Project Information

Bhuwan Bharati and the Vision Behind the Nepalese Locations

One of the key individuals responsible for the successful filming of Doctor Strange in Nepal was Bhuwan Bharati, the film’s Location Manager in Nepal and also the owner of Wilderness Film Productions. With years of experience handling foreign film projects, Bhuwan played an essential role in scouting, securing, and managing the filming sites across the Kathmandu Valley. The location scouting process began in December 2014, when a Marvel team, including Director Scott Derrickson, Producer Charles Newirth, and Production Manager Jamie Lengyel, arrived in Kathmandu. 

Working with Nepal Production Manager Carolyn Syangbo, Bhuwan Bharati led the scouting team to various heritage sites across the city. These included the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, the towering Boudhanath Stupa, the historic Swayambhunath Stupa, and several ancient royal courtyards like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. They also explored local market areas such as Ashon Bazaar, New Road, and the vibrant tourist hub of Thamel, along with traditional alleys in the Patan, Lalitpur area. These locations offered exactly what the filmmakers were seeking, an atmosphere that blended spirituality, ancient architecture, and cultural richness.

Why Marvel Chose Nepal Over Tibet for Doctor Strange

Initially, Marvel considered filming in Tibet for the Kamar Taj scenes. However, due to political complications, high costs, and filming restrictions, the idea was dropped. When the team arrived in Nepal, they were deeply impressed by the architectural resemblance to Tibetan monasteries and the spiritual energy of the surroundings. The Kathmandu Valley’s unique history of Buddhism and Hinduism, along with centuries-old temples and stupas, made it an ideal filming location. Ultimately, Patan in Lalitpur was selected to represent Kamar Taj, while other sites like Pashupatinath Temple, Thamel, and New Road were chosen for additional key scenes in the film.

Overcoming Earthquake and Logistical Challenges

Just months after the initial location scouting, Nepal was hit by a devastating earthquake in April 2015, damaging several of the sites Marvel had chosen. One of the most significant losses was the pinnacle of the Boudhanath Stupa. In June 2015, Marvel's team returned to assess the damage. While many locations were still usable, Boudhanath had to be replaced with Swayambhunath, a similarly structured and sacred Buddhist site. By July 2015, after a key meeting in Los Angeles, the decision was made to proceed with filming in Nepal. The final confirmed locations included Pashupatinath Temple, Patan Durbar Square, Ashon Bazaar, New Road, Thamel, and the alleys of Patan in the Lalitpur area. The iconic Swayambhunath Stupa was selected to replace Boudhanath in the filming plan.

Managing a Massive International Shoot

In November 2015, a team of 32 foreign crew members from Marvel arrived in Kathmandu, including the director, camera crew, costume department, art and lighting teams, and logistics experts. Alongside them, Bhuwan Bharati managed a local crew of 200 people and coordinated the daily movement of 500 crew and 1500 extras throughout the shoot. One of the toughest obstacles came during India’s border blockade, which caused a nationwide fuel shortage in Nepal.

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Fuel was urgently needed to operate around 80 vehicles per day for transportation between locations. Despite the crisis, Bhuwan and his team found ways to secure fuel and ensure that transportation ran without delays. Another major challenge was casting 3000 extras, which required coordinating with local communities and talent agencies across Kathmandu. Thanks to Bhuwan’s local network and strong leadership, all casting, permits, and location management were completed on time.

Making of the Kamar Taj in Patan

Finding the perfect spot for Kamar Taj was one of the most important parts of the pre-production process. After visiting dozens of possible sites, Bhuwan Bharati helped finalize a location in Patan, Lalitpur, where the narrow alleys, courtyards, and architecture brought the fictional sanctuary to life on screen. With his deep knowledge of Nepal’s cultural landmarks and logistical strengths, Bhuwan Bharati ensured smooth coordination at every level, from securing permits to managing crowd control and ensuring the crew could work without interruption.

A Proud Achievement for Nepal

Thanks to the tireless work of Bhuwan Bharati, Nepal became a magical and unforgettable part of Doctor Strange. Despite the natural disaster and political hurdles, the production moved forward seamlessly. The film’s Kathmandu scenes are now among the most iconic moments in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Bhuwan Bharati’s experience and leadership as Location Manager helped position Nepal as a world-class filming destination, capable of handling even the most complex and high-budget international shoots. His work on Doctor Strange has become a milestone for Nepal’s involvement in global cinema.

Doctor Strange is not just a superhero movie but also a journey into a mystical realm, much of which was made real through the vibrant streets, temples, and heritage of Kathmandu. Behind the camera, Bhuwan Bharati, an experienced Location Manager and the owner of Wilderness Film Productions, made it all possible with unmatched dedication and skill. For any production looking to film in Nepal, Bhuwan Bharati remains one of the most trusted and experienced professionals in the industry.