Kathmandu’s tallest hotel, the Hilton, is now a burnt shell after violent protests rocked Nepal this week. The five-star hotel, built with an investment of ₹8 billion, caught fire on Tuesday after being set ablaze by protesters. The flames continued for two days, reducing the city’s newest luxury landmark to ruins.
Drone visuals taken on Wednesday showed smoke still rising from the charred structure, once seen as a proud addition to Nepal’s tourism sector.
Protests Triggered by Social Media Ban
Nepal has been witnessing violent protests since Monday. The violence began after the government announced a ban on 26 social media platforms, including Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube. Even though the ruling was ultimately overturned, the protests intensified and caused extensive damage.
Reports say at least 31 people have died, while more than 1,033 have been injured.
Protesters, operating under the “Gen Z” banner, continued their demonstrations, torching major landmarks in Kathmandu. These included the federal Parliament building, the residence of former PM KP Sharma Oli, and the Hilton Hotel.
Hotel Was Just Over a Year Old
The Hilton Hotel was located in Naxal, the heart of Kathmandu. It was inaugurated in July 2024 and quickly became one of the city’s most prominent buildings.
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The then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had inaugurated the property, saying, “I believe the operation of the Hilton Hotel will contribute to Nepal’s tourism and hospitality.”
The hotel was developed by the Hotel Shankar Group with an investment of ₹8 billion. Construction took seven years before its grand opening.
Features of Kathmandu’s Tallest Hotel
The Hilton was designed as a modern luxury hub for Nepal’s growing tourism sector.
It had 172 rooms, including suites and guest rooms.
It was the only hotel in Kathmandu with a glass façade, offering panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges and Langtang Valley.
Facilities included a spa, fitness centre, concierge services, EV charging stations, meeting rooms, free WiFi, an executive lounge, outdoor pool, rooftop bar, and all-day dining options.
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Located just 4 km from Tribhuvan International Airport, it also stood close to heritage sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and Swayambhunath.
Tourism and Economy Take a Hit
The destruction of the Hilton Hotel marks a major setback for Nepal’s hospitality sector, which was trying to bounce back after the pandemic. The hotel was expected to attract high-end tourists and boost local employment.
The A Charred Symbol of Anger
Once the tallest hotel in Kathmandu and a representation of contemporary luxury, it is now a burned-out reminder of the unrest in the nation. The collapse of the Hilton is a warning that societal unrest and governmental policies have the power to quickly destroy the economy, infrastructure, and travel industry.
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