Nepal’s skyline was clouded with smoke this week after Hilton Kathmandu, the country’s tallest hotel, was destroyed during violent anti-government protests. Dramatic footage showed the glass tower engulfed in flames as demonstrators, largely from the Gen Z movement, targeted government buildings, parliament, and residences of political leaders.
Nearly 20 people have died amid clashes with security forces and curfews, with the burning of Hilton Kathmandu becoming a stark symbol of widespread unrest. Developed by the Shanker Group, Hilton Kathmandu broke ground in 2016 and opened in July 2024 after an investment of around Rs 8 billion. The 64-metre-high hotel, located in the Naxal neighbourhood, featured 176 rooms and suites, making it Nepal’s tallest hotel.
The hotel’s design was intended as a cultural statement, with glass fins inspired by Buddhist prayer flags and a facade that harmonized with the urban streets on one side and the Langtang mountain range on the other. Interiors offered world-class hospitality, including five restaurants, a spa, a gym, event spaces, and a rooftop bar, Orion, reflecting Nepalese heritage. Built with resilience in mind, the tower incorporated shear walls and damping systems to withstand earthquakes, qualifying it as an “immediate occupancy” structure.
Today, Hilton Kathmandu lies in ruins. Its glass facade is shattered, interiors gutted, and the structure scarred by fire. The destruction marks not only the loss of a luxury landmark but also the vulnerability of development amid political instability. The protests, initially sparked by social media restrictions, escalated into a broader uprising against corruption and political stagnation. Even the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli failed to calm the unrest, which forced the temporary closure of Kathmandu’s international airport, severely affecting Nepal’s tourism-dependent economy.
