Where was Lone Survivor filmed?

The film begins with the rescue operation of Marcus Luttrell (Mark Wahlberg), as he is brought via helicopter to an Air Force base. After this we see what happened three days earlier. A Navy SEAL team consisting of Michael Murphy (Taylor Kitsch), Matthew Axelson (Ben Foster), Danny Dietz (Emile Hirsch) and Luttrell wake up at their base and do their morning routine. But today is no ordinary day, as they’re tasked with capturing Ahmad Shah (Yousuf Azami), a Taliban leader in the Korangal Valley.

Kirtland Air Force Base is situated in the southeast of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The cast and crew utilized 26,000-square-foot facilities for their indoor filming shots and blue screen work.

Kirtland Air Force Base is a major military installation and the home of the United States Air Force's Nuclear Weapons Center. It houses a variety of units and organizations dedicated to science and technology research, nuclear weapons storage, training, air refueling operations, security forces, and more. The base also serves as home to the famous U-2 spy plane program and was integral to developing America’s first atomic bombs.

Getting to Kirtland Air Force Base is easy. The base is located just minutes from downtown Albuquerque off of Highway 85 and I-40. If you are flying into the area, the nearest airport is Albuquerque International Sunport, which is about five miles away.

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The four-man team is then airlifted to Afghanistan overnight and heads for Shah's last known position. Moving through the mountainous environment makes it hard to keep communication lines open. When they tracked down the target, the SEALs are spotted by locals, including one with a walkie-talkie. Believing that these villagers have ties with the Taliban, the SEALs discuss killing them or letting them go. After discussion, Murphy decides to set them free.

To accurately depict the Hindu Kush mountain range, producers selected the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Santa Fe National Forest. This decision was an effective way to create a realistic environment while preserving natural beauty. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains stretch from northern New Mexico up into Colorado. Comprised of rugged peaks and deep canyons, these mountains form part of the majestic backdrop of the American Southwest. The range is filled with stunning vistas, beautiful lakes and rivers, pristine forests, and dizzying heights.

If you're looking to explore the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, there are multiple ways to get there. From Northern New Mexico, you can take I-25 North and then turn east on US 285 to head towards the mountains. From Colorado, you can travel south on I-25 until Antonito and then head east on US 285.

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The team start ascending the mountainside to extract as planned, yet the villagers alert the Taliban who pursue them. The SEALs initially keep their advantage, but they are eventually overwhelmed by the large number of Taliban forces. As they’re forced towards a ravine, Dietz is killed and the remaining SEALs try fervently to call for help. Murphy scales the cliff to get a better connection for communication and eventually call for assistance, but is killed shortly after.

To capture the battle scenes, the producers ventured to Chilili, New Mexico. There they discovered picturesque wooded areas which served as a perfect backdrop for their footage. Chilili is a small, rural community located in the Central Rio Grande Valley. It is home to a variety of family-friendly activities and attractions, and various nature trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The Chilili Schoolhouse also has a fascinating history as one of the oldest school buildings in the state. Other educational landmarks around town include sites like an old trading post and an exhibit focusing on early Spanish explorers.

Getting to Chilili is easy. The closest major airport is located in Albuquerque, which is roughly an hour’s drive to the northwest.

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The scene at the Navy SEAL team's base camp in Lone Survivor reveals a desolate yet majestic landscape of rolling hills and vast sand dunes. Despite the harsh environment, there is a palpable sense of camaraderie among the team members. As Marcus Luttrell, his four comrades, and their Afghani counterparts settle into camp for the night, it is clear that they are ready to face whatever lies ahead with courage and determination. Meanwhile, in the distance, stars dot the sky above them and an almost eerie silence envelops everything around them—a reminder of how fragile life truly is.

Camp Pendleton in California and Fort Campbell in Kentucky were the prime locations for shooting base scenes, faithfully replicating a real-life Navy SEAL team base camp situated in Afghanistan. These two military bases also served to stage scenes of preparation and homecoming from their mission.

Fort Campbell is a United States Army Post located between the two cities of Hopkinsville and Clarksville in Kentucky. This post is home to military personnel, their families, and civilians. It is one of the most visited fort sites for family outings and vacations. Visitors can explore Fort Campbell's impressive war history dating back to the Civil War through its museums, monuments, and memorials.

To get to Fort Campbell in Kentucky, you can either fly into the nearby Nashville International Airport about 70 miles away. If you’re heading south from Hopkinsville, you’re looking at a drive of about 20 miles.

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The rugged terrain of Afghanistan is on full display in Lone Survivor. Towering mountains, lush valleys, and the vast expanse of desert roll into each other as far as the eye can see, offering a stark reminder of the harsh conditions they will face during their mission. As Luttrell and his team press onward, they must also contend with oppressive heat and unforgiving winds, all while keeping a sharp eye out for any sign of danger that might lurk in the shadows. Despite these trying conditions, their courage never wavers and their strength remains unbroken.

To reproduce the Afghan landscape, filmmakers chose Canada's Rocky Mountains. Rising over 3,000 meters above sea level, these mountains span across four provinces/states—Alberta, British Columbia, Montana, and Wyoming. The Rockies offer travelers a unique experience that is both serene and thrilling. From skiing and snowboarding to hiking and camping, there is no shortage of activities to enjoy while exploring this stunning mountain range.

To get to the Rocky Mountains of Canada, you will need to first fly into an airport in one of the Canadian provinces that make up this mountain range: Alberta or British Columbia. From there, you can rent a car and drive to your destination.

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The scene of the Taliban ambush in Lone Survivor is truly intense. With the team surrounded on all sides, the deafening sound of gunfire rings out as they fight a desperate battle for survival. Bullets whiz past and explosions rock the ground beneath them as they bravely stand their ground and fight for their survival. In a moment of sheer courage, Luttrell makes his heroic last stand—a testament to the strength and bravery of America's fighting men and women.

To bring the sandy Afghan terrain to life, filmmakers chose Morocco's deserts as a perfect backdrop. Erg Chigaga, located in the southern Moroccan desert, is truly a breathtaking sight. The vast and rolling sand dunes stretch for miles in all directions, creating an almost surreal landscape of gold and red that is beloved by travelers from all around the world. With its rich cultural heritage, remote location, and idyllic climate, it is no wonder that Erg Chigaga has become such a popular tourist destination.

To get to Erg Chigaga, you will need to fly into either Marrakech or Ouarzazate. From there, you can take a bus to the nearby town of Zagora and then hire a private taxi to take you into the desert. Alternatively, you can join an organized tour from Marrakech or Ouarzazate which takes care of all of your transportation needs.

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