Ranipokhari

Good Time To Visit

Early morning and late afternoon for better lighting and photo opportunities

Trivia

Rani Pokhari means “Queen’s Pond” and was built by King Pratap Malla in the 17th century as a memorial, making it one of Kathmandu’s most famous historic landmarks.

Type of Attraction

Historic Pond & Cultural Landmark

Rani Pokhari, also known as Ranipokhari and Queen’s Pond, is a historic artificial pond in the heart of Kathmandu, Nepal, built by King Pratap Malla in 1670 to console his grieving queen after the death of their young son. Many visitors ask, “Is Rani Pokhari worth visiting in Kathmandu?” — the answer is yes for its deep cultural significance, beautiful reflections, and central location near Ratna Park and Durbar Marg. The square-shaped lake is about 180m by 140m and features the iconic Bal Gopaleshwor Temple in the center, accessible by a small causeway. Although the temple inside the pond is open to the public only during the annual Bhai Tika and Chhath festivals, the pond’s serene atmosphere and historic setting make it popular year-round for walks and photography. Rani Pokhari has been restored multiple times, including after major earthquakes, with the most recent renovation completed in 2020 using traditional materials and techniques to preserve its original Malla-era charm. People also search for “How to reach Rani Pokhari from Thamel,” and because it is centrally located in Kathmandu, it can be reached easily by taxi, local bus, or by walking from nearby attractions.