KATHMANDU: Starting today, the newly reconstructed Dharahara Tower in Sundhara, Kathmandu, will officially open its doors to the public. This comes after the Council of Ministers approved the temporary opening of the iconic monument on August 23, in celebration of Constitution Day.
The Ministry of Urban Development has tasked the Central Project Implementation Unit (Building and Housing) with overseeing visitor access to the tower. According to the ministry, initially, around 500 visitors will be permitted to climb the tower each day. Kosh Nath Adhikari, the head of the project, mentioned that tickets can be booked online for 100 visitors every half hour starting at 11 AM. Should the website not be operational by today, visitors will be able to purchase tickets directly at the site.
For the time being, entry to the monument and parking services will be free of charge. Visitors can enjoy the convenience of two electric elevators, allowing them to reach the observation deck, where they can spend approximately 10 minutes taking in panoramic views of the capital. Both photography and video recording are allowed during the visit.
The newly built Dharahara, which now stands at 22 floors, not only preserves the ruins of the original structure but also boasts a range of modern facilities, including a three-storey underground parking area, an administrative building, a museum, and a garden. While the tower’s construction is 95 percent complete, it was inaugurated by former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli during his previous term.
The opening of Dharahara marks a significant milestone in the reconstruction efforts following the devastating 2015 earthquake. This monumental structure, which has been a symbol of Kathmandu’s resilience, is expected to attract both local and international visitors in the coming days.
As Nepal commemorates Constitution Day, the opening of the tower offers a glimpse into the country’s progress in preserving its heritage while embracing modern development.