Mustang has become an increasingly attractive destination for film production due to the improved road access via the Beni–Jomsom–Korala route. Its accessibility from Kathmandu within a single day has led to a rise in film shoots across the district.
The ease of transporting crews, equipment, and supplies has facilitated the filming of Hollywood, Bollywood, and Kollywood projects, drawing filmmakers to Mustang's dramatic and diverse landscape.
In recent years, filmmakers have shown great interest in Mustang’s isolated yet visually striking geography. The district’s Himalayan backdrop, rich biodiversity, and unique cultural and agricultural practices have made it a compelling setting for the screen.
Even before road infrastructure was developed, Mustang caught the eye of filmmakers. The iconic Bollywood film Khuda Gawah , starring Amitabh Bachchan, was shot here during a time when reaching the district was far more challenging. Today, the situation has changed drastically.
According to Mohan Singh Lalchan, chairperson of Gharpajhong Rural Municipality, Mustang’s growing popularity among filmmakers is tied to improved logistics. “Now that it’s possible to come and complete a shoot in a single day, the number of crews coming here has increased,” he said. The local governments, he added, collect a modest fee to facilitate film, music video, and documentary shoots, which in turn promote tourism in the region.
Over the past five years, dozens of Nepali films, music videos, and documentaries have been filmed in Mustang. The Kaligandaki riverbanks, centuries-old monasteries, shrines, caves, lakes, and breathtaking natural landscapes have all contributed to Mustang's rising reputation as a filming hotspot.
After Khuda Gawah was shot in Mustang in the 1990s, many other films followed, including Chino , Prem Geet , Samhalincha Kahile Man , Kabaddi , Jerry , Badge Number Sixteen , Bhakundo , and Tshiring .
Neeraj Thakali, Secretary of the Federation of Nepal Indigenous Nationalities Journalists (FONIJ), emphasized the role of filming in boosting local tourism. “These shoots help highlight our art, culture, heritage, and originality,” he said.
Arjun Prasad Pokharel, Vice President of the Nepal Film Technicians Association, who recently visited Mustang for a film shoot, described the district as a “paradise” for filmmakers. He believes establishing a film studio in the region would significantly contribute to the economic development of Gandaki Province. “We need coordinated effort from all three levels of government to make this happen,” he added.
The region is home to numerous peaks, including Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri, which are easily accessible. With better transportation and accommodation facilities, Pokharel noted, around 90 percent of filmmakers now find Mustang ideal for shooting. He also praised the strong support from local municipalities and communities.
Mustang's natural and cultural attractions are vast. In Thasang Rural Municipality, scenic lakes like Sekung, Bhutarchho, and Titi are surrounded by picturesque settlements along the Kaligandaki River. Yak herders grazing their animals in highland pastures add authenticity to film scenes.
In Gharpajhong Rural Municipality, visitors can explore cultural tourism villages like Marpha, Thini, Syang, and Jomsom, along with Dhumba and Kshama lakes. The Muktinath Temple, Kagbeni, Jhong, Tetang, Chhusang, Mustang Gate, and other landmarks in the Baragung Muktikshetra area have all served as filming locations.
Further north in Lomanthang, filmmakers find inspiration in the 700-year-old royal palace, ancient caves, and religious sites such as monasteries and shrines associated with the King of Mustang. In Loghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality, traditional settlements, including Loghekar Monastery, Charang Monastery, Dhakmar Red Hill, and sites built by Guru Padmasambhava, reflect the deep cultural heritage of the region.
With its mix of scenic beauty, cultural richness, and growing infrastructure, Mustang is steadily cementing its place as a premier film shooting destination in Nepal. -- RSS
