Visitors information
- How to get to Kopan
- Some house rules
- Nepali Visas
- What to Bring
- Money
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Cancellations
- Cost of your stay
How to Get to Kopan
Kopan is situated on the outskirts of Kathmandu, near Boudhanath (also called Boudha). It is about 15km from the city,and about 5km from the airport. The road to the monastery is accessible all year round.
From the Airport
If you are coming from the airport, take a taxi from there to Kopan, which is near Boudhanath. Ask for Kopan Gompa. The taxi from the airport is approximately 700 rupees if paid in advance at the PRE-PAID TAXI station outside the arrival hall.
From Kathmandu
You can take a taxi all the way up to Kopan. Ask for Kopan Gompa. From Boudhanath (pictured above) the taxi cost should be around 150 rupees. From Thamel, the cost is closer to 300 rupees. You can try to bargain for lower prices. Taxis are plentiful in Kathmandu.
You can also take a public bus to Boudhanath. From there you will have to walk approximately 40 minutes to Kopan. The last half of the walk is up along a paved road up the Kopan Hill. During the rainy season (June - September) the roads are often muddy and hard to negotiate. There are no signposts, but you may be able to get directions by asking for Kopan Gompa.
The gate of the monastery is closed from 7 pm onwards. Please schedule your arrival to coincide with the opening hours of the office (9am -11.30am, 1pm-4.30pm). If you are arriving outside these hours, please call the reception for other arrangements.
Some House Rules
- During your stay we request you to abide by the five precepts:
- no killing
- no stealing
- no lying
- no sexual conduct
- no taking of mind altering substances (drugs, alcohol, tobacco)
- Respect the monks and their vows
- Please do not bring any animals with you
- Dress comfortable - please no revealing clothes such as see through blouses, short shorts.
- Please note This is a monastery, and the accommodattion is allocated according to monastic rules. For this reason accommodation for male and female visitors is segregated. Couples cannot share rooms.
Nepali Visas
You will need a valid visa to enter Nepal. This is now available at the airport for a stay of up to two months for most nationalities (Please check with the nearest Nepal Embassy for special regulations applicable for your country of origin). It can be extended for up to five months within one calendar year. The visa needs to be paid in cash US$ on arrival at the airport. Bring US$ in cash for this purpose, best to bring the correct amount: 30 US$.
What to Bring
A warm sleeping bag is essential as bedding is usually not provided. You also need some warm clothes during the colder time of the year (November to March), a flashlight and insect repellent. A small shop supplies toiletries and other necessities. (See also Frequently Asked Questions for more information)
Money
CurrencyThe currency in Nepal is the Nepali Rupee (current exchange rate is 65 Rs to 1 US$)
The Nepali Rupee is non-convertible, and only available in Nepal itself.
Credit cards
Kopan now accepts credit card payments (Visa, Master Card) for your stay. Credit Cards are accepted by most businesses, and ATM's are available in the capital, Kathmandu.
Accommodation
Please note Kopan is a monastery, and the accommodation is allocated according to monastic rules. For this reason rooms for male and female visitors are segregated. Couples cannot share rooms.
Please note: this section does not apply to the November Course
Accommodation during courses is in single and triple bed rooms with private bath. Also available are double rooms with shared facilities as well as dormitories. Bedding is not included in rooms with shared facilities, and we recommend you bring a warm sleeping bag or blanket during the colder months of the year, mainly December till March.
We recommend that you book your accommodation in advance, especially if you plan to come for a longer retreat. We will do our best to accommodate you according to your wishes, but we cannot guarantee it.
Meals
Meals are provided by the Monastery kitchen. The meals are simple, vegetarian, and plentiful. Three meals a day are served. We regret that dairy and wheat free diets cannot be catered for.
Cancellations
Please cancel your accommodation booking if you cannot come. We will return your deposit if it was paid by credit card. An administration fee of US $10 is charged in case of a cancellation.
We cannot return international drafts or bank checks due to the restrictions on foreign currency in Nepal. We are happy to apply your deposit to any future booking at Kopan; in this case the cancellation fee does not apply.
Cost of Your Stay
Please note: this section does not apply to the November Course
Course Fees:
The charge for courses includes all meals and accommodation in dormitories plus an administration fee.
- 7-day courses are 5200 Rs (80 US$) per person
- 10-day courses 7150 Rs (110 US$) per person.
The cost might vary according to the exchange rate
Private Stay:
If you want to come for a visit or personal retreat you have to proceed with this form and choose your accommodation. Accommodation Prices are per day and person, unless otherwise mentioned. Breakfast is complementary and included in the price of the room. Bedding is not included in rooms with shared facilities and a warm sleeping bag is recommended in the winter months.
Price per person
Rooms with private bathrooms (includes breakfast)Single room/priv. bath - 450 Rs (6.90 US$) (one=bed room)
Three bed room /priv. bath - 250 Rs (3.50 US$) per person (sharing with two others)
Rooms with shared facilities (includes breakfast)
Simple single/shared facilities - 250 Rs (3.50 US$)
Simple Double/shared facilities - 170 Rs (2.60 US$)
3 beds/shared facilities - 130 Rs (2 US$)
Dormitories
Dormitories have between four and six beds and shared facilities - 110 Rs per bed (1.70 US$)
Meals
We charge a set fee for all meals. - 200 Rs per day (3 US$) (This includes lunch, dinner and afternoon tea)
Our office can only accept cash payment in Nepali Rupees. Please make sure to have changed sufficient money in Kathmandu before you come to Kopan. (This applies only to payment made directly in our office at the Monastery.
These quoted prices are subject to change without notice and are approximate only.