Is the air quality good in Kathmandu?
As of March 8, 2026, at 8:00 AM PT, Kathmandu, Nepal, is experiencing poor air quality due to urban emissions and weather conditions. The AQI is over 200, classified as "very unhealthy" with PM2.5 concentrations dominating.
These conditions can increase the risk of respiratory illness, worsen heart problems, and reduce lung function, especially for children, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions.
Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. Kathmandu ranked as the most polluted major city in the world on Sunday morning.
Click here for a real-time air quality map of Kathmandu.
While air quality today is unusually poor, long-term data show sustained pollution concerns. In 2024, Kathmandu recorded an average PM2.5 concentration of 45.1 µg/m³, equivalent to an AQI of 128, placing it in the ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ category and 9.2 times higher than the WHO’s annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.
Kathmandu, Nepal, ranked as the most polluted major city as of March 8, 2026, at 8:00 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.
When will air quality improve in Kathmandu?
Air quality in Kathmandu is expected to improve gradually, though significant improvement may depend on weather changes and emission control measures.
Hourly air quality forecast for Kathmandu, Nepal, as of March 8, 2026, at 8:00 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.
Over the last 30 days, air quality has consistently stayed in the "unhealthy" range, with occasional spikes into very unhealthy conditions.
Daily air quality trends in Kathmandu, Nepal, over the past 30 days. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Kathmandu?
Poor air quality in Kathmandu is caused by a combination of geographic, environmental, and human factors that allow pollution to accumulate in the basin-shaped valley.
The valley’s topography traps pollution when weather conditions are calm. Without rainfall or wind, smoke and dust remain suspended in the air rather than dispersing (1).
The main sources contributing to poor air quality in Kathmandu Valley include:
- Vehicular emissions, particularly diesel-powered vehicles, many of which emit smoke beyond permitted levels (2).
- Industrial emissions and construction-related dust (3).
- Biomass burning and residential fuel use.
- Cross-border pollution from surrounding regions.
- Forest fires during the dry season.
Rapid urbanization and population growth have also increased energy consumption, transportation demand, and industrial activity, further elevating pollutant emissions such as PM2.5, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide (4).
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How can I protect myself from poor air quality?
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.
