Smog has engulfed Kathmandu, shrouding the city and obscuring the once-clear view of its surrounding hills and mountains. Thursday morning, the air quality reached hazardous levels, with PM2.5 levels soaring to 155 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³), making Kathmandu the eighth most-polluted city globally.

Experts warn that the deteriorating air quality poses severe health risks, particularly for those with respiratory conditions. The persistent pollution caused by construction dust, vehicle emissions, and stubble burning continues to affect public health.

Below are images of the smog-blanketed Kathmandu Valley, captured by The Post’s photojournalist Safal Prakash Shrestha.