One of the most recognized and iconic structures of modern Kathmandu, Ghanta Ghar (bell tower) was built in 1894 across Kathmandu’s Rani Pokhari and within the premises of Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus.

The clocks were imported to Nepal from London by the Rana Prime Minister Bir Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana, whose name is carved in the yellow background right below each clock in the tower. According to Thapa, Bir Shumsher’s original intention wasn’t to build a public clock tower, instead, he had ordered four huge clocks to be installed in the residences of each of his four sons.

Hpwever, when the clocks arrived in Nepal, they worked only through an assembled engine. Then the Rana Prime Minister decided to build a specific clock tower in the premises of his durbar. The architect of Ghantaghar was influenced by European architecture of creating dome and arches in the chimney and hollow spaces to adapt the intricate design. Historian Sudarshan Raj Tiwari assumes that Jogbir Sthapit may be behind the architectural work of the original Ghantaghar, as Sthapit is renowned for designing monuments during Bir Shumsher's reign.

Handcrafted

• Brass with 22kt Gold plating, Lapiz inlay 
• Limited edition 

The most significant part of the Ghanta Ghar is naturally the clock. The sound of brass gong from the Ghantaghar, reverberates through the surrounding areas every hour. However, my home being much further away from the central, I only passed through the tower when traveling across the city.

On those few rare commutes, if I was fortunate enough I would hear the clock. The excitement I felt was something I never shared or addressed as a quiet child. Nevertheless, now that I live in the neighbourhood of the tower, if I am still enough I can hear the gong every hour even with the city noise. I still feel the same sense of excitement. Maybe because I feel like the sound connects me to the times I have not witnessed in my lifetime and the tower has chimed for over 124 years. 

• Avoid direct contact with oils, body lotions, perfumes or any other chemicals.
• Keep away from water, excessive heat or moisture.
• Store separately in an airtight box.
• We offer repair and replating services. Please contact us for a quote.