Nepal Gen Z Protests: Parliament, Luxury Hotels Set Ablaze

Nepal, a country known for its beautiful mountains and rich cultural heritage, is witnessing a wave of protests this week that has stunned the nation. The protests, led largely by Gen Z, the younger generation of Nepal, have turned violent, leaving a trail of destruction in Kathmandu, the country’s capital. Government buildings, including the parliament, and some of the city’s most luxurious hotels have been set on fire. These events have highlighted the frustrations of young Nepalese citizens over inequality, corruption, and the lavish lifestyles of the country’s elite.

Parliament Attacked Amid Rising Unrest

The situation in Kathmandu escalated when protesters stormed the Nepalese parliament. The demonstrators were frustrated with what they see as the corruption and excesses of political leaders, who live in comfort while many citizens struggle with poverty and unemployment. The protests quickly intensified, forcing the Prime Minister of Nepal to resign and flee the country. The images of the parliament engulfed in flames have circulated widely, drawing international attention and concern.

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The protests were not limited to government buildings. Demonstrators also attacked private properties that symbolize wealth and privilege, particularly luxury hotels, which are a major source of tourism income for Nepal.

Hilton Kathmandu: A Tower in Flames

One of the most shocking incidents occurred at the Hilton Kathmandu, the tallest hotel in Nepal. Opened in July 2024 by Shahil Agrawal of the Shanker Group, the hotel’s modern glass façade and distinctive prayer-flag inspired architecture made it a landmark in the capital. However, in just over a year, this symbol of modern luxury was reduced to ashes.

Images and videos shared online showed the hotel completely engulfed in flames and smoke, making Kathmandu’s skyline appear ominous. The fire caused significant damage, but the Hilton reported that no guests or staff were harmed. The hotel website now states that it is temporarily closed and advises guests with upcoming bookings to contact the hotel directly.

Hyatt Regency Kathmandu Also Targeted

Not far from the Hilton, another luxury hotel, Hyatt Regency Kathmandu, was attacked by protesters. Located near the famous Boudhanath Stupa, a key Buddhist site, the Hyatt Regency has been a symbol of Nepal’s traditional Newari-style architecture combined with modern luxury. Built at a cost of Rs 3.4 billion, the hotel was inaugurated in 2000 by King Birendra.

During the protests, a mob set fire to parts of the hotel. A tragic incident occurred when a 55-year-old woman from Ghaziabad, India, died while trying to escape with her husband by climbing down from the fourth floor using makeshift ropes made of curtains and sheets. Her husband survived but sustained injuries. Fortunately, no other guests or staff were reported injured. The hotel management has temporarily closed the property as a precautionary measure, prioritizing the safety of both guests and employees.

Varnabas Museum Hotel Also Damaged

Another hotel, the Varnabas Museum Hotel, was not spared. Located about a kilometer from the Hilton, this five-star hotel is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. It was inaugurated in February 2024 by climber Mingma David Sherpa. Its dining hall is designed to resemble Everest Base Camp, offering visitors a unique experience that blends modern luxury with local culture. During the protests, the hotel was set on fire, causing damage to its structure.

The Cause of the Protests

The immediate trigger for these nationwide protests was the government’s sudden ban on 26 popular social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram. Young Nepalese, particularly Gen Z, saw this as a direct attack on free speech and a way to silence criticism of political leaders. The digital ban was quickly reversed, but the protests had already gained momentum and evolved into a larger anti-government movement.

Protesters demanded not only the lifting of the social media restrictions but also action against corruption and nepotism in politics. Nepal has one of the highest levels of social inequality in the world. While the elites live in comfort, enjoying luxuries such as five-star hotels and expensive properties, much of the population struggles with poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunities. This stark contrast fueled the anger of the youth.

Violence and Curfews

As protests spread across Kathmandu and other parts of the country, the government imposed citywide curfews to control the unrest. Despite these measures, clashes between protesters and police continued. Reports suggest that at least 51 people have died, while many others were injured in confrontations with security forces or as a result of fires set during the protests.

The violence has affected daily life in Nepal’s capital. Schools, businesses, and offices have closed temporarily, and the tourism sector, which is crucial for Nepal’s economy, has been severely impacted. With luxury hotels destroyed or damaged, the city’s ability to host tourists and generate revenue is at risk.

Youth Anger Over Inequality

The Gen Z protests in Nepal represent a broader frustration among young people. High youth unemployment, lack of government accountability, and visible wealth among elites have created a sense of injustice. For many young Nepalese, the destruction of luxury hotels and government buildings was a way to demand attention and express their anger at the systemic issues facing their country.

The protests also reflect the global trend of younger generations demanding greater transparency, fairness, and access to technology. Nepal’s youth, who are digitally connected and socially aware, used the protests to highlight inequalities and demand change.

International Attention

These events have drawn attention from international media and observers. Images of burning hotels and the parliament have been widely shared on social media, raising questions about Nepal’s political stability and safety for tourists. With tourism being a vital source of income for one of the world’s poorest nations, the attacks on hotels have both symbolic and economic implications.

The immediate concern for Nepal is to restore order and ensure the safety of its citizens. The government needs to address the grievances of the youth, tackle corruption, and work towards reducing inequality to prevent further unrest. Meanwhile, the tourism sector will have to rebuild and regain the confidence of international visitors who are now wary of safety risks.

Nepal is a country with immense cultural and natural beauty. The hope is that, despite the current turmoil, it can overcome this crisis and emerge stronger, addressing the social and economic challenges that have led to these unprecedented protests.