- Monday, 6 April 2026
Beating Winter Chill
Dixya Poudel
If one is walking on the streets of Kathmandu during the winter, the effects of the crippling cold become apparent. People can be seen bundled in layered clothes to beat the cold. In tea shops, many are seen taking sips of hot tea as the steam rises in the foggy cold air.
In newspaper shops, readers take to preview the news even as the chill in the air blasts nefariously. The cold can be woeful. Thankfully, in Nepal, the winter season lasts only for a few months from late November to February. However, how endless the winter seems!
Warm Clothes
As such, winter is best braced with snug clothes. The woollen and knitted clothes, fleece, jackets, beanies and mittens that were discarded at the nook of a wardrobe have to be dug out. The house seems to forever be engulfed by chilly drafts and windows have to be shut at night.
Likewise, people’s routine is severely affected by the cold. One tends to wake up late in the morning and go early to bed in the evening, to burrow deeply into the layers of a quilt.
Hot beverages in the mornings, during the day and in the evenings are a must. Coffee and tea sell a lot in the market. They are a must-have during the winter season. And as people talk about the weather, they exchange grievances concerning the cold. One person complains about back and joint aches while the other complains about nasal congestion that is acting up. Certainly, bouts of cold, flu and arthritis become a widespread problem this season.
Meanwhile, in Nepal, some regions are more affected by winter than others. Similarly, some people are more prone to winter woes than others. It is then a wonder that there are a set of people who relish winter with its freezing temperature.
They love to splurge on winter wardrobes, go to cafes for caffeinated drinks and simply rejoice in the cold. How can they? It is just one of the mysteries of the world! They have the rather astonishing ability to carry on despite the cold while the others flounder throughout the winter season. It is a season like any other and yet how strenuous, relentless and unwavering it seems!
Then in most cities of Nepal, air pollution tends to get quite aggravated during the winter season. The main driving factor in air pollution is particulate matter (PM) which includes tiny particles floating in the air. PM is created by the combustion of fossil fuels in vehicle engines, industries, and power plants, as well as through dust and fires. Particulate matter includes dust, smoke, soot, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone and organic matter.
It is due to overexposure to such particles that the body's nervous system is adversely affected with increased chances of lung disorders and chronic heart diseases. In the nervous system, PM along with sulphur dioxide causes anxiety and headaches.
Particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. Spleen, liver and blood are also adversely affected. Further, PM as well as nitrogen dioxide leads to irritation, inflammation and infections of the lungs causing reduced lung function, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
In Nepal, Kathmandu has been recording hazardous air quality for several years in a row now. Winter inversion, prolonged lack of rainfalls and accumulated vehicular emissions cause the air quality to degrade in the valley.
Such polluted air in the colder season is quite problematic for the health of pedestrians, cyclists and vehicular drivers on the city's roads. Thus, numerous activists and organisations have been calling for curbing air pollution in Kathmandu for years.
It has become necessary to take effective and practical measures to alleviate air pollution, especially in the winter season. For this, the government, private sectors and associated organisations must put forward policies to curb vehicular and factory emissions in addition to building roadside greenery.
Sun's Warmth
On the brighter side, the sun is very welcome these days even if its rays are only just lukewarm. When lying in the sun, the warmth somehow soothes the chilled soul. Yet, soon evening falls and the night beckons with the plunging mercury. One can then only hope for the onset of spring. But spring is still months away.
Thus for a better winter experience, sunbathing during the day and bundling in warm wear and blankets in the mornings and evenings seem to be the best way to beat the cold. During the afternoons in Kathmandu, especially in the Durbar Squares, parks and other open public spaces, people can be seen soaking in the sun and eating tangy oranges and crunchy peanuts while they converse. Groups of young students seek respite from the cold in cafes that are inviting with their aroma of coffee and pastries.
Interestingly, there is a new fad in town which is drinking bubble tea, a novelty for Kathmanduties. The youth are falling into this trend as now bubble tea is available as a hot drink as well. For those who don’t venture outdoors, endless cups of tea and coffee at home give a boost of caffeine.
On social media, there are coffee recipes such as dalgona coffee and matcha teas that earn a slew of likes from caffeine-addicted viewers who try these recipes themselves. However, not all get the luxury to lounge at home or cafes.
Many have to put in their office hours a day in and day out with a respite only in holidays. But even in offices, officers are seen sipping cups of tea or coffee while keeping warm with electric heaters or gas heaters. In schools and colleges, if possible teachers take their classes out in the sun. Not only does it break the monotony of the day, but it also provides students with the warmth of the sun.
Likewise, taking long walks during winter afternoons is certainly agreeable. One can soak up the sun, get the much-necessary exercise and introspect. It is one of the many things that one can do in winter.
Whether one is outdoors or indoors, at home or office and school, the cold makes its presence known. It takes a toll on a person but it also makes for an educational experience. It has been advised by psychologists to extend one’s comfort zone. The cold may test a person but it also teaches one to endure and survive.
Life isn’t always supposed to be about being cosy; often by testing one’s vigour and endurance, one can find a sense of discipline. Thus it can help to face winter with determination, acceptance, and fortitude.
(The author is a freelancer)
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