Top filming location in Nepal- One exciting fact about why Nepal is one of the popular spots for filming is because of its diverse and stunning landscape. Nepal 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 has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows including Everest, Doctor Strange, and so on.
Here are some of the top filming locations in Nepal:
Mustang is one of the Top Filming Location in Nepal for Hollywood as well as local film
Located in the north-central part of Nepal Mustang is a remote and rugged region that stretches across the Himalayas. 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. Over the years several movies have been shot in Mustang, showcasing the region’s stunning beauty and unique culture.
Pokhara is the most suitable location for filming in Nepal
Top Filming Location in Nepal- Pokhara is a city located in Nepal that has become a popular filming location due to its scenic beauty, diversity, accessibility, culture, affordability, and experienced crew. The city is nestled in a valley surrounded by the majestic Himalayas and is home to several lakes and waterfalls, making it an ideal location for shooting a variety of scenes. Not only that but Pokhara also has a cultural heritage and several temples and monuments that can serve as unique backdrops for film scenes.
The city is also easily accessible by road, and has its airport, making 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 are available for hire.
Related: Hollywood Movies Shot in Nepal
All of these factors make Pokhara an ideal location 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 is the most famous and well-known Top Filming Location in Nepal
Top Filming Location in Nepal- Kathmandu Valley is a highly favored destination for filmmakers due to several reasons. Firstly, its natural scenery which includes hills, forests, and rivers provides a picturesque backdrop that’s perfect for filming. Secondly, the valley’s cultural diversity makes it an excellent location for capturing various cultural events, festivals, and ceremonies.
Thirdly, the valley is home to many ancient temples, palaces, and monuments that showcase 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. Finally, the cost of filming in Kathmandu Valley is relatively low compared to other popular filming destinations, making it an attractive option for filmmakers who are working with tight budgets.
Bhaktapur
Top Filming Location in Nepal- Bhaktapur is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to many ancient temples and monuments. One interesting fact about Bhaktapur is that it is also known as the “City of Devotees” because of its strong tradition of Tantric Buddhism and Hinduism. The city has more than 100 festivals and rituals throughout the year, which attracts both domestic and international visitors. One of the most famous festivals celebrated in Bhaktapur is the Bisket Jatra, which involves the pulling of a large chariot and is celebrated during the Nepali New Year.
The city is also known for its pottery which has been passed down through generations of artisans. This city is also famous as a filming site for several reasons. The city has well-preserved ancient architecture and buildings which provide a unique and picturesque backdrop for filming. The city has several temples, palaces, courtyards, and narrow streets that can be used as sets 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.
Everest Base Camp/ Mount Everest
Top Filming Location in Nepal- Did you know that the thin air at Everest Base Camp actually makes filming a lot easier? Because the air is thinner at high altitudes which means that there is less atmospheric interference resulting in clearer and sharper images. While the high altitude may pose a challenge for humans it actually 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 and have often served as guides and porters for film crews adding to the fun and adventure of filming at Everest Base Camp.
One of the reasons why Everest Base Camp is famous for filming is because of the incredible natural beauty of the region. With the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest towering above everything else, the landscape is absolutely breathtaking. The surrounding mountains, glaciers, and valleys create a picturesque backdrop that is perfect for capturing on film.
Annapurna Region
The Annapurna region in Nepal is famous for its stunning natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and dramatic mountain ranges making it a popular filming location for movies and television shows.
Also Read: Top 10 Naturally Beautiful Places in Nepal
The 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.
Movies that have been shot in Nepal
Highway to Dhampus
The movie Highway to Dhampus was filmed in Pokhara, Nepal. The movie was directed by Rick McFarland and produced by Raunak Bikram Kandel, and it was released in 2015. It features the beautiful scenery of Pokhara including the Phewa Lake, Sarangkot Hill, and Annapurna Range. The movie 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 film explores their experiences as they interact with the local people, culture, and traditions of Nepal. Throughout the film, viewers are treated to stunning views of Pokhara including the 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)
“The Himalayas” (2015), directed by Lee Seok-hoon. Although it’s a South Korean movie it features Mustang’s stunning scenery extensively. 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.
The movie was filmed on location in Nepal including in the Mustang region. The landscapes of Mustang are prominently featured throughout the movie highlighting the region’s rugged beauty.
Up in the Wind
Up in the Wind, a Chinese movie that was released in 2013 was also 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 embarks on a journey to scatter her friend’s ashes in the mountains. Along the way, she meets a man named Jay who helps her in her journey. The movie was directed by Teng Huatao and starred 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
Baraka is a visually stunning documentary film directed by Ron Fricke that was released in 1992. The movie was filmed in multiple locations around the world including Kathmandu which is the capital city of Nepal. The film 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.
Doctor Strange
The 2016 Marvel superhero film Doctor Strange features several scenes that were filmed in the beautiful city of Kathmandu. The filmmakers chose Kathmandu as the backdrop for these scenes because of its unique cultural and architectural landscape which perfectly suited the mystical and otherworldly elements of the film. One of the most memorable scenes that were filmed in Kathmandu is when Doctor Strange first arrives in the city and is led to the secret Kamar-Taj by Mordo.
The scene takes place in the bustling streets of Kathmandu which features vibrant colors and stunning shots of the city’s traditional architecture. The scene 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.
The scene takes place in the streets of Kathmandu and features breathtaking shots of the city’s iconic landmarks including the Boudhanath Stupa, the Pashupatinath, and the 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
The Golden Child 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 movie showcases several scenes that were shot at various locations in Kathmandu, including the Monkey Temple, officially known as Swayambhunath, the Boudhanath Stupa, and the bustling areas of Asan and Indra chowk, all of which provided a beautiful backdrop for the film.
Little Buddha
Little Buddha is filmed in Bhaktapur which 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. This movie was directed by Bernardo Bertolucci that was released in 1993.
The movie tells the story of a young boy named Jesse who is 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 film 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
Another movie that was filmed in Bhaktapur is Baraka. 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. This movie has been praised for its breathtaking cinematography and unique approach to filmmaking.
Everest
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 and highlights the courage and strength of the human spirit. The movie also focuses on climbers’ determination to reach the top of the world is truly inspiring and their struggle against the elements is a testament to the resilience of the human body and mind.
The movie 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. As we watch him lead his team of Sherpas up the mountain we are given an intimate glimpse into the 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
The movie “The Wildest Dream” is the movie which was filmed in Annapurna Region. This movie is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film that 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 definitely worth checking out.
