KATHMANDU: The Dharahara Tower's operating hours have been extended by one hour to account for the summer months. Now, visitors can enter the tower between 10 AM and 4:15 PM, and they can do the tour until 5 PM. The hours that were previously in effect, from 10 AM to 3:15 PM, have been extended until January 27. An extra hour of operation during the warmer months is made possible by the modification. 

The adjustment has been confirmed by Prakash Aryal, Acting Project Director of Dharahara's operations, who said that guests can now buy tickets until 4:15 PM and board the tour until 5 PM. The goal of this addition is to provide visitors more time to view the historical site at the busiest times of the year. 

Dharahara has made a substantial profit since the tower's November 24 launch, collecting Rs 15 million in its first three months of operation. This income has primarily come from ticket sales, and the tower has seen a steady stream of visitors since it opened to the public on November 24 until January 27. 

Aryal reported that an average of 1,200 people visit the tower daily, excluding Wednesdays when it is closed. In recent years, the tower's increasing popularity has drawn both domestic and foreign visitors. 

Visitors must pay Rs 200 per person to climb the tower. The entrance charge is, however, reduced by 50% for members of specific categories, such as students, the elderly, children, and those with impairments. 

Visitors from South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries are required to pay Rs 500 per person, while those from non-SAARC countries must pay Rs 1,000. 

The admission fees for the Dharahara tower were established by the Special Structure Operation and Management Development Committee Order, 2081. On November 21, the cabinet decided to open the tower and authorize the admission prices. 

Additionally, the skyscraper provides parking for guests. Four-wheeler parking costs Rs 20 per hour, while two-wheeler parking costs Rs 10. 

In addition to the price of entry and parking, visitors can benefit from a comprehensive experience that includes a tour of the ancient tower. The expanded operation hours will allow more guests to take advantage of this experience, especially as summer approaches. 

Despite being a well-liked tourist destination, the government deliberately selected the tower's opening to strike a balance between accessibility and maintaining the site's historical significance. 

A popular landmark in Kathmandu, the historic Dharahara attracts visitors from both domestic and international locations. More people will be able to enjoy it thanks to the longer working hours. The changes show how popular the tower is becoming, which is helping the local economy. 

The increased number of visitors brought about by the additional hours is expected to significantly increase the tower's significance as a cultural and historical monument in Nepal.