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Many Gen Z protestors of the country unleashed their wrath on the Hilton Kathmandu, reducing the picturesque glass tower to flames in a charred shell

Everything you need to know about Hilton, Kathmandu.
Once a symbol of Nepal’s progress in the modern era, the iconic Hilton Kathmandu, one of the country’s tallest hotels, was reduced to ashes this week amid violent anti-government protests. As chaos gripped Nepal, unresting youth took the law into their own hands, targeting government institutions, parliament buildings, and the private residences of political leaders.
Many Gen Z protestors of the country unleashed their wrath on the Hilton Kathmandu, reducing the picturesque glass tower to flames in a charred shell. A video on the Internet captured the most horrifying scenes, where one could see the hotel burning after a mob of young Nepalese entered its arena. The fire blew out the windows and left the interiors of the once shining hotel in complete ruins.
When The Hilton Kathmandu Was Built
Plans to build the Hilton Hotel in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, were launched in 2016 by the Shanker Group. Approved by government authorities, the project reflected ambitions to elevate the country’s hospitality sector to global standards. Shortly after construction began, however, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a pause on the development.
According to a report by New Business Age, once restrictions eased, seven years of effort and an investment of roughly 8 billion NPR came to fruition as the hotel officially opened in July 2024, catering to Nepal’s affluent and elite. Located in the Naxal neighbourhood, the Hilton Hotel stands as the tallest hotel in Nepal at 64 meters, featuring 176 rooms and suites across various categories.
Nepal’s Vision Behind Hilton Kathmandu
The Hilton Kathmandu was not just a luxury hotel but also a cultural statement that was aimed at transforming Nepal’s reputation for hospitality and standard of living. The iconic tower boasted vertical glass fins, inspired by Buddhist prayer flags.
Guests of Nepal’s proud hospitality centre were in for an eye-soothing experience as the hotel leaned one side to the busy streets of Kathmandu and the other presented the breathtaking views of the Langtang mountain range. Its balconies and facade lines also gave the tower a dynamic presence from the outside.
The Hilton Kathmandu provided its guests the chance to experience lavish dining and leisure options with five restaurants, a spa, an advanced gym, a rooftop bar and many other facilities. All of that was burnt to the flames after Nepali youth clashed with the security forces in unrest where the death toll mounted to 20 by Tuesday, September 9.

Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
September 12, 2025, 18:04 IST