Rani Pokhari, the "queen's pond," is a large rectangular tank in central Kathmandu, near New Road, bounded by a low white wall and a ornate gateway on its south side. It was built in the 17th century by King Pratap Malla to console his wife after the death of their son. The small Shiva temple on an island in the centre of the pond is surrounded by water all year; a low-arched bridge connects it to the shore and is opened to the public once annually.
The pond was badly damaged in the 2015 earthquake, with the central temple collapsing, and reconstruction took until 2019. The restored white temple and surrounding walls are now a pleasant focal point in this busy commercial part of the city. The banks of the pond are a favourite spot for local couples and schoolchildren, particularly in the late afternoon.