👑 King Gyanendra’s Business Career

Although he is best known as the last King of Nepal, Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev is also a successful businessman. He built a strong business empire.

🏢 1. Before Becoming King (Business Empire)

Even before he became king in 2001, Gyanendra was one of Nepal’s wealthiest businessmen.

🔹 Major Business Sectors:

1. Hotels and Tourism

   • He was chairman of Soaltee Hotel Ltd., one of Nepal’s top luxury hotels.

   • Soaltee Hotel is a 5-star hotel in Kathmandu and is also listed on the Nepal Stock Exchange.

   • He promoted tourism in Nepal as a business.

2. Tea Industry

   • Owned Himalayan Goodricke Tea, one of Nepal’s oldest tea estates.

   • Exported Nepali tea to international markets.

3. Forestry and Timber

   • He was involved in timber and forest-based industries.

   • His companies had timber rights and forest land access in various parts of Nepal.

4. Manufacturing and Industry

   • He had shares in cement factories, cigarette factories, and paper manufacturing.

   • Had investments in Surya Nepal, a joint venture with India’s ITC group.

5. Finance and Banking

   • Involved in Nepal’s private sector banking and insurance sectors.

   • Had silent shares in Nabil Bank and other financial institutions.

👑 2. During Monarchy (2001–2008)

• When he became king, his businesses were managed through trustees and family members.

• He was still indirectly connected to his companies.

• Many believe he used his royal influence to benefit his business empire.

🏚️ 3. After Abolition of Monarchy (Post-2008)

• After Nepal became a Republic, his personal properties were confiscated by the state.

• But his private businesses remained with him because they were legally separate from royal assets.

• He stayed active in business silently.

💰 4. Current Business Activities

• Lives in Nagarjuna Palace and runs private businesses quietly.

• His son Paras Shah and other royal family members also look after the remaining business interests.

• Still involved in tourism, agriculture, and some trade.

Where he lives now (Location Details):

• Name: Hemanta Bas Cottage, Nagarjuna Palace

• Area: Nagarjun Hill, inside the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park

• Municipality: Nagarjun Municipality, Ward No. 1

• District: Kathmandu District, Bagmati Province, Nepal

• Geographic Coordinates (approx):
  Latitude: 27.7446° N
  Longitude: 85.2709° E