From the iconic “Ram Teri Ganga Maili” released in 1985 to “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani” in 2013, numerous Bollywood films have showcased real locations throughout India. These cinematic landscapes frequently inspire audiences to visit these sites and recreate memorable poses from their favorite scenes. As International Mountain Day approaches on December 11, 2025, it is fitting to revisit some notable Bollywood films that utilized India’s breathtaking high-altitude settings.
Haider (2014) – Srinagar, Dal Lake, and Sonamarg
Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, “Haider” stands out as one of the most atmospheric films set in Kashmir. The production team extensively filmed in Srinagar, Dal Lake, and Sonamarg, using the stark winter landscape to accentuate the film’s political tension and emotional depth. The choice of these real locations provided an authenticity that enriched the Shakespearean adaptation.
Kedarnath (2018) – Kedarnath Valley and Rudraprayag
Abhishek Kapoor’s film “Kedarnath” vividly recaptured the catastrophic floods of 2013 in real-life locations of the Kedarnath valley and Rudraprayag. Through stone structures and rugged mountain paths, the film conveyed a sense of realism amidst the themes of disaster and devotion.
Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019) – Kashmir and Uttarakhand
In the war drama “Uri: The Surgical Strike,” directed by Aditya Dhar, vast portions were filmed in Kashmir and Uttarakhand. The production leveraged the region’s dense forests and rocky cliffs to heighten the dramatic intensity of its military operation sequences.
Shershaah (2021) – Kargil, Dras, and Palampur
The biopic “Shershaah,” focusing on Capt. Vikram Batra, was filmed primarily in Kargil, Dras, and Palampur. By capturing these real battle locations, the film rooted its narrative in the actual environment where the historical conflict transpired, enhancing its visual realism.
Laal Singh Chaddha (2022) – Spiti Valley and Himachal’s High Passes
Starring Aamir Khan, “Laal Singh Chaddha” was shot across multiple locations in India, but the sequences set in Spiti Valley and Himachal’s high-altitude passes are particularly notable. The stunning visuals contributed to the film’s extensive travel narrative, adding both tranquility and grandeur.
Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani (2023) – Gulmarg and Sonamarg
While primarily a family drama, “Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani” featured breathtaking scenery from Gulmarg and Sonamarg. These postcard-perfect locales added a romantic essence to the film’s character arcs.
120 Bahadur (2025) and Highway (2014) – Real Mountain Shoots
Both “120 Bahadur” and Imtiaz Ali’s “Highway” (2014) were filmed in the picturesque Aru Valley, Pahalgam, and Spiti. These films highlighted India’s mountainous terrain with minimal cinematic manipulation, further immersing viewers in their settings.
