Kathmandu: Kathmandu’s skyline landmark, the Hilton Hotel, has been reduced to ashes after violent protests swept across Nepal’s capital this week. The five-star property, inaugurated in July 2024 with an investment of ₹8 billion, offered 172 luxury rooms and was regarded as a milestone in Nepal’s hospitality sector. Once the tallest hotel in the city, it now stands as a charred structure after being set ablaze by protesters on Tuesday. Drone footage from Wednesday evening showed thick plumes of smoke still rising from the gutted building.

The protests erupted on Monday after the Nepal government announced a controversial ban on 26 social media platforms, including Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube. Although the ban was later revoked, violent demonstrations under the “Gen Z” banner continued across Kathmandu. Protesters targeted several high-profile structures, including the federal Parliament building, the residence of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, and the Hilton Hotel. According to reports, at least 31 people have been killed and over 1,000 others injured since the unrest began.

Built by the Hotel Shankar Group, the Hilton took seven years to complete and was inaugurated by then-PM KP Sharma Oli, who hailed it as a key contributor to Nepal’s tourism and economy. Located in Kathmandu’s Naxal area, just four kilometres from Tribhuvan International Airport, the hotel boasted unique features such as a glass façade with panoramic views of the Himalayas, including the Langtang Valley. Its facilities included a spa, rooftop bar, EV charging station, outdoor pool, executive lounge, and multiple dining options.

Now, the luxury hotel that once symbolised Nepal’s growing hospitality industry has been reduced to rubble. The destruction of the Hilton marks a significant blow not only to Kathmandu’s tourism prospects but also to investor confidence in the region. With protests still ongoing, concerns remain high about the broader impact of the unrest on Nepal’s economy and its global image as a travel destination.