenery and cultural richness provide the best filming locations in Nepal. The country is home to some of the world’s highest mountains, including Mount Everest, as well as lush forests, sparkling lakes, and rolling hills. This breathtaking scenery steals the show in numerous movies and TV shows, including “Everest,” “Doctor Strange,” and more.
Here are the best-known and acknowledged filming locations in Nepal:
Mustang: One of the Most Popular Filming Locations in Nepal for Hollywood and Local Films
Situated in the north-central Himalayas, Mustang, a hidden gem of Nepal, boasts breathtaking remoteness and rugged beauty. The region is home to the Annapurna mountain range and some of the highest peaks in the world, making it a paradise for trekkers and mountaineers. But what sets Mustang apart from other trekking destinations in Nepal is its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, etc.
Mustang is a beautiful and remote region located in the northern part of Nepal. The unique landscape and rich cultural heritage of Mustang have attracted filmmakers from all over the world. Several movies have explored the breathtaking beauty and unique culture of Mustang, Nepal, by filming scenes in the region. This region is one of the most popular and beloved filming locations in Nepal.
Pokhara: One of the Most Beautiful Filming Locations in Nepal
Pokhara is a city in Nepal that has become a popular filming location due to its scenic beauty, diversity, accessibility, culture, affordability, and experienced crew. Majestic Himalayas embrace the city nestled in a valley. Several lakes and waterfalls dot the landscape, making it an ideal location for filming diverse scenes. Not only that, but Pokhara also has a cultural heritage and several temples and monuments. It can serve as a unique backdrops for film scenes.
The city is easily accessible by road and has an airport. It makes it easier to transport equipment and crew. Compared to other popular filming locations, Pokhara is relatively affordable and attractive to filmmakers working with lower budgets. Finally, the city has a thriving film industry and many experienced crew members available to hire.
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All these factors make Pokhara an ideal filming location in Nepal for filmmakers looking for a unique and affordable place to shoot their films. These picturesque locations provided a perfect backdrop for several scenes in the movie.
Kathmandu Valley: One of the Well-Known Filming Locations in Nepal
Several factors make Kathmandu Valley a magnet for filmmakers: Firstly, the region boasts a naturally cinematic landscape. Rolling hills, lush forests, and meandering rivers paint a picturesque backdrop, perfect for filming diverse scenes. Secondly, the valley’s cultural diversity makes it an excellent location for capturing various cultural events, festivals, and ceremonies.
Offer: Nepal Highlights with Annapurna Base Camp
This renowned trek in Nepal offers stunning scenery. Hike through diverse landscapes, marvel at the majestic Annapurna Massif and surrounding peaks (Fishtail, Hiunchuli, Dhaulagiri), and experience a unique high-altitude environment with limited sunlight during summer.
Thirdly, the valley is home to many ancient temples, palaces, and monuments. It showcases stunning architecture and artistic designs, providing a unique and beautiful filming experience. Additionally, the valley’s accessibility and proximity to the international airport make it easy for filmmakers to move around and transport equipment. Compared to other popular filming destinations, Kathmandu Valley stands out for its relatively low filming costs. It makes the valley an attractive option for filmmakers working with tight budgets.
Bhaktapur: One of the Most Culturally Rich Filming Locations in Nepal
Bhaktapur is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to many ancient temples and monuments. The city, steeped in a strong tradition of Tantric Buddhism and Hinduism, has earned the nickname “City of Devotees.” The city has more than 100 festivals and rituals throughout the year. They attract both domestic and international visitors. One of the most famous festivals celebrated in Bhaktapur is the Bisket Jatra. During the Nepali New Year, a vibrant festival called Bisket Jatra kicks off, featuring the exciting act of pulling a large chariot.
The city boasts a vibrant tradition of pottery, passed down through skilled artisans for generations. This city is also famous as a filming site for several reasons. It has well-preserved ancient architecture and buildings, which provide a unique and picturesque backdrop for filming. Bhaktapur’s numerous temples, palaces, courtyards, and winding streets offer diverse film locations perfect for various types of movies. Filmmakers find Bhaktapur’s rich cultural heritage and traditions appealing. The city’s dynamic festivals, music, dance, and traditional crafts offer abundant sources of inspiration for them. Bhaktapur is definitely one of the most culturally rich filming locations, not only in Nepal but also in the world.
Everest Base Camp and Mount Everest: One of the Most Breathtaking Filming Locations in Nepal
Did you know that the thin air at Everest Base Camp makes filming a lot easier? Because the air is thinner at high altitudes. So, it means less atmospheric interference, resulting in clearer and sharper images. While the high altitude may be challenging for humans, it helps cameras capture the stunning landscape and surroundings more clearly! Additionally, the Sherpa people who live in the region are known for their incredible mountaineering skills. They frequently serve as guides and porters for film crews, adding to the excitement of shooting at Everest Base Camp.
Everest Base Camp is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, making it a popular filming location. With the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, towering above everything else, the landscape is breathtaking. The surrounding mountains, glaciers, and valleys create a picturesque backdrop perfect for capturing on film.
Annapurna Region: Another One of the Most Breathtaking Filming Locations in Nepal
The Annapurna Region in Nepal is famous for its stunning natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and dramatic mountain ranges, making it a well-known filming location in Nepal for movies and television shows.
Also Read: Top 10 Naturally Beautiful Places in Nepal
This region is home to the Annapurna Massif, which includes several of the world’s highest peaks, including Annapurna I, the tenth-highest mountain in the world. The towering peaks, deep valleys, and glacial lakes provide a breathtaking backdrop for filming.
From Bollywood to Blockbusters: Movies Made in Nepal
Highway to Dhampus (2015)
The filmmakers shot “Highway to Dhampus” in Pokhara, Nepal. Rick McFarland directed the movie, and Raunak Bikram Kandel produced it. The movie hit the big screens in 2015. It features the beautiful scenery of Pokhara, including the Phewa Lake, Sarangkot Hill, and Annapurna Range. Highway to Dhampus tells the story of a group from different parts of the world who come to Dhampus seeking different things.
Some are there to escape their problems, while others are there to find love, meaning, or purpose in their lives. The movie explores their experiences as they interact with the local people, culture, and traditions of Nepal. “Highway to Dhampus” takes viewers on a breathtaking journey through Pokhara, showcasing Phewa Lake, Sarangkot Hill, and the Annapurna Range. The movie also showcases the unique culture and lifestyle of the Nepalese people, including their traditions, customs, and festivals.
Also Read: Everest Base Camp Trek Route
The Himalayas (2015)
Lee Seok-Hoon directed “The Himalayas” in 2015. Although it’s a South Korean movie, it extensively features Mustang’s stunning scenery. The movie tells the story of a mountaineer who sets out to retrieve the body of a friend who died while climbing a Himalayan peak.
Filmed entirely on location in Nepal, the movie brings the rugged beauty of the Mustang region to the forefront. Sweeping landscapes showcase the region’s unique character throughout the film.
Up in the Wind (2013)
“Up in the Wind” is a Chinese movie that was released in 2013 and partially shot in Nepal. It tells the story of a young woman named Xiao Mei, who travels to Nepal to fulfill her friend’s last wish. Her friend had always dreamed of trekking in the Himalayas, and so Xiao Mei embarked on a journey to scatter her friend’s ashes in the mountains. Along the way, she meets a man named Jay, who helps her on her journey. Teng Huatao directed the movie, starring Ni Ni and Jing Boran in the lead roles. It was partially filmed in Nepal, with several scenes shot in different locations around the country.
Baraka (1992)
Ron Fricke directed the visually stunning documentary film “Baraka” in 1992. The movie was filmed in multiple locations around the world, including Kathmandu, which is the capital city of Nepal. “Baraka” is a non-narrative exploration of various cultures and natural landscapes around the world. It features breathtaking footage of ancient temples, bustling cities, and serene natural environments, all set to a mesmerizing soundtrack.
One of the most striking scenes in the Kathmandu segment of the film is the footage of the cremation ghats on the banks of the Bagmati River. The camera captures the solemn rituals performed by the families of the deceased, as well as the swirling smoke from the funeral pyres. The scene is both haunting and beautiful, capturing the cycle of life and death that is so central to the Hindu culture of Nepal.
This movie features stunning visuals from various locations around the world, including Bhaktapur. In this movie, Bhaktapur is featured prominently in several scenes, showcasing its vibrant culture. Critics have lauded “Baraka” for its breathtaking cinematography and its unique approach to filmmaking.
Doctor Strange (2016)
In the 2016 Marvel film “Doctor Strange,” several scenes transport viewers to the vibrant city of Kathmandu. It wasn’t a coincidence—the filmmakers were drawn to Kathmandu’s unique cultural and architectural landscape, which perfectly complemented the film’s mystical and otherworldly elements. In Kathmandu, the filmmakers captured a particularly memorable scene: Doctor Strange’s first arrival in the city, where Mordo guides him to the hidden Kamar-Taj.
The scene takes place in the bustling streets of Kathmandu, which feature vibrant colors and stunning shots of the city’s traditional architecture. The sequence captures the energy and excitement of the city and sets the tone for the rest of the film. The movie also includes a climactic battle between Doctor Strange and the villainous Kaecil.
This part unfolds on the bustling streets of Kathmandu, offering glimpses of the city’s iconic landmarks. Cameras sweep over the majestic Boudhanath Stupa, the sacred Pashupatinath, and the awe-inspiring Swayambhunath Temple. The scene is a visual spectacle with stunning special effects and thrilling action sequences that capture the excitement of the battle.
The Golden Child (1986)
“The Golden Child” (1986) was also filmed in Nepal, with several scenes shot in and around the city of Kathmandu. The filmmakers reportedly spent several months scouting locations in the country before settling on Kathmandu as the primary filming location.
“The Golden Child” takes viewers on a captivating journey through Kathmandu, showcasing various locations filmed there. The iconic Monkey Temple, officially known as Swayambhunath, the majestic Boudhanath Stupa, and the bustling energy of Asan and Indra Chowk all become stunning backdrops for the film’s scenes.
Little Buddha (1993)
“Little Buddha“ was filmed in Bhaktapur. The movie is known for its rich cultural heritage and historic architecture. Bhaktapur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it was the perfect location for the film’s depiction of the traditional Tibetan way of life. Bernardo Bertolucci directed “Little Buddha” and released it in 1993.
The movie throws a young boy named Jesse into the extraordinary as he’s believed to be the reincarnation of a Tibetan Lama. His parents are contacted by Lama Norbu, who travels to Seattle from Bhutan, to confirm Jesse’s identity. The movie showcases the beauty of Bhaktapur’s ancient temples, narrow alleyways, and courtyards. The city’s brick and wood buildings with intricate carvings and colorful murals are also prominently featured in the movie.
Also Check: Food and Accommodation on Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest (2015)
Everest is a thrilling movie that takes the audience on a heart-pumping journey to the top of the world. Based on true events the film follows the story of two expeditions attempting to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1996. The movie was filmed on location in Nepal giving the audience an authentic view of the majestic mountain and the harsh conditions that climbers face.
It is a thrilling adventure movie that highlights the courage and strength of the human spirit. “Everest” also focuses on climbers’ determination to reach the top of the world, which is truly inspiring. Their struggle against the elements is a testament to the resilience of the human body and mind.
Sherpa (2015)
“Sherpa” is a remarkable documentary that takes us on an exhilarating journey into the world of these incredible people. Filmed entirely on location in Nepal, the movie follows the lives of Sherpas, who work as high-altitude porters and guides for Western climbers on their quest to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
At the center of the story is Phurba Tashi Sherpa, a charismatic and respected Sherpa guide who has summited Mount Everest 21 times. Leading his team of Sherpas up the mountain, he grants us an intimate glimpse into Sherpa culture and their deep spiritual connection to the mountains. Through stunning cinematography and powerful storytelling, this movie immerses us in the beauty and complexity of the Sherpa culture.
The movie offers a unique and profound perspective on the human cost of the Everest climbing industry and the vital role that Sherpas play in it.
The Wildest Dream (2010)
“The Wildest Dream” took viewers on a breathtaking journey through the Annapurna Region, showcasing its stunning landscapes on screen. This movie is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film. It captures the essence of Mallory’s spirit and the enduring allure of Mount Everest. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or just a fan of adventure documentaries, this movie is worth checking out.
Conclusion
Nepal’s diverse landscapes, from the snow-capped Himalayan peaks to the bustling streets of Kathmandu, have captivated audiences all over the world. The country’s distinct cultural heritage and breathtaking scenery have served as captivating backdrops for several films, each of which provides a glimpse into Nepal’s beauty and spirit. Whether it’s the mystical world of “Doctor Strange” or the true-life adventure of “The Wildest Dream,” these films demonstrate Nepal’s ability to transport viewers to extraordinary locations and tell unforgettable stories. So, the next time you’re looking for a cinematic adventure, consider exploring the films shot in Nepal and discovering the magic of this incredible country.
