Kopan Monastery

Kopan Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located on a peaceful hill about 6 kilometers north of Boudhanath in Kathmandu. Founded in 1969 by Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, it has grown from a small meditation center into one of the most internationally significant Buddhist institutions in Nepal.

The monastery is affiliated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), a global network of Buddhist centers spanning multiple continents. This affiliation has made Kopan instrumental in bringing Tibetan Buddhism to Western audiences, serving as a bridge between ancient Eastern wisdom and modern spiritual seekers.

Kopan gained international fame through its annual one-month meditation courses, which have been running since the early 1970s. These intensive courses attract practitioners from around the world, providing instruction in Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and meditation techniques. The monastery also offers shorter 7-10 day courses throughout the year, catering to both beginners and experienced meditators.

The monastic community houses hundreds of monks and nuns. A separate nunnery called Khachoe Ghakyil Ling operates nearby, providing spiritual education and refuge for women pursuing the monastic path. Education at Kopan follows the traditional Tibetan Buddhist curriculum, preserving ancient teachings while making them accessible to international students.

The monastery's setting offers stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayan peaks beyond. Its peaceful grounds, adorned with prayer flags and traditional Buddhist architecture, provide an ideal environment for contemplation and spiritual practice. Regular teachings by visiting rinpoches and resident teachers continue the living transmission of Buddhist wisdom.

Kopan has played a crucial role in preserving Tibetan Buddhist traditions after the diaspora following Chinese occupation of Tibet, while simultaneously adapting these teachings for a global audience seeking spiritual guidance.