🏛️ Culture

Kopan Monastery

Kathmandu, Nepal

About Kopan Monastery

A Tibetan Buddhist monastery on a hilltop north of Boudha, known worldwide for its meditation and philosophy courses — its month-long November Course has run since 1971. Day visitors are welcome most days between about 9am and 4pm to walk the peaceful gardens and temples, and shorter courses suit first-timers. Visits are limited during some courses and holidays.

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📍Kopan, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal

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✓ Comfortable to visit on your own.
✓ Free to visit.

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Price range

Free

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Pashupatinath Temple

Nepal's holiest Hindu temple complex, on the banks of the Bagmati River. Only Hindus may enter the main temple, but visitors can explore the ghats, shrines and cremation terraces, which are moving to watch respectfully from across the river. The evening aarti, with lamps and chanting, starts around 6–7pm; foreigners pay an entry fee (NPR 1,000).

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Boudhanath Stupa

One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its huge white dome crowned by the watchful eyes of the Buddha and ringed with prayer flags. The surrounding square is lined with Tibetan monasteries, shops and rooftop cafés. Come in the early evening, when pilgrims walk the kora clockwise around the stupa spinning prayer wheels.

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Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

An ancient hilltop stupa on the western edge of Kathmandu and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, nicknamed the Monkey Temple after the troupes that live here. The steep eastern stairway of 365 steps leads up to the painted eyes of the stupa and wide views over the valley — great at sunrise or sunset. Keep food out of sight: the monkeys are bold.

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