Key takeaways

Nepal offers a lot to see in a short trip, including highlands, lakes, hills, heritage squares, and jungles.
A National Filming Permit is required for commercial shoots. Certain locations require additional permissions.
CAAN approval is required for drones. Some areas are off-limits.
Typically, permits take one to three weeks or longer. Get started early.
To save time and prevent surprises, reserve spaces that have been thoroughly screened and have clear pricing.

Why Nepal works

Here’s the thing: you can land in Kathmandu and get multiple visual styles in a day. Old squares in the morning, mountain tops by sunset, lakes the next dawn. What this really means is tighter schedules, lower travel costs, and more looks in your final cut.

Best shoot locations (by theme)

1) Heritage and city vibes - Kathmandu Valley

Patan Durbar Square (Lalitpur): Newar temples, metalworks, narrow paths.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Wide plazas, pottery alleys, old-time charms.
Kathmandu Durbar Square: Iconic and busy. Plan for crowd control.
Boudhanath Stupa: Prayer flags, circular kora path, rooftop angles. Follow local rules.
Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): Hilltop skyline views. Watch the stairs and the monkeys.
Thamel and Asan: Lively paths, signs, and night energy for lifestyle or music videos.

Permit note: Heritage sites often need site approvals on top of the national permit. Some inner sanctums ban cameras.

2) Mountain views and ridges

Nagarkot / Dhulikhel: Sunrise views with the Himalaya.
Chandragiri Hills: Cable car to a quick summit look.
Bandipur: Mid‑hill town with clean streets and heritage facades.

3) Lakes and valleys - Pokhara

Phewa Lake and Lakeside: Boats, reflections, and night streets.
Sarangkot: Sunrise over the valley and snowy peaks.
Begnas Lake: Quieter, rural textures.

4) Highlands and canyons

Upper Mustang (Lo‑Manthang, Ghami, Chhusang): Cliff faces, ochre tones, big skies. Special permits and advance logistics are required.

5) Jungles and rivers

Chitwan National Park/Bardia: Grasslands, river crossings, forest tracks. Follow park rules and ranger guidance.

6) Sacred and spiritual sites

Lumbini (Birthplace of Buddha): Monastic zones, ponds, and long sightlines. Needs Lumbini Development Trust permission.
Pashupatinath: Very strict in core areas. Many no‑camera zones. Plan exterior angles and alternatives.

Tip: For streets and public spaces, check ward or municipality permissions and any traffic police support.

Permits and rules - simple checklist

1) National Filming Permit

Needed for most commercial shoots.
Common documents: script or brief, schedule, crew list, equipment list, IDs, local partner letter, and insurance.
Timeline: around 1 to 3+ weeks, longer in peak season or complex shoots.

2) Extra permissions

Heritage sites: city or heritage office, temple or monastery.
National parks: park office approval; a ranger may be assigned.
Lumbini: via Lumbini Development Trust.
Upper Mustang / Upper Dolpo: special permits and fixed fees; plan early.

3) Local office letters

Markets, roads, and busy areas may need ward letters and traffic coordination.

4) Private property consent

Sign a location agreement with the owner: hours, access, rules, and liability.

5) Drone rules (CAAN)

Register and request flight permission. Extra limits near airports, military zones, and heritage sites.

Order that works: get the national permit, then site approvals, then drone permission. Inform neighbors or traffic if needed. Carry printed copies on set.

Best months to shoot

October to December: clear skies and peak views. Book early.
January to March: sharp light, shorter days.
April to May: warm days, possible pre‑monsoon storms.
June to September (monsoon): rich greenery and dramatic clouds. Plan rain‑friendly ideas.
Festivals: Dashain, Tihar, Losar, and Holi. Great visuals, heavier crowds.

Budget and logistics - quick list

Crew and access: stairs, narrow lanes, or hike‑ins change gear plans.
Power: confirm outlets; bring batteries or inverters.
Parking and load‑in: schedule with owners; avoid rush hours.
Weather backup: have a second location ready.
Insurance and deposits: many owners and offices ask for these.

How Alocaspace helps

Vetted, ready spaces: real photos, clear rules, and easy booking.
Transparent pricing: see rates and deposits upfront.
Permit basics: we share checklists and contacts. For now, we don’t handle permits or logistics contracts.
Backup options: we help you shortlist alternates nearby.

Building a moodboard? Start with our Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Valley Heritage collections. Then layer logistics with our permit and drone checklist.

FAQs

Do I need a permit?
Yes, for commercial shoots. Start with the National Filming Permit, then add site approvals.

How long do permits take?
Plan 1 to 3+ weeks. Special areas take longer.

Can I use a drone?
Yes, with CAAN approval. Some zones are off‑limits.

Can I film inside temples?
Rules change by site. Many inner areas do not allow cameras. Always ask first.

What about Upper Mustang or Dolpo?
You need special permits and more time. Plan early.

Where can I book fast?
Browse Alocaspace by vibe, size, power, and parking. Request dates with transparent pricing.

Ready to shoot in Nepal?

Browse trusted locations in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Mustang, and more with clear rules, real photos, and upfront pricing.

Use our permit and drone checklists to plan without delays and lock your dates before peak season.
Book today and bring your vision to life.

Updated for 2025. Always confirm local rules before your shoot.