Nestled on the hill to the north of Boudhanath stupa, Kopan Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism. Kopan is popular among visitors due to its courses in Tibetan Buddhism. Many visitors come to the Kopan to study Buddhism and for meditation. The Monastery was founded by the founders of the Foundation of the Preservation of the Mahayana (FPMT), Lama Thubten Yeshe and Thubten Zopa Rinpoche, in the early 1970s. One can have a stunning view of Kathmandu from the Kopan Monastery.
The motive of building this monastery is to preserve and spread the centuries-old Buddhist tradition and teachings. Over 300 monks, lamas, teachers, and workers live there in the sanctuary. Nearby the Kopan monastery, Khachoe Ghakyil Ling Nunnery, was established by Lama Yeshe in 1979. The Monastery and Nunnery both are under the spiritual guidance of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Some Facts related to the Kopan Monastery
As Kopan Monastery was built on the hill of Kopan, the monastery is named Kopan Monastery.
The monastery was established by the founders of the Foundation of the Preservation of the Mahamaya(FPMT), Lamas Thubten Yeshe, and Thubten Zopa Rinpoche. They bought the property from Nepal’s royal astrologer in 1969.
Kopan Monastery is in the Gelug tradition of Tibetian Mahayana Buddhism.
Kopan Monastery has become the most popular for teaching Buddhism to visit western Foreigners.
The courses in Kopan Monastery deal with Training in Mind, Karma, Death, Bodhicitta, etc. There in Kopan Monastery, there are five days, ten days, and month-long courses on meditation.
Things to do in Kopan Monastery.
Visiting the wonderful and inviting Kopan Monastery offers you various activities to do there. Visiting the Monastery allows you to do mediation in the serene environment of Kopan, listen to the teachings of local monks in the monastery, and learn more about the Buddhist beliefs.
You can also join the morning prayers and participate in the courses and retreats.
Spinning the monastery’s big prayer wheels and stepping inside the prayer wheels to see the beautiful paintings is something you admire to do.
Admiring the stunning view of Kathmandu Valley and Boudha from this spot gives you a fantastic experience.
The Monastery's alluring architectural and natural beauty is what you should observe closely when visiting the Kopan Monastery.
When you visit the main temple, just look at the paintings of the four Dharma Kings of Tibet.
Also, scrutinize the 6m tall statue of Lama Tsong Khapa, the teacher who founded the Gelug school of Tibetian Buddhism.
There are eight stupas of enlightenment in the vicinity of the Kopan Monastery. Observe them as well.
You can have a ritual walk around the stupas and relax for some time in the lush green gardens for peace of mind.
Attractions in Kopan Monastery
The serene ambiance of Kopan
Stupas and Gardens
Phulkari Monastery is on a hill higher than Kopan Monastery. The mindblowing Thangka paintings are worth watching. The building was designed by an American architect, a Buddhist monk. The Monastery is a combination of both eastern and western architecture.
Khachoe Ghakyil Ling Nunnery: Khachoe Ghakyil Ling Nunnery is the home to 360 nuns. Among these nuns, many of them are refugees from Tibet. It is also known as Kopan Nunnery. Lama Yeshe established it in 1979.
How to get to the Kopan Monastery?
To reach the Kopan Monastery, there are three main routes. One is a short hike from Boudha, passing through Phulbari. The following route is through Chabhil turning Left at Chuchepati, where you can also see the statue of Pasang Lhamu, the first Nepali to climb the highest peak of the world Mt.Everest. The third one follows the ring road after reaching Chabahil. From Chabahil, go towards the Gopi Krishna Radha Cinema hall. There you can find buses for the Kopan Monastery. You can also make your day trip to the Monastery by hiring a car from Kathmandu.
Best time to visit Kopan Monastery
The visiting hours for Kopan Monastery are from 9 am to 7 pm. The Monastery remains closed on 11 November and 20th December. The primary season for visiting Kopan Monastery is from late September to December. April to early June is also highly favored.
Entrance Fee
For the day visit, there is no entrance fee for Kopan Monastery. If you are interested in making some donations, you can do so.
