Protesters in Nepal set fire to the country’s tallest five-star hotel in the capital amid a wave of nationwide unrest.
The anger of Nepal’s youth has not subsided, even after the army was deployed nationwide to contain the violent protests. Over the past two days, demonstrators have torched and vandalized numerous buildings and landmarks, including the Hilton Kathmandu, the tallest five-star hotel in the country.
Images and drone footage circulating on social media on September 10 showed flames engulfing one side of the structure as thick smoke billowed into the sky. Kathmandu’s fire department reported that most of the hotel’s facilities and assets were destroyed.
The Hilton Kathmandu was regarded as a landmark of the capital, symbolizing Nepal’s ambition to elevate its hospitality industry to international standards.
A Symbol Reduced to Ashes
Construction of the hotel began in 2016, and it officially opened in 2024 with a total investment of $57 million. Standing 64 meters tall, it offered 176 rooms ranging from standard to luxury suites.
The hotel’s facade was lined with vertical glass panels inspired by Buddhist prayer flags, changing colors with the light. Its architecture was designed to blend with the surroundings, one side facing the city of Kathmandu and the other overlooking the Langtang range.
Inside, the Hilton featured a grand lobby, banquet halls, meeting spaces, five restaurants, a spa, gym, and event facilities. The rooftop Orion Bar stood out with wood carvings, mandala art, and a glass roof opening onto the Himalayan night sky. Guests could also enjoy an infinity pool and a sky dining space with 180-degree panoramic views of the capital and snowy peaks.
After the fire, only a charred steel frame, shattered glass, and ruined interiors remained. The incident represented not only a physical loss but also a setback to Nepal’s efforts to boost tourism.
Protesters’ Anger and Political Symbolism
The arson attack on the Hilton quickly became a hot topic on social media platform X. Many comments described the hotel as a symbol of corruption and elite interests.
The project had been controversial even before its opening, plagued by delays and corruption allegations. Critics argued that the benefits of foreign investment largely went to politically connected families, fueling public resentment.
According to Nepalese media, the Hilton was specifically targeted on September 9 due to rumors that the son of former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, had recently acquired a majority stake in the hotel.
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