Filming in Nepal

[Ed Watkins]

Hey Guys,

I have a project that we are doing some very early pre-production for, and I was wondering if there was anyone on this board with some knowledge of the difficulties of filming in Nepal?

Film permits, climate issues, bureaucratic issues etc..

Any sage advise greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Ed.

[Mike Van Laanen]

I know one of our Cohorts has been to Nepal. I think it was someone from the '04 group. Sorry I just can't remember who. I'm sure Ronald would know right off the top.

[lancisti]

Hy!
I was filming in Nepal like 2 years ago, and it was an amazing experience, this is one of the most peacefull countries I´ve ever filmed, that experience was reeeeaaally huge...

I didnt found any problem, at that time they only had a little of political unstability about the King Gianhendra, wich they wanted to quit, and they finally did, now they have a new gobernment and its quite peacefull.
Keep in mind that this place is making a big busissness on tourism, and the stability and facility for them is important. Mountaneers, hippies and experienced travellers are the common tourist type there...

I didnt ask for a permit while I was there, we were coming from Tibet, crossing Kodari from Tingri(in Tibet), and there were no problem for filming on the border, or Kodari´s streets. after that we rented a drive (amazingly cheap) for Katmandu, the road was so rocky, and it took like 6 hours or so, we didnt found a problem,well there just stopped us somekind of young rebels asking form money for the guerrilla (at that time it was, but now they are in the goberment, so u wont find anything)

In Katmandu u will find a paradise on earth, people is so so nice, merchants want to do busissness like in everywhere, so take care with the "bargains" . We filmind the whole Katmandu, streets, places, people, monuments,temples... without a permit or without a problem, its a so crowed place, so funny, but u will find it very safe (but at least take the minimun precautions, of course).


After taht we went to Annapurna mountain, in wich we also filmed without needing a permit, the police didnt asked for it, they even guided us to the most beautifull places (we may be so lucky).

I guess that if u are filming in national parks like everest and sorroundings, u may need for a permit, (may) but im not sure...because if u are climbing everest u are paying a fee, so u may negotiate it with the local autorities.

An important thing is the locals, if u dont have many time during production, but u have a nice preproduction timing, I would recommend u to contact via internet or telephone with a local company, they will assure that u will get all that u need , and they also know the best places for going and the best routes...they are so so cheap, and u will find their services really usefull, producers will understand what I mean.

I hope being helping u!!!
If u need crew count on me, Nepal is one of my favourite countries, its the place where Budda was born, its touched be the magic...u will see.

[gdv]

Just find a local production company, wish i could remember their name but if you want I can try and look for it, and you are going to have a great time.
Katmandu is a little bit crowded and polluted but I believe you are mostly going to shoot outside it and there is quite an experience.
Take everything with you because they have nothing there, at least when I was there 8 years ago and 2.5 years ago.

[Ram Krishna Pokharel]

Hi Ed!!

We are a local production company based in Kathmandu and also work as local fixer for filming in Nepal. Our website is: www.filminnepal.com

Please let us hear from you for any assistance for filming in Nepal

Bests,
Ram Krishna Pokharel
+977 98510 73904