Dharahara
Tower Historic Kathmandu tower, rebuilt after 2015 earthquake collapse
The 19th‑century Bhimsen observation tower in central Kathmandu, long regarded as a city landmark; it collapsed in the 2015 earthquake. Visitors come for its history and to explore the surrounding Durbar-area streets and markets.
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Dharahara, also known as Bhimsen Tower, is a historic tower in central Kathmandu built in the early 19th century and rebuilt after major earthquakes. The original tower was constructed by the Nepalese leader Bhimsen Thapa in the 1830s and became a prominent city landmark.
The tower suffered partial or total collapses in major earthquakes during the 20th and early 21st centuries, including the 2015 Gorkha earthquake, and has been reconstructed in recent years. It traditionally contained an internal staircase leading to an observation platform near the top.
Dharahara stands in central Kathmandu and is one of the city’s most visited heritage sites when open to the public, located within walking distance of other central Kathmandu landmarks.
- Observation point: The tower has historically served as a public observation point in central Kathmandu offering panoramic views across the city and surrounding hills.
How to Get to Dharahara #
Dharahara (Bhimsen Tower / Sundhara area) sits in central Kathmandu. From Tribhuvan International Airport it is roughly 5-7 km - a taxi is the most direct option and typically takes 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. From other central areas (Thamel, Durbar Square) you can walk or take a short taxi/auto-rickshaw ride; local buses also stop at nearby Sundhara/Ratna Park.
Tips for Visiting Dharahara #
- Visit early in the morning for clearer air and panoramic city views before Kathmandu's daily haze and crowds build up.
- Combine a trip to Dharahara with nearby Basantapur/Durbar Square and the old city - they're within walking distance, so you can see several heritage sites in one outing.
- Check opening hours and ticketing ahead of time (they can change for public events or maintenance) and arrive early on weekends and holidays when queues are most likely.
Best Time to Visit Dharahara #
Visit Dharahara in autumn or spring for the clearest skies and most comfortable sightseeing weather.
Weather & Climate near Dharahara #
Dharahara's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) - Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) climate with warm summers (peaking in June) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 4°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1608 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 17°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).
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April
April is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C. Heavy rain (286 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (401 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (362 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Heavy rain (229 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. The driest month with just 7 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
