Arriving in Nepal
Nepal is a sovereign state, with its capital Kathmandu and with its own currency.
It is supplied by a range of international airlines. Please check with your travel agent for the best way to get here.
Arrival: After disembarking you will enter the immigration section, where you apply for your visa. If you already have a visa, look for the appropriate queue.
For easy cash on arrival there is a bank counter just after the immigration hall. It is open for flight arrivals and has reasonable exchange. There is also an ATM machine in the arrival hall.
A hotel reservation counter and Prepaid Taxi counter is on your right-hand side as you leave the customs section at the airport.
Departure: When departing on an international flight, arrive at least two hours, preferably three hours early. You need to show your ticket as you enter the departure hall - so make sure to print it out before you go to the airport. Departure tax is no longer charged by the government.
Getting to Kopan
Kopan is situated on the outskirts of Kathmandu, near Boudhanath (also called Boudha). It is about 15 km from the city, and about 5 km from the airport. The road to the monastery is accessible all year round.
The gate of the monastery is closed from 5 pm onwards. Please schedule your arrival to coincide with the opening hours of the office (9 am -11.30 am, 1pm - 4.30 pm).
If your flight arrives after 5 pm, we recommend that you stay overnight in a hotel and come to Kopan the next morning. You can google Boudhanath Guesthouse Nepal to find a place to stay.
Coming From the Airport
Take a taxi to Kopan, 25 min from Boudhanath. Ask for Kopan Gompa. Best to book a taxi from the Prepaid counter just outside the arrival hall. The cost from the airport is approximately 1000 rupees. (http://prepaidtaxinepal.com/index.php/location)
You can also take any taxi outside the arrival hall, if you don't mind bargaining for the price.
Coming from Kathmandu
You can take a taxi all the way up to Kopan - ask for Kopan Gompa. From Thamel, the cost is around to 600 rupees. You can try to bargain for lower prices. Taxis are plentiful in Kathmandu.
There are public buses going from Ratna Park directly to Kapan village. From there it is a 10 minute walk to the monastery, all the way uphill.
Coming from Boudhanath
You can walk from Boudhanath, a 40 minute walk approximately. There are no signposts, but you will be able to get directions by asking for Kopan Gompa.
A taxi from Boudhanath will be around 500 rupees.
Visa
You will need a valid visa to enter Nepal, visas are granted upon arrival to Nepal or at the Nepal Embassy or Consulate in your country of origin.
Visas upon arrival need to be paid in cash in foreign money.
A tourist visa is available for a maximum of five months, you can get a 3 month (90 days) visa upon arrival and then extend your visa for two more months at the Nepal Immigration office. The visa is also available at overland borders if you come to Nepal by bus.
Visa cost | Duration | Fee |
Multiple entry | 15 days | US$ 30 or equivalent convertible currency |
Multiple entry | 30 days | US$ 50 or equivalent convertible currency |
Multiple entry | 90 days | US$ 125 or equivalent convertible currency |
Check the Nepal government immigration website for more information on visas.
Money
The currency in Nepal is the Nepali Rupee. Please check foreign exchange rates for the most up to date information.
The Nepal Rupee is non-convertible, and only available in Nepal itself. You can change your remaining Nepal rupees at the airport when leaving.
Credit cards
Credit Cards are accepted by most businesses. There are many ATM machines in Kathmandu. Look for one close to a bank for the best value. Cash withdrawals are usually limited, and your account will be charged 500 Rs per withdrawal.
Kopan now accepts credit card payments (Visa, Master Card) as payment for your stay.
A charge of 3% (local bank charge) will be applied to all credit card payments.
Please note that Traveler cheques are no longer accepted in Nepal.
More information on bank services here: www.tourismthamel.com/visitors_service/banks
Weather
Nepal is mostly a subtropical country, with only the mountain areas experiencing the usual season. The main travel seasons are from late September right through to December, and then again from April to early June.
The monsoon lasts from June to August. In the Kathmandu valley is usually not as intensive as in other areas of the country. During monsoon the valleys are green, the rice fields are beautiful, and there are less tourists here, a perfect time for a quiet time or a retreat at Kopan.
Find more information with details on temperatures here: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/nepal/weather
What to Bring
Bedding
Rooms have blankets and all linen is supplied. You might find a warm sleeping bag useful during the winter months. If you are coming for the November course we ask you to bring a sleeping bag, as there are not enough blankets for everybody.
Bring your own towel.
Clothes
From November to about March you need warm clothes; for the rest of the year light clothes are recommended with a couple of light sweaters or shawls for cool evenings. Keep your clothes simple, lightweight, modest and easy to wash. A sun hat is advisable.
A pair of good walking shoes is recommended, as well as a pair of slippers – a no-shoes- rule applies to all meditation halls and rooms, and slippers make getting in and out easy. Plastic flip flops are available in the Kopan shop. See our dress guidelines.
Other Essentials
- Bring only basic toiletries and other necessities – most of it will be available in local shops.
- A towel, your favorite soap.
- A pair of good sunglasses, sunscreen, a sun hat – the sun can be very strong.
- A Swiss style army knife is a useful thing to bring - make sure to put it in your check-in luggage.
- A torch (flashlight) for blackouts is handy – Kathmandu experiences regular blackouts, especially in the winter months.
- Ear plugs (and spares) for a peaceful sleep. The dogs in the valley can be very noisy at night.
- A cup for your morning tea - you can also buy on in the shop.
- A small alarm clock - better not to use the mobile for this.
- Folding umbrella, rain gear and insect repellent are essential during the summer months, especially if traveling during the monsoon (mid June to late September.)
What to Leave Behind
Leave your valuable jewelry, expensive watch, and fancy gadgets behind – Nepal is a poor country and attracting attention through expensive clothing or accessories is not recommended.
Please take note:
- The monastery does not allow musical instruments. You will have to check them into the store room.
- Please do not bring pets of any kind.
- We recommend you not to bring non-Dharma material (novels etc.) with you if you come for a course.
What to Wear
Kopan Monastery is a monastery, observing a monastic life style all year round. Part of the monastic lifestyle is modest behavior and dress. We request you to dress appropriately for this environment.
Wear non-revealing clothing at all times while staying at Kopan Monastery. Simple, modest clothing that is easy to wash is best. Please check here our Dress Guidelines.
- Appropriate: Long or short sleeve shirts covering the upper body and shoulders, and pants, long shorts, or dresses that are roughly knee length, sweat pants and top, blouses or dresses that cover the shoulders
- Inappropriate: Attire that is see-through, skin tight, T-shirts with obscene language and inappropriate messages. For women, no spaghetti straps, shoulder free dresses, miniskirts, low cut pants or tights without a skirt. For men, please no singlets, short shorts (shorts should reach below the knee), or low cut pants.
We thank you for your cooperation.
Staying Healthy
Staying Healthy - Medical Care - Insurance
Clean Drinking Water
Do not drink tap water anywhere, use our filtered water. Make sure to drink enough. Nepal is a hot and dusty country.
All drinking water provided at Kopan is boiled and filtered. Filtered water is available in the dining room, bottled water is available in the shop. To save the environment please bring your own water bottle and refill it in the dining room.
Eating out
When eating out, avoid food stalls. Be careful with ice-creams, salads and deep fried foods (these should only be consumed in reputable restaurants). Avoid excess milky tea, and oily food, which can cause stomach upsets.
Always wash your hands after using public toilets. Most people now bring the hand cleaning lotion with them for this purpose.
Medical Services
The most common medical problems are stomach upsets (which can be bacterial from bad food, or viral) , and chest infections/flu. (Due to the pollution in Kathmandu, chest infections can set in easily. It is advisable to wear face masks when traveling around.)
Medical facilities in Kathmandu Valley are good and widely available. All kinds of medicines, including those imported from overseas are available. Kathmandu Valley also offers the services of major general hospitals and private clinics. If you get sick, it is best to look for medical assistance in one of the widely available Travelers Clinics (they are expensive and advisable for those who have travel insurance). You can also go to one of the local hospitals; most of them are of very good standard and considerably cheaper.
Health posts have been set up by the government in different parts of rural Nepal and you can use them for emergencies.
Travel Insurance
We highly recommend that you take travel insurance that covers all medical and other expenses .
Kathmandu now offers a wide range of good hospitals. There are also private clinics that take special care of travelers needs. All these are costly, and some of them charge US prices. Choose a travel insurance that includes all expenses, covering you for medical emergencies as well as accidents, and repatriation cost. If you are planning to go trekking, it is useful to make sure that any rescue costs are included.
Medical Kit
- Prescription Medication: Bring enough of your prescription medicine to last during your trip, as well as a copy of the prescription(s) or letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you. Always carry medications in their original containers, in your carry-on luggage.
- Bring a small First Aid Kit: Be sure to bring along over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication (e.g., bismuth subsalicylate, loperamide) and an antibiotic prescribed by your doctor to self-treat moderate to severe diarrhea, and light chest infections. Find more information on healthcare in Nepal in the FAQ section on travel and health care. For commonly occurring problems, such simple colds, stomach problems, flu, the Kopan Clinic staff is available.
- Vaccinations are not essential for Nepal. However, vaccination for rabies, typhoid and hepatitis are strongly recommended. If you are going trekking, or if you plan to go to the souther part of Nepal, as precautionary measure, vaccinations for cholera, meningitis, tetanus and diphtheria, typhoid should be considered.
Communication
Nepal has an extensive mobile phone network. Sim cards for your mobile phone are available at the airport and through the local shops. You need your passport to register.
Our Cyber Café is open to all visitors and offers WIFI, computers and photocopies.
During courses you are required to check in your mobile phone and other electronic gadgets at the reception.
We ask you not to use your computer in public places such as the dining room, the coffee shop, etc.
Laundry and Electricity Supply
Laundry
Laundry service is provided free of charge for course participants. During other times please check with housekeeping in reception.
Bring easy to wash & wear clothes. There is no ironing service, and the washing is in cold water only.
Electrical supply
The local power supply is 220 V. It is advisable to bring an international adaptor and a multi plug for your electrical appliances.
Our Refund Policy
When booking for a course we ask you for a non refundable deposit to confirm your attendance.
If you cancel the course booking after having paid the deposit, we are happy to credit your deposit in full for another course within the next 12 months of the date of the cancelled course. However, we are not able to give you a refund when leaving a course early.
Once you have started a course and you decide to leave early, only the unused food portion of the course fee is refundable.
This refund policy applies to all deposit and payments.
Private Stays bookings do not require a deposit.
Terms and Conditions
Kopan expects its guest to follow the rules and guidelines as outlined in the visitor's guide.
By completing the registration form, you agree to abide by these rules.
The monastery reserves the right to ask visitors to leave if they do not follow the guest rules.