Dharahara collects nearly Rs 15 million revenue in first week after reopening

KATHMANDU: The iconic Dharahara Tower, reconstructed after the devastating earthquake of 2015 (2072 BS), has generated over Rs 1.47 million in revenue within its first week of opening to the public.

The tower was reopened for visitors with an entry fee from Nov 24, 2024 (Mangsir 9, 2081 BS).

According to Acting Project Director Prakash Aryal, the tower sees approximately 1,200 visitors daily, with a total of 8,316 visitors recorded as of Nov 30 (Mangsir 16).

Children under 12 years are not included in this count.

The tower is accessible from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM, except on Wednesdays when it remains closed for maintenance.

“Despite the short visiting hours, public turnout has been remarkable. However, not all visitors could get tickets due to time constraints,” Aryal said. He added that extending visiting hours could accommodate up to 1,500 visitors per day.

Entry Fees

• General Visitors: Rs 200 per person
• Discounted Rate (Students, Senior Citizens, Children, and Persons with Disabilities): Rs 100 per person
• SAARC Tourists: Rs 500 per person
• Other International Tourists: Rs 1,000 per person

Additional Charges

• Parking: Rs 20 per hour for four-wheelers, Rs 10 per hour for two-wheelers
• Premises Entry Fee: Rs 50
• Advertising on Tower: Rs 5,000 per hour
• Commercial Video Shoots: Rs 5,000 per hour
• Photography: Rs 1,000 per hour

The Dharahara Tower, a significant cultural and historical landmark, is being managed under the Special Structure Operation and Management Development Committee Formation Order, 2081.

The cabinet approved its reopening and fee structure on Nov 21, 2024 (Mangsir 6).

Visitor feedback suggests extending operating hours to include evenings could further enhance public access and revenue.