A property dealer is investing close to Rs3 billion to build a three-star hotel in Dhulikhel, a holiday destination located near the Kathmandu Valley.

The hotel, which has been named Mount Hilton, is located in Khawa on the border of Panchkhal and Dhulikhel. It spreads across 184 ropanis (9.4 hectares) of land and will be built at a cost of Rs2.7 billion.

The foundation stone of the hotel was laid by Ashok Vyanju, head of Dhulikhel Municipality, last week.

“We are planning to complete construction of the hotel in two years,” Shreedhurva Prasad Ghimire, chairman of the hotel, said.

Ghimire, a promoter of Sumit Housing, is also the owner of Samjhana Cafe in Sundhara. “I decided to enter into hospitality sector following a slowdown in real-estate business,” Ghimire said.

The new hotel intends to create jobs for 400 people. Of these jobs, 25 percent will be provided to locals. “My aim is to raise the income level of locals by purchasing goods they produce,” said Ghimire, adding, “We are exploring possibilities of launching bungee jumping facility as well.”