Ranipokhari reopens to the public after restoration

Kathmandu / March 24: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City has made the historic site accessible for locals and visitors alike from 5 am to 4 pm each day.

Renowned for its cultural and historical significance, Ranipokhari was originally built by King Pratap Malla in 1670 as a royal retreat.

The pond was severely damaged during the 2015 earthquake, leading to a lengthy restoration project that took more than five years and cost over Rs240 million. Despite numerous setbacks and delays, the restoration preserved the site’s original design, including the Shikhara-style temple at the center of the pond. The temple is open to the public only once a year, during the Bhaitika, the fifth and final day of Tihar.

The pond will remain open every day, with no entry fee required. Damodar Lama, the chief of the Shankhadhar Garden and Ranipokhari Unit, confirmed that the public is welcome to visit the site for leisure or reflection.

Heritage conservationists have expressed cautious optimism about the future management of the pond, urging the city to adopt strict guidelines to ensure that Ranipokhari remains protected and preserved for future generations.