Basantapur Tower, Kathmandu

Basantapur Tower is a prominent historical structure within the Hanuman Dhoka, the royal palace of Kathmandu. It stands as the tallest building in the complex, rising to a height of nine stories. This tower is strategically situated to your right past the main entrance to Kathmandu Durbar Square, making it a significant landmark in the area.

Constructed in the mid-18th century by King Prithvi Narayan Shah, and subsequently by his son, Pratap Singh Shah, the Basantapur Tower serves as a symbol of the unification of the Kathmandu Valley. The tower, along with three others, represents the major sub-kingdoms of the valley-Lalitpur (Patan) to the southeast, Bhaktapur to the northeast, Kirtipur to the northwest, and Vasantapur (Kathmandu) to the southwest.

Unlike other towers in the region, the Basantapur Tower and its counterparts do not house any deities. Instead, they stand as monumental tributes to the historical and cultural heritage of Nepal. The Basantapur Tower was one of the most ornate towers in Durbar Square, known for its impressive architecture and intricate carvings.

Tragically, the top two floors of the tower were destroyed in the devastating earthquake on April 25, 2015. However, restoration efforts have been underway, with the exterior renovation completed in 2023. Interior renovations continue, and while the interior is occasionally opened to the public, it is often quickly closed again, with updates provided via a sign at the main door in the interior courtyard.

Visitors can ascend through the narrow stairwells of the tower. Each floor offers small windows that provide panoramic views of the Chowk below, Durbar Square, the broader Kathmandu Valley, and the modern cityscape beyond. The Basantapur Tower not only offers a unique vantage point over Kathmandu but also serves as a living museum of Nepali history and architecture.