Bhimsen Tower, central Kathmandu, Nepal

Kathmandu is a city of surprises. Many old buildings dominate the twisting and turning streets and lanes of the older parts of the city. Temples abound and one is never far from one of these impressive, and ancient buildings. It came as something of a surprise then, to see this impressive and relatively modern looking tower in the heart of central Kathmandu.

The Bhimsen Tower, standing tall like a thin white lighthouse very much out of place, is a dominant feature of the skyline of this part of the capital. I used it often to get my bearings as I wandered the alleyways exploring many fascinating aspects of Nepali life.

The tower, also known as Sundhara, is a popular tourist attraction and people could be seen looking out over the city from the viewing platform near the top. Around the base, tents, marquees and street stalls were being prepared for some festivities the next day.

The tower, originally built by a Rama prime minister, was a part of the city’s first European style palace. It was severely damaged in the earthquake of 1934 and subsequently rebuilt.