Mayadevi Temple
Lumbini Monastic Zone Spiritual Journey
- Duration
- 5 Days
- Max elevation
- —
- Difficulty
- Guided pilgrimage
- Best season
- Year-round
Discover Buddhism: Kopan Monastery
Step away from the noise and embrace a peaceful 5-day introduction to Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism at the famous Kopan Monastery. Set on a serene hilltop overlooking the Kathmandu Valley, this short retreat offers guided meditations, Buddhist philosophy teachings based on the Lam Rim, and a supportive environment to cultivate inner stillness and compassion.
- Sacred sites
- The "Discovering Buddhism" course at Kopan Monastery provides a comprehensive introduction to Tibetan Buddhist principles and core teachings based on the graduated path to enlightenment. & 4 more
- Duration
- 5 Days
- Style
- Guided pilgrimage
- From
- USD 98
Overview
A closer look at this journey
Step away from the noise and embrace a peaceful 5-day introduction to Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism at the famous Kopan Monastery. Set on a serene hilltop overlooking the Kathmandu Valley, this short retreat offers guided meditations, Buddhist philosophy teachings based on the Lam Rim, and a supportive environment to cultivate inner stillness and compassion.
Where you'll visit
Sacred Sites
- The "Discovering Buddhism" course at Kopan Monastery provides a comprehensive introduction to Tibetan Buddhist principles and core teachings based on the graduated path to enlightenment.
- The program is offered in residential modules combining daily teachings, discussion groups, and guided meditation led by qualified instructors.
- The standard 10-day curriculum incorporates a dedicated multi-day silent retreat to allow students practical experience in deep, focused meditation.
- Participants follow a structured monastic schedule and observe strict behavioral guidelines to minimize external distractions and foster inner calm.
- Hosted on the hills overlooking the Kathmandu Valley, the course brings together international students to study in a serene, authentic monastic setting.
Day by day
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Kopan & Retreat Orientation
Arrive at the beautiful Kopan Monastery, settle into your modest dormitory accommodation, and attend the evening orientation. Begin your journey with a light vegetarian dinner and an opening evening meditation session.
Day 2: Foundations of Meditation & Breath
Wake up early for a guided morning session focusing on breath awareness and mindfulness techniques. After breakfast, participate in teachings covering the basics of Buddhist thought and how to calm an active mind.
Day 3: Exploring Buddhist Philosophy (Lam Rim)
Dive deeper into the Lam Rim (the graduated path to enlightenment). Engage in analytical meditation, attend daily Dharma talks, and join group discussions to reflect on how these ancient teachings apply to your modern daily life.
Day 4: Cultivating Compassion & Quiet Reflection
Focus on visualizations and loving-kindness meditations designed to build compassion for yourself and others. Spend your breaks enjoying the serene gardens, reading in the library, or walking around the magnificent Bodhi tree and Stupas of Enlightenment.
Day 5: Final Teachings & Departure
Conclude your retreat with a final morning meditation and blessing from the resident lamas. After sharing breakfast and contact details with newly made friends from around the world, pack your bags and depart the monastery with a refreshed mind.
Cost & Inclusions
Included
- 4 nights shared dormitory accommodation at Kopan Monastery (upgrades to private rooms subject to availability and extra charge)
- Three healthy vegetarian meals per day, plus tea, coffee, and filtered water
- All daily meditation sessions, Buddhist teachings, and group discussions
- Course materials provided by the monastery
- Access to the monastery's serene gardens, library, and Chenrezig Gompa
Not included
- Ground transportation to and from Kopan Monastery (taxis or local buses available from Kathmandu/Boudhanath)
- Private room upgrades (must be arranged with the monastery for an added fee)
- Snacks or purchases from the monastery's local handicraft and book shop
- Personal donations to the monastery or lamas
More Spiritual Journeys
Swayambhu Stupa
Swayambhu Spiritual & Meditation Retreat
- Duration
- 5 Days
- Max elevation
- —
- Difficulty
- Guided pilgrimage
- Best season
- Year-round
Namobuddha Stupa
Namobuddha Sacred Pilgrimage & Meditation
- Duration
- 5 Days
- Max elevation
- —
- Difficulty
- Guided pilgrimage
- Best season
- Year-round
Plan Your Discover Buddhism: Kopan Monastery
Book an available date, ask a question, or have our local team tailor the journey for your group.