The tranquil hilltop town of Bandipur in Tanahun has been swept into a cinematic buzz as the filming of an international movie based on legendary mountaineer Tenzing Norgay Sherpa begins. Tourism entrepreneurs in this heritage-rich town are expressing immense excitement, seeing the film as a golden opportunity to highlight Bandipur on the global tourism map.
The film, centered on the life of Tenzing Norgay, the first person to summit Mount Everest along with Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953, is being produced by the American tech and entertainment giant Apple. Filming officially commenced this Sunday after nearly a week of intense set preparation and local engagement.
Bandipur Transformed into Old-World Darjeeling
To create an authentic backdrop reflecting the early life of Tenzing Norgay, the production team has artistically redesigned parts of Bandipur to resemble old-style Darjeeling. Traditional architecture, cultural aesthetics, and historical props have been brought in to transform the town into a Himalayan setting of the past.
The old Bandipur Bazaar has been adorned with vintage elements, capturing the nostalgia and essence of the time when Tenzing Norgay grew up in the Himalayan region. This fusion of real history and artistic recreation has not only drawn attention to the film but has also captivated locals and tourists alike.
Local Involvement in the Production
One of the most commendable aspects of this international production is its integration of the local community. Around 300 local residents of various age groups have been hired as background actors, each receiving a daily wage of NPR 1,000 to NPR 1,500. Their participation adds a layer of authenticity to the scenes being filmed, while also providing economic benefits to the residents.
The production is expected to continue in Bandipur for three days, after which the crew may move to other filming locations relevant to Tenzing’s life and legacy.
Excitement Among Tourism Entrepreneurs
The arrival of the film crew has sparked renewed optimism among Bandipur’s tourism stakeholders. Hotels, homestays, and local eateries have reported increased activity and bookings since the filming began.
Kisan Pradhan, a local hotelier and tourism entrepreneur, shared his enthusiasm: “This is a fantastic opportunity. A movie of this scale being shot in Bandipur will help publicize our town to an international audience. We’ve had the film crew here for nearly a week, and their presence alone has created a buzz that supports our local economy and tourism sector.”
Key Endorsement from Bandipur Visit Year 2025 Campaign
Baish Bahadur Gurung, the coordinator of the Bandipur Visit Year 2025 campaign, echoed similar sentiments. “The selection of Bandipur as a filming location for an international movie is a proud moment for us. It highlights the cultural richness and natural beauty of our town. We are confident this exposure will greatly contribute to our promotional efforts ahead of Visit Year 2025.”
He further emphasized that such global exposure aligns perfectly with the campaign’s objectives of positioning Bandipur as a must-visit heritage destination in Nepal.
Film Inspired by Historic Ascent
The movie is based on the inspiring true story of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, who, alongside Sir Edmund Hillary, achieved the first-ever successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953. Tenzing’s journey from humble beginnings to Himalayan legend has inspired generations, and this film seeks to capture that legacy for global audiences.
Apple Studios is reported to be behind the production, signaling a significant investment in storytelling, cultural portrayal, and cinematography. The project is expected to reach a wide international viewership upon release, especially through Apple’s streaming platforms.
A Strategic Opportunity for Bandipur
Foreign film shoots in Nepal have historically served as strong promotional tools for the country’s unique landscapes and cultures. From “The Himalayas” to “The Golden Child,” such films have sparked global curiosity about Nepal’s natural beauty.
Bandipur’s strategic inclusion in this film represents not just cinematic progress but also a strategic opportunity to boost tourism in a region that seamlessly combines Newari architecture, panoramic Himalayan views, and deep-rooted cultural traditions.
Tourism campaigners hope that this attention will lead to increased foreign footfall, more investment in local infrastructure, and greater opportunities for youth engagement in tourism and hospitality sectors.
With the cameras now rolling in Bandipur, the excitement is palpable not only among filmmakers but also within the local community. As Bandipur continues to serve as the scenic backdrop for this landmark production, hopes are high that the town will gain the recognition it deserves, not just as a filming location, but as a unique heritage hub of Nepalese tourism.
This cinematic endeavor has already started making a tangible impact, from economic benefits to heightened visibility. And for Bandipur, this may well be the beginning of a new chapter, one where the hills whisper not just the stories of the past, but also dreams of a thriving future.
