Kathmandu exists in two phases: the chaos and disorder of the daytime and the unruffled calm of the night. The crowd and commotion of the day subside leaving no trace after sunset. What remains then is the silhouette of people and buildings against little illumination from couple of bikes, cars and roadside fireplaces.  

These photographs are an attempt to document Kathmandu nights in winter. As the sun goes down and the temperature drops, places close down, officers rush home, and people assemble in small flocks around small fires; painting the otherwise pitch black town in orange hues. 

- Text and photos: Shashank Shrestha 

Shrestha is a filmmaker and sometimes a photographer working with Kathaharu

Painting the road home

closing time

The hustle to return home

As the traffic dies down and people disappear, those who remain become sihlouettes

Lights peek in the shadows

A streetside fireplace

Smoke covered alleys with the occasional traffic

The stoves become fireplaces

Breathing space

Family meeting

Another sunrise, another day.