The historic Dharahara tower will now be open for 12 hours each day, from 8am to 8pm, starting Thursday.

Previously operating from 10am to 4pm, the extended hours aim to accommodate increasing public demand, according to the Ministry of Urban Development.

Speaking at a press briefing, ministry spokesperson Narayan Mainali said that the extended hours will apply every day, including public holidays. “Dharahara will now be operated in two shifts to serve more visitors, even during holidays,” he said.

The decision follows widespread public feedback requesting longer visiting hours. The rebuilt tower, which had partially opened to the public on September 19, 2024, began fully operating with paid entry from November 24 the same year.

Since the paid operation began, Dharahara has collected over Rs43.3 million in revenue from ticket sales, according to the Central Project Implementation Unit (Building and Housing), which oversees the site under the ministry.

More than 237,000 people have visited the historic structure so far. The Urban Development Ministry stated that the tower is being run in accordance with the special structure operation and management development committee order–2024, which guides its operation as a revenue-generating heritage site.

Deputy Prime Minister and Urban Development Minister Prakash Man Singh directed the schedule expansion, citing the importance of public engagement and feedback in managing national landmarks.

Dharahara, destroyed during the April 25, 2015 earthquake, was rebuilt over several years before its phased reopening last year.

The newly reconstructed Dharahara spans an area of 42.2 ropanis of land and features 22 storeys. It includes a garden, a historical water spout, a museum, and a fountain with a three-storey underground parking facility.