July 28, 2025
Nepal’s national parks are among the most visually rich locations on earth—ideal for wildlife documentaries, travel films, and conservation content. From Bengal tigers in Bardia to snow leopards in Shey Phoksundo, the possibilities are endless. But these protected landscapes come with strict filming regulations to ensure that the environment and wildlife remain undisturbed.
Whether you’re filming for television, online platforms, or independent projects, understanding the legal framework and practical limitations is crucial. This guide breaks down the filming rules across Nepal’s national parks and conservation areas, helping you plan a compliant and respectful shoot.
Why Are Filming Permits Required in National Parks?
Nepal’s national parks are governed under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1973, and administered by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC).
Filming rules exist to:
- Protect endangered species and ecosystems
- Prevent habitat disruption
- Regulate commercial and international activities
- Ensure revenue for conservation and local communities
Unauthorized filming can result in fines, footage seizure, and blacklisting from future projects.
Key National Parks with Notable Filming Potential
- Chitwan National Park – jungle safaris, rhinos, tigers, elephants
- Bardia National Park – remote tiger territory, river scenes, lowland forests
- Sagarmatha National Park – Everest, high-altitude biodiversity, Sherpa settlements
- Shey Phoksundo National Park – Dolpo region, rare snow leopard habitat
- Makalu Barun – deep biodiversity and mountain forests
- Langtang National Park – alpine and temperate habitats, Tibetan culture
What Kind of Filming Requires Permission?
You must apply for permission if you plan to:
- Film wildlife, landscapes, or people within the park
- Use drones, tripods, or professional equipment
- Conduct interviews with locals inside park boundaries
- Film from helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft over the park
- Capture footage for commercial, research, or educational distribution
Personal mobile phone footage without commercial use is exempt, but even vloggers may be questioned if using professional gear.
Permit Process for Filming in National Parks
1. Apply to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC)
Submit an official application with:
- Filming synopsis and objective
- Detailed location list (with GPS if possible)
- Crew list and nationality
- Filming dates and schedule
- Equipment list, including drone specs if applicable
2. Get Clearance from the Ministry of Information and Communication (MoIC)
All foreign crews must submit a filming permission request to MoIC. This covers:
- Content type (documentary, TV, commercial)
- Distribution plan
- Script/synopsis and ethical considerations
You must declare any intention to film in protected areas.
3. Obtain Park-Specific Permissions
Even after national-level approvals, you must secure written approval from the chief warden of the specific park(s).
Be ready to:
- Pay a daily filming fee (varies by park and content type)
- Hire local liaison or park staff
- Follow filming supervision and timing restrictions
Approximate Filming Fees in National Parks (2025)
| Park Type | Fee Range per Day (USD) |
|---|---|
| Terai (Chitwan, Bardia) | $500–$1500 |
| Mountain Parks (Sagarmatha, Shey Phoksundo) | $300–$1000 |
| Drone Use (with extra permit) | +$500–$1000 |
| Helicopter Filming (with clearance) | +$1000–$2000 |
Fees are subject to change, and local negotiations may apply in buffer zones or community forests.
Rules and Restrictions While Filming
- Do not disturb wildlife—especially tigers, rhinos, or nesting birds
- Keep at least 50 meters distance from animals
- No flash photography or loud noises
- Drones only allowed with special clearance
- No filming at poaching hotspots or during anti-poaching patrols
- Avoid filming local communities without consent
Some filming zones may require a park ranger escort.
Best Time to Film in Nepal’s National Parks
| Season | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Monsoon (Oct–Nov) | Best visibility, active wildlife | High demand for permits |
| Pre-Monsoon (Mar–May) | Good tiger sightings, mild weather | Can be dusty |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Low tourist numbers | Sparse foliage, cooler temperatures |
| Monsoon (Jun–Sep) | Lush vegetation | Limited access, flooding risk |
What Happens If You Film Without Permission?
- Your gear may be confiscated
- You could be fined and blacklisted
- Footage may be deleted or held by park authorities
- Your film could be banned from screening or export
Pro Tips for Filming in National Parks
- Hire a local liaison or guide who knows the park’s layout and behavior rules
- Respect religious and cultural boundaries within buffer zones
- Stay on authorized trails to avoid disturbing wildlife
- Carry multiple power sources—many areas lack electricity
- Submit a copy of your final film to DNPWC if required