FILM LOCATION IN MUSTANG:

Mustang, often referred to as the “Forbidden Kingdom,” is a remote and culturally rich region in Nepal that offers stunning landscapes and ancient cultural heritage. Here are some notable film locations in Mustang:

  1. Lo Manthang:
    Lo Manthang is the walled capital of the former Kingdom of Lo, located in Upper Mustang. This ancient town is known for its narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and the royal palace of the Mustang king. Filming in Lo Manthang offers a glimpse into the traditional Tibetan culture and architecture of the region.

  2. Muktinath Temple:
    Located at an altitude of 3,800 meters (12,467 feet), Muktinath Temple is a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple complex includes a Vishnu temple and Buddhist monasteries, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. Filming at Muktinath Temple provides opportunities to capture the spiritual significance and natural beauty of Mustang.

  3. Kagbeni:
    Kagbeni is a picturesque village situated at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Mustang Rivers, on the trekking route to Upper Mustang. The village is known for its ancient architecture, narrow alleyways, and Tibetan Buddhist culture. Filming in Kagbeni offers a glimpse into traditional village life in the Himalayas.

  4. Dhumba Lake:
    Dhumba Lake is a serene alpine lake located near the village of Dhumba in Lower Mustang. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and prayer flags, the lake provides a tranquil filming location with stunning natural beauty.

  5. Chhoser Caves:
    Chhoser is a village known for its ancient cave dwellings carved into the cliffs. These caves, some of which are believed to date back thousands of years, offer a unique filming location that showcases the ingenuity and resilience of the people of Mustang.

  6. Ghemi:
    Ghemi is a traditional village located in Upper Mustang, known for its ancient monastery and terraced fields. Filming in Ghemi offers opportunities to capture the agricultural practices, architecture, and daily life of the people of Mustang.

  7. Kali Gandaki Gorge:
    The Kali Gandaki Gorge, also known as the Andha Galchi, is one of the deepest gorges in the world, carved by the Kali Gandaki River between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. Filming in the gorge provides dramatic vistas of towering cliffs, winding river, and barren landscapes.

    When filming in Mustang, it’s essential to work with local authorities, obtain necessary permits, and respect cultural sensitivities. Additionally, be prepared for the challenges of filming in a remote and high-altitude environment, including limited infrastructure and unpredictable weather. With proper planning and collaboration, Mustang’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage provide a unique backdrop for storytelling and filmmaking.

FILM LOCATION IN KATHMANDU:

Kathmandu, the vibrant capital city of Nepal, offers a rich tapestry of cultural landmarks, bustling streets, and historic sites that serve as compelling film locations. Here are some notable film locations in Kathmandu:

  1. Durbar Square:
    This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a historic square in the heart of Kathmandu, surrounded by ancient palaces, temples, and statues. Durbar Square is a popular filming location for its architectural beauty and cultural significance.
  2. Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple):
    Perched atop a hill west of Kathmandu, Swayambhunath Stupa is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Nepal. The stupa’s golden spire, prayer wheels, and resident monkey population make it a picturesque filming location with panoramic views of the city below.
  3. Boudhanath Stupa:
    Located in the northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu, Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in Nepal and a focal point of Tibetan Buddhist culture. Its iconic white dome and fluttering prayer flags make it a visually striking filming location.
  4. Pashupatinath Temple:
    Situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in Nepal. The temple complex, with its intricate architecture and cremation ghats, offers a glimpse into Hindu religious rituals and traditions.
  5. Thamel:
    Kathmandu’s bustling tourist district, Thamel, is a vibrant hub of activity with narrow streets, colorful shops, and lively cafes. It’s a popular filming location for capturing the energy and diversity of Kathmandu’s urban life.
  6. Basantapur Tower (Kathmandu Tower):
    Located in the heart of Kathmandu’s old town, Basantapur Tower is a nine-story tower that offers panoramic views of the city. It’s a scenic filming location for capturing the cityscape and surrounding landmarks.
  7. Garden of Dreams:
    This neo-classical garden in central Kathmandu offers a peaceful oasis amid the bustling city streets. Its lush greenery, tranquil ponds, and historic architecture make it a charming filming location for romantic scenes or period dramas.
  8. Narrow Alleys and Courtyards:
    Kathmandu’s labyrinthine alleyways and hidden courtyards offer endless opportunities for atmospheric filming locations, from bustling market scenes to intimate conversations against a backdrop of ancient architecture.

When filming in Kathmandu, it’s essential to work with local authorities, obtain necessary permits, and respect cultural sensitivities. Additionally, be prepared for the challenges of filming in a bustling urban environment, including noise, traffic, and crowds. With proper planning and collaboration, Kathmandu’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage provide a rich canvas for storytelling and filmmaking.

FILM LOCATION IN EVEREST:

Filming in the Everest region offers an unparalleled opportunity to capture the awe-inspiring beauty and extreme conditions of the world’s highest peak. Here are some iconic film locations in the Everest region:

  1. Base Camps:
    Everest Base Camp (South Base Camp) and Everest Base Camp (North Base Camp) are popular filming locations for documentaries, films, and TV shows. These camps serve as the starting point for expeditions to summit Mount Everest and offer stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
  2. Kala Patthar:
    Located near Everest Base Camp on the Nepalese side, Kala Patthar is a popular viewpoint that offers panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. It’s a favorite spot for filmmakers seeking dramatic shots of Everest’s summit and surrounding peaks.
  3. Tengboche Monastery:
    Situated in the Khumbu region of Nepal, Tengboche Monastery is one of the most sacred monasteries in the Everest region. Its picturesque location with Mount Everest in the background makes it a popular filming location for capturing the cultural and spiritual essence of the Himalayas.
  4. Namche Bazaar:
    Known as the gateway to the Everest region, Namche Bazaar is a vibrant Sherpa town nestled in the Himalayas. Its bustling markets, colorful prayer flags, and stunning mountain views make it a picturesque filming location for capturing the daily life and culture of the Sherpa people.
  5. Gorak Shep:
    Located near Everest Base Camp, Gorak Shep is a small settlement that serves as a rest stop for climbers and trekkers. Its rugged landscape and proximity to Mount Everest make it an ideal filming location for capturing the rugged beauty of the Everest region.
  6. Khumbu Icefall:
    The Khumbu Icefall is a treacherous and ever-changing glacier that climbers must navigate en route to the summit of Mount Everest. Filming in the Khumbu Icefall offers a glimpse into the challenges and dangers faced by climbers attempting to conquer the world’s highest peak.
  7. Sagarmatha National Park:
    Much of the Everest region falls within Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Filming in the national park offers opportunities to capture the pristine beauty of the Himalayan ecosystem, including alpine meadows, rhododendron forests, and towering peaks.
    When filming in the Everest region, it’s essential to work closely with local authorities, guides, and Sherpa communities to ensure safety, respect cultural sensitivities, and minimize environmental impact. Additionally, be prepared for the challenges of filming in a remote and high-altitude environment, including extreme weather, logistical hurdles, and altitude sickness.

How to apply For film permit & Location Permit in Nepal?

If you are considering producing a feature film, short film, documentary, or advertisement in Nepal, it is recommended that you finalize the shooting locations after completing the pre-production phase. This is because the process of obtaining a film permit in Nepal involves the submission of specific documents and may take between 7 to 21 working days, depending on the script and drone type being used. The following steps and required documents must be prepared to apply for a film permit

  1. Letter from Local Coordinator: A letter from the assigned local coordinator must be prepared to inform the Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications about the purpose of the application for a shooting permit.
  2. Authorization Letter: An authorization letter must be provided by the foreign filmmaker, indicating their selection and employment of a local coordinator.
  3. Application Form: An application form as prescribed by the rules must be completed, affixing a Nepali postal stamp amounting to NPR 50.
  4. Documents: Supporting documents are also required to be submitted to facilitate permit consideration, including the script of the filming story
  • storyboard for TV commercials
  • synopsis for documentaries
  • theme (concept) and lyrics for music videos
  • details of the content and objectives of the program presentation for TV programs.
  1. Crew member details: Details of the crew members, including name list, passport numbers, positions, and arrival dates of the foreign film crew with bio-data, must also be provided.
  2. Itenary: A schedule of filming in Nepal, specifying exact dates and locations, must be prepared and submitted.
  3. Equipment list: An equipment list with values for custom clearance must also be included in the application

Once the application is submitted, the Ministry of Information and Communications may require the submission of consent letters from concerned organizations 

  • Consent letters of concerned organizations:
  • Consent Letter of Department of Archaeology if filming in archaeological places like Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, Changunarayan, Durbar Squares, Boudhanath, Lumbini, Swayambhunath, etc.; 
  • Consent Letter of Pashupati Development Fund Office, Gaushala, Kathmandu if filming in the Pashupatinath temple area; 
  • Consent letter of Sanctuary Fund if filming in Annapurna Conservation Areas; 
  • Consent letter of Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation if filming is to be done in upper Mustang and upper Dolpa (fees is US $5000.00 per each place); 
  • Consent letter of Department of Wildlife Conservation, Babarmahal, Kathmandu if filming in conservation areas; 
  • Consent letter of Lumbini Development Fund if filming in Kapilvastu (Lumbini), the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha. Please note that location charges may apply depending on the location where the filmmaker intends to shoot.

Note: LOCATION CHARGES may apply depending upon the location where the filmmaker is going to shoot.

It is important to note that all location scouting, hiring, and film permit processes will be facilitated by the local coordinator or local filming company in Nepal. If you are planning to shoot in Nepal, please connect with a Nepal producer at the following email address: [email protected].