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 750 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 200 rupees. From Thamel, the cost is closer to 400 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. 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 (4821268)
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 and do not distract them from their studies.
- Please do not bring any animals with you
- Dress comfortable. We recommend loose fitting pants and tops - please no revealing clothes such as see-through blouses, short shorts or mini skirts.
- If you are attending a course, we will aks you to deposity our mobile (cell) phone, computer and other communication devices) in the reception. This will help you stay focused on the teachings.
- During courses all accommodation is reserved for course participants. If you are planning to come during the time a course is scheduled, your boking can only be accpeted if you are attending the course.
Please note This is a monastery, and the accommodation 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 three 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. Also needed is a passport size photo.
The cost of the visa:
15 days = 20 US$
1 month = 40 US$
3 months = 100 US$
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What to Bring
A warm sleeping bag is essential during the winter months as bedding is not provided in dormitories. You also need some warm clothes during the colder time of the year (November to March), a flashlight and insect repellent. A 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 approx 75 Rs to 1 US$)
The Nepali Rupee is non-convertible, and only available in Nepal itself.
Credit cards
Kopan now accepts credit card payments (Visa, Master Card) for your stay. Credit Cards are accepted by most businesses, and ATM's are available in the capital, Kathmandu.
Accommodation (this section does not apply to the November Course)
Please note Kopan is a monastery, and the accommodation is allocated according to monastic rules. For this reason rooms for male and female visitors are segregated. Couples cannot share rooms.
Accommodation during courses is in single and triple bed rooms with private bath. Also available are double rooms with shared facilities as well as dormitories. Bedding is not included in rooms with shared facilities, and we recommend you bring a warm sleeping bag or blanket during the colder months of the year, mainly December till March. We recommend that you book your accommodation in advance, especially if you plan to come for a longer retreat. We will do our best to accommodate you according to your wishes, but we cannot guarantee it.
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Meals
Meals are provided by the monastery kitchen. The meals are simple, vegetarian, and plentiful. Three meals a day are served. We regret that dairy and wheat free diets cannot be catered for.
A coffee shop on the premises caters for meals outside dining room hours.
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Cancellations
Please cancel your accommodation booking if you cannot come. We will return your deposit (minus a 15 US$ administration fee) if it was paid by credit card. We are happy to apply your deposit to any future booking at Kopan; in this case the cancellation fee does not apply.
We
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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 6000 Rs (80 US$) per person
- 10-day courses 8250 Rs (110 US$) 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.
Cost of Room and Food at Kopan Monastery
Valid as of 15th June 2009| Bed/breakfast | Full Board | |
| SINGLE ROOM WITH BATH (GH) | 8.50 US$ | 11.50 US$ |
| TSOKNYI HOUSE (TH) | ||
| DOUBLE ROOM WITH +BATH+KITCHEN/SITTING ROOM+AC (TH) price per person | 13 US$ | 15.50 US$ |
| DOUBLE ROOM WITH BATH/ AC (TH) price per person | 10.50 US$ | 13.00 US$ |
| ROOM WITH+BATH+KITCHEN/SITTING ROOM+AC (TH) SINGLE USE | 26.50 US$ | 28.50 US$ |
| ROOM WITH BATH/ AC (TH) SINGLE USE | 20.50 US$ | 23.00 |
| RETREAT HOUSE (RH) | ||
| 3 PERSON SHARED (TRIPLE) price per person | 4.5 US$ | 7.00 US$ |
| 2 PERSON SHARED (DOUBLE) price per person | 6 US$ | 8.50 US$ |
| 1 PERSON Single use | 10 US$ | 12.50 US$ |
| NEW THABSHELING (NT) | ||
| DOUBLE USE price per person | 2.20 US$ | 4.70 US$ |
| SINGLE USE Single use | 3.30 US$ | 5.80 US$ |
| DORMITORY price per person | 1.50 US$ | 4.00 US$ |
| Notes: | ||
| 1. During courses rooms are available on share basis only | ||
| 2. The prices quoted are approximate, depending on the exchange rate at the time of your visit | ||