Kathmandu, Dec. 11 -- When Nepal's government was toppled in September after deadly youth-led protests against economic stagnation and corruption, many in the impoverished country hoped for a period of meaningful political change.

But experts warn that the upheaval -- which killed 76 people and left thousands of buildings including parliament damaged -- has pushed the nation backwards economically.

Three months on from the September 8-9 protests, and with three months to go before elections on March 5, Nepal faces daunting challenges including rising unemployment and collapsing foreign investment.

"My family depended entirely on my salary," said Kamal Gautam, who lost his job as a kitchen worker at the Hyatt Regency when it was closed ...