Foreign crews who want to film in Everest country or any Nepal national park need more than a general film permit. This guide explains who issues what, so you can plan before you apply. Fixer In Nepal handles these applications for international film, TV and documentary crews. See our film fixer services in Nepal for everything we cover.
Do I need a film permit to shoot near Everest?
Yes. A foreign production needs a filming permit from the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT). The application must go in through a local coordinator that you hire. You cannot apply directly as a foreign filmmaker.
Who issues the permit for Sagarmatha National Park?
Sagarmatha National Park is the national park around Everest. Filming inside national parks and wildlife areas falls under the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation. This comes on top of the MoCIT film permit, so plan for both.
What documents does the application need?
- A letter from your local coordinator to MoCIT stating the purpose of the shoot.
- An authorisation letter from you showing that you hired the coordinator.
- The prescribed application form.
- A script, storyboard or synopsis, depending on the type of production.
- Crew details: names, passport numbers, positions, arrival dates and bio-data.
- A filming itinerary with dates and locations.
- An equipment list with values.
Are drones allowed on an Everest shoot?
Drone use needs separate permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs, and aerial work is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. Do not bring a drone to Nepal until the drone permission is confirmed. In conservation areas and restricted areas, extra consent from other ministries can apply.
What if my route crosses a restricted area?
Areas such as Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpa need a consent letter from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Conservation areas such as Annapurna, Manaslu and Gaurishankar need consent from the conservation area managers. Tell your fixer your full route before the application, because each stop can add an agency.
How does a fixer help with this?
A local fixer prepares and files the application, tracks it between agencies, collects the permit, and plans the route so every location is covered. The fixer’s name is on the application, so choose one who has done national park and Everest region shoots before. You can see our past projects and more answers to common questions.
Planning a shoot near Everest?
Send your dates, locations and crew size and we will tell you which permits you need. Reach Fixer In Nepal by email at [email protected], by phone on +977 9801156697, or on WhatsApp.
Based on the Nepal film permit guidance published by the Film Development Board, Nepal. Requirements can change, so confirm the current rules before you apply.
