In a week of unprecedented unrest, Nepal’s capital was engulfed in flames as furious citizens took to the streets, targeting government institutions, political figures, and symbols of elite privilege.
Among the most shocking casualties was the Hilton Kathmandu — the tallest hotel in Nepal — which was reduced to ashes just a year after its grand opening.
Military helicopters were deployed to evacuate lawmakers as protesters torched homes, chased officials through the streets, and set fire to the Supreme Court and the Presidential residence. Viral footage showed the Hilton hotel ablaze, its windows spewing flames as panicked guests reportedly tried to escape. Some tourists later posted videos online pleading for help.
“The fact that protesters targeted a hotel where tourists were staying shows how the situation spiraled beyond any legitimate protest,” one X user wrote.
“Bhatbhateni burned, businesses burned, factories burned. Major national institutions burned. And people are cheering that. No one will dare to invest in Nepal anymore,” lamented a Reddit post.
“This is so sad. I watched some Instagram stories of tourists escaping the building. This was completely unnecessary,” added another.
“Bhatbhateni burned, businesses burned, factories burned. Major national institutions burned. And people are cheering that. No one will dare to invest in Nepal anymore,” lamented a Reddit post.
“This is so sad. I watched some Instagram stories of tourists escaping the building. This was completely unnecessary,” added another.
While the destruction shocked many, others pointed to deeper frustrations. The Hilton had long been viewed as a symbol of corruption and elite capture, with its opening delayed by controversy, raids, and allegations of backroom deals.
Critics argue that foreign investment benefits had been siphoned off by politically connected families — a core grievance fueling the uprising.
Similar hotel burnings were reported in other cities. One Indian tourist, Upasana Gill, posted a desperate plea for help: “I am stranded here in Pokhara, Nepal. I had come to host a volleyball league, and the hotel where I was staying has been burned down.
“All my belongings were in my room. I was in the spa when people chased me with large sticks. I barely escaped with my life.”
Meanwhile, homes linked to prominent politicians and business leaders were ransacked. One viral video showed protesters looting the residence of businessman Upendra Mahato — a case of mistaken identity, as Mahato is currently in Russia and serves as president of the Russia-Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Local reports suggest the mob had confused his home with that of Janata Samajbadi Party leader Upendra Yadav.
