KATHMANDU: The 88-year-old founder and chairman of the prestigious five-star Hotel Shangri-La in Lazimpat, Shyam Bahadur Pandey, passed suddenly. He died on Monday at Grande International Hospital following a prolonged period of health issues.

Pandey was a well-known personality in Nepal's hotel sector, having worked for more than 60 years to promote tourism and hospitality in the country. He founded Hotel Shangri-La four decades ago, cementing his status as a pioneer in the industry.

Today till 2:00 PM, Pandey's body will be open for public viewing at his home. At 4:00 PM, it will be cremated in Pashupati Aryaghat. His wife, two sons, and one daughter survive him.