Kopan Monastery,Nepal

Kopan is particularly known for its annual Month-long Meditation Course started in the early 1970s, which helped establish its international reputation. There are many personal stories of deep practice and transformation recounted by longtime students. The site’s hilltop location and close connections to prominent lamas have led to an aura of spiritual significance for many visitors.

• Main gompa (temple) with daily pujas and butter lamps
• Meditation halls and residential retreat facilities
• The library and study rooms with Tibetan Buddhist texts
• Panoramic viewpoints over the Kathmandu Valley
• Stupas, prayer wheels, and colorful prayer flags

• Traditional Tibetan-style architecture and monastery layout
• Renowned month-long meditation courses for international students
• Combination of formal monastic rituals and accessible teachings for lay practitioners
• Scenic hilltop setting offering sunset and valley views
• Active international community (FPMT) with regular teachings and programs

• Attend a public teaching or join a guided visit of the gompa
• Participate in short meditation sessions or sign up for longer courses (including the famous month-long November course)
• Watch or join daily pujas and butter lamp rituals
• Walk the surrounding trails and enjoy panoramic views of Kathmandu
• Volunteer or take part in residential programs for deeper study

• Losar (Tibetan New Year) celebrations and ceremonies
• Saka Dawa and other important Buddhist holy days with special pujas
• Annual month-long meditation course (popular with international students)
• Commemorative events for the monastery’s founders and senior teachers

October–December and March–May for clearer skies and comfortable temperatures; avoid peak monsoon (June–September) if you prefer dry hiking and views.

Hilltop climate: cool mornings/evenings, mild daytime temperatures in spring and autumn, chilly winters (Dec–Feb). Monsoon season brings heavy rain and occasional muddy access roads.

The monastery is generally open to visitors during daytime hours; there is no formal entrance fee, but donations are appreciated. Public visiting hours are typically mid-morning to late afternoon (roughly 09:00–17:00). Participation in residential meditation courses requires advance registration and course fees that cover tuition, lodging, and meals—check the monastery/FPMT website for current rates and schedules.

Located on Kopan Hill near Boudhanath in the Kathmandu Valley. The nearest airport is Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu (about 20–40 minutes by car depending on traffic). Access is by road—taxis from Boudhanath or central Kathmandu are common; public microbuses serve nearby areas but a short uphill walk or local taxi may be needed. The approach includes steep, winding roads and steps; mobility-limited visitors should plan accordingly and contact the monastery in advance for assistance.

Day visitors: 2–4 hours to tour the gompa, attend a short teaching, and enjoy views. For meaningful practice: plan 1 week–1 month (many visitors opt for the signature month-long course).

Dress modestly and respectfully (shoulders and knees covered). Bring warm layers for mornings/evenings, comfortable shoes for uphill walks, and a rain jacket in monsoon months. Remove shoes inside the gompa and follow any temple etiquette.

Simple vegetarian meals are usually offered to residential students; nearby Boudhanath offers many Tibetan-Nepali restaurants serving momo, thukpa, and butter tea. Souvenirs include prayer flags, malas (prayer beads), thangkas, statues, and locally made handicrafts—purchase from ethical sellers and monastery shops when available.