A new symbol of the political turmoil in Nepal has emerged from the smoke-filled skies of Kathmandu: the charred remains of the Hilton Hotel. The five-star property, once the city’s tallest building and a beacon of its growing tourism industry, was set on fire by protesters and has continued to burn for two consecutive days. Drone footage from Wednesday evening showed plumes of smoke still rising from the devastated structure.
The destruction of the hotel is part of a wave of violent protests that have gripped Nepal since Monday. The unrest was initially sparked by the government’s now-revoked decision to ban 26 social media sites, including popular platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube. The protests, primarily led by the youth under the “Gen Z” banner, have escalated far beyond the social media ban to become a wider movement against government corruption and what many see as an oppressive regime.
Amid the chaos, protesters have targeted and set fire to several key structures in the capital, including the federal Parliament building and the residence of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The Hilton Hotel, however, represents a particularly significant loss. With an investment of ₹8 billion by the Hotel Shankar Group, the hotel was inaugurated in July 2024, a little over a year ago. At the time, the then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had praised the project, saying he believed it would “contribute to Nepal’s tourism and hospitality.”
The hotel, located in Kathmandu’s Naxal neighborhood, was known for its 172 rooms, glass facade, and surreal views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. Situated just four kilometers from Tribhuvan International Airport and minutes away from major tourist attractions, the Hilton was a key addition to the city’s hospitality landscape. Its extravagant features, including a rooftop bar, outdoor pool, and executive lounge, have now been reduced to ash and rubble.
According to reports, the protests have led to a rising death toll, with at least 31 people reported dead and over 1,000 injured in the violent clashes. As the unrest continues, the burning of the Hilton stands as a stark and tragic reminder of the country’s deepening political crisis.