Nepal, a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich cultures, and untapped potential, beckons filmmakers from around the globe. With its diverse and picturesque settings, Nepal offers a canvas as varied as its culture and heritage. In the world of film production, Nepal has been a preferred destination since the 70s, hosting numerous international film productions that have left an enduring mark on the industry.
From the lowland plains near the Indian border to the towering Himalayan peaks along the Tibetan border, Nepal presents a breathtaking array of locales. Whether you seek the rustic charm of remote villages, the serenity of lakes and jungles, the mystique of ancient temples and monasteries, or the grandeur of snow-capped mountains, Nepal’s landscapes cater to every creative vision.
Nepal is not just a destination — it’s a poem written in stone and sky.
God’s Heaven
Nepal’s cinematic journey for international productions began in the early 70s when Bollywood blockbusters like “Hare Rama Hare Krishna,” “Mahan,” “Aadhi Tufaan,” and “Yudh” chose Nepal as their filming destination. This trend continued with more Bollywood hits such as “Khuda Gawah,” “Beqabu,” “Love in Nepal,” “Ek Haseena Ek Deewana tha,” and “Baby” Hollywood also discovered Nepal’s allure, with blockbusters like “The Golden Child” and “The Night Train To Kathmandu” filmed here in the 80s. Subsequently, features like “Little Buddha,” “Seven Years in Tibet,” “Everest,” and “Doctor Strange” chose Nepal’s captivating backdrop for their productions.
Nepal’s appeal extends beyond movies to television dramas. Disney and BBC partnered to film “Black Narcissus” in the Himalayas of Nepal, and other British television series like “Gap Year” and “Our Girl” found their home amid Nepal’s stunning vistas.
It’s not just mainstream features and TV dramas that flock to Nepal; even TV commercials capture the essence of this cinematic gem. Renowned brands from around the world, including Coca Cola, Panasonic, Renault, Vicks, Volkswagen, Red Bull, Powerade, Nestle, Nippon Paint, Kellogg’s, Samsonite, Black Yak, Korean giant Doosan, and many more, chose Nepal as their canvas. These shoots hail from all over the globe, from Australia to Japan, from the United Kingdom to Malaysia, from the United States to Germany, and beyond.
Nepal’s global appeal is underscored by productions from countries as diverse as China, France, and Brazil. The Chinese feature film “Up In The Wind” and the Brazilian television series “Joia Rara” achieved remarkable success while being filmed in Nepal. These productions, marked by significant budgets, further establish Nepal’s position as a go-to destination for filmmakers worldwide.
In a world where the global film tourism industry is estimated to be worth $134 billion and growing annually by 6.2%, Nepal’s cinematic legacy continues to flourish. The government may not offer financial incentives, but the country’s natural and cultural assets are incentives in themselves. Nepal’s potential for economic growth through film tourism is immense.
To solidify Nepal’s position as a premier film destination, a comprehensive plan to promote and facilitate creative film productions is essential. This includes providing access to world-class production facilities and offering training and education opportunities to local talent.
As Nepal continues to evolve as a creative hub, it invites the world to explore its cinematic wonders. With companies like Location Nepal leading the way, Nepal is not just a destination; it’s an invitation to create, explore, and be inspired.
More Than Just Movies
As the global film industry evolves, Nepal continues to adapt — offering better infrastructure, experienced local crews, and increasing government support. Yet, it retains its raw beauty and cultural soul, making it a unique blend of old and new. Nepal isn’t just a location; it’s a character — powerful, spiritual, and endlessly cinematic. So, if you’re a filmmaker looking to create something truly remarkable, it might be time to turn your camera east — toward the land where the mountains meet the sky and stories write themselves.
- In this Czech TV commercial, a Russian MI17 helicopter was used as a cinematic prop in Nepal’s picturesque landscapes. The set was meticulously crafted around the helicopter, showcasing Nepal’s versatility as a filming location.
- A Bangladeshi team embarked on an adventure to Nepal’s Langtang region to capture stunning landscapes for a SHAH Cement commercial. The journey into the high Himalayas highlighted Nepal’s natural beauty.
- Nepal’s art team designed an entire vending machine as the hero prop for Nestea’s commercial from Israel. The whimsical set added a touch of magic to the filming, demonstrating Nepal’s versatility for creative projects.
- A snapshot of the dedicated film crew from China working tirelessly to capture Nepal’s breathtaking landscapes for “UP IN THE WIND.”
POWERADE’s Grand Himalayan Spectacle during the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Imagine the fusion of European football stars, the spectacular backdrop of Nepal’s Mustang region, and the exhilaration of the FIFA World Cup – that’s exactly what transpired during the filming of POWERADE’s television commercial.
Producers and creatives from Germany, India, and Nepal joined hands to create a breathtaking football spectacle in the Himalayas. Real European football players from various countries and clubs were flown in, along with the African United Team and Nepali football players. Together, they transformed a remote location in Mustang into a football arena that was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Accommodating a cast and crew of over 600 people in camping tents for many days and nights during pre-production and production, the Nepali team managed all logistics, local crew, food, transportation, and every aspect of the grand production. This ambitious project showcased Nepal’s ability to host major international productions and highlighted its captivating landscapes as a canvas for global creativity. The result was a television commercial that captured the thrilling essence of football during the FIFA World Cup while showcasing Nepal’s cinematic charm on the world stage.
