Enhance your experience with these documentaries and high-rated movies set in Nepal, Bhutan, and India, covering history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
Nepal Documentaries
Everest (IMAX) (1998)
Synopsis: A breathtaking IMAX documentary that follows climbers attempting to summit Mount Everest.
Why Watch? Stunning aerial views of the Himalayas and insight into Nepali Sherpa culture.
Where to Watch? Available on YouTube (Rent), Amazon Prime, Disney+.
Unmistaken Child (2008)
Synopsis: Follows a Buddhist monk in Nepal searching for the reincarnation of his deceased master.
Why Watch? Offers an intimate look at Tibetan Buddhism and the practice of recognizing reincarnated lamas.
Where to Watch? Available on Amazon Prime, Apple TV.
14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible (2021)
Synopsis: Nepalese climber Nirmal Purja attempts to summit all 14 of the world's 8,000m peaks in just 7 months.
Why Watch? Highlights Nepali Sherpa resilience and Himalayan mountaineering.
Where to Watch? Netflix.
Bhutan Documentaries
The Last Shangri-La (2009)
Synopsis: An exploration of Bhutan's unique Gross National Happiness philosophy and untouched natural beauty.
Why Watch? Perfect for understanding Bhutanese culture and traditions before visiting.
Where to Watch? Available on YouTube (free), National Geographic website.
The Monk and the Tiger's Nest (2022)
Synopsis: A visually stunning film set around Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), following a young monk's journey.
Why Watch? Offers rare cinematic views of Tiger's Nest and Buddhist philosophy.
Where to Watch? Amazon Prime, Apple TV.
Happiness (2013)
Synopsis: Documents the introduction of television and internet to Bhutan and its impact on traditional culture.
Why Watch? Provides insight into Bhutan's careful balance of tradition and modernization.
Where to Watch? Available on Vimeo, select documentary platforms.
More India Documentaries
Mystic India (2005) – IMAX Documentary
Synopsis: A visually stunning journey through India's spiritual landmarks, including Delhi and the Taj Mahal.
Why Watch? Offers unparalleled views of Indian landscapes and architecture.
Where to Watch? Disney+ (IMAX Collection), Amazon Prime.
The Royal Tour: India (2020)
Synopsis: A Rick Steves-style travel documentary featuring India's royal palaces, history, and temples.
Why Watch? Great for learning about Mughal architecture before visiting the Taj Mahal.
Where to Watch? PBS, Amazon Prime.
India: The Story of a Nation (BBC, 2019)
Synopsis: A deep dive into India's history, colonial past, and cultural diversity.
Why Watch? Provides a great historical backdrop for Delhi & Agra.
Where to Watch? BBC iPlayer, YouTube.
Nepal Movies with High IMDB Ratings
The Wildest Dream (2010)
IMDB Rating: 7.3/10
Synopsis: A beautifully shot Everest documentary about George Mallory's fateful 1924 expedition.
Why Watch? Great for understanding Mount Everest's significance.
Where to Watch? Amazon Prime, Apple TV.
Caravan (1999)
IMDB Rating: 7.5/10
Synopsis: Nepal's first Oscar-nominated film, follows a salt-trading caravan through the Himalayas.
Why Watch? Stunning visuals of rural Nepal and Himalayan traditions.
Where to Watch? YouTube, Google Play.
Bhutan Movies with High IMDB Ratings
Travellers and Magicians (2003)
IMDB Rating: 7.3/10
Synopsis: A mystical journey through Bhutan as a monk tells a story of magic and life choices.
Why Watch? Showcases stunning Bhutanese landscapes and Buddhist philosophy.
Where to Watch? Available on Amazon Prime.
Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom (2019)
IMDB Rating: 7.7/10
Synopsis: A Bhutanese Oscar-nominated film about a young teacher sent to a remote Himalayan village.
Why Watch? Offers an authentic look at Bhutan's rural life and traditions.
Where to Watch? Netflix, Amazon Prime.
India Movies with High IMDB Ratings
The Lunchbox (2013)
IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
Synopsis: A beautiful story about an accidental lunchbox delivery mix-up in Mumbai.
Why Watch? Captures the flavor and rhythm of Indian life.
Where to Watch? Netflix, Amazon Prime.
Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
IMDB Rating: 8.0/10
Synopsis: A multi-Oscar-winning film about an orphan's journey through India.
Why Watch? Showcases the energy of Indian cities and street life.
Where to Watch? Disney+, Hulu.
Jodhaa Akbar (2008)
IMDB Rating: 7.6/10
Synopsis: A historical drama about the Mughal Emperor Akbar, who built Agra Fort and influenced Taj Mahal's construction.
Why Watch? Provides historical context for Agra Fort and Mughal history.
Where to Watch? Netflix, Amazon Prime.
Gandhi (1982)
IMDB Rating: 8.0/10 Synopsis: A biopic on Mahatma Gandhi, who played a key role in Indian independence. Why Watch? Essential viewing for understanding India’s colonial past and independence movement. Where to Watch? Amazon Prime, YouTube.