Dharahara, Kathmandu’s iconic landmark, has been rebuilt and reopened nearly nine years after the April 25, 2015 earthquake. Spanning 231,087.2 square feet with 22 storeys, the new Dharahara was officially inaugurated on Constitution Day.
The new structure spans 231,087.2 square feet with 22 storeys, featuring modern amenities like elevators, a museum, and underground parking.
The base of the original tower has been preserved as a memorial.
Designed to withstand earthquakes of up to magnitude 8.0.
The reconstruction blends historical authenticity with modern safety and functionality
Visiting Dharahara
Dharahara is open daily from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Visitors can book tickets at dharahara.gov.np to explore its garden, historical water spout, museum, fountain, and three-storey underground parking facility, according to Koshnath Adhikari, Deputy Director General of the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction.
Historical Background
Dharahara, or Bhimsen Tower, was built in 1832 by Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa. Standing nine stories tall, it served as a military watchtower, communication hub, and later, a tourist attraction. The tower was part of Thapa’s legacy, commemorating his efforts in reclaiming Nepali territory. The first tower, built in 1824 at his residence in Janarala Bagh, was damaged in the 1834 earthquake and never restored. Thapa rebuilt it in 1835, adding Sundhara, a golden water spout, in memory of his niece, Queen Lalit Tripura Sundari Devi.
Then, a century later on January 15, 1934, again an earthquake destroyed the original tower, leaving only two stories of the second Dharahara standing. Prime Minister Juddha Shumsher Rana restored the structure to its original design, renaming it Bhimsen Stambha to honor its legacy. Initially built for military signaling, the tower called soldiers to assemble during national events and gatherings at Tundikhel, the military parade ground. The tower also symbolized religious harmony between Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities.
The 2015 Earthquake and the Reconstructed Dharahara
The 2015 earthquake caused the collapse of Dharahara, leaving only its base standing, with over 180 lives lost. The new 22-storey Dharahara was designed to withstand earthquakes of up to magnitude 8.0. Unlike the original, this structure spans 2.1 hectares and includes modern amenities such as elevators, a museum, a memorial for the 2015 earthquake victims, a garden, and fountains.
The original tower’s base, preserved under tempered glass, serves as a poignant memorial. Additional features include triple-basement parking, a restored Sundhara flowing 24/7, and panoramic views of Kathmandu from a 20th-floor viewing platform. Built with RTC concrete, the tower retains its signature white cylindrical design, echoing Thapa’s original vision.
Public Opinion
The reconstruction of Dharahara has drawn mixed reactions. Some critics question its relevance in a city now dominated by taller buildings and express concerns over its safety in a seismically active region. Supporters, however, view the tower as a symbol of Nepal’s cultural heritage and resilience, a testament to the country’s strength in the face of natural disasters.
Savyata Adhikari is a junior editor with Nepal Connect
The original base of Dharahara, preserved under tempered glass, serves as a poignant memorial, reminding visitors of the 2015 earthquake’s devastation.