Protesters gather at the gates of Singha Durbar, near the statue of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, considered the "Father of the Nation". (Photo: The Kathmandu Post)

Large-scale protests erupted in Nepal on 8/9, when tens of thousands of people, mostly Gen Z, took to the streets of Kathmandu to protest the government's blocking of social media. The demonstrations escalated into protests against corruption.

On 9/9, thousands of protesters breached the western gates of the Singha Durbar palace, attempting to enter restricted areas and setting fire to several entrances.

Located in central Kathmandu, Singha Durbar has been a symbol of Nepal's political power for over a century. Built in 1908 under Prime Minister Chandra Shumsher JBR, the palace features European architecture. It has served as the official residence of prime ministers and hosted international dignitaries and royalty, including Queen Elizabeth II (1961) and Princess Diana (1993). (Photo: Nagariknetwork, Reuters)

Protesters gather at the gates of Singha Durbar, near the statue of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, considered the "Father of the Nation". (Photo: The Kathmandu Post)

Rashtrapati Bhavan, the presidential palace, was also set on fire. On 9/9, crowds broke through security gates, entered the grounds, and set fire to several areas.

Built in 1923 during the Rana dynasty, the neoclassical structure features columns, arches, and intricate designs. Originally a private residence, Rastrapati Bhawan later became the workplace and residence of the head of state. (Photo: Wikimedia, Hamrakura)

The Nepal Parliament building was also set ablaze. Originally the Birendra International Convention Centre (BICC), it was built and inaugurated in 1993, blending modern architecture with traditional Nepali elements.

With a main hall seating over 1,000 people, smaller meeting rooms, and exhibition spaces, the BICC hosted high-level conferences and international events. Since 2008, it has served as the parliament building, playing a key role in drafting the constitution and formulating national policies. (Photo: Wikimedia, Aajtak)

The Hilton Kathmandu, a symbol of the capital and Nepal's aspirations for international tourism, was also targeted. Construction began in 2016, and the hotel opened in 2024 with a total investment of 57 million USD. Its design integrates with the surrounding landscape, facing both the urban life of Kathmandu and the Langtang mountain range. The facade features vertical glass panels inspired by Buddhist prayer flags, changing color with the light.

On 9/9, protesters set the hotel on fire. Kathmandu fire officials reported that most of the hotel's infrastructure and assets were destroyed.

The situation in Nepal has since stabilized, with shops reopening and streets becoming busier. On 12/9, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki became interim prime minister. She gained support from young protesters for her neutral stance, independence from political parties, and strong anti-corruption record.

Following Karki's recommendation, the president dissolved parliament and scheduled elections for 3/2026. (Photo: Hilton, Reuters)

Mai Phuong (Kathmandu Post, Hindustan Times)