Kopan monastery was established in 1971 when 25 monks moved from Mount Everest Center to Kopan hill.
Now, this place is an international centre for studying Buddhism. The courses offered in the monastery are a package of vegetarian diet, Lam Rim teachings, guided meditations and informal discussions about the learnings. For all those who have a spiritual connect must keep this place on your wish list on a trip from Melbourne to Kathmandu.
The highlight of the monastery are the month long meditation courses teaching the essence of Buddhism. Also, it has become a recreational centre on weekends and visited by tourists and locals of Kathmandu. Beautifully decorated hillock and other gardens of the monastery are famed attractions for the tourists. Closed on week days this place is open to public and tourists only on weekends.
Why should you visit Kopan monastery???
- Kopan has both monastery and nunnery giving holistic teachings to monks and nuns.
- It offers Buddhist teachings for foreigners.
- One of the most beautiful tourist sites in Kathmandu.
- An international centre for studies of Buddhism and meditation.
- Diverse courses with duration ranging from one week to a month.
How to reach Kopan monastery???
- First fly from Melbourne to Kathmandu.
- Kopan is located 15 Kms from Kathmandu and 5 Kms from the airport.
- Hiring taxi from the airport is the most suitable option.
- Hopping on a bus to Boudhanath and then 40 minutes walk from there is another alternative.
Special instructions to be followed:
- Reach the monastery within the office timings which are 9 to 11:30 am and 1 to 4:30 pm.
- If you are undertaking any course then prior booking is a must.
- If not the monastery stay is reserved for the monks and nuns only.
- Maintain the decorum of the place by maintaining silence and discipline.
On your trip from Melbourne to Kathmandu, visiting this place would enrich you with loads of spiritual knowledge while giving the sacred feel of Nepal. Doing the meditation course would be the finest way to spend time in the monastery. Exploring Buddhist teachings and participating in the informal discussions will take you to an inner journey which is extremely fulfilling and gratifying.
So, this vacation while you plan a trip from Melbourne to Kathmandu, Kopan should be a high priority destinations.