Frequently
Asked Questions
- How safe is it to come to Nepal?
- Can I make a day visit to Kopan?
- Do I need vaccination and malaria medication
- What is the weather like in Nepal?
- What clothes should I bring for the course
- Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?
- What are the accommodations like?
- What should I bring and what should I leave behind?
How safe is it to come to Nepal?
Even though the political situation in Nepal is not very stable, after careful evaluation of the situation we feel confident that it is safe to come to Kopan. Foreigners in general and tourists in particular have not been the target of any hostility. Of course everybody has to make this important decision for themselves, as Kopan cannot give any guarantees regarding future development.
Certain common sense safety considerations should be followed, such as not travelling after dark, always letting other people know where you go, not trekking or walking in the hill areas alone, and avoiding areas that are particularly prone to trouble. We feel that Kopan is very safe and we have not experienced any problems so far.
Can I make a day visit to Kopan?
You are welcome any time to visit for a day. Come and attend our daily (10 am, Mon - Friday) meditation and discussion group on Buddhist topics, led by a Western teacher, and stay for lunch. Visit our extensive Dharma library (open daily 1-3 pm). On Sunday morning we show Dharma videos.
Do I need Vaccination and Malaria medication
No special immunisation is required, but tetanus vaccination is strongly recommended. If you are planning to stay in the Terai region of Nepal (near the border to India), Malaria medication is recommended. In Kathmandu and hill areas Malaria is not prevalent.
What is the weather like in Nepal?
The best time of the year for walking is during the Nepali autumn (fall). The weather is still warm, the nights are cool. In December the temperatures varies between 8°C at night and 15°C degree in the daytime. Occasionally it rains. The coldest months of the year are January and February, while the weather warms up considerably during March.
Between June and September it is the monsoon season, and it rains frequently. At that time travel outside the Kathmandu valley can be difficult as quite frequently roads in the countryside are closed due to flooding or landslides. Still, at Kopan it is a great time for retreat.
What clothes should I bring for the course?
Bring comfortable, casual clothes as you will be doing a lot of sitting on the floor (on cushions). Warm clothes are essential for the morning - when you meditate (or sit still for longer periods of time) you will need some warm jumpers, sweaters, shawls. Also warm socks and a hat are recommend. Go with the layering principle. As the day warms up you shed the various layers of clothing. The locals wear warm shawls, a flexible piece of clothing with many uses.
Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?
If you are staying on in Nepal for trekking, a sleeping bag is essential in any case. Depending on your type of accommodation at Kopan, you might need a sleeping bag. You can also hire a blanket from the reception.
What are the accommodations like?
The accommodation is clean and simple, ranging from dormitories to double rooms, and 3 bed rooms with private bathrooms. A few single rooms with private bathrooms are also available. There are public showers with solar water heaters on the property. Be prepared for simple living, and little space for personal belongings, so try to bring as little as possible.
What should I bring and what should I leave behind?
Bring essentials only.
Recommended:
Earplugs, good shampoo, some medicine (for diarrhea, common cold,
headache, flue), some warm clothes, walking shoes, umbrella, insect
repellent. A Walkman can be useful for recording the teachings
(with microphone).
Better leave these things behind
Expensive watches and jewelry, fashion wear - you will mostly
wear jeans, sweat pants and shirts etc.
Your CD-player, music tapes, musical instruments, computer, palm
held, mobile phone (if you do bring these things, we will ask
you to deposit them in the office during your stay here)