Kathmandu, the capital of the Himalayan abode-Nepal, is more than just what meets the eyes. Surrounded by hills and mountains from all around, it’s a valley that was supposedly a big pond once, and thus, vegetation in Kathmandu has always bloomed so easily. As did the people. A city crowded with people from all over the country and the world, it has its own individuality, and it is what makes it reminisce every moment you are away from this bustling city, we call home.

Blessed with heritages unlike anywhere else, Kathmandu has several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in a walking distance, and there’s so much to see and film in Kathmandu. Out of the many, we’ve enlisted 5 Amazing Places to Film in Kathmandu.
 

Bouddhanath Stupa

Built around 600AD, this Buddhist shrine is just about 7kms away from the center of Kathmandu-Thamel. One of the major tourist attractions in Kathmandu, Bouddhanath is not to miss to film in Nepal. Located in the middle of crowded settlements in Bouddha, you can hardly miss it.

One of Asia’s largest stupas, filming in Bouddhanath is a delight, esp. to see people of different backgrounds indulging in the beauty of this magnanimous shrine. Full moons are the best time to film in Bouddhanath, as the crowd of people going round this stupa, feels like they’re in a state of trance and you’ll not realized when you yourself are going in circles.

Kathmandu Durbar Squares

Once a kingdom, Kathmandu has three Durbar Squares, each different on their own. The three cities Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur are all culturally blessed, with some dating back a thousand years. Enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Kathmandu Durbar Square has important sites like the Taleju temple(that opens once a year), the Mahendreshwar Temple(the mini-Pashupatinath) and the Kaal Bhairab(the historical lie-detector God of the Kathmandu Valley).

Once the royal courtyard of the Malla kings, Basantapur still carries the same essence that was once during the Malla monarchy. A lot of destruction occurred during the 2015 earthquake, but still you’ll be able to capture century-old architecture, the famous Kumari Ghar(house of the Living Goddess) and interesting bhattis in the alleys that might just make you claustrophobic for a while.

Swayambhunath

Popularly known as the Monkey Temple, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is located on the top of a hill and gives you a panoramic 360-degree view of the Kathmandu Valley. Decorated with prayer flags fluttering in the cool breeze of Kathmandu, and the tunes of ‘Om Mane Padme Hum” playing in the background, this is the easiest getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The best time t0 film in Swayambhunath is at around 7.30 in the morning, when the skies are clear, pollution-free, and there are less people around the stupa. Walkin around the stupa filming people turning the prayer wheels is the most popular shot of them all, with monkeys all around doing stuff without a care in the world. If you want an adventurous experience, walk through around 1000 old and steep steps around the back of the stupa. But be careful, not to slip and harm your equipment.

Thamel

The tourist hub in Kathmandu, where you’ll spot almost all your foreign counterparts, has a vibe of its own. Walking through the narrow streets with shops selling souvenirs, the famous pashminas, vendors push-selling their local sarangis(while playing some local tunes), and the restaurants and bars that open till late(the only place in Kathmandu) will enthrall you and you can’t help yourself but film it.

Now vehicle-free, you can easily stroll along the main street of Thamel, and if you walk through the Satghumti path, the sunrays passing through the prayer flags(strung from building to building) is a shot not to be missed. And after you’ve spent a day filming all around Thamel, do take a break and go for a drink in any of the ample bars in Thamel.

Asan Tole

One of the craziest and most crowded streets of not just Kathmandu but the whole of Nepal, walking across Ason, you can smell the exotic spices continuously on the background, and explore people selling vibrant marigolds, locals in their traditional wear bargaining with their customers who are purchasing home-grown organic veggies and it’s hard to believe it’s not just for a special occasion, but just another day in Kathmandu.

As you keep walking, you’ll be able to film the Annapurna Temple(temple of the Goddess of Food) and the Krishna Temple, which is sandwiched between two large houses. Asan Tole leads to Indrachowk and within a few minutes you’ll find yourself admiring the amazing Basantapur, making you feel like you’re back in those medieval times.

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