Nepal is a land of stories waiting to be filmed. From busy city streets to quiet lakes and high mountain roads, this small but beautiful country is full of places that make your camera light up. That is why filmmakers and music video directors from all over the world choose Nepal. The mix of history, nature, and culture makes every shoot feel magical.

Here are the top ten places in Nepal that can help you achieve your vision for your upcoming movie or music video.

1. Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu is the heart of Nepal’s old and new worlds. It’s a maze of narrow streets, ancient temples, and busy squares, all wrapped in modern life. Movies like Doctor Strange have filmed here already. The valley includes the heritage-rich cities of Patan and Bhaktapur. These places feel both artistic and historic. In the evening, Thamel comes alive with lights, music, and energy, perfect for a modern music video scene. You will need a permit to film in many areas, but once you get one, you can capture the unique soul of Nepal in each frame.

2. Patan Durbar Square

Walk into Patan and feel like you've stepped into a painting. Its carved windows, quiet courtyards, and red bricks make every shot look artful. Many music teams choose it for its timeless beauty. At dawn, the square wakes up softly, making your camera frame soft light and calm energy. You’ll need permission to film, but the magical setting rewards the effort with heritage that looks cinematic in every pixel.

3. Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur feels like time stopped. Broad courtyards, temple roofs, and clay tiles give it a pure, historic vibe. It's perfect for folk songs, cultural flicks, or any video that needs a real, untouched heritage look. Once you have the municipality’s permission, the place becomes your own stage, a beautiful, silent, and dramatic scene that doesn’t rely on modern effects to impress.

4. Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

Perched on a hill, Swayambhunath watches over the city. With its golden stupa, fluttering prayer flags, and city views below, it mixes peace and story in one frame. Filming at sunset gives you a glowing stupa and a sky painted in orange and purple, ideal for emotional or soulful music videos. Drone use may be limited, but the view from the stairs is enough to make your scene unforgettable.

5. Nagarkot Hills

Nagarkot is all about romance and sunrise magic. It sits above Kathmandu and looks out at row after row of snowy Himalayan peaks. When the mist drifts in, it turns into a dreamy painting perfect for love songs. Just a short drive, but miles away in feeling. The weather can change fast; clouds come, and the sun hides, but that’s the beauty of nature. Plan ahead, and each take feels like a dream.

6. Pokhara & Phewa Lake

Pokhara is often called Nepal’s jewel, and with good reason. Its lake mirrors the big Annapurna mountains like a mirror on glass. Boats, cafes, and paragliders add life to your shot. Many romantic and travel videos have found magic here. A small permit for lakeside filming may be needed, but it’s a small step for big views.

7. Chitwan Riverside

In Chitwan, you swap mountains for fields and rivers. Tall grass, still water, and earthy colors bring a quiet, honest vibe perfect for folk music or true-life stories. Shoot early mornings when mist wraps the fields in soft light; it turns ordinary into cinematic. You just need the national park’s permit, and Mother Nature does the rest.

8. Thamel Streets

Thamel is energy. Shops, lights, music, and crowds all in one place. It’s perfect for rap, dance, or anything electric. At night, neon signs glow, and the whole area hums with life. You’ll need local permission, but once sorted, you can shoot with character, color, and urban story all in one frame.

9. Garden of Dreams

Hidden in a busy city lies the Garden of Dreams, a quiet, elegant space with arches, fountains, and lawns that feel like a fairytale. Many fashion shoots and love songs have chosen it for its soft, romantic vibe. Filming here requires permission, but the classic elegance and calm light make your scene look graceful and smooth.

10. Mustang Roads

Mustang is another world. Dry, open roads stretch between rocky hills that look like a movie set already. It’s perfect for adventure videos or bold music sequences. Long drives, special permits, and planning are needed, but when your camera rolls, every shot looks epic. There’s nothing like desert roads under a big sky.

Common Filming Rules & Tips

Permits: Needed for heritage sites and parks; film board or local offices handle these.
Drone rules: Must get special approval.
Cost: Heritage fees vary. Private spaces (rooftops or villas) booked through AlocaSpace are easier and clearer.
Best time to shoot: Fall (October–November) and Spring (March–April) with clear skies and gentle light.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to film in Nepal?
Yes. Heritage sites, national parks, and public spaces usually require permits. Alocaspace helps you handle these easily.
Can I use a drone for filming?
Drone filming requires special approval. Rules are strict around heritage areas and national parks.
What are the costs for filming in Nepal?
Costs range from small local fees to higher charges in heritage and restricted areas. Private rentals are often easier with clear, upfront pricing.
When is the best time to film in Nepal?
Autumn (October–November) and spring (March–April) are the best times due to clear skies, good weather, and natural light.

Conclusion

From royal palaces to mountain roads, Nepal offers filmmakers and music creators everything they need to tell a story. With the right planning, permits, and support, each of these 10 locations can bring your vision to life.

That’s where AlocaSpace comes in, helping you discover, book, and film in inspiring spaces without stress.

👉Ready to film your next project in Nepal? Explore AlocaSpace today.