Long before Everest became a story of flags planted at the summit, it was a mountain shaped by the people who knew it, lived around it and dared to climb it. "Tenzing" directed by Jennifer Peedom, returns to the 1953 expedition through the life of Tenzing Norgay, whose achievement alongside Edmund Hillary changed mountaineering history. Genden Phuntsok plays Tenzing, Tom Hiddleston portrays Hillary, and Willem Dafoe appears as expedition leader John Hunt.
To bring their journey to the screen, the production travelled between Nepal and New Zealand, drawing on landscapes that shift from Himalayan settlements and centuries-old temple squares to ice-choked glaciers and jagged alpine peaks. The locations are as varied as the worlds they evoke. In Nepal, they lead into the cultural landscapes surrounding Tenzing’s story; in New Zealand, they recreate the formidable terrain of an Everest expedition. For travellers, following the film’s trail offers a chance to explore both the places that give the story its historical grounding and the mountain scenery that lends it such extraordinary scale.
Mustang, Nepal
In northern Nepal, Mustang is known for its windswept valleys, ochre cliffs, traditional villages and Buddhist monasteries. Its dry, high-altitude terrain differs markedly from the forested foothills and green valleys often associated with Nepal, making it a distinctive setting for the film’s early-life scenes. For visitors, the walled town of Lo Manthang is a highlight, with traditional mud-brick architecture, monasteries and a cultural heritage shaped by centuries of connections with Tibet. The surrounding region is also known for its dramatic rock formations and historic settlements.
Travellers can explore Lo Manthang, visit local monasteries, discover traditional villages and take in the stark landscapes of the Upper Mustang region. Mustang requires advance planning, particularly if you intend to visit Upper Mustang, where special permits and registered-guide requirements apply. Check current entry regulations before travelling and allow time to acclimatise to the altitude.
Patan Durbar Square, Nepal
Located in Lalitpur, south of central Kathmandu, Patan Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its temples, intricately carved wooden façades and traditional Newar architecture. Its courtyards and shrines offer a glimpse into the Kathmandu Valley’s artistic and religious traditions. The square is best explored on foot. Beyond the main temple complex, the surrounding lanes reveal traditional workshops, neighbourhood shrines and everyday life unfolding among historic buildings. The Patan Museum, housed within the former royal palace complex, is worth a visit for its collection and interpretation of Nepalese art.
You can walk around the historic square, visit the Patan Museum, admire Newar woodcarving and explore the surrounding old city. Set aside at least half a day for Patan. Early mornings are particularly rewarding for photography and for experiencing the square before it becomes busier. Be mindful of worshippers and local customs when entering religious spaces.
Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand
New Zealand’s South Island supplied the mountainous terrain needed to recreate Everest’s icy slopes. Aoraki/Mount Cook, the country’s highest mountain, was a principal filming area for the film Tenzing. The surrounding national park is a destination in its own right, with glacial valleys, alpine walking tracks and sweeping views of snow-covered peaks. The village of Mount Cook is a convenient base for exploring the area, whether you prefer a short scenic walk or a guided mountain excursion.
Visitors can walk the Hooker Valley Track when open and conditions permit, visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, take in views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and consider a guided glacier or scenic flight experience. The drive from Christchurch takes around four hours in typical conditions, while Queenstown is a longer journey. Check road conditions, weather forecasts and Department of Conservation track alerts before setting out.
The Darwin Icefall, New Zealand
The Darwin Icefall, in the wider Southern Alps region, was used to recreate a dramatic crevasse sequence in the film. The location helps convey the physical danger of high-altitude climbing and the technical knowledge required to navigate glacial terrain. Unlike the established walking tracks around Mount Cook village, a glacier is not a place for casual independent exploration. Crevasses can be concealed by snow, and conditions can change quickly.
Travellers can choose established guided glacier experiences in the Aoraki/Mount Cook region, or explore accessible viewpoints and walking trails within the national park. Do not attempt to reach filming terrain independently. Ask local operators about the season, weather conditions, equipment and fitness requirements for any glacier excursion.
The Remarkables, New Zealand
The Remarkables, a striking range overlooking Queenstown, also formed part of the film’s New Zealand landscape. Their jagged ridgelines and dramatic alpine profiles provide a different perspective on the country’s mountain scenery. Queenstown makes a practical base for exploring the range, with a wide choice of accommodation, restaurants, walking opportunities and outdoor activities. Depending on the season, visitors can also experience the area through scenic drives, mountain excursions and skiing.
You can explore Queenstown’s waterfront, take a scenic drive towards the Remarkables, choose a suitable walking route or plan a seasonal mountain activity. Mountain weather can be considerably colder than conditions in town. Check access and road conditions before driving uphill, especially during winter.
The landscapes may stand in for one another on screen, but they offer very different experiences on the ground. Nepal brings travellers closer to the cultural world surrounding Tenzing Norgay, while New Zealand offers accessible encounters with glaciers, alpine trails and dramatic mountain scenery. For anyone drawn to the film, the most rewarding journey is not necessarily a search for every camera position. It is an opportunity to explore the places that give the story its scale and to understand why the mountains remain inseparable from Tenzing’s legacy.
FAQs
1. Where was the film Tenzing filmed?
Tenzing, directed by Jennifer Peedom, was filmed across Nepal and New Zealand. The locations include Himalayan cultural landscapes in Nepal and alpine terrain in New Zealand used to recreate parts of the 1953 Mount Everest expedition.
2. Which locations in Nepal were used for Tenzing?
The locations associated with the film include Mustang in northern Nepal and Patan Durbar Square in Lalitpur, Kathmandu Valley. Mustang is known for its rugged landscapes and Buddhist heritage, while Patan is celebrated for its historic temples and Newar architecture.
3. Which locations in New Zealand doubled for Mount Everest?
New Zealand's South Island provided the mountainous terrain for the film. Filming locations include Aoraki/Mount Cook, the Darwin Glacier, the Remarkables and Mount Head, with glacial landscapes used to recreate parts of the Everest expedition.
4. Can travellers visit the filming locations of Tenzing?
Many of the broader destinations are accessible to travellers. Visitors can explore Patan Durbar Square, plan a trip to Mustang with the required permits, discover Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and visit the Queenstown region. Access to remote filming sites, particularly glaciers and alpine terrain, may be restricted or require specialist guides.
5. What is the film Tenzing about?
Directed by Jennifer Peedom, Tenzing revisits the historic 1953 Mount Everest expedition undertaken by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary. Genden Phuntsok plays Tenzing, Tom Hiddleston portrays Hillary, and Willem Dafoe plays expedition leader John Hunt. The film brings renewed attention to Tenzing's mountaineering expertise and his role in the historic ascent.
