July 28, 2025
Upper Mustang is one of Nepal’s most visually striking regions—part high-altitude desert, part Tibetan plateau, and entirely cinematic. Closed to outsiders until 1992, this former Himalayan kingdom now draws filmmakers with its raw landscapes, ancient cave monasteries, and cultural isolation. Wildlife filmmakers are especially intrigued by its snow leopard range, blue sheep herds, and the occasional Himalayan wolf sighting.
Due to its restricted status and logistical challenges, filming in Upper Mustang requires advanced planning, government approvals, and the right local support. This guide walks you through the essentials.
Why Film in Upper Mustang?
- Stark, windswept trans-Himalayan landscapes with dramatic cliffs, caves, and canyons
- Visually rich Tibetan Buddhist culture, including Lo Manthang and 15th-century gompas
- Remote habitat for snow leopards, blue sheep, and lammergeiers
- Minimal development and low visual noise, ideal for minimalist or historic settings
- Limited tourist flow compared to Annapurna or Khumbu, preserving authenticity
Required Permits and Regulations
Upper Mustang is a restricted area, meaning special permits and tighter controls than other trekking regions.
You’ll need:
- Restricted Area Permit (RAP) – $500 per person for the first 10 days (plus $50/day afterward)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Filming permission from:
- Ministry of Information and Communication (MoIC) – for official clearance
- Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) – if filming wildlife
- Local ward offices (especially for drone use or interviews in villages)
Apply via a registered local agency, which must act as your official liaison. Expect approvals to take 2–4 weeks depending on project scope.
Drones in Upper Mustang
- Drone use is restricted and highly sensitive in Upper Mustang.
- You must apply for permission from:
- CAAN (Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal)
- Home Ministry
- Local ward office or rural municipality (Gaunpalika)
- Due to the area’s proximity to the Chinese border and religious sites, unauthorized drone use may result in confiscation or fines.
- Ground-based gimbal systems and long-lens setups are advisable as alternatives.
Best Time to Film
- Mid-March to mid-November: Clear skies, low precipitation, and accessible trails.
- Avoid winter months: Snowfall cuts off access routes and closes down services.
- Monsoon season (June–August) brings clearer skies here than other regions, as Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow.
Filming Logistics and Access
- Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara, then a second flight or 2-day jeep ride to Jomsom.
- From Jomsom, Lo Manthang (Upper Mustang’s capital) is 2–4 days by jeep or trek, depending on weather and road conditions.
- Accommodation ranges from basic teahouses to more developed lodges in Lo Manthang and Kagbeni.
- Expect power cuts and limited charging options—bring solar panels, battery backups, and off-grid storage solutions.
Wildlife Filming in Upper Mustang
While wildlife visibility is lower compared to lowland jungles, Upper Mustang offers a chance to capture rare high-altitude species in dramatic natural settings.
| Species | Notes |
|---|---|
| Snow leopard | Extremely elusive; requires weeks of tracking and camera traps |
| Blue sheep | Frequently seen on rocky cliffs—key snow leopard prey |
| Himalayan wolf | Very rare; presence confirmed but sightings are scarce |
| Bearded vulture (lammergeier) | Common above cliffs; dramatic in flight shots |
| Pikas & marmots | Good for time-lapse and habitat footage |
Cultural Filming Opportunities
- Ancient cave complexes like Chhoser and Jhong
- Buddhist ceremonies, festivals (like Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang)
- Monastic life and local schools
- Traditional salt trade stories and interviews with older generations
Important: Always seek consent from monasteries, monks, and village heads before filming. Some sites are spiritually sensitive and not open to cameras without pre-approval.
Crew Tips
- Altitude acclimatization is essential—plan a slow schedule
- Bring portable solar chargers and satellite comms if shooting in remote valleys
- Porters or pack animals (horses) are often needed for transporting gear
- Coordinate with locals early—they are invaluable for navigating cultural boundaries