Travel Tips
Kopan Monastery Guide: Meditation and Buddhism Above Boudhanath
Kopan Monastery sits on a hill above Boudhanath and is one of the most accessible centres for Tibetan Buddhist study and meditation in Nepal. Here is how to visit and how to join a course.
Overview
Kopan Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Gelug school, founded in 1969 by Lamas Thubten Yeshe and Thubten Zopa Rinpoche. It sits on a forested hill about one kilometre north of Boudhanath Stupa and commands excellent views over the valley. Kopan is known internationally for its annual November meditation course, which has been running for over fifty years and has introduced Tibetan Buddhism to thousands of Western students. Today the monastery is home to around 360 monks and nuns and runs a full programme of courses, retreats, and drop-in offerings.
Visiting as a Day Visitor
Day visitors are welcome at Kopan during daylight hours. The monastery grounds contain the main assembly hall (gompa), a newer three-storey temple decorated with detailed murals, accommodation blocks, the nuns' monastery (Khachoe Ghakyil Ling) on an adjacent hill, and a vegetarian cafe. Walk through the gardens, attend a puja if one is scheduled, and visit the gompa respectfully (remove shoes at the entrance, dress modestly).
The climb from Boudhanath takes about 20-30 minutes on foot via a well-marked path. Taxis can reach the monastery entrance directly.
Courses and Retreats
Kopan offers courses ranging from a few days to several months. The annual November course — historically a month-long intensive — covers the lamrim (graduated path to enlightenment) and includes meditation sessions, lectures, and personal guidance from resident teachers. Shorter weekend and week-long courses run throughout the year. All courses are open to people of any background or belief; no prior experience is required. Registration is done through the FPMT (Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition) website and must be done well in advance, as courses fill quickly.
Planning this trip? 🎒
Don't stress about transport or guides. Sajilo offers verified cabs, luxury tourist buses, and expert guides across Nepal.
The Cafe and Garden
The monastery's cafe serves vegetarian and vegan food — soups, dal, bread, and good coffee — at reasonable prices. The garden terrace has views over the valley that are particularly beautiful at sunrise. Even visitors who are not interested in Buddhist practice often find the atmosphere at Kopan genuinely calming.
FAQ
Do I need to be Buddhist to visit or take a course at Kopan?
No. Courses are explicitly open to people of all backgrounds, including those with no religious affiliation. The teaching style is educational and analytical rather than devotional.
Can I stay overnight at Kopan?
Yes, for registered course participants. Accommodation is simple but comfortable — single or shared rooms, vegetarian meals included.
