Doctor Strange featured amazing space and time bending visual effect scenes that ensnared the mind and bewitched our senses, but even the natural settings of the film captured our attention. On his quest to find The Ancient One, Doctor Strange, played by Benedict Cumberbatch in the movie, heads to Nepal in search of a solution to his disability. Here are some of the places in Nepal the latest Marvel film was shot in.
1. Pashupatinath Temple, Pashupati
Located along the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, many holy men converge here, along with the cows and dogs that freely roam Kathmandu. The temple itself is dedicated to Shiva, a Hindu deity.
Scott Derrickson, director, tells Radio Times, "I've been all over the world, but there's no place on the planet like Kathmandu. It is a city with almost no Western influence in it. It is a large city that is so deeply mystical and religious in all operations, and in a most peaceful, beautiful, colourful way. The visual qualities of that city are unlike any place else."
Movie Pilot also says that traditionally, non-Hindu visitors are not even allowed to come inside the temple, so gaining access and permission to film a big movie inside is a huge honor for the cast and crew.
2. Patan Durbar Square, Lalitpur
A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its red-brick Newa architecture, the place was badly damaged by the 2015 earthquakes that shook Nepal. Doctor Strange filming took place before the calamity, preserving the beauty of the place on film. During these happier times, a crowd of hundreds started following Benedict while filming and would even shout his name. For another scene, over 300 extras were cast, consisting of locals and tourists lucky to be caught in the hubbub.
3. Swayambhunath Temple, Kathmandy Valley
Nicknamed "Monkey Temple", holy monkeys are known to actually reside in certain parts of the temple. This cultural landmark is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Buddhists, sitting atop a hill on the Kathmandu Valley. Additionally, it is also one of the oldest religious sites in Nepal.
After filming in Nepal, a Kathmandu street and the Kamar-Taj courtyard were recreated in London, and real fruits, vegetables, meats and even dogs and pigeons were imported to site to give it more authenticity.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
