The scenic and cultural splendor of Nepal lends itself to some of the most memorable cinematic and insta-worthy experiences for the global adventurer.
From lofty ice-capped peaks to virgin tracks of forests filled with exotic animals and avifauna. From placid lakes to bustling markets and atmospheric residential spaces … from tranquil cultivated fields to the hectic café scenes–you can capture the heart of Nepal’s endless charms. And that’s just the half of it. Its legendary temples, its palaces and crafting centres, its culinary pursuits and the cultural richness of its various ethnic communities–all offer the most profound allurements for the lens.
Spin the wheel and discover that in Nepal ‘The past isn’t dead. It’s not even past’. Capture the timeless cultural treasures of Darbar Square life in in Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur. Freeze frame the majesty of Mt Everest over a champagne breakfast at Everest Base Camp. Lose yourself in the post-hippy vibes of the streets of Thamel.
Generations of film makers have caught up with the wonderments of some of Nepal’s most iconic places, ethnic communities and marvels of its stunning Himalayan vistas. Follow in the footsteps of Indian actor/ director Dev Anand who created his iconic 70s hippy days cult film Hare Rama Hare Krishna, which launched the gorgeous Zeenat Aman. The 84-member film crew couldn’t get enough of the charms of the Kathmandu’s historic places as they moved from one spot to the next including Basantapur Durbar Square, Kasthamandap pavilion, the pagoda-style Nyatapola Temple, Maru Tole the atmospheric historic neighborhood north of Durbar Square and Jhochhen Tole (Freak Street, better remembered as Hippie Street). And let’s not forget the exquisite charms of the Durbar Square at Bhaktapur. The camera lens even caught up with the Kathmandu Valley’s emerald paddy fields, local mud-brick houses and streets, wondrous mountains and its people.
Hollywood’s Marvel blockbuster motion picture Doctor Strange has actor Benedict Cumberbatch roaming the streets of Kathmandu in his search of a sorcerer legend for his mystical powers. You get some powerful camera work on the city’s traditional architecture and the vibrant energy of the street culture. Cumberbatch follows the plot’s twists and turns to iconic spots such as Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Thamel, and even Patan’s Durbar Square–all shot with mesmerising insights.
Everest, an epic cinematic retelling of the disastrous 1996 Everest expeditions, was filmed at Everest Base Camp and Everest Base Camp II. While catching up with the local sherpas here learn all about the wonderful documentary Sherpa which provided the world some of the fascinating insights into the unique culture and spiritual connection to the mountains of this high-altitude community which has been closely linked to the world’s mountaineering history in the Himalayas. You should watch the film, if for anything, its superb cinematography.
When wandering around the Darbar Square at Bhaktapur, let your mind wing back to iconic shots from the movie Little Buddha in the footsteps of actor Keanu Reeves. To add that authentic touch, they even replicated Prince Siddhartha’s Kapilvastu palace with fibre-glass sculptures and wood trellises here. The plot takes you to Lumbini, Buddha’s place of birth, and to the forests of the Terai in search of settlements of the Tharu community. You can get some iconic insta-moments as you mingle with the villagers as they go about their daily routines.
Insta addicts won’t get enough of the atmospheric streets of Kathmandu’s Thamel market and residential spots featuring a lot of traditional Newari architecture. Adding to its allurement is that it’s all a wi-fi zone.
If you are in Kathmandu at the time of the Indra Jatra, your camera shouldn’t be still for a minute as you catch the vibrant crowd scene and Goddess Kumari from her chariot giving her blessings to her adoring devotees. In Bhaktapur, the chariot pulling is the highlight of the Bisket Jatra, held during the celebrations of the Nepali New Year.
About 15 km away from Pokhara lies the scenic Lake Begnas. On a clear day, you can capture the most amazing panoramas of the Annapurna Mountain Range and the Manasulu Mountain Range. Shoot the lively café scene by the lakeside. Pokhra bazaar too offers many insta moments.
Kathmandu’s kaleidoscope wonders, Patan for the purity of its artisanal pursuits, Bhaktapur for its community and crafting connections, Everest and Annapurna for their amazing panoramas–You will never tire of the endless opportunities Nepal offers your lens. Film makers, insta buffs and photographers, both mature and amateurs, are all united in their love for Nepal’s memorable captures.
