Nestled among the scenic hills of Nepal is the picturesque Kopan Monastery in Nepal attracting travellers from far and wide to explore and experience the serene atmosphere and scenic surroundings. Offering a sublime blend of Buddhist spiritualism and natural beauty, visitors can choose to be a part of the various meditations conducted or learn more about Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism through the courses offered at the monastery. With the backdrop of the Himalayas, this monastery provides a tranquil space to simply revel in the views, discover the rich history of the place and experience complete peace and serenity. Away from the hustle of a modern-day lifestyle, this sanctuary permeates a sense of stillness to simply be in the moment and make the most of it.
History Of Kopan Monastery
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Thubten Yeshe and Thubten Zopa Rinpoche, the founders of the Foundation of the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition, established the spiritual retreat known as Kopan Monastery. In 1969, the two founders bought a piece of land from one of Nepal’s most famous astrologers, and the Kopan Monastery was completed in 1971.
In the initial years, the Kopan Monastery had 25 monks, and now the Monastery serves as a home to 350 people, including the monks, teachers, lamas, and other workers. Kopan has two separate institutions, one at the Kopan Hills and the other at the Kopan nunnery, established in 1979.
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Places To Visit Near Kopan Monastery
Besides Kopan Monastery, which is a prominent Buddhist monastery in Nepal, there are a number of famous edifices in Nepal known for its cultural heritage sites, historical landmarks, and pristine temples. Here is a curated list of places you can visit after your spiritual retreat at Kopan Monastery.
1. Pashupatinath Temple
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The Pashupatinath Temple is the most respected and popular in Kathmandu, Nepal. The temple is situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. The Temple attracts thousands of devotees throughout the years. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple attracts thousands of devotees annually. It is believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati transformed into antelopes to visit the dense forest situated on the eastern banks of the Bagmati River. The Pashupatinath Temple is constructed in the style of a Nepalese Pagoda structure embellished with intricate carved wooden rafters. The main attraction of the Pashupatinath Temple is the golden statue of Nandi the bull, the vehicle of Lord Shiva.
Distance from Kopan Monastery in Nepal: 4.8 kilometres
Timings: 04:00 A.M. to 12 noon and 05:00 P.M. to 09:00 P.M.
Entry Fees: For Foreigners and SAARC Nationals: NPR 1000; Free for Indian and Nepalese
2. National Museum Of Nepal
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Nestled on the Swayambhu foothills of Kathmandu Valley, the Mansion Museum was established in 1928 and served as a residence to Bhimsen Thapa, the de facto ruler of Nepal. The National Museum of Nepal is also known as the Rashtriya Sangrahalaya. The National Museum consists of three Museums – the Historical Museum Building, the Buddhist Art Gallery, and Juddha Jayatia Kala Shala. This National Museum in Nepal is a must-visit historical landmark in Kathmandu as the museum displays the weapons and artillery used during the war. A visit to the National Museum Of Nepal takes you back to the journey of battles fought in Nepal.
Distance from Kopan Monastery in Nepal: 8.6 Kilometres
Timings: February-October: Wednesday-Sunday: 10:30 A.M.-04:30 P.M.; Monday: 10:30 A.M.- 02:30 A.M.; November-January: Wednesday-Sunday: 10:30 A.M.-3:30 P.M.; Monday: 10:30 A.M.-2:00 P.M.
Entry Fee: Entry for Citizens of SAARC Countries: NPR 50
NPR 75 for Entry with a Still Camera
NPR 150 for Entry With a Video Camera
Entry for citizens of Other Foreign Countries: NPR 150
NPR 100 for Entry With a Still Camera
NPR 200 for Entry With a Video Camera
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3. Garden Of Dreams
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Get away from the bustling city and rejuvenate amid lush green surroundings at the beautiful Garden of Dreams. Located in Kaiser Mahal at Tridevi Marg, the Garden of Dreams also known as “Swapna Bageecha” is a popular tourist attraction in Kathmandu, Nepal. Spread across an area of 6895 square metres, the Garden of Dreams was built by Kishore Narsingh in 1920. In 1960, when Kaiser Sumsher Rana passed away, the garden remained dormant for a few years until the Government of Nepal, in collaboration with the Austrian Government, renovated the place. The Garden of Dreams is an ideal destination for those seeking an idyllic break amid nature. The Garden of Dreams has a splendid amphitheatre, pavilions, paths, and a quaint pond.
Distance from Kopan Monastery in Nepal: 8.6 kilometres
Timings: Monday-Sunday: 09:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M.
Entry Fees: Adult: NPR 320; Child: NPR 160
4. Tribhuvan Museum
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Located in the most tourist-gathering place, the Hanuman Dhoka, the Tribhuvan Museum is a hidden gem in Kathmandu, Nepal. The museum is solely dedicated to the Nepali King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah and preserves the artefacts of the 8th King of Nepal. Once you enter the museum, you will witness the artefacts that the King used during his tenure, such as statues, woodwork, stonework, weapons, attire, and his favourite boxing gloves. The locals believe that the king used to sit here and listen to the problems of his people. The Tribhuvan Museum is a perfect place for history enthusiasts and a great place to relive the King’s journey.
Distance from Kopan Monastery in Nepal: 10.1 kilometres
Timings: 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM every day except Tuesday
Friday: 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Entry Fees: SAARC Citizens: NPR 150; Foreigners: NPR 100
Related Post: Tourist Places In Nepal
5. Taleju Temple
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Located in the Durbar Square Kathmandu, The Taleju Bhawani Temple is a religious attraction dedicated to the Goddess of Malla Kings Devi Taleju Bhawani. The Taleju Temple architecture has been praised by tourists who visit this pristine temple in the centre of Durbar Square. The temple is well-rested on a pedestal with twelve levels of stone. On the eighth level, the temple is guarded by walls. You can find twelve smaller shrines present in front of the wall. On the other side of the wall, there are four more shrines. But tourists can explore the temple from the outside as the temple only allows Hindus and Kings.
Distance: 10.2 kilometres
Timings: N.A
Entry Fees: No entry fee
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Kathmandu is known for being the cultural hub of Buddhism. You can find many Buddhist monasteries and temples in Kathmandu. One of the most famous Buddhist Monasteries is the Kopan Monastery in Nepal, situated on the outskirts of Kathmandu. Kopan Monastery’s teachings give you the essence of Buddhism. Tourists can opt to stay at the monastery and learn more about Buddhism in a serene and pristine atmosphere. Grab the chance to visit Kopan Monastery on your trip to Kathmandu.
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Cover Image credit: Rajeev Bista for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Kopan Monastery
What is the entry fee For Kopan Monastery?
There is no Kopan Monastery entry fee, but if you plan to stay there, your stay can cost between 10 and 24 dollars.
What are the courses offered at Kopan Monastery?
Kopan Monastery offers various courses, such as Discover Buddhism, The Next Step, Daily Dharma Talks, the November Program, the FPMT Basic Program, and Retreats.
Where is Kopan Monastery located?
The Kopan Monastery is located near Boudhanath on Kathmandu’s outskirts, 15 kilometres from the city and 5 kilometres from the airport. It is accessible to tourists all year round.
How to reach Kopan Monastery?
If you travel from Kathmandu, you can hire a cab to go to Kopan Monastery. Bus services are also available from Ratna Park, which will drop you at Kapan village. From there, the Monastery is a 10-minute walk.
What is Kopan Monastery famous for?
Kopan Monastery is famous for teaching Buddhism to foreigners willing to stay at the monastery and learn about Buddhist culture.
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