September 12, 2025 | 11:56 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Hilton Kathmandu, a symbol of luxury in Nepal and a pride of the capital, now only stands as black ashes after being engulfed in flames during the wave of Gen Z protests in Nepal. The tallest hotel in the Himalayan nation was reduced to rubble, burned on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, by demonstrators protesting against the Nepalese government. Drone footage on Wednesday night showed smoke still billowing from the charred infrastructure.
Here are some crucial facts about the now-memorable Hilton Kathmandu:
1. Tallest Hotel in Nepal
The Hilton Kathmandu soared to a height of 64 meters with dozens of floors, making it the tallest hotel in Nepal and a new icon in the Kathmandu skyline. Located in the Naxal area, one of the busiest and most strategic districts in the capital.
2. Investment
Construction began in 2016 by the Shanker Group with the vision of bringing Nepal's hotel standards to an international level. The total investment amounted to about 8 billion Nepalese rupees (around Rp931 billion). The construction began seven years ago.
3. Inaugurated July 2024
After being delayed by the pandemic and various technical challenges, the Hilton was finally inaugurated in July 2024. Its arrival immediately drew attention as the most luxurious five-star property in Nepal. However, only a year into operation, the hotel now lies in ruins.
4. World-Class Luxury Facilities
The Hilton Kathmandu boasts 172 rooms and suites, five restaurants, a spa, a fitness center, a ballroom, meeting rooms, and a rooftop bar named Orion. The infinity pool on the top floor offers a 180-degree view of the Kathmandu valley and distant snow-capped mountains.
5. Symbolism-Infused Architecture
The Hilton's glass facade was designed to resemble Buddhist prayer flags. Its panels change color in the sunlight. Its design unites modern elements with Nepalese culture, presenting a symbol of harmony between urbanization and Himalayan spirituality.
6. Engineered to Withstand Earthquakes
Anticipating Nepal's seismic history, the Hilton was built with sliding walls and earthquake-damping systems, meeting the post-disaster 'immediately habitable' standard.
7. Strategic Location
The hotel stands in a strategic location. Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) is only four kilometers away from the Hilton Hotel. Several major tourist attractions, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath, and the City Center, are just minutes away from this five-star hotel, according to Hindustan Times.
Kinar Laimaura contributed to the writing of this article
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