The iconic Dharahara tower in Kathmandu’s Sundhara, which has been newly reconstructed, will officially open to the public on Thursday, following a decision made by the Cabinet on September 12. The government, through the Ministry of Urban Development, instructed the Central Project Implementation Unit (Building and Housing) to manage public access to the tower, aligning the opening with Constitution Day celebrations.
Starting tomorrow, approximately 500 visitors per day will be allowed to visit Dharahara. According to project chief Kosh Nath Adhikari, a system for booking tickets via a dedicated website is being set up, which will be publicly announced once it is fully operational. Initially, the plan was to introduce a mobile app for ticketing, but that did not materialize. Now, the website will allow bookings for 100 visitors every half hour, starting from 11 a.m. If the online ticketing system faces delays tomorrow, physical ticket purchases will be facilitated at the Dharahara premises.
For the time being, entry to Dharahara will be free, including parking. Visitors can use two electric elevators to reach the top and will have about 10 minutes to enjoy the panoramic views from the tower’s balcony. Photography and videography will be permitted during this time.
Though the Ministry of Urban Development is still finalizing procedures for the operation and management of Dharahara, the Cabinet’s directive to open the tower to the public accelerated the process. The reconstruction of Dharahara, which was destroyed during the 2015 earthquake, has not yet been fully completed, with around 95% of the work finished.
The original Dharahara was an 11-story structure, and while the exterior of the new tower maintains the same appearance, the interior now houses 22 floors. The remnants of the old Dharahara have been preserved and can be viewed safely by visitors.
In addition to the tower itself, the new complex includes a three-story underground parking facility, administrative buildings, a museum, and a garden, all of which are still under construction.
Previously, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City was responsible for the operation and management of Dharahara before the earthquake. However, the federal government has since taken control and canceled all prior agreements regarding the tower’s management. The Cabinet’s decision on September 12 also nullified earlier decisions to hand over Dharahara’s operation to private contractors, and it appears the federal government is not inclined to return control to the city authorities.
Dharahara’s reconstruction has been a long and complex process. In April 2021, then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli inaugurated the tower, despite it being only partially completed. Since then, work has continued, and now, with public access allowed, visitors can once again experience the historical significance and scenic beauty of the iconic structure.
