Kopan monastery is an authentic working monastery situated in the hills above the Kathmandu valley sporting an amazing view over the city and its surrounding countryside as well as the mountains. It was founded by Lama Thubten Yeshe who passed away in 1984. Fascinatingly, the reincarnation of the great Lama who was a small Spanish boy named Osel Torres was declared the successor. But the reincarnation does not reside at Kopan anymore.
The interior of this beautiful monastery is decorated with beautiful arts and murals as well as the halls are also covered with such beautiful murals. The monastery also has a beautiful compound and gompas, nice gardens with colorful stupas and accomodation for monks and visitors.
Kopan Monastery is also popular for learning the Buddhist Teachings and performing meditations. It is also a well suited place for practising Yoga as the place is quite peaceful and serene. It also happens that Kopan Monastery(and Tushita) are both members of FPMT(FPMT is an organization devoted to preserving and spreading Mahayana Buddhism worldwide by creating opportunities to listen, reflect, meditate, practice the teachings of Buddha.)
Based on the Lam Rim(The Graduated Path to Enlightenment) the monastery runs a Discovering Buddhism course for beginners. And also other courses are also taught dealing with Mind Training, Karma, Death and Dying, Bodhicitta and more. Short courses on Tibetan Medicine, Thangka Painting are also available for anyone who wants to learn. Normally the courses are for 10 days and are scheduled throughout the year(apart from in November). The courses are taught in English medium which is led by Western monks and nuns with daily teachings from a Tibetan lama. The courses that are provided are all residential with accomodation and food provided.
The road leading to the monastery is sealed all the way but one can also take a pleasant hike from Bouddha. Many people who have various different ethnic backgrounds also join the monastery at a very young age to become monks. These young pupils are provided with formal education in math, science and other subjects just as any other student would in a school. These kids that are residing in the monastery are mostly from families who traditionally send one child to become a monk or nun.
The monastery was once open to visitors everyday of the week but due to the arrival of many visitors the entrance has been restricted. The monastery also has a library and a huge garden which is lit up by solar lights in the evenings. And also the monastery houses a proper restaurant with great views of Kathmandu below. During the special pujas a large crowd of devotees climb up to the monastery to receive blessings and pay homage.
While you are at the Kopan Monastery you might as well visit the Phulari Monastery which resides on a hill higher than Kopan. It’s a small hike which is less than an hour. In Between the two beautiful monasteries there is another one i.e Vajrayana Monastery. But a visit to Phulhari is worth it as one can expect to see the amazing Thangka Paintings that cover the entire interiors of the halls. As the building happens to be designed by an American architect/Budhhist monk who has done a successful job of combining the best of eastern and western architecture.
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Monastery Rules
The monastery is run on the basis of various rules for those who are looking forward on taking the course, some of which are:
- Maintaining Silence is very important(not even any eye contact, smiling, gestures etc) until after lunch.
- Use of internet devices or contact with the outside world is strictly prohibited and one must hand over any electronic devices in the reception safe at the start of the course.
- Attendance in all the sessions and staying inside the monastery grounds throughout the course is important.
- Singing, Playing music, exercising, performing yoga during the duration of the course is prohibited.
- Killing of any animal is not accepted- not even ants/mosquitos.
- Stealing and Lying is also not tolerated.
- Refraining from any kind of sexual activities is a must.
- Use of alcohol,tobacco or any other illegal drugs is not acceptable.
How To Get to Kopan Monastery?
You must be wondering how I can get to this magnificent monastery , well there happens to be three main routes to Kopan Monastery. The one with an enjoyable walk is from Bouddha. A road goes through Phulbari and meets the road coming from Chuchepati ,which is achievable walking from the east side of the stupa. And it’s downhill from there while your going down the monastery just shows itself and you will be climbing towards it.
Another route to Kopan Monastery is through Chabahil turning left at Chuchepati where one can see a statue of Pasang Lhamu(the first Nepali female to0 climb Mt. Everest).
And last but not least the third route follows the ring road after Chabahil and goes past the Gopi Krishna Radha Cinema Hall. One can find buses which take you to the monastery perched up on the hills. Taxi services can also be hired from the city. And if you are an adventurer and travel enthusiast you can also hire a motorcycle, mountain bike and visit the monastery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kopan Monastery
How can I reach the Kopan Monastery?
You can reach the monastery with an enjoyable walk from Bouddha.
Another route to Kopan Monastery is through Chabahil turning left at Chuchepati where one can see a statue of Pasang Lhamu(the first Nepali female to climb Mt. Everest).
And last but not least the third route follows the ring road after Chabahil and goes past the Gopi Krishna Radha Cinema Hall. One can find buses which take you to the monastery perched up on the hills. Taxi services can also be hired from the city. And if you are an adventurer and travel enthusiast you can also hire a motorcycle, mountain bike and visit the monastery.
Can you stay in the Kopan Monastery?
Yes, one can stay in the monastery but have to undergo courses which need to be followed with sincerity and dedication as the rules are very strict in the monastery.
Can you stay in the Monastery in Tibet?
While traveling in Tibet there are not many places where you can stay.It is often kept private and secluded, not allowing the outside world to see more than the basic outline of the monastery and the practices of its monks.
How far is the Kopan Monastery from Kathmandu?
Kopan Monastery is approximately 7.2 km away from Kathmandu. It will take roughly 26-30 mins to reach the monastery.
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