Student

Guidebook
2023

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 © Spring 2023, Rangjung Yeshe Institute
All Rights Reserved.
Copies of any part of this guidebook may be made with the
understanding that they may not be used for or
within any form of commercial enterprise.

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Contents
Part I ............................................................................................................... 13
Administrative Procedures .............................................................................. 13
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 14
Rangjung Yeshe Institute’s Vision and Mission Statement ............................ 14
Vision ........................................................................................................... 14
Mission ........................................................................................................ 14
KEY INFORMATION ...................................................................................... 15
Dates ........................................................................................................... 15
New Students on Campus .......................................................................... 15
Questions & Contacts ................................................................................. 16
Offices ......................................................................................................... 17
1. OVERVIEW OF ACADEMIC PROGRAMS AND POLICIES ...................... 18
Program Overview ...................................................................................... 18
1.1 Undergraduate Programs .................................................................. 18
1.2 Graduate Programs ........................................................................... 19
1.3. Translator Training Program (TTP) .................................................. 20
2. ACADEMIC POLICIES ............................................................................... 21
2.1. Using Microsoft Teams on Campus ..................................................... 21
2.2. Distance Learning Online with MS Teams ........................................... 21
2.3. Getting Support on MS Teams ............................................................ 22
2.4. Online Etiquette, Terms and Conditions .............................................. 22
2.5 Earning Academic Credit ...................................................................... 23
2.6 Studying without Earning Credit ............................................................ 24
2.7 Additional Workshops and Lectures ..................................................... 24
2.8 Academic Advisors ................................................................................ 24
2.9 Registering for Courses ........................................................................ 25
2.9.1 Changes to On-campus Course Registration ................................ 26
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 2.9.2 Change of Course Credit Status .................................................... 27
2.9.3 Course Withdrawals ....................................................................... 27
2.9.4 Program Status Changes ............................................................... 28
2.10 Attendance .......................................................................................... 28
2.11 Attendance Waiver Appeal ................................................................. 29
2.12 Leave of Absence During a Semester ................................................ 29
2.13 Leave of Absence for One or More Semesters................................... 30
2.14 Examination Policy .............................................................................. 30
2.14.1 Assessment of Online Students ................................................... 31
2.14.2 Make-up Exams............................................................................ 31
2.14.3 Grade Scale .................................................................................. 31
2.15 Academic Honesty .............................................................................. 32
Plagiarism ................................................................................................ 32
2.16 Dismissal from RYI .............................................................................. 33
2.17 Passing Standard for Graduation ........................................................ 33
2.18 Advanced Language Placement Policy .............................................. 33
2.19 Transfer of External Credit .................................................................. 34
2.20 Failed Courses .................................................................................... 35
2.21 Failed Final Exams.............................................................................. 36
2.22 Low Semester CGPA .......................................................................... 36
2.23 Publishing and Review of Final Grades .............................................. 36
2.24 Appeals ............................................................................................... 37
2.24.1 Appeal of an Individual Assignment ............................................. 37
2.24.2 Appeal of a Semester Grade ........................................................ 37
2.24.3 Statement of Academic Record.................................................... 37
2.25 Graduation Procedures ....................................................................... 38
3. TUITION AND FEE INFORMATION .......................................................... 39
3.1 Tuition Fees .......................................................................................... 39
3.2 Tuition Payment .................................................................................... 39

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 3.3 Dropping and Withdrawing from Courses ............................................. 39
3.3.1 RYI Summer Program Withdrawal Policy....................................... 40
3.3.2 Translator Training Program (TTP) Withdrawal policy ................... 40
3.4 Other Applicable Fees ........................................................................... 40
3.5 Additional Program Costs ..................................................................... 41
4. FINANCIAL AID .......................................................................................... 42
4.1 Merit-Based Scholarship ....................................................................... 42
4.2 South Asia and Himalaya Scholarship .................................................. 42
4.3 Ordained Sangha Scholarship .............................................................. 42
4.4 Translator Training Scholarship ............................................................ 43
4.5 Horst Koch Memorial Scholarship for Online Learning ......................... 43
4.6 Work-Study............................................................................................ 43
4.7 BA Scholarship ...................................................................................... 43
4.8 MA Preparatory Scholarship ................................................................. 43
4.9 MA Scholarship 2023/24 ....................................................................... 44
5. STUDENT SUPPORT ................................................................................ 44
5.1 Faculty Office Hours .............................................................................. 44
5.2 Student Services ................................................................................... 44
5.3 Administrative Support .......................................................................... 45
5.4 Academic Support ................................................................................. 45
5.5 Student Society ..................................................................................... 45
5.6 Student Blog .......................................................................................... 46
5.7 Personal and Emergency Information ................................................... 46
5.8 Health Insurance and Health Information ............................................. 46
5.9 Special Needs ....................................................................................... 47
5.10 RYI Safe Environment Policy .............................................................. 48
5.11 Grievances .......................................................................................... 48
6. FACILITIES ................................................................................................. 49
6.1 Library Services .................................................................................... 49

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 6.2 Dharma Ratna Shop ............................................................................. 49
6.3 Meditation and Practice......................................................................... 50
6.4 Additional Study .................................................................................... 50
6.5 Computer and Internet Access ............................................................. 50
6.6 Photocopying ........................................................................................ 51
6.7 Printing Service ..................................................................................... 51
6.8 Bulletin Boards ...................................................................................... 52
6.9 Moodle................................................................................................... 52
6.10 Utpala Café ......................................................................................... 52
6.11 Pets on campus .................................................................................. 53
7. RYI FACULTY AND STAFF ....................................................................... 53
7.1 About the Faculty .................................................................................. 53
7.2 Administrative Team ............................................................................. 53
The Programs Department ...................................................................... 54
The Finance and Human Resources Department ................................... 54
The Administration Department ............................................................... 54
7.3 RYI Committees and their Roles ........................................................... 54
The Senior Management Team ............................................................... 54
The Buddhist Studies Graduate Committee ............................................ 55
The Financial Aid Committee .................................................................. 55
Part II Orientation Guide ................................................................................. 56
Section I .......................................................................................................... 57
What to Know Before You Arrive .................................................................... 57
1. WHAT TO EXPECT UPON ARRIVAL ........................................................ 57
1.1 Visa Documents ................................................................................ 57
1.2 Getting Your Luggage & Going Through Customs ........................... 58
1.3 Getting to Boudha from the Airport.................................................... 58
1.4 Booking a Guesthouse Room and Lodging....................................... 59
1.5 Registering at Your Embassy ............................................................ 59

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2. PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR LIVING IN BOUDHA ........................... 60
2.1 Environment and Location ................................................................. 60
2.2 Climate and Clothing ......................................................................... 60
2.3 Dining................................................................................................. 61
2.4 Banking and Currency ....................................................................... 63
2.5 Communications Services ................................................................. 63
2.6 Shopping ........................................................................................... 63
2.7 Electricity in Nepal ............................................................................. 64
2.8 Sports and Fun .................................................................................. 65
2.9 Protecting the Environment ............................................................... 67
2.10 Students with Children..................................................................... 68
Section II ......................................................................................................... 69
Living in Nepal ................................................................................................ 69
1. CUSTOMS OF THE NEPALESE PEOPLE ................................................ 69
1.1 Addressing Others and First Nepali and Tibetan Phrases ................ 69
1.2 First Nepali and Tibetan Phrases .......................................................... 70
Tsokho and Jutho (tr. pure and impure) .................................................. 70
1.3 Food and Etiquette ................................................................................ 71
1.4 Don’t Touch or Step-Over ..................................................................... 71
1.5 The Left Hand vs. the Right Hand ......................................................... 72
1.6 Relations Between Men and Women.................................................... 72
1.7 Privacy................................................................................................... 73
1.8 Dress ..................................................................................................... 73
2. CUSTOMS INSIDE THE MONASTERY WALLS ....................................... 74
2.1 Dharma books and sacred objects ....................................................... 74
2.2 Visiting Rinpoche .................................................................................. 74
Section III ........................................................................................................ 76
Finding Long-Term Housing ........................................................................... 76
1. Looking for the Right Space for You ........................................................... 76

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2.Taking a Room in a Tibetan or Nepalese Home ......................................... 77
3. Making Your Space Suitable for Living and Studying ................................ 77
Appliances and Furniture ............................................................................ 77
Section IV........................................................................................................ 79
Shopping for Everything You Need ................................................................ 79
1. Groceries, Basic Foods, Housewares, and More... .................................... 79
“The Art of Negotiating” ............................................................................... 79
2. Supermarkets etc. Around Boudha ............................................................ 80
2.1 Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket, Chuchepati-Boudha .................................. 80
2.2 Manakamana Thakur Store................................................................... 80
2.3 G Mart ................................................................................................... 81
2.4 Shambhala Café ................................................................................... 81
2.5 Utpala Café, Bakery, and its Farmer’s Market ...................................... 81
2.6 Japanese and Korean Stores ............................................................... 81
2.7 Himgiri Organic Hub .............................................................................. 81
2.8 Online Shopping .................................................................................... 82
3. Supermarkets Around Kathmandu ............................................................. 82
3.1 Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket, Bhat-Bhateni area (“Old Bhat-Bhateni”) ... 82
3.2 Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket, Maharajgunj .............................................. 82
3.3 Bluebird Mart, Tripureshwor .................................................................. 82
3.4 Big Mart ................................................................................................. 83
3.5 Saleways or Saleberry Supermarkets................................................... 83
3.6 Weekly Farmers’ Markets ..................................................................... 83
4. Price Guide for Basic Food Supplies .......................................................... 83
4.1 Fruit ....................................................................................................... 83
4.2 Grain Staples ........................................................................................ 84
4.3 Spices, Flours, Sugar ............................................................................ 84
5. Price Guide for Housewares ....................................................................... 84
5.1 Cookware .............................................................................................. 84

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 5.2 Stoves ................................................................................................... 85
5.3 Cooking Gas ......................................................................................... 85
5.4 Flooring, Furniture, Refrigerators .......................................................... 86
5.5 Bedding—Mattresses, Sheets, Pillows, and Towels ............................. 87
6. Shopping for Buddhist and Ritual Items ..................................................... 88
6.1 Khatags ................................................................................................. 88
6.2 Incense .................................................................................................. 89
6.3 Thangkas and Statues .......................................................................... 89
6.4 Mandala Sets and Offering Bowls ......................................................... 90
6.5 Prayer Flags and Door Hangings .......................................................... 90
6.6 Malas ..................................................................................................... 91
7. Books and Music ........................................................................................ 91
7.1 Bookstores—Tibetan Texts and Dharma Books in English .................. 91
7.2 Bookstores—Sanskrit............................................................................ 93
7.3 Bookstores—Fiction and Travel Books ................................................. 93
7.4 Music—Popular ..................................................................................... 93
7.5 Music—Local ......................................................................................... 94
8. Air Purifiers and Air Pollution Face Masks ................................................. 94
9. Stationery Shops ........................................................................................ 95
10. Computers and Servicing ......................................................................... 95
11. Gifts and Where to Shop .......................................................................... 95
Section V......................................................................................................... 97
How to Get Where You Want to Go................................................................ 97
1.Taxis ............................................................................................................ 97
1.1 Bargaining for a Taxi ............................................................................. 97
1.2 Night Rates............................................................................................ 98
1.3 Prices .................................................................................................... 98
Online Transportation Apps: .................................................................... 99
2. Safa Tempos and Microbuses .................................................................. 100

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3. Buses ........................................................................................................ 100
4. Cycle-Rickshaws ...................................................................................... 100
Section VI...................................................................................................... 101
1. Communication Services .......................................................................... 101
1.1 General Telephone Services............................................................... 101
1.2 Cable Internet ...................................................................................... 102
2. Mail and Shipping Services ...................................................................... 102
2.1 Sending Mail ....................................................................................... 102
2.2 Receiving Mail ..................................................................................... 103
Section VII..................................................................................................... 104
The All-Important Visa .................................................................................. 104
1. Immigration Procedures—Renewing Your Visa ....................................... 104
Department of Immigration Office ................................................................. 104
Section VIII.................................................................................................... 106
Points to Remember for Peace of Mind ........................................................ 106
1. Personal Safety ........................................................................................ 106
2. Emergency Contacts ................................................................................ 107
Section IX ...................................................................................................... 108
What You Need to Know to Stay Healthy in Nepal....................................... 108
1. Safeguarding Your Health: Acute illness and Medical Emergencies ....... 108
1.1 Code of Conduct for a Health Buddy .................................................. 108
2. Staying Healthy in Kathmandu ................................................................. 109
2.1 Water ................................................................................................... 109
How to purify water ................................................................................ 110
2.2 Food .................................................................................................... 110
Meats and Seafood ............................................................................... 111
Eggs and Dairy Products ....................................................................... 111
2.3 Air Pollution and Health....................................................................... 112
2.4 Medical Care ....................................................................................... 113

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 2.5 Kathmandu Health Services................................................................ 114
Hospitals/Clinics .................................................................................... 114
Dental Clinics ......................................................................................... 117
Mental Health Care Professionals – Free Resources ........................... 118
Mental Health Care Professionals - Fee for Service Resources ........... 119
Gynecology ............................................................................................ 121
Orthopedic Specialists ........................................................................... 122
Ophthalmologists ................................................................................... 122
Chiropractor ........................................................................................... 123
Physiotherapy ........................................................................................ 123
Dermatologist ........................................................................................ 124
Poison Control ....................................................................................... 125
Alternative Therapies and Massage ...................................................... 126
X-RAY, Ultrasound Facilities, Labs ....................................................... 128
Care-Giver Services and Health Support .............................................. 129
Veterinarians (Doctors for Animals) and Animal Welfare Organizations
............................................................................................................... 130
Health Insurance ................................................................................... 133
Medication and Pharmacies .................................................................. 133
Visits for Minor Treatments.................................................................... 133
Emergencies After Hours and Weekends ............................................. 133
Laboratory Services ............................................................................... 133
2.5 Household Staff ................................................................................... 134
2.6 Vaccinations ........................................................................................ 134
2.7 Diseases found in Nepal ..................................................................... 135
Section X ....................................................................................................... 137
Earthquake Preparedness: How to be “Quake-Safe” ................................... 137
1. Earthquake Preparation ............................................................................ 137
2. RYI’s Earthquake Procedure .................................................................... 138
2.1 Procedures for a minor earthquake .................................................... 138
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 Stay inside. ............................................................................................ 138
Duck, cover, and hold on. ...................................................................... 138
After the shaking stops: ......................................................................... 139
If you are outdoors during a minor earthquake: .................................... 139
If you are in a crowded store or other public place during a minor
earthquake: ............................................................................................ 139
If you are in a moving vehicle during a minor earthquake:.................... 139
2.2 Procedures for a major earthquake .................................................... 140
3. RYI Emergency Response Teams ........................................................... 141
4. Emergency Kits ......................................................................................... 141
4.1 What is a Go-Bag? .............................................................................. 141
4.2 Emergency Preparedness Kit ............................................................. 141
Suggested Emergency Preparedness Kit Content: ............................... 142
Section XI...................................................................................................... 143
Packing List for Kathmandu .......................................................................... 143
Clothing ..................................................................................................... 143
Health and Hygiene ................................................................................... 144
Miscellaneous............................................................................................ 145
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND THANKS .................................................... 146
Websites of Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche’s Activities:......................................... 147
1. Monks and Nuns: .................................................................................. 147
2. Study: .................................................................................................... 147
Facebook: .............................................................................................. 147
3. Dharma Online: ..................................................................................... 147
4. International Dharma Centers of CNR: ................................................. 147
5. Translation:............................................................................................ 148
6. Social Work: .......................................................................................... 148

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Part I
Administrative Procedures

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INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Rangjung Yeshe Institute!

Rangjung Yeshe Institute (RYI) was founded by Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche as an
institution of higher learning that offers education on Buddhist philosophy,
ethics, and practice. Located on the premises of Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling
Monastery in Boudha, Nepal, RYI has provided study programs and hosted
seminars for more than thirty years.
In 2002, RYI partnered with Kathmandu University (KU) to form the Centre for
Buddhist Studies (CBS). CBS offers formal degree programs in Buddhist
Studies and related subjects. Degree programs currently offered include a four-
year Bachelor of Arts degree in Buddhist Studies with Himalayan Language, a
two-year Master of Arts degree in Buddhist Studies, a two-year Master of Arts
degree in Translation, Textual Interpretation, and Philology, and a research
PhD degree. CBS also offers an MA Preparatory program and opportunities for
visiting students and research affiliates. In addition, RYI offers several other
programs and courses, including a twelve-month Translator Training Program
to train students in oral interpretation from Tibetan to English, a variety of
summer intensive courses, and several online courses.

RYI’s aim is to provide a study environment that promotes mutual respect,

cooperation, and enlightened common purpose. The Student Guidebook
addresses issues related to the experience of studying at RYI, its academic
policies and standards, as well as outlining the rights and responsibilities of
registered students.

Rangjung Yeshe Institute’s Vision and Mission Statement

Vision
RYI envisions a world in which a wide diversity of people interested in learning
about Buddhism have easy access to a living Buddhist tradition to foster the
qualities of wisdom and compassion for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Mission
RYI’s mission is to be a center of higher learning, working to the highest
standards, to provide both traditional and modern Buddhist education through
teaching, translation, publication, research, and practice.

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KEY INFORMATION

Dates
The RYI’s key programs are conducted over two semesters, fall and spring.
The fall semester normally runs from the end of August until the middle of
December. The spring semester normally runs from the middle of January until
the end of April.

Selected courses are also offered during the summer semester, which
generally runs from early June until early August.

Online study courses are offered through Microsoft Teams and on the Moodle
platform. Courses on Teams follow the academic year. Moodle courses are
offered in two formats: an interactive format, guided by a moderator, offered
between September 15 and March 15. The interactive courses may be taken
for credit or non-credit. In addition, some courses are offered in a self-paced
format and can be taken at any time of the year.

A calendar of key academic dates, holidays, semester breaks, reading weeks,

and examination periods is available at: https://ryi.org/programs/academic-
calendar.

New Students on Campus

RYI receives new students in the fall, spring, and summer. All fully enrolled
students of RYI will receive their own ryi.org email address and a login for
Microsoft 365, before orientation begins. Students must use their RYI-emails
for all university-related communication. RYI uses Microsoft Teams as a
communication platform for all class- and general RYI related matters.

In the fall and summer, programs begin with orientation, preparing students for
their academic programs, including sessions with useful information about
living in Nepal. During orientation, students complete official registration
paperwork, including visa applications, where necessary. Additional topics
include monastery etiquette and staying healthy. In fall, all new students also
are invited to join beginning Nepali language conversation classes.

In the fall, students who are beginning their study of Tibetan language attend
Tibetan alphabet classes during fall orientation. In the summer, beginning

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Tibetan and Nepali students learn their respective alphabets during summer
orientation.

RYI recommends that international students arrive at least two or three days
before the orientation program starts to allow for acclimatization to their new
surroundings. Please note that the orientation sessions are full-time and
intensive. New students who join RYI in the spring semester are requested to
carefully read the RYI Student Guidebook, as just a brief introductory meeting
with the Student Services team replaces the orientation days we offer at the
beginning of fall and summer semesters.

New online students will also have online orientation sessions. In fall and
summer, these might include alphabet classes which are part of their semester
classes.

Both online as well as on-campus students will receive an extensive, digital

orientation pack.

Questions & Contacts

If you have questions related to RYI’s activities and programs, please contact
the relevant office listed below. Just before semester start, students will also be
given emergency contact numbers for use in case of health-related issues or
other emergencies.

Question Contact Office

General questions about the institute, Administration

general academic questions [email protected]

Specific academic questions Programs

[email protected]

Student life, health, and safety Student Services

[email protected]

Student and staff security Principal’s Office

[email protected]

Tuition fees and visas Finance

[email protected]

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 IT support and MS Teams support IT Department
[email protected]

Offices
The main office at RYI (the “administration office”) is where most administrative
issues are addressed. The office is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to
12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. During vacations, office hours may
be restricted. Contact the main office by telephone at (+977) 1-491-5975, or by
email at: [email protected].

The office of program directors is in room 208. The director of academic

administration, the director of studies, and the head of the language department
are responsible for all academic issues. Office hours are Monday to Friday,
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Contact program directors with inquiries regarding
academic-related matters by email at [email protected].

Faculty office hours are set by individual faculty members. Most faculty
members are available only by appointment, while some maintain regular office
hours. Faculty will announce their office hours when the course syllabi are
made available during the first week of class.

Other Important Information

The RYI website (www.ryi.org) gives additional information about the programs,
faculty, monastery, and related topics. It also contains links to sites of potential
interest to students and frequently asked questions concerning issues of living
and studying in Nepal.

Visit: https://www.ryi.org/prospective-students/faq

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1. OVERVIEW OF ACADEMIC PROGRAMS AND POLICIES

Program Overview
1.1 Undergraduate Programs

1.1.1 Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Buddhist Studies with Himalayan Language

The BA in Buddhist Studies with Himalayan Language is a four-year (eight

semesters) program. Students in the BA program study special textual studies
classes on Buddhist philosophy taught by monastic professors and Buddhist
studies classes taught by academic faculty. Students also take language
classes of classical Tibetan, colloquial Tibetan, Sanskrit, Nepali, or academic
English. Colloquial language classes consist of master classes taught by
language instructors and individual language training conducted by assistant
language instructors (ALI).

To earn this BA degree, students must complete four years of study and earn
a total of 120 credit units. A minimum of thirty-six credits should be taken in the
category of specialized textual studies, twenty-four credits in the combined
categories of critical Studies in Buddhist doctrine and historical and cultural
studies in religion, and thirty-six credits in Himalayan languages. Seven courses
are compulsory to be awarded the BA degree: Buddhist Philosophy and
Hermeneutics I and II (six credits each), Buddhist Traditions: History and
Culture I and II, Fundamentals of Buddhist Philosophy, Methodology of
Buddhist Studies, and Nepali I (three credits each).

To graduate, a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.0 is required. In

addition, students must have a GPA of at least 2.0 for each semester of study.
Counting from the first fall semester of enrollment in the BA program, a student
has a maximum of seven years to complete the BA degree, which ends with
the spring semester of year seven. (14 fall and spring semesters)

1.1.2 MA Preparatory Program

The MA Preparatory Program prepares students to join one of RYI’s MA
programs or a Buddhist studies, area studies, religious studies, or similar MA
program at another university. Applicants for the MA Preparatory Program who
plan to apply to one of RYI’s MA programs must provide a higher secondary
school transcript (through grade twelve) and must have completed a bachelor’s
degree from an accredited institution. The MA Preparatory Program can be

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used to improve language skills in classical Tibetan or Sanskrit, to improve
knowledge in the fields of Buddhist philosophy, history, culture, and practice.

RYI offers beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels of classical and

colloquial Tibetan and Sanskrit and beginning and intermediate levels of Nepali.
MA Prep students join language classes at the appropriate level, and if needed,
may take advanced placement exams to determine that level.

MA Preparatory students may attend specialized textual studies (TSTD)

courses taught by monastic faculty (Khenpos and Lopons) and Buddhist studies
(BSTD) courses taught by academic faculty at any level of class for which they
have the necessary prerequisites.

Students typically complete the MA Preparatory program in one or two years,

depending on their prior academic background and the degree of preparation
they need to participate in a master’s program.

For students wishing to join RYI’s MA program in Buddhist Studies, one

academic year of preparation is usually sufficient. To join the MA program in
Translation, Textual Interpretation, and Philology, two years of preparation may
be necessary for those with little to no background in classical Tibetan.
Applicants to one of RYI’s MA programs should have a CGPA of at least 3.0 on
a four-point scale in their previous BA study and in their MA Preparatory study.

1.2 Graduate Programs

1.2.1 Master of Arts (MA) in Buddhist Studies

The MA in Buddhist Studies is a two-year (four semesters) program. Students
in the MA BS program take advanced textual studies courses on various
philosophical topics with the monastic faculty. They participate in research
seminars on various topics of the field of Buddhist studies taught by academic
faculty and receive training in research methods. The study of an additional
year of either classical Tibetan or Sanskrit is also an option.

To earn this degree, students must complete a total of sixty (60) credit units
including three mandatory research seminar courses (three credits each).
Furthermore, to graduate, a minimum C grade is required for each class taken
in the MA program, and a minimum CGPA of 3.0 is also required.

A student’s final thesis should be submitted by April 30 of the second year of

enrollment in the program. If students are unable to submit their theses by this
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deadline, they may extend the program for up to two semesters. Students must
register in the respective thesis course (BSTD 610 or 810) and continue to pay
a third of the tuition fee. To extend the program to a fourth year, students must
send a written appeal to the Graduate Committee before the end of the sixth
semester. ([email protected]) If approved by the committee, this
extension may be granted for another year. From the time of enrollment in the
MA program, a student has a maximum of 4 years to complete the MA degree.

1.2.2 Master of Arts (MA) in Translation, Textual Interpretation, and Philology

The MA in Translation, Textual Interpretation, and Philology is a two-year (four

semesters) program. Students in the MA TTIP program take advanced textual
studies courses with the monastic faculty, and study methods of translation and
textual interpretation with the academic faculty. They participate in translation
workshops designed to develop their translation and language skills. To earn
this degree, students must complete a total of sixty (60) credit units, including
three mandatory research seminar courses (three credits each). Furthermore,
to graduate, a minimum C grade is required for each class taken in the MA
program, and a minimum CGPA of 3.0 is also required.

A student’s final thesis should be submitted by April 30 of the second year of

enrollment in the program. If students are unable to submit their theses by this
deadline, they may extend the program for up to two semesters. Students must
register in the respective thesis course (BSTD 610 or 810) and continue to pay
a third of the tuition fee. To extend the program to a fourth year, students must
send a written appeal to the Graduate Committee before the end of the sixth
semester. ([email protected]) If approved by the committee, this
extension may be granted for another year. A formal leave of absence can be
taken for one semester or one year with the permission of the Director of
Studies. During that time, students will not pay tuition and do not have access
to their MA academic supervisor for consultation. From the time of enrollment
in the MA program, a student has a maximum of 4 years to complete the MA
degree.

1.3. Translator Training Program (TTP)

The Translator Training Program provides the training necessary to become a
translator of Dharma discourses and Buddhist philosophy classes. The
program combines regular RYI language classes and individualized translator
training classes specifically designed for the TTP. Assistant language
instructors educated in Dharma discourse (DALI) train students in Dharma
conversation, while experienced translators supervise students individually and
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teach translation methodology. Two intensive seminars take place in January
and May. Class hours are approximately 20-25 per week. The program ends
with an optional practicum.

2. ACADEMIC POLICIES

2.1. Using Microsoft Teams on Campus

Microsoft (MS) Teams is a team collaboration software that is part of the Office
365 suite of applications, including online software applications such as
Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive. All RYI faculty and students
receive an ryi.org email address and login for Office 365. All RYI-related e-
communication (text-chat, phone, video call) should take place via the RYI-
email account or Teams chat. The RYI Hub on Teams communicates all
relevant information regarding classes, schedules, study materials,
assignments, and grades will take place on this platform. Online classes will
take place on Teams; recordings will be stored on the platform, too.

Microsoft has also produced several videos to help students in using Teams:
➢Learn the basics of Microsoft Teams
➢Get started in Microsoft Teams

2.2. Distance Learning Online with MS Teams

Joining An Online Class
RYI teachers schedule classes on Teams, and students receive an email invite
and an entry in their Teams calendar. At class time, a video meeting will be
initiated. Students should show up to class a few minutes early to make sure
their connection is working. In class, students should turn on their video but
mute their personal microphone whenever they are not speaking. Students can
access class recordings by going to their class Team ➔ G eneralor R espective
channel ➔Files Tab ➔Recording Folder

Closed Captioning
There is a Closed Captioning option that writes out on screen what the person
speaking is saying. This system works relatively well for English. To turn this
feature on, click on the ellipses “...” symbol in the Meeting Controls Bar of the
meeting video and choose “Enable Live Captions.”

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Internet Connection Problems
If the instructor’s video feed cuts out due to a bad network, the instructor will
attempt for the next 15 minutes to resume the video class meeting. If this fails,
the class is cancelled. and may be rescheduled.

2.3. Getting Support on MS Teams

RYI offers three levels of support:
1. For general problems with Teams, students may send an inquiry to
[email protected] for assistance.
2. For question regarding the use of Teams, M365, or Outlook, the Team
“F23-S24 (or SP23, SP24) Hub” provides a channel labelled “Help
Desk” where previous conversations can be reviewed, or a new
question can be posted.
3. For questions about a specific class, please contact your instructor.

2.4. Online Etiquette, Terms and Conditions

Studying online requires all participants to follow a few basic rules of conduct
to ensure virtual classrooms are respectful and compassionate spaces where
students can learn with confidence and without anxiety. Students are expected
to familiarize themselves with all policies explained in this guidebook before
starting the course.

1. Write respectfully. Remember that behind every written post is another

human being who deserves to be treated with dignity. Think carefully
before you respond to another person's posting and avoid sarcasm and
negative attacks. It is fine to disagree with another student’s or the
instructor’s comments but think about how to do that in a reasoned
argument. Be careful to differentiate between challenging someone’s
point of view and making a personal attack.
2. Remember that written comments sometimes seem to carry more
weight than a similar face-to-face comment where body language,
gestures, and facial expressions can allow for easier interpretation. It
can be very hard for someone you may have just met virtually to know
if you are joking in a posted comment.
3. Keep comments concise and pertinent to the topic being discussed.
Think before you write and send; take time to organize your thoughts
and revise them before sending comments. Be careful to distinguish
between your personal opinions and stated facts.

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 4. The virtual classroom is not a social media platform. Posts about such
topics as politics, cute cats, and fad diets are not appropriate.
5. Because many of RYI’s classes run across a variety of time zones,
responses to pre-recorded material may filter in gradually. The
instructor may set time limits for responding to certain discussion
threads to allow everyone to submit a post before he or she replies to
everyone collectively. Please respect these time limits if they are in
place. Also, please do not repeat posts; wait for a response and then
the discussion can proceed.
6. All communication should be written in complete sentences in English,
except for language classes when you are expected to use the
language you are studying. Please do not use text-language and
abbreviations, such as ROTFL, LOL, IMHO, etc. This is an academic
course; writing proper sentences in posts visible to the entire class is
required. In a private chat with your instructor, you are freer to use more
casual language unless he or she objects.
7. Respect one another’s privacy. Do not share personal details that you
may know about your fellow students or teachers inside the virtual
classroom. This includes not sharing phone numbers, personal email
addresses, Skype names, or other online identifiers.

2.5 Earning Academic Credit

Students studying in degree programs as visiting students or in the MA
Preparatory program, earn credits for their studies at RYI/CBS. Credit units are
awarded based on the successful completion of the requirements of a course.
Credit units will not be awarded if a student fails to submit assignments on time,
attend examinations, or meet minimum class attendance requirements. Some
courses have additional requirements to achieve a passing grade and these
requirements will be clearly stated in the course syllabus. It is the student’s
responsibility to comply with these requirements. Taking 15 credit units per
semester is considered full time at RYI/CBS. If students want to take additional
courses, they need permission from the Director of Studies. A maximum of 18
credits may be taken per semester; additional courses can only be taken
without earning credit.

Required Credit Units

Students who are studying on student visas are normally required to maintain
a minimum of nine credit units of study per semester to remain registered and
eligible for future student visas.

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2.6 Studying without Earning Credit
Students can study at RYI without earning credit. Non-credit study means
auditing a course without following the rules pertaining to academic credit.
Students are not required to submit assignments and will not receive grades.
However, if students wish to progress to the next course level, they are
encouraged to have good class attendance and do all assignments. This is
especially important for language courses. Non-credit study is almost always at
the undergraduate level. In special cases, non-credit students with the
appropriate background may be allowed to take MA-level courses.

2.7 Additional Workshops and Lectures

During orientation, first-year students will attend classes on such topics as
“Study skills” and “Integrating traditional Tibetan philosophical study with
practice.” Attendance at these sessions is highly recommended. First-year BA
students are also required to participate in a writing workshop held during the
first half of the fall semester. Other students are also welcome to attend the
writing workshop if they desire.

From time to time, instructors and staff offer short courses on topics such as
translating Tibetan Dharma talks, reading challenging Sanskrit texts, integrating
study with compassion practice, and so forth.

Each semester, RYI schedules guest lectures given by distinguished

international scholars and weekend short courses on topics related to the study
and practice of Buddhism. Students are encouraged to take advantage of these
additional learning opportunities. Note that the regular course loads will not be
reduced because of attending these events. Students must plan appropriately
to meet the demands of their formal study programs.

Every fall semester, Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche teaches a ten-day fall seminar
giving a thorough presentation of key points of Buddhism. This course enriches
and clarifies the Ka-Nying tradition’s view on core topics. There are no regular
RYI classes during this time so that everyone can join this special opportunity.
Updates on the annual fall seminars can be found on the RYI website as well
as on Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche’s website.

2.8 Academic Advisors

RYI students are assigned an academic advisor during their first semester of
study. Advisors help students understand the course requirements for their
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programs and the relevant academic policies and procedures. Advisors give
information about the content and requirements for elective courses. Although
academic advisors help students track their degree requirements, students
themselves are ultimately responsible for ensuring they have met all academic
requirements for graduation. Any question related to academic study
requirements should be addressed to the student’s academic advisor or the
Director of Academic Administration.

Course registration forms must be signed each semester by the student and
approved by their academic advisor. Therefore, students are encouraged to
meet with their assigned academic advisors each semester prior to course
registration to discuss their courses. Upon approval by their advisor, the forms
are signed by the Director of Academic Administration. See section 1.6 below
for open course registration dates.

2.9 Registering for Courses

Course registration for on-campus courses happens online through the RYI
portal. Registration dates are as follows:

Fall semester.
• For current students: April 1 - April 15
• For new students: July 1 – 15
• Spring semester for all students: November 15 - 30
• RYI students who opt to do the summer program can register October
1 - May 1 for their selected course.

A late course registration fee applies for course registrations conducted after
these periods have closed. Please see section 2., Tuition and Fee Information,
for details.

Students should consult their academic advisors to decide which courses they
should take before registering online through the RYI portal. BA students who
wish to pursue individualized study (BSTD 409) or write a BA thesis (BSTD 416)
need to communicate with a faculty member and receive their confirmation of
supervision before registering in these courses.

After a student has selected their courses and registration has closed, the
student’s course registration form will be printed by the Administration Office to
be reviewed and approved by the student’s academic advisor.

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An invoice stating the fees for the upcoming semester will be sent to the student
via email after course registration has closed. Students must sign their course
registration forms by the end of the first week of class each fall and spring
semester. A service charge will be made for students who fail to sign their
course registration form by the end of the first week of classes. Please see
section 2., Tuition and Fee Information, for details.

Summer program
Summer program students do not register for individual courses but rather
apply online for a particular program of study.

Translator Training Program

For the Translator Training Program, course registration is handled by the
manager of that program.

The course catalog on RYI's website lists all possible courses for each of RYI's
programs and is shown here: http://www.ryi.org/courses.
The full BA and MA Program Course Descriptions can be downloaded under
the respective program description on the RYI website.

The class schedule for the upcoming semester is available to registered

students at the time when course registration for the coming semester opens.
2.9.1 Changes to On-campus Course Registration
After course registration via the RYI portal has closed, changes to a student’s
course selection or the credit status of a course need to be made through the
Administration Office. All changes must then be approved by the student’s
academic advisor.

Students can change the credit status of a course and add or drop individual
courses by completing the course change request form which is available at the
Administration Office. Adding a course in the fall and spring semester is
possible until 4:00 p.m. on the Friday of the first week of classes.
Dropping a course with a full tuition refund is possible until 4:00 p.m. on the
Friday of the second week of classes, although dropping a course after the first
week will incur a late course withdrawal fee (See Section 2. Tuition and Fee
Information for details.) If students drop a course after the second week of
classes has passed, they do not receive a refund of their tuition.

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2.9.2 Change of Course Credit Status
Changes can be made to the credit status of a fall or spring semester course
(for-credit and non-credit) until 4:00 p.m. on the Friday of the fourth week of
classes. After this time, a change of credit status is not permitted.

Changes can be made to the credit status of a summer course (for-credit or

non-credit) until 4:00 p.m. on the Friday of the third week of classes. After this
time, a change of credit status is not permitted.

Credit status changes, adding a course(s), and dropping a course(s) become

effective when a student submits the course change request form, signed by
the student’s academic advisor (or course instructor in the case of summer
program courses) to the Administration Office.
2.9.3 Course Withdrawals
From 4:00 p.m. on the Friday of the second week of classes until 4:00 p.m. on
the Friday of the fourth week of classes, students can drop a course without
academic penalty. Students who withdraw within this period will receive a letter
grade W (withdrawn) on their academic record but will not receive a refund of
their tuition fee. Course withdrawals are not permitted after 4:00 p.m. on the
Friday of the fourth week of classes. Students can withdraw from a course by
completing the course change request form and having it signed by the
student’s academic advisor (or course instructor for summer program courses).
Forms are available from the Administration Office.

Course withdrawals or changes of credit status are effective the day a student
officially withdraws or changes, rather than on the date a student stopped
attending class. If a for-credit student simply stops attending class and neglects
to either officially drop or withdraw from a course, the student will receive an F
grade for that course.

Financial aid recipients may be required to return some, or all the financial aid
disbursed to them if they no longer qualify for that aid after dropping or
withdrawing from courses. For details, refer to the financial aid contract signed
when the award was made.

Summer Program:
Withdrawals before May 15 will receive a full refund of tuition fees, less a
US$250/NPR 2000 administrative withdrawal fee. Withdrawals between May
15 and the Friday of the first week of classes will receive a maximum 50%
refund.
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Online Learning:
Students may withdraw from any interactive or for-credit Moodle course up to
one week following their first course login and receive a full refund. If a student
withdraws from a course after one week, the course fee will not be refunded.
No refunds will be offered for self-study or self-study plus courses.

2.9.4 Program Status Changes

Students who have been accepted into a program can request a change of their
program status by communicating in writing with the Administration Office.
Students can request deferred admission; semester leave or withdrawal from a
program. Tuition payments received from students who are deferring admission
or taking a semester’s leave will be carried forward to the following
year/semester.

2.10 Attendance
A student who is not officially registered may not attend courses at RYI. Those
students officially registered for credit must maintain an attendance level of 80%
in every course they take to pass the course and receive academic credit. In
courses with both online (OL) and in-person (on-campus (OC) and concurrent
(CC) sections, attendance will be taken in the section in which the student is
enrolled. In other words, if a student is enrolled in an on-campus section, their
attendance will be taken there, even if they attend the online class. Students
are responsible for making sure that their attendance meets this requirement
for all classes.

If a student’s regular absence from class prevents them from keeping up with
the subject matter and participating effectively in class discussions, the
instructor has the right to refuse the student admission to the class. Instructors
also have the right to mark students “absent” if they are late to class.

If a student has less than 80% attendance in any given course, they will be
marked as having failed the course and will be required to retake the entire
course later (see 1.7.1 Attendance Waiver Appeal below for limited exceptions
to this requirement).

Occasionally, general strikes (“bandhs”) can interrupt mobility in Kathmandu

and prevent students who normally commute to RYI from attending classes. In
these instances, it is each student’s responsibility to notify their instructor of
their inability to attend classes due to the bandh or other disturbance.

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Classes may occasionally be cancelled due to special events. In such
instances, students will remain responsible for catching up with the course
material missed because of the cancellation. However, instructors holding
mandatory make-up sessions to compensate for missed classes will not
penalize students if, because of scheduling conflicts or for other good reasons,
they are unable to attend a makeup session.

Students are encouraged to consult with the Director of Administration for

guidance on attendance-related matters. For advice on absences due to ill
health, please consult the Senior Student Services Officer.

2.11 Attendance Waiver Appeal

If a student’s absence from class exceeds 20% because of ill health or the death
or serious illness of a close relative (child, partner, spouse, or parent), the
student may make an attendance waiver appeal. The attendance waiver appeal
form is available at the Administrative Office. This form must be submitted
together with supporting documentation to the administration before the end of
a given semester. Once the final exams for the semester have finished, no
attendance waiver appeals will be considered. Supporting documentation (i.e.,
an allopathic doctor’s certificate) must be on letterhead paper, be written in
English, be signed, and stamped by the doctor and include specific dates of a
student’s sick leave (from – to). The supporting documentation should NOT
include confidential information like medical diagnoses. Documentation will not
be returned.

Upon receipt of an appeal, the Director of Administration will consult with the
Senior Management Team which will decide concerning the attendance waiver.

In reviewing such appeals, the Senior Management Team will consult the
faculty member responsible for the course to determine if the student has
successfully accomplished the learning objectives of the course, despite the
additional absence. Students will be notified of the committee’s decision via
email.

2.12 Leave of Absence During a Semester

A leave of absence from classes must be requested in writing from the Director
of Academic Administration. Leaves of absence can be granted for medical
reasons, personal or family (children, partner, spouse, or parent) emergencies,

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and, on rare occasions, for events that allow the student to acquire additional
experience related to their studies.

In considering an application for a leave of absence, the student’s record of

attendance and academic progress will be considered. Leaves of absence will
not normally be granted for more than two weeks in any academic year, nor are
they normally granted for holidays, religious ceremonies, or family celebrations.

If a leave of absence is granted, it is the student’s responsibility to (i) inform the

instructors of all classes that will be missed; (ii) catch up on all work missed;
(iii) meet any deadlines for the submission of work that falls within the period of
absence. Instructors are under no obligation to offer extensions, or make any
other special arrangements for a student, although they may choose to do so.
If the student misses a regular test because of an approved absence, this will
be treated as if the absence was due to illness, and the student will be allowed
to take the missed test upon return from the leave of absence.

2.13 Leave of Absence for One or More Semesters

Students taking a leave of absence for one or more semesters should inform
the Director of Administration in writing of their intention to take such leave at
least one week in advance of the semester in question.

Students taking one or more semesters off from their studies must be cognizant
of the need to finish their BA studies within seven years, or their MA studies
within four years. No extension beyond the maximum allowable length of the
program will be granted due to a student having taken a leave of absence. It is
the student’s responsibility to monitor their credits to ensure they will have
earned the requisite credits for graduation within the allotted time for their
programs.

Students returning from leave should notify the Administration Office in writing
about their return one week before the dates shown below, which mark the start
of course registration for the semester in question:
• Fall semester: April 1 - 15

• Spring semester: November 15 - 30

2.14 Examination Policy

Students at RYI are assessed in a variety of ways, including class participation,
homework assignments, quizzes, and mid-term and final examinations,
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academic papers, and project reports. All assessments will be organized by the
concerned faculty in consultation with the Director of Academic Administration
and the Director of Studies. All assessments must be stated on the syllabus
handed to students on the first day of class. At the end of each semester,
students are awarded letter grades for each course that represent the weighted
average of the assessments for each course.
2.14.1 Assessment of Online Students
Online students will be assessed in ways that guarantee the highest degree of
parity with their classmates on campus. To verify academic integrity, this may
entail that certain written examinations are complemented by oral examinations
(“viva voce”). The grades of the written and the oral part of the assignment will
be weighted and combined to determine the final grade of the examination.
2.14.2 Make-up Exams
If a student is not able to participate in an exam due to valid reasons such as ill
health or the serious illness or death of a close relative (child, partner, spouse,
or parent), the instructor should schedule a make-up exam. If there is a
technological problem such as loss of connection or malfunction during a timed
test, students must, as soon as reconnected, send an email to their instructor
to explain the problem. The instructor will then provide a different test, at a time
agreed upon by the two of you. It is the student’s responsibility during the
second instance of the test to ensure that they can complete the test. For final
exams, if a student cannot complete the exam on the second try, they will
receive either a partial grade (if part of the exam has been successfully
submitted) or a zero for that exam. For mid-term and other in-semester exams,
the number of retries is at the discretion of the instructor.
2.14.3 Grade Scale
All students studying for credit, whether on campus or online, will be evaluated
on the same grading scale. Assessments are carried out in accordance with the
following system:

Letter Grade Grade Points Percentage

A 4.0 ≥ 93.3%
A- 3.7 ≥ 90.0%
B+ 3.3 ≥ 86.6%
B 3.0 ≥ 83.3%
B- 2.7 ≥ 80.0%
C+ 2.3 ≥ 76.6%
C 2.0 ≥ 73.3%
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C- 1.7 ≥ 70.0%
D 1.0 ≥ 60-69%
F Fail < 60 %

2.15 Academic Honesty

Complete and total academic honesty is expected in all aspects of study at RYI.
If a student is found to be cheating during class evaluations, the concerned
faculty member has the right to give the student a “0” (zero) for that assignment
and must report the matter to the Director of Studies. The student will then
receive an official written warning and notification that a second offense may
lead to their expulsion.

Plagiarism
Plagiarism is not tolerated. All work submitted by a student must be the product
of their own academic endeavors. Students are encouraged to approach faculty
members and senior students for assistance in the event that they are facing
difficulties with an assignment, but the final product, i.e., term papers, reading
responses, etc. must be entirely the student’s own work. Plagiarism is defined
as follows:

“In an instructional setting, plagiarism occurs when a writer deliberately uses

someone else’s language, ideas, or other original (not common knowledge)
material without acknowledging its source. This definition applies to texts
published in print or online, to manuscripts, and to the work of other student
writers.” 1

Students must not copy from books, other printed material, the internet, or any
other medium without acknowledging the source. Direct quotations should be
acknowledged with quotation marks and a source reference. Paraphrased or
summarized material need to have a reference, too. Copying answers from AI
chatbots is not permitted. If a student is found to have plagiarized or infringed
any of the rules of academic honesty, the professor or academic supervisor
concerned may either give a “0” (zero) for the assignment or decide to allow the
student to re-submit the work. If a student does not agree with the faculty
member’s assertion of plagiarism, the student and faculty member should meet
privately with the Director of Studies. If there is egregious or repeated

1 Council of Writing Program Administrators, 2003. Defining and Avoiding Plagiarism: The WPA
Statement on Best Practices. Page 1.
From:http://www.wadsworth.com/english_d/special_features/plagiarism/WPAplagiarism.pdf,
accessed August 26, 2009.
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plagiarism on the student’s part, the student will receive an official written
warning and notification that a further offense may be cause for expulsion.

2.16 Dismissal from RYI

RYI reserves the right to dismiss students from any of its degree programs if
they have failed more than half of their classes during their first year of study,
or if their CGPA falls below 2.0, not including failed courses.

RYI may also dismiss students for unacceptable behavior, including but not
limited to academic dishonesty, harassing a fellow student, physical violence
against another person, stalking behavior (including online stalking) theft of RYI
property, disrupting classes, disrupting the activities of the Institute, use of
illegal drugs, and any other illegal or inappropriate activities.

2.17 Passing Standard for Graduation

To graduate from the BA program, a student must have passed 120 credit units,
completed and passed all required courses, have the requisite number of
credits in each course category, and achieve a cumulative grade point average
of at least 2.0 for the courses completed for their degree, as well as for each
semester.

To graduate from the MA programs, a student must have passed 60 credit units,
completed and passed all required courses including writing the dissertation,
and achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 for the courses
completed for their degree.

2.18 Advanced Language Placement Policy

Prior to the start of fall semester classes, students with previous studies in
Sanskrit, colloquial or classical Tibetan, or colloquial Nepali, or who speak
Nepali and/or Tibetan as their native or second language, can take one or more
advanced language placement exams (AP exams) during orientation. Students
will be placed in classes appropriate to their ability based on the results of these
exams. To be scheduled for an exam, students should inform the Director of
Administration by providing the AP exam request form. This must be done in
consultation with students’ academic advisors who will meet with the students
during the academic advising sessions scheduled during orientation.

For-credit AP exams can only be taken immediately prior to a student’s first

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semester of BA or MA Prep study, during new student orientation, and a fee is
charged for for-credit AP exams. AP exams cannot be used to earn credits for
the MA programs. Non-credit AP exams can be taken for study in any program
before the start of any semester and there is no fee to take them. These exams
are only for the purpose of placing students in the correct classes.

To register for an AP exam prior to the spring semester, students should contact
their academic advisor.

An exam processing fee of US$100 (for international students) or NPR 1,000

(for Nepalese and SAARC students) per course is required to use the AP exam
results to receive formal credit. Credit for the course will be issued by
Kathmandu University as per university regulations. Students may earn a
maximum of eighteen credits from AP exams towards the BA degree. Non-
credit AP exams may be taken for the MA Buddhist Studies program to
establish a student’s level. In certain circumstances, a third-year Classical
Tibetan AP exam may be taken to meet part of the required prerequisites for
the MA TTIP program.

The results of AP exams are communicated to students via email.

Students who pass an AP exam but are not satisfied with the grade may choose
to omit the exam from their academic record by requesting that the exam grade
not be submitted to Kathmandu University. Such a request must be made in
writing to the Administration Office by the Friday of the first week of classes.

2.19 Transfer of External Credit

Students with official course transcripts from other internationally accredited
universities may apply for a transfer of credit to CBS upon submitting the
relevant documentation. Relevant documentation includes a letter requesting
credit transfer, a table showing how their external coursework would be applied
to CBS credits, and a detailed official course description for each course to be
credited at CBS. Students must consult with their academic advisors or the
Director of Academic Administration to make sure all this documentation is
correct and that the proposed courses to be transferred have proper
equivalents in the BA program. The documentation must be submitted before
the end of the first week of orientation.

Issuance of credit will be determined after evaluation by Kathmandu University.

Such students will also be placed in advanced language classes appropriate to
their level. Students should consult with an academic advisor to review the
course catalog to ensure that they have the appropriate prerequisites and can
34
devise a proper course of BA study. Students receiving external transfer credit
should be aware that the class schedule might not permit them to take higher-
level courses because of schedule conflicts with their required courses.

CBS retains the final say in determining prerequisites, eligibility, and credit
acceptance. Students may transfer up to 60 credits towards the BA degree, but
credit transfers are subject to approval by RYI and Kathmandu University and
are in no way guaranteed.

External credit transfer toward the MA program is not permitted.

2.20 Failed Courses

Any of the following criteria will lead to failing a course at RYI:

• A student has failed to complete all required course elements.

• The average grade of all required elements results in an F grade.
• A shortfall in required attendance exists; or
• A student fails to appear for the final exam.

In addition, a course is marked “failed” if a student who registered for a course

does not officially drop or withdraw by submitting a course change request form
within the first four weeks of the semester. See section 1.3 for more information.

If a course is marked as “failed” for any of the reasons stated above, or some
combination thereof, the student will be required to retake the entire course in
a new semester to receive credit for that course. The only exception to this rule
will occur when a final exam is failed, and that failure causes the average grade
for the entire course to become an F grade. In such cases, the student will be
permitted to retake the exam. See section 2.21.

A final exam is defined as: “An exam or an essay submitted during exam week
at the end of the semester.” All other required course elements (i.e., papers,
quizzes, midterm tests, class participation, etc.) may not be retaken, regardless
of the grade awarded.

If students have failed a course three times, they receive a final F and cannot
retake the course again.

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2.21 Failed Final Exams
If students fail a course due to a failed final exam, they will be informed of this
result by the Administration Office via their students.ryi.org email address. If
students wish to retake a failed final exam, they must apply to the Director of
Administration in writing (by email) within two weeks of receipt of the email
notice of the failed exam. Failure to apply for re-examination within the two-
week period may result in the students having to retake the entire course in a
new semester.

Upon receipt of the student’s application to retake an exam, a date for the
examination will be set by the Director of Administration in consultation with the
concerned faculty member. The date for the re-examination must be set within
four weeks after grades are released for that semester. However, if a student
wishes to enroll in a course where the failed course is a required prerequisite,
the student must re-sit the exam either one week before the beginning of the
new semester or during the first week of the semester in question before being
allowed to join the new course. A student may only appear for two re-
examinations of any course. Failure to pass the exam in the second re-
examination will result in the entire course having to be retaken.

2.22 Low Semester CGPA

If a BA student has a per-semester CGPA lower than 2.0 in any given semester
when the courses are combined based on course level (e.g., 100-level classes
taken together, 200-level classes taken together, etc.) the student will have the
opportunity to take a make-up exam to raise one of their grades sufficiently to
reach a CGPA of 2.0 for that semester. Students should consult with their
academic advisor if they are concerned that their grades may cause them to
have a CGPA lower than 2.0 in any given semester. Note that the transcript as
displayed in the RYI portal is shown chronologically, rather than by course level,
so students will need to work with their advisors to check on this properly.

2.23 Publishing and Review of Final Grades

Final grades are usually published six weeks after the end of final exam week.
Students are informed at their RYI student O365 account when the final grades
have been uploaded to the RYI portal, at which time students can view their
grades. See 1.18.2 below for information on appealing a course grade.

36
2.24 Appeals
2.24.1 Appeal of an Individual Assignment
A student wishing to register a complaint regarding the grading of a test, quiz,
paper, or other course assignment may do so by first bringing the matter to the
attention of the faculty member responsible for the grading. At this point, the
student should clearly explain their reasons for the complaint.

If the student is dissatisfied with the outcome of this conversation and wishes
to register a formal complaint, the matter may be put in writing to the Director
of Studies. (Email attachments are acceptable.) Oral complaints will not be
considered. The Director of Studies will review the grade and the paperwork
and consult with the faculty member responsible for the grading, and within two
weeks, make an appointment with the student to give a decision.

The student may further appeal the decision made by the Director of Studies
by lodging a written appeal to the Principal. The Principal must receive this
appeal within one week following the decision by the Director of Studies. The
Principal may then either: a) assign the case to an external qualified reader for
review, or b) make a personal decision. The Principal’s decision will be
considered final.
2.24.2 Appeal of a Semester Grade
Students will be informed each semester by means of their students.ryi.org
email address when the semester’s grades have been posted to the RYI portal.
Students then have two weeks to file a joint appeal to both the teacher and the
Director of Studies in writing. (Email attachments are acceptable.)

The Director of Studies will consult with the faculty member to consider the
appeal and respond within two weeks. The student may further appeal the
decision made by the Director of Studies by lodging a written appeal to the
Principal within one week of the decision by the Director of Studies. The
Principal may then either: a) assign the case to an external qualified reader for
review, or b) make a personal decision. The Principal’s decision will be
considered final.
2.24.3 Statement of Academic Record
A statement of academic record is an official statement of a student’s academic
performance and progress. An unofficial statement of academic record can be
downloaded from the RYI student portal anytime, under the “Statement of
Academic Records” tab.

37
Students can request an official statement of academic record by completing
the appropriate request form available from the Administration Office and
submitting it together with the designated fees. Online order and payment for
an official statement of academic record is also possible by submitting the
online order form and payment through the website at:
http://www.ryi.org/alumni.

An official statement of academic record will be either sealed, stamped, and

sent directly from CBS by mail to the recipient indicated by the student, or a
digital copy (PDF) will be sent directly from CBS by email to the recipient
indicated by the student.

Upon graduation, a student may request an official Kathmandu University

transcript by filling out a request form in the Administration Office. This
transcript will usually be issued one month following the convocation ceremony.
For applicable fees, ask the RYI administration office staff.

Note that official statement of academic records will not be released if a student
has any outstanding unpaid fees or any unreturned library books.

2.25 Graduation Procedures

Candidates for graduation must complete a graduation request application
form, obtain approval from their Academic Advisor, then submit the form to the
Administration Office together with their graduation fee and three photos.
Candidates for graduation will be notified by the Administration Office regarding
the graduation ceremony (convocation) date, cap and gown distribution, and
other related information. Graduation request applications must be submitted
by September 1 each year. Contact the Administration Office with any
questions you might have about this process. Students who wish to attend the
convocation at Kathmandu University are required to pay fees and a deposit for
the traditional cap and gown. The convocation is normally held in December of
the year of graduation. The letter of invitation is emailed to graduates’ RYI email
account once the convocation date is confirmed. RYI warmly invites all
graduates to attend the ceremony.

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3. TUITION AND FEE INFORMATION

3.1 Tuition Fees

For inquiries about current tuition fees, please visit the RYI website, select the
“Programs” tab and navigate to the program of interest. You will see a fee
request option in the right-hand column. Also contact [email protected] for
information about tuition fees.

3.2 Tuition Payment

Fall and spring semester tuition can be paid either for the whole academic year
or at the beginning of each semester. The deadline for payment of tuition and
fees for both the fall and spring semesters is 4:00 p.m. on Friday before the
start of classes. Tuition and fees paid after this date will incur a US$100 late
fee for international students and a NPR 1,000 late fee for students from Nepal
or SAARC countries.

Summer program tuition is due in full two weeks after a student's acceptance
to the program.

Students from Nepal and any SAARC country may pay their tuition fees in
Nepalese rupees. All other students must pay their tuition fees in US dollars.
Payments can be made in cash or by credit card (with an additional 3.5%
charge added) at the Finance Office, or via bank transfer. Details for bank
transfers are included in each student’s acceptance email and can also be
acquired from the Finance Office.

Late Course Registration Fee: The fee for students who hold Nepalese and
SAARC country passport holders is NRP 1,500. For other passport holders it is
US$30. This fee will be waived when students have been accepted into a
program after the course registration deadline.

3.3 Dropping and Withdrawing from Courses

For the fall and spring semesters, students have until 4:00 p.m. on Friday of the
first week of classes to drop a course without financial penalty. If a student
wishes to drop a course in the second week of classes, the student will receive
a refund less a US$75 late course withdrawal fee. Nepalese and SAARC
students will receive a refund less an NPR 2,000 late course withdrawal fee.
Students who completely withdraw from the program before the beginning of

39
the third week of classes will receive a full tuition refund minus a US$250
administrative withdrawal fee. Nepalese and SAARC students will receive a full
tuition refund minus an NPR 15,000 and NPR 22,500 administrative withdrawal
fee respectively.

There is no refund for any course dropped after the second week of classes,
including courses that the student withdraws from officially within four weeks.
Course withdrawal affects the course grade and therefore the student’s
transcript but has no financial effect. There is no exception to this rule. Students
should remember that they must maintain nine credit hours per semester to be
enrolled in the degree program on a study visa. For academic information
related to course withdrawals, see section 1.6.3.
3.3.1 RYI Summer Program Withdrawal Policy
Successful applicants must accept or decline a summer program admission
offer within two weeks. To secure a place on the program, students must also
submit the full summer program payment at this time. International students
withdrawing before May 15 receive a full tuition refund, minus a US$250
administrative withdrawal fee (Nepalese and SAARC students NPR 2,000).
Students withdrawing between May 15 and the Friday of the first week of
classes at the end of business hours (4 p.m.) will receive a 50% refund.
Students withdrawing after the end of the first week of classes will not receive
a refund. To withdraw from a program and to request the appropriate refund,
students must communicate with the Administration Office in writing.
3.3.2 Translator Training Program (TTP) Withdrawal policy
If a student withdraws from the course for whatever reason, even if this is
beyond their direct control, the following regulations will apply:
If a student withdraws within one month following the start of classes they will
receive a refund of the total amount paid to that date less $4,000, but for
withdrawals after the first month of the start of classes no refund will be made.

3.4 Other Applicable Fees

Late course registration fee: $30 (NPR 1500 SAARC/Nepalese).
Service charge for late signing of the course registration form: $30 (NPR 1500
SAARC/Nepalese).

40
3.5 Additional Program Costs
To help students calculate their financial needs, the table below shows
estimated costs for the academic year 2023-2024 in US dollars. This allows for
a simple-to-average, but not luxurious standard of living.

Additional Cost Costs in US$

Student visa fee 440 (Sep-Sep 1 year)
Books and supplies 300 (Sept-April)
Room and board**(560/month) 5,040 (Aug-April, 9 months)
Optional field trips 260

Note that the student visa fee is US$30 a month (360 for 1 year), with an
additional US$20 for single entry visa, or US$60 for multiple entry visa, plus a
processing fee of approximately US$30. So, for a single entry visa the total cost
will be US $400, and for a multiple entry visa it will be US$440.

Many students decide to augment language study with one-on-one

conversation classes with a Tibetan or Nepalese tutor. Typical costs are NPR
500-800 (US$5-8) per hour. A more qualified language instructor may charge
more. Online tutoring might be more costly.

**Room and board costs are estimated for simple-to-average living in Nepal.
Apartment rental costs will vary depending on location and size. According to
the 2022 RYI survey, the cost of living (rent, electricity, and food) in Boudha
starts at a minimum of NPR. 40,000+ on average. A shared apartment may cost
around NPR. 15,000+ per person. Smaller simple apartments start around
US$220 per month but can be as expensive as US$500 or more per month for
large/ upmarket apartments. Prices also depend on whether the apartment is
unfurnished, semi-furnished, or fully furnished. Usually, fully furnished
apartments come with all amenities included in the monthly cost, however,
unfurnished apartments may not include electricity, Wi-Fi, water and extra bills.
Discounts for longer stays can be negotiated. Another option is to rent a studio
room/apartment in a guest house that may cost between US$250 to US$500
per month. Guest house apartments usually include cooking gas, internet, and
electricity bills in the monthly charges. Costs increase the closer to the stupa
you are.

In terms of food costs, it is cheaper to cook for at home or eat at our monastery’s
restaurant, the Utpala Café (US$2.85 for lunch after RYI student discount), than
eating at recommended restaurants nearby (about US$4.50 for lunch). Local
restaurants that do not cater to foreigners are even cheaper, but the chances

41
of getting ill from eating at these restaurants is quite high. One of the cheapest
options is to live with a Tibetan or Nepalese family, which usually charge about
US$250 for a room, breakfast, and dinner. Another cheap option is to rent an
apartment and share with other students, and cook at home. Generally, weekly
grocery costs are about US$40.

4. FINANCIAL AID
RYI aims to keep tuition expenses as low as possible without sacrificing the
quality of education. Students are advised to look for financial support options,
such as national government and foundation grants to help pay their fees. As a
degree-granting institution, RYI expects that students bear the bulk of the
responsibility for financing their education. It is hoped that students view the
investment in the RYI program as worthwhile.

RYI can reward some students with merit-based scholarships that cover part of
their tuition. Additionally, students can access limited need-based financial
assistance, thanks to the generosity of several donors. Please see the financial
aid options below.

4.1 Merit-Based Scholarship

These scholarships are available for full-time BA and MA students who have
completed at least two consecutive semesters of study at RYI. The value of
each award is between 30% and 50% of the applicable tuition fees.

4.2 South Asia and Himalaya Scholarship

These scholarships are available to citizens of Nepal and other SAARC
countries who permanently reside in the Himalayan/SAARC region. This
includes ethnic Tibetans holding refugee status. They must be enrolled in the
BA, MA Prep, MA programs, or the Non-Degree program at RYI. This need-
based scholarship covers 100% of the tuition fees for the fall and spring
semesters.

4.3 Ordained Sangha Scholarship

These scholarships are available to full-time BA and MA students of all
nationalities who have been ordained as monks or nuns in a Buddhist tradition.
This provides 100% tuition scholarship for the duration of the degree program.

42
4.4 Translator Training Scholarship
This scholarship is available to all students who have enrolled in the translator
training program and covers approximately 20% of the tuition fee.

4.5 Horst Koch Memorial Scholarship for Online Learning

This scholarship is available to students in the interactive format of the online
learning program partially covers the tuition fee.

4.6 Work-Study
Work-study is available for international students who are enrolled in any
program at RYI and are taking a minimum of 12 credit units per term. The work-
study scheme runs as follows:
• Students who are taking 12 credit units work 80 hours per term and receive
US$912.

• Students who are taking 15 credit units work 100 hours per term and
receive US$1140.
Detailed descriptions of financial aid programs, information about eligibility, and
dates when applications are accepted, can be found on the RYI website:
http://www.ryi.org/students/financial-aid.

4.7 BA Scholarship
These scholarships are available for new full-time BA students. The value of
each award is 50% of the tuition fees. These scholarships are for four years of
study, subject to maintaining a 3.0 GPA average.

4.8 MA Preparatory Scholarship

These scholarships are for new students and not existing MA Preparatory
Program students (existing students can apply for the Merit Based
Scholarship), and are particularly for students who are interested in studying in
the MA Buddhist Studies and MA Textual Translation and Interpretation (TTIP)
programs. Scholarships will be for one year only. The value of each award is
50% of the tuition fee.

43
4.9 MA Scholarship 2023/24
These scholarships are for existing BA and MA Prep students studying at RYI,
and not for existing MA Program students (existing students can apply for the
Merit Based Scholarship) for the 2023/24 academic year. Extending this MA
scholarship for existing BA and MA Prep students studying at RYI, and for new
students in 2024/25 is under review.

5. STUDENT SUPPORT

5.1 Faculty Office Hours

All faculty members will see students by appointment or at regularly scheduled
times. Moderators for the online learning program are available via email or the
forums in Moodle. Instructors will advise students about their availability during
the first week of classes. All questions about a course should be discussed with
the relevant instructor as soon as possible. All It is important that students take
advantage of this opportunity if they are having difficulties with a particular
course or assignment. It is each student’s responsibility to make the effort to
obtain help.

5.2 Student Services

Student Services is responsible for issues related to student life,
accommodation, health, adjustment and general well-being, and questions
about living Nepal.

To help students succeed, the Student Services team is available to support

students and staff in the following tasks:

• counseling and information services (including physical and mental health

referrals, safety, study skills, student concerns, practical advice, monastery
events, etc.)
• information about accommodation options
• field trips and social events
• orientation programs and materials
• airport pickups for new students
• Student Support Groups (senior student advisors)

44
5.3 Administrative Support
The Administration Office is responsible for program and course registration
and many other procedural matters. Students should provide their email and
phone details (including updating them if they change) to the Director of
Administration so that RYI has a current list of all students’ contact details. The
Administration Office communicates notices about events, lectures, class and
schedules, deadlines, etc., via MS Teams and student.ryi.org email, so it is
important that students regularly check their email.

5.4 Academic Support

Each student is assigned an academic advisor at the beginning of their study
program. Each semester, academic advisors should be consulted about the
specific set of courses that the student will take that semester. Academic
advisors should also be consulted regarding the specific set of courses needed
to complete the student’s program.

The Director of Academic Administration, the Director of Studies, and the Head
of the Language Studies Department are responsible for the academic program
and may be consulted on general issues related to coursework, transfer of
credits, language placement, or other academic matters that cannot be
addressed by academic advisors.

5.5 Student Society

The Student Society was formed in 2004 by a group of students who wanted to
take an active role in helping organize community events and in representing
student voices to RYI. This organization is open to all students, and the officers
are elected directly by the student body. The Senior Student Services Officer
attends key meetings if invited and interacts most with the students in this
context. The Student Society is a useful forum for discussions of all student
matters and for giving students influence in the life of RYI. In the past, the
Student Society has been involved in planning excursions such as weekend
outings, social work, and community outreach, and social events such as movie
nights or parties. The Student Society has published its own Arts Journal and
has been very active with environmental projects. It also supports several clubs,
such as the poetry club, yoga club, the Chöd practice group, Friends of Silence
meditation club, futsal soccer club, the Sanskrit chanting club, the hiking club,
the chess club, Swing Society, Tibetan Dance, Bollywood Dance, etc.

45
Please note that Student Society events are student-led events and not RYI
events. RYI is not responsible for them. For the latest guidelines of RYI’s
Student Society, please contact the Senior Student Services Officer.
Website:www.ryistudentsociety.org or Facebook:
www.facebook.com/ryistudentsociety

5.6 Student Blog

The student blog articles are published by the Administration Office. This blog
https://studentblog.ryi.org/ is meant as a forum for current students to share
experiences while studying at RYI. If you would like to become a contributor,
please contact [email protected]

5.7 Personal and Emergency Information

All students enrolled in on-campus courses at RYI are required to complete and
submit a student services questionnaire within two weeks of admission. A legal
disclaimer is part of the application form and must be accepted there. After
acceptance into an on-campus program at RYI, students receive the student
services questionnaire by email and are required to return it within two weeks.

RYI asks all international students to register with their embassy and to have
medical insurance while enrolled at RYI in Nepal. To adequately assist students
in the event of an emergency, RYI urges all students to provide emergency
information before the start of the program. The emergency information form is
on the RYI portal, student profile section. RYI requests students to add their
local phone contact as soon as they have this. Students are responsible for
keeping this important information updated throughout their enrollment at RYI.
By providing this information, students agree to RYI storing and making this
data available to relevant persons in an emergency.

5.8 Health Insurance and Health Information

Rangjung Yeshe Institute requires all local and international students to be
covered by medical insurance while studying in Nepal. Please enter the details
into the emergency section of the RYI portal so that we can help in the case of
a health emergency.

Please note that it is not currently possible for international students to

purchase international health insurance or emergency evacuation insurance

46
from any agency in Nepal. RYI recommends finding a provider in your own
country or online before coming to Nepal.

As noted above, all students are required to complete a student services

questionnaire. If requested to do so, students are required to participate in a
confidential health interview with the Senior Student Services Officer and the
volunteer Health Advisor during the first week of the program. All matters
discussed at the health meeting are confidential.

If RYI has concerns about a student’s health records, Student Services will
contact the student for more information. It is imperative for students to be open
and forthcoming about health issues in advance of their arrival so that RYI may
advise them on proper preparation. Specific questions, for example about
medications, are asked because many medications available in the West are
not available in Nepal or are available only in different dosages. If a student has
specific questions about the availability of medication, they can email the Senior
Student Services Officer in advance of their departure.

5.9 Special Needs

Students with severe physical disabilities should provide information specific to
their situation. Nepal can be a challenging country for people with disabilities,
and advice is given on a case-by-case basis. Unfortunately, currently, RYI has
no equipment to support students who are severely visually or hearing
impaired. The physical layout of the monastery building, lack of heating, and
seating arrangements in classrooms may also make things uncomfortable for
people with disabilities, although students will be accommodated as far as
possible.

RYI asks detailed questions about students’ mental health history. It is

important that students answer these questions honestly and accurately.
Access to mental health professionals in Nepal is limited and drugs such as
antidepressants used for treatment of mental illness in western countries are
often unavailable. We have no trained professional mental health counselors
on staff and cannot offer students the services often provided by western
universities.

Students who have been diagnosed with conditions such as attention deficit
disorder should also be aware that RYI does not have the resources or ability
to provide the services their condition might require. Medication for such
conditions is unavailable in Nepal. It is best to send an inquiry to the Senior
Student Services Officer if a student has concerns.
47
Similarly, students struggling with addiction or eating disorders must include
their case histories on the medical forms. Students who have not finished
treatment programs or have not been sober for a reasonable amount of time
may not be accommodated by the Institute.

RYI reserves the right to deny admission to any student if it believes that its
lack of resources and experience might jeopardize that student’s health.
Students will not be admitted to RYI without submitting the student services
questionnaire, and, when appropriate, undergoing a health interview. If the
health consultant and the Senior Student Services Officer are concerned about
new information obtained during the health interview, the admission decision
may be reversed at that time.

5.10 RYI Safe Environment Policy

RYI seeks to maintain a safe, tolerant, and respectful environment for all
members of the RYI community, regardless of national origin, ethnicity, gender,
sexual orientation or religious belief. Any member of the community who feels
that they have been subjected to discrimination on whatever basis should bring
the matter to the attention of the RYI Safe Environment Committee for
resolution.

Everyone should be aware that the relationship between a student and a person
in a position of authority, instruction, evaluation, or supervision is by nature not
equitable. Due to this inequality, and because of potential charges of favoritism,
no member of the teaching staff (including assistant language instructors and
teaching assistants) may enter a romantic or sexual relationship with any
student for whom they have direct pedagogical responsibility through teaching,
mentoring, supervising, or grading that student. This policy applies to all
students, regardless of whether they are enrolled on a full-time or part-time
basis.

5.11 Grievances
If a student has a complaint about any aspect of the program, they should raise
it with the appropriate person at the earliest possible opportunity. Complaints
dealt with informally at an early stage have the best chance of being resolved
amicably. Academic complaints should be first shared with the academic
instructor and then the Director of Studies. General concerns about the program
and life in Nepal should be shared with the Senior Student Services Officer.
Grievances about procedural issues, payments, and general administration
48
should first go to the Director of Administration, and then, if unresolved, to the
Principal.

6. FACILITIES

6.1 Library Services

All academic students can join the privately-owned Rangjung Yeshe Library
housed at the monastery. Students are welcome to visit and read the books
during opening hours while in the library without being library members, but
students must register for library membership to check the books out of the
library. For academic students, library membership fees are included in tuition
fees. Once the registration form and the refundable security deposit is paid,
students are entitled to borrow two books at a time for up to four weeks.
Separate lending policies apply to graduate students; please consult with the
librarian for details.

Most of the books in the library have been donated and a number are quite rare,
so care is needed in handling them. Students bear the responsibility for any
fees incurred due to loss or damage to books. Also, absolutely no book may be
photocopied without express permission from the librarian.

The library is open regularly during semester, including reading weeks. This
schedule is posted on the library door. During vacations, the library may be
closed, or open only for limited hours.

The library sells texts for most of the ritual practices performed at the monastery
as well as photos and pictures of deities, lamas, etc. The Administration Office
also has a small selection of books for sale. Prices are posted in the
Administration Office.

6.2 Dharma Ratna Shop

RYI houses the Dharma Ratna Shop which sells ritual instruments, statues, and
thangkas, as well as Dharma books and practice texts. RYI students enjoy a
special service from Dharma Ratna shop which helps find and deliver books
needed for their studies. Shrine and ritual object have been selected by a senior
Lama of Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery, has been blessed by Chökyi Nyima
Rinpoche, and meets the high standard of the Chokling Tersar lineage. Each
purchase supports Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery and the production costs

49
of Tara’s Triple Excellence online meditation program. The shop is currently
located in room 102.

For more information, see email: [email protected]

Website for online orders (worldwide shipping): https://dharmaratna.online
Facebook: www.fb.com/DharmaRatnaOnline

6.3 Meditation and Practice

RYI organizes a weekly drop-in meditation class taught by a senior monk from
Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery. In the spring semester, RYI offers a class
directly focused on the study and practice of meditation. The RYI Student
Society often offers clubs focused on practice, such as the weekly Chöd
Practice Club, the Meditation Club, the Sanskrit Chanting Club, etc.

Furthermore, everyone is invited to observe or join any practices held in the

main shrine hall of the monastery. The monks at Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling
monastery apply the Buddhist key points in practice – also in daily morning and
evening and longer group practices. Rinpoche invites all of you to join or visit
any of these practices. For practice texts, please contact RYI’s library.
The annual schedule of monastery events can be found here:
https://monksandnuns.org/ka-nying-ling-monastery/activities/annual-schedule/
The monastery also publishes a Tibetan calendar with all special days and
monastery events. For more information, please contact the monastery’s main
office or the Senior Student Services Officer.

6.4 Additional Study

Many students augment the RYI language program by taking individual
language classes. If students want advice on hiring a tutor, they can ask one of
the Tibetan or Nepali language instructors. Students who feel they need tutoring
in other subjects should speak with their individual instructors or the Director of
Studies for recommendations.

6.5 Computer and Internet Access

Although students are not required to bring computers for their studies, this is
advisable, since all written assignments such as papers and theses must be
submitted in printed form. RYI offers a free wireless internet service on campus
to its students. To gain access, students must register their device’s
identification address (MAC) at the Administration Office, then enter the

50
password to access the network. If a student acquires the password, but their
computer is not yet registered, the student will be unable to access the network.

The Rangjung Yeshe library also has two desktop computers, which can be
used by the students. There is dedicated wi-fi in the library that can be accessed
only with devices that are registered at the Administration Office. Please ask
the librarian for the Wi-Fi password.

Cable internet services can be installed in students’ apartments from suppliers

such as WorldLink, Subisu, Viatnet, CG Net or Classic Tech.

There are several reasonably priced internet cafés and restaurants close to RYI
that offer free wireless internet access.

At times, there are power outages in Kathmandu. Heavy-duty 12-volt vehicle

batteries and power inverters (220-volt) are available locally and can be wired
into a building’s electrical circuits, enabling continued use of lights and electrical
appliances during power cuts. These backup systems typically cost several
hundred dollars to install.

Please note that the computers in RYI’s offices are for the use of staff and
faculty only and cannot be used by students in any circumstance.

6.6 Photocopying
Photocopies can be made in the Finance Office for NPR 7 per page. The time
it takes to make the copies depends upon the office workload. Priority is given
to administrative and faculty photocopy requests. If the office staff has many
copies to produce that day, a student may be asked to take their request
elsewhere. There are several reliable photocopy shops in Boudha. Tibetan
Pecha-sized texts cannot be copied in the office and must be taken elsewhere.

6.7 Printing Service

RYI’s offices do not allow the use on office computers of USB pen/flash drives
belonging to students. Therefore, students who need to have their work printed
must send files (and attached fonts if non-standard fonts are used) to:
[email protected]. Students are responsible for ensuring the files are formatted to
their liking and saved as Microsoft Word documents or as PDF files. RYI staff
are not available for formatting documents for students. Normally, printouts will
be ready to pick up at the Finance Office after one working day. However,

51
during busy office periods, it may take two to three working days. Printing costs
NPR 7 per page.

6.8 Bulletin Boards

The bulletin boards on RYI’s first floor, opposite classroom 104, are maintained
by the Administration Office and Student Services. They contain information on
academic departments, event postings, housing services, items for sale, and
more, complementing the information posted on the Teams hub. Students are
encouraged to regularly check these bulletin boards for the most important and
most recently updated information regarding studies, student support, security
announcements and events.

6.9 Moodle
Moodle is the open-source electronic online learning platform utilized by RYI to
host online courses. Access to Moodle is given once a student signs up for an
online course. You can visit RYI’s Moodle homepage for more information:
http://moodle.ryi.org.

6.10 Utpala Café

Utpala Café is a vegetarian/vegan restaurant associated with Ka-Nying
Shedrub Ling Monastery. This is where assistant language instructor classes
are held and where students can relax, meet friends, and study. The
atmosphere is lively and the conversation warm and engaging.

The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Delicious
coffee, tea, and excellent cakes are served throughout the day. The restaurant
is open seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. During the fall and spring
semesters, buffet lunch specifically created for RYI students is served at 12:30
p.m. It is also a wireless hotspot. In the back garden of Utpala Café, you will
find RYI’s Dharmachakra Library. The Utpala Bakehouse is also located here
and provides a diverse assortment of freshly baked goods etc. The area behind
Utpala cafe is a designated study zone and is used for meetings with assistant
language instructors and for quiet self-study.

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6.11 Pets on campus
RYI discourages students from bringing their pets onto campus; pets are not
allowed inside the RYI classrooms. Dogs are only allowed on campus with a
leash and must have prior permission from the Gompa Management to do so.
They must be always accompanied by the owner with the firm understanding
that the owner is entirely responsible for their pet. Please be advised that Nepal
has many stray dogs with no real means to control them or verify that they have
been vaccinated properly.

7. RYI FACULTY AND STAFF

7.1 About the Faculty

Rangjung Yeshe Institute’s faculty consists of three groups: Monastic scholars
trained in the Tibetan philosophical tradition, PhD faculty from the Western
academic tradition, and experienced language teachers, both native speakers
and international instructors. The monastic faculty studied extensively at
Sangye Yeshe Monastic College, Nepal, and Ngagyur Nyingma Institute, India,
earning the degrees of Lopon and Khenpo. Their philosophy classes are
translated from Tibetan into English. Advanced philosophy classes are taught
in Tibetan without translation.

Past visiting scholars have come from a variety of schools, including Harvard
University, Emory University, Université de Lausanne, Boston College,
University of Vienna, University of Hamburg, McGill University, Agnes Scott
College, Williams College, and Humboldt State University. It is rare that all
faculty members are in residence at any given time due to their other academic
and research commitments.

Visiting scholars offer additional educational events ranging from a single

lecture to week or month-long workshops. Announcements can be found on
RYI’s website and Facebook page. Students will also be notified via email of
any upcoming events.

7.2 Administrative Team

The administrative team of RYI manages all operations of the Institute and is
led by the Principal. The team comprises:

53
The Programs Department
The Programs Department is responsible for academic programs, curriculum
development, strategic program oversight and day-to-day classroom
operations.

The Finance and Human Resources Department

The Finance and Human Resources Department is responsible for budgeting,
financial management and staff contracts.

The Administration Department

The Administration Department is responsible for overall administration,
including acting as the first point of contact for students, student registration
and admission, office systems development, and office support. The
Administration Department handles student and faculty enquiries, collecting all
RYI forms, administering course and program evaluation, and online learning
registration. The Department is also responsible for Student Services which
deals with issues related to student life, physical and mental health, general
adjustment to life at RYI and questions about Nepal, including accommodation.
Other areas include counseling, conflict resolution, referral services, career
services, volunteer programs, emergency preparedness, safety, alumni
services, information on monastery activities, study skills support, Student
Support Program, local student support, Student Society liaison, social events
and field trips, and airport pickups.

7.3 RYI Committees and their Roles

Decisions regarding developments at RYI are made by specific committees that
perform a variety of roles. The committees that directly relate to student life are:

The Senior Management Team

This team is responsible for the general functioning and long-term planning of
RYI. The Team comprises the Principal, the Director of Studies, the Director of
Academic Administration, the Human Resources Manager, the Director of
Administration, Assistant to the Principal, and a faculty representative.

54
The Buddhist Studies Graduate Committee
The Buddhist Studies Graduate Committee plans and sets requirements for
courses and degree programs, reviews course development, and reviews
students’ thesis proposals. This committee is chaired by the Director of Studies
and consists of faculty members and senior academic advisors, both in
residence and in absentia.
The Financial Aid Committee
The Financial Aid Committee decides on financial aid application criteria and
reviews applications for financial aid. The committee is chaired by the Director
of Administration and comprises faculty and administrative staff members.

55
Part II
Orientation Guide

56
Section I

What to Know Before You Arrive

1. WHAT TO EXPECT UPON ARRIVAL

1.1 Visa Documents
If this is your first time in Nepal this calendar year, you will most likely be on a
tourist visa, obtained before you left your own country, or obtained at the port
of entry into Nepal. The visa is valid for the duration you requested when
applying for the visa and must be extended before that period expires. Tourist
visa extensions can be to a maximum stay of 150 days per (western) calendar
year. If you are going to stay in Nepal beyond that length of time, you must
obtain some other type of visa.

Students fully enrolled at Rangjung Yeshe Institute in the BA, MA Prep, MA, or
PhD programs, as well as visiting or translator training program students, and
research students, are eligible for a study visa. With a study visa, students will
be able to reside in Nepal if they remain in good standing with the Institute. For
more information regarding visas, please contact [email protected].

Tourist visas are available from Nepalese embassies and consulates

throughout the world. Contact the Nepalese embassy or consulate nearest you.

You can obtain the following three types of tourist visa:

• Fifteen-day multiple entry visa for US$ 30

• Thirty-day multiple entry visa for US$ 50 at the airport (extension

US$90)

• Ninety-day multiple entry visa for US$ 125 (at the airport)

Tourist visas are also available upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport
(TIA) in Kathmandu. Paper application forms are available on the tables and
counters as you enter the immigration area. Airport staff may direct you to a
computer to fill out your tourist visa application online. They will also take a
digital photo of you.

57
To save time when you arrive, you can download and print the tourist visa
application and complete it before you arrive. In either case, bring two (2)
passport photos with you and the correct change in US dollars or equivalent
convertible foreign currency to pay for your on-arrival visa. Nepali rupees are
not accepted for this process.

For more information regarding tourist visas please go to the Nepalese

immigration website https://www.immigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa

If you ever need to go to the immigration office, it is in Kalikasthan, please see

the address, directions, and instructions for online registration in Section VII.
However, if you plan to apply for a student visa through RYI, plan to arrive in
Nepal on a tourist visa and after arriving the Administration Office will process
the paperwork needed for obtaining a Nepalese student visa for you. This
process will be explained in detail during orientation.
1.2 Getting Your Luggage & Going Through Customs
On arrival at the Kathmandu Airport, after acquiring your visa and your passport
has been stamped by the immigration official, you will be asked to go through
the Nepalese customs area. Follow the crowd downstairs and collect your
luggage from the conveyor belts on the ground floor.

Customs officials will ask to look at your baggage claim tags as you leave the
airport to make sure you have retrieved the correct luggage; they will match the
number on your luggage with the number on your tag before letting you pass
through. Make sure to have these tags on hand as you exit the baggage claim
area.

Foreigners are permitted to bring one laptop computer, one camera, one small
used stereo for personal use, and one piece of each electronic gadget for
personal use. If you plan on bringing many computers or electronic equipment,
be prepared to show documentation that you have received from RYI showing
that you are enrolled as a student here. This may be useful should a customs
agent demand you pay duty on these items.
1.3 Getting to Boudha from the Airport
If this is your first time in Nepal, you may want to request an airport pick-up from
RYI. If you are interested in this service, make sure you return a Request for
Airport Pick-Up Form prior to your arrival and look out for a driver with a sign
with your name or RYI on it. You will receive this form electronically
approximately a month before the first day of orientation. Please contact the

58
Administration Office if there are any changes in your travel plans and you need
to rearrange your airport pick-up.

You can also request an airport pickup from your guesthouse or hotel. Finally,
there is the airport pre-paid taxi service. There are several taxi counters just
outside the arrival hall at the airport where you can prepay for a taxi. The cost
of a pre-paid taxi to Boudha is about NPR 800. Ask to go to “Boudha stupa” or
to your guesthouse if you have reservations at one.

For more about RYI’s location, please visit https://ryi.org/prospective-

students/location
1.4 Booking a Guesthouse Room and Lodging
Although it is not currently possible to stay at Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling
Monastery, accommodation is available close by. We recommend that you stay
in a guesthouse for the first few weeks after your arrival in Kathmandu until you
get acclimated and have a better idea for where you might wish to stay for a
longer period. A list of nearby guesthouses can be found at the RYI website:
www.ryi.org/prospective-students/lodging. Many hotels and guesthouses will
take reservations, and it is advisable to book in advance. We strongly suggest
that you find a guesthouse in Boudha itself, rather than in other areas of
Kathmandu, as there is heavy traffic and commuting is time-consuming and
tiring.

New students will receive an updated housing list via email a week before the
semester starts. After you have settled into your guesthouse and adjusted to
your new surroundings, you can start looking for an apartment or room to rent
long term. If you need advice concerning housing, please contact the Senior
Student Services Officer.
1.5 Registering at Your Embassy
As soon as you can after arriving in Kathmandu, register at your embassy or
foreign mission. Why do this? In a crisis—a family crisis back home or a crisis
in Nepal—your embassy becomes the central point of contact. It is where your
lost passport might be returned and where you can renew your passport or add
pages. Embassy staff will track you down if it becomes necessary for foreigners
to leave the country. It is essential to keep your personal information updated
in the embassy’s files for this reason—the unexpected may well happen. We
will remind you in person to register with your embassy.

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2. PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR LIVING IN BOUDHA
2.1 Environment and Location
Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery is located a few minutes’ walk from the great
stupa (called Jarung Khashor in Tibetan) of Boudha in the Kathmandu valley.
The stupa houses the relics of Buddha Kashyapa.

RYI’s facilities are within the monastery complex. The monastery is home to
over 600 monks and numerous lamas and lay practitioners. For more
information on the monastery and its activities, please visit www.shedrub.org
or contact the RYI Senior Student Services Officer.

The town of Boudha, with its many monasteries, has grown up around the
stupa. Boudha is a bustling community populated by Tibetan refugees and
other Buddhist ethnic groups native to Nepal, such as Newars, Sherpas, and
Tamangs. In addition, there are resident and transient communities of
international Dharma practitioners, as well as many tourists who reside in
Boudha while in Nepal. The main seasons for tourism are from mid-September
through mid-December and from February through March.
2.2 Climate and Clothing
The weather in Nepal at the beginning of the fall semester is warm and wet as
the weeks between late August and early September are the end of the annual
monsoon season. Temperatures will be in the 70°s and 80°s F (20°s and 30°s
C). The monsoon can linger through much of September, so come prepared for
some wet weather for the first few weeks. The weather is glorious for most of
October and into early November after the monsoon rains have finished. Then
it turns a bit chilly.

Although it rarely snows in the Kathmandu valley, it gets quite cold and can be
below freezing at night from mid-November to March. Since there is no central
heating, it can be cold inside most buildings, particularly at night and early
morning. It will be colder indoors than outdoors! Please keep this in mind when
preparing and packing for a stay in Kathmandu.

The temperatures in winter range from near-freezing at night to 50-75°F/10-

26°C during sunny days. Morning fog may persist through midday and
occasional showers occur in January; in which case the days are cooler.
October and March are particularly pleasant with warm days (75-85°F/26-32°C)
and cool nights (45-55°F/7-13°C). In April, the weather turns hotter and dry,
with occasional thunderstorms in the afternoons or evenings.

60
Casual, but modest clothing is recommended. As the temperatures will vary
during the school year, consider layering your clothing to make the most of each
item. For the cold season, bring jeans, corduroys, and long skirts or dresses to
wear with a shirt and a sweater or jacket. Women often wear leggings or tights
under their skirts. A down vest or jacket and polar fleece garments are
lightweight and useful. Some people find they need long underwear and a hat.
In Kathmandu all types of clothing are available, or can be made inexpensively,
although women’s shoes in sizes larger than European size 38 and men’s
shoes larger than size 42 are quite hard to find.

Sturdy, comfortable shoes or sandals are a must for Kathmandu’s rugged

streets and sidewalks. Loafers, sandals, or other slip-on shoes are advisable
for use in the monastery and at home; shoes are customarily removed before
entering most rooms. Hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes are also advisable
if you plan to do any trekking or day hikes around the valley, but these are also
available locally. For the warmer months, bring light clothing for the daytime
and a light sweater or jacket for evening. Bring a swimsuit if you like to swim in
the warmer months. You might want to bring a sleeping bag, especially if you
plan to travel outside Kathmandu, this can also be purchased or rented locally.

Laundry/Dry Cleaners
Please note that most so-called “dry cleaners” in Nepal are not doing chemical
dry cleaning but just washing and ironing clothes. In Boudha, Snow White Dry
Cleaners and Laundry (Tel: 98434-59577) has a very good reputation. It is
located on Boudha main road opposite of Sherpa Monastery.

The following dry cleaner is located right outside of the main gate of our
monastery: Himalayan Dry Cleaners (Tel: 9808900701).

Recently a new laundry service called Fast Laundry opened near RYI, in
Phulbari road (Tel:01-4918001, Tenzin 98103 44639). It is located just next to
Sunshine Cafe.

Washmandu are dry cleaners with pick-up and delivery service all over
Kathmandu. https://washmandu.com/-14115111, 9801616777

Please see the packing list in Section XI for further suggestions.

2.3 Dining
There are many restaurants around and near the stupa that offer decent food.
These include Utpala Café, Garden Kitchen, Shambhala Café, Himalayan

61
Kitchen & Coffee Co., Sakura, Roadhouse Café, Thakali Kitchen, Pho 99,
Boudha Stupa Restaurant, Nani’s Kitchen (above Padma Hotel), and Flavors
Café.

Utpala Café is run by Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling monastery and is RYI’s canteen.
It is an all-day restaurant that offers a fresh vegetarian menu that is healthy and
inexpensive. The menu ranges from continental to Indian to a variety of combo
meals. A variety of drinks like smoothies, detoxifying drinks, and coffee are
available. Free wireless internet is offered to students during opening hours; it
is a good place for socializing and studying. RYI students receive a 15%
discount on food and beverage items from the à la carte menu and a 10%
discount on regular buffet meals. To avail the discount, please show your RYI
student ID card at the time when the staff takes your order. However, these
discounts will not be applicable for promotional items during special occasions.

Garden Kitchen is particularly popular with students. It is located near the Valley
Guesthouse. Students also like Kunga Restaurant, Sunshine Cafe, Amala
Happiness Cafe, which are located very close to RYI.

Shambhala Cafe (10% on Food) and Himalayan Java (10% on Food and
Drinks) offer discounts to RYI students - make sure to bring your student ID
card with you to claim this discount!

There are also many small, less costly restaurants, but they are generally not
as clean as those listed above and the risk of food poisoning is high.

There are many good restaurants throughout Kathmandu with a wide variety of
international menu selections. However, the highest concentration of
restaurants with good food at affordable prices is in the Thamel neighborhood
of Kathmandu, which is popular with tourists. Many restaurants are also located
in the Jhamsikhel and Sanepa areas of Lalitpur. More expensive restaurants
and those of international standard are in the various four and five-star hotels
in Durbar Marg, at the Babar Mahal Revisited shopping complex, or at the Hyatt
Regency in Boudha.

Food Delivery
Foodmandu is a multi-restaurant food delivery service provider. You can place
your order from over one-hundred-member restaurants inside Kathmandu and
Lalitpur online, via their app, telephone.
www.foodmandu.com; Tel: 98020-34008. 01-444-4177, 01-4440979

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Another food delivery service provider is Bhojdeals. You can place your order
via their app that is downloaded via Play Store or App Store. You can find more
details at www.bhojdeals.com

Other food delivery service providers

(Make sure you ask whether delivery to Boudha is available. Some providers
might not come directly to the stupa area, but might deliver to Mahankal road
area in Boudha)
• Foodmario http://foodmario.com/
• Pathao Food https://pathao.com/np/food/
• Bhok Lagyo www.bhoklagyo.com.np
• Door to Door Tiffin -
https://www.facebook.com/TiffinDeliveryServicePEPSICOLA/ or call 977
984-1522400
• Bhokmandu https://bhokmandu.com.np/
• Ek Baje https://www.facebook.com/EkBajeLunch
2.4 Banking and Currency
The official rate for the Nepalese rupee was NPR 130 average to 1 US Dollar
in January 2023. This rate fluctuates daily. Visa and MasterCard are in common
use, though frequently with a surcharge. Most currencies are easily exchanged
at local banks or with money changers. ATMs are available in Boudha,
Chabahil, Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket, and many other locations. Travelers’
cheques and regular checks from abroad are no longer accepted in Nepal.
2.5 Communications Services
It is extremely easy to keep in touch with your family and friends while staying
in Kathmandu, as the quality of the internet has greatly improved recently. In
addition, there are many cafes and restaurants that offer free wi-fi. When you
bring your smartphone, make sure it is unlocked, so it can be used abroad. It is
easy to buy a SIM card with 3G or 4G in Boudha. Please see Section VI for
more details.
2.6 Shopping
Most types of clothing and toiletry items that you can find in the West you can
find in Kathmandu. They may be copies from India or China, but the prices are
reasonable.

Boudha has a full complement of general stores, pharmacies, stationery shops,

small supermarkets, laundry/dry cleaners, and bookstores. Toilet paper,

63
sanitary napkins, good batteries, pens, chocolate, and many other things are
available. Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket is twenty minutes’ walk from the Institute.

You can look at online shopping websites to see what is available and to get an
idea of the cost of items here in Kathmandu, for example, www.daraz.com.np .
(See Section IV on for more details.)

There are Indian-made versions of Western medicines that can be purchased

at local pharmacies, but do not expect to find a particular Western brand. If you
require prescription medicines during your stay in Nepal, it is wise to consult
with the Senior Student Services Officer about their availability.

All practice materials such as bells and dorjes, offering bowls, incense, statues,
thangkas, meditation cushions, and brocades for puja tables can be purchased
locally. (See Section IV for more details. For the monastery’s Dharma Ratna
Shop, please see Part I, 5.2)
2.7 Electricity in Nepal
The subject of voltage limitations, surge suppression, and stabilization in Nepal
can be confusing to foreigners. As it affects expensive items such as
computers, refrigerators, and other useful appliances or equipment, it is
important to understand the issues.

Nepal runs on 220–240-volt (V) 50Hz (cycles per second) alternating current
(AC), as in Europe, and not 110-120V 60Hz AC, as in the USA. This means
that any appliances you bring with you that run on 120V will burn out if you plug
them into a 220V outlet. It is always best to check first and then plug your
appliances into a voltage transformer that will adjust the 220V current down to
120V current.

Besides this point, there are major issues with Nepal’s electricity:

Random power surges and spikes happen often, and load-shedding and/or
sudden power cuts are common.

Each of these issues requires solutions:

1. Because voltages may dip to as low as 150V, it is wise to protect refrigerator

motors with a voltage stabilizer. Voltage stabilizers are available at most
electronics stores in Boudha, as well as at Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket.

2. Though low voltage may not harm your computer, spikes and surges
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certainly will. Purchase a high-rated surge protector in the West and bring it
with you, or you can buy a fused voltage stabilizer and connect a surge
protector to that before plugging in your computer. This applies to laptops,
desktop computers, externally powered hard drives, and peripherals such as
printers or scanners.

3. Load-shedding or “rolling blackouts” may or may not be pre-announced

though this occurs only occasionally and randomly.

It is very helpful to have an uninterrupted power supply (UPS), or some form of

battery backup if you don’t have a laptop with its own reliable battery. UPS
systems consisting of a heavy duty 12-volt vehicle batteries and power inverters
(220-volt) are available locally and can be wired into a building’s electrical
circuits allowing continued use of lights and electrical appliances. A UPS can
be purchased in many of the computer stores on Putali Sadak and New Road.
These are also good places to find an assortment of quality surge protectors.

You might consider buying a household UPS system that will keep your lights,
computer, and TV on for a period, depending on the size and cost of the
batteries. If not, large rechargeable emergency lights are available at Bhat-
Bhateni, online stores like Daraz, and other local stores.
2.8 Sports and Fun
Besides trekking, hiking, mountain biking, etc., there are a variety of
recreational activities in Nepal. If you are interested in joining other RYI
students and staff for special sports and fun events, please join the Student
Society in Teams where opportunities for activities are posted, or you may
check out announcements on the student services bulletin board. There you
will also find information from the Student Society’s clubs such as the hiking,
chess, poetry, chanting, and futsal soccer clubs. Student Society might also
post events on their “RYI Student Society 2020 and Beyond” Facebook page.
On the “Rangjung Yeshe Friends” and “Boudha Boudha” Facebook pages, you
can find information on interesting events, such as poetry readings, music
concerts, etc.

Some restaurants in Boudha offer special music events. Next to the Hyatt
Hotel’s tennis court you can find Flavors Restaurant which is affordable and
Ramsterdam Café which is five minutes’ walk from RYI hosts Open Mic nights
every Saturday and live performances every Friday which have become quite
popular among musicians and expats in Kathmandu.

There are a couple of gyms and swimming pools not far from RYI. The Hyatt
65
Regency Hotel—a ten-minute walk from RYI—offers special discounts for RYI
students and staff on a full gym/spa membership, which includes a well-
equipped gym, a spa, tennis courts, jogging and walking paths, swimming pool,
baby pool, outdoor jacuzzi, and a yoga room.

Fitness Plus, a gym located on Ram Nagar Chowk, is much cheaper. It is

located about a fifteen-minute walk northeast from RYI.

One of the gyms that is popular among RYI students is the Health Bar (across
the Boudha gate). It is a fitness hub equipped with a weightlifting area, and
cardio stations.

There are other, cheaper (but lesser quality) options for swimming pool and
gym access, such as at Club Mosses—a 30-minute walk east of Boudha. Near
Club Mosses you can find a new swimming pool at Peace Banquet club. Club
Mandala, just within a few walking minutes from RYI, has a public swimming
pool. All three have Facebook pages.

RYI students and alumni offer yoga classes in Boudha, including at Utpala
Café, and there are many yoga classes offered in Thamel and Patan area.

For sports such as boxing, cricket, and martial arts, the National Stadium is the
place to go to. It takes approximately 45 minutes by taxi (during normal traffic
hours) to reach it.

Crimpanzee Adventure Hub in Boudha offers wall/rock climbing. They have one
of the tallest wall climbing and bouldering gyms in Kathmandu. It is a popular
hang-out spot with the RYI students.

Soccer/Football is extremely popular in Nepal. Many RYI students and staff play
“futsal” (half-court soccer) at one of the many Futsal centers in Boudha. Join
the “Shedra Futsalball” Facebook page for more details about pickup games.
There are also many basketball teams in town. Sometimes, Lincoln School has
open basketball nights. Some RYI alumni and students play with their team.

Golf courses can be found at Gokarna Forest Resort, and next to the airport in
Kathmandu, both a 20-minute taxi ride.

Salsa is very popular in Kathmandu, and there are several Salsa dance studios,
offering dance classes as well as open Salsa nights twice a week.

66
The annual Kathmandu Jazz Festival, also known as “Jazzmandu,” is held
every fall at several locations and has brought world-class jazz to audiences in
Nepal. For more information see www.jazzmandu.org.

There are several cinemas that show local and international films.
F-Cube Cinemas in Chabahil, located at KL Towers, approximately 20 minutes'
walk from RYI is the closest one to Boudha;
Visit: http://www.fcubecinemas.com to check current offerings and timings.
QFX Cinemas (http://www.qfxcinemas.com/) also runs several cinemas around
Kathmandu.
2.9 Protecting the Environment

Suggested Guidelines from RYI’s Student Society’s Environmental Committee

In partnership with Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling, (KNSL) RYI launched an
environmental initiative in 2019. Mountain and island communities are most at
risk to the negative impacts of climate change. Acknowledging everyone’s
responsibility to act in an ethical and environmentally friendly way, RYI Student
Society’s Environmental Committee would like to offer guidelines for incoming
students and inspire those interested to become more involved in the ongoing
sustainability initiatives in Boudha.

It is good practice to carry a reusable grocery bag with you when you go
shopping to avoid using plastic bags. It is also good practice to avoid buying
single-use water bottles. Purified water is provided to students on campus.
Water dispensers can be obtained to use in your home for drinking and cooking.
Please consider bringing or buying a reusable water bottle and a reusable
coffee mug for everyday use. Eliminating water bottles and single use coffee
cups is an easy way to reduce your impact on the environment.

Fresh, organic produce is sold inside Utpala Cafe every Saturday morning
starting from 8 am. Buying organic produce directly from local vendors
stimulates local economies and promotes sustainable agriculture. Be mindful
of the amount of waste produced from imported packaged snack foods. Simply
minimizing the amount of packaged snack food consumed and replacing it with
locally produced organic food has a positive impact.

Recycling facilities and composting facilities may be available on campus and

students are encouraged to utilize them, so please inquire. Waste disposal in
Nepal is not as organized as in Western countries. Please recycle. Recycled
products are generally reused within Nepal. These products are sold for money
which creates jobs, reduces waste, and generates income for the monastery.
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Inside the RYI main building trash stations can be found on the first floor.
Please sort your waste and put it into the appropriate bin. Students can also
arrange to have recycling picked up at their homes by contacting Khaalisisi
https://khaalisisi.com/. Anyone staying for more than a year is encouraged to
start a home compost pit.
The student environmental committee is always interested in volunteers. Future
projects include a student permaculture garden, plant swaps, community clean-
ups, regreening activities, and promotion of zero waste practices within the RYI
and Boudha communities.
2.10 Students with Children
Please visit https://ryi.org/prospective-students/families to find out more about
living in Nepal with children, pediatricians, schools, etc.2.11 Recommended
Reading
Lonely Planet Guide Book series: Nepal.
www.welcomenepal.com

Whelpton, John. A History of Nepal. New York: Cambridge University Press,

2005.

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Section II

Living in Nepal

1. CUSTOMS OF THE NEPALESE PEOPLE

1.1 Addressing Others and First Nepali and Tibetan Phrases
Namaste (nam-ah-STAY, or NUM-uh-stay) is used for greeting (hello, hi, good
morning, good afternoon) as well as for parting (goodbye, so long, etc.).
Namaste is informal and common between friends. The formal and politer form
is namaskar (nam-uh-SKAR), more common at an office, or with officials and
teachers.

In Nepalese society, the word dhanyabaad (tr. thank you), is not used as
commonly as “thank you” is used in Western societies. Nepalese people
reserve dhanyabaad for something very important or for an occasion that really
deserves it.

Also note that in Nepalese culture it is not common to thank someone for having
done their job unless they have gone out of their way to do something
exceptional for you. It is unnecessary to thank a taxi driver, for example. Don’t
expect any kind of a response if you do thank someone in this way—instead,
you may get an odd look!

In Boudha as well as in the Nepali mountain and hill areas, many people speak
Tibetan. Although the traditional greeting, “Tashi Delek” was originally reserved
for special occasions, with the mixing of cultures in Kathmandu, Tashi Delek is
now used as a common greeting.

Here are a few phrases in Nepali and Tibetan. For more beginners’ words and
phrases, there are phrase books, or you are welcome to contact the Senior
Student Services Officer.

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1.2 First Nepali and Tibetan Phrases
English Nepali Tibetan
Hello (Greetings) Namaste. Tashi delek.
How are you? Sanchai chha? Khyerang kusuk depo
yinpe?
I am fine. Sanchai chha. Nga sukpo depo yin.
What is your name? Tapaaiko naam ke Khyerang-gi tsenla
ho? gare shugi yö?
My name is… Mero naam … ho. Nge
mingla ….sergyiyö.
Where are you from? Tapaaiko ghar kahaa Khyerang gane yin?
ho?
(Where’s your home?)
I am from… Mero desh …(country) Nga ….(country) ne
ho. yin.
(My country is …)
How much is it? Kati paisa? Dila gong gatsö re?
Kati ho?
Where are you going? Kahaan jaane? Khyerang gapar drogi
yin?
Thank you. Dhanyaabaad. Thukje che.
Thukje nang. (H)
Goodbye Namaste. Gale shuk. (to person
staying)
Gale pheb. (to person
leaving)
See you later! Pheri bhetaunla. Jal la jal yong.
I am hungry. Malai bhok lagyo. Nga drökhok tokgi
duk.
I am vegetarian. Ma sakahari hun. Nga sha-me yin.
I won’t eat meat. Masu nakane. Nga sha sagi min.
I don’t understand. Maile bujhina. Nga ha go ma song.
Sorry. Maph garnus. Gong dak.

Tsokho and Jutho (tr. pure and impure)

Nepalese people have a strong ritual sense of pure and impure, clean, and
unclean. Tsokho means pure, untouched, or undefiled, whereas jutho means
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impure, defiled, or having been touched by someone. Knowing these concepts
at the beginning of your time in Nepal will help you to place your experiences
in the local context. The sections below will give more details about how the
concepts of tsokho and jutho might arise in your daily life in Nepal.

1.3 Food and Etiquette

Food or drink touched by the lips, tongue or spoon becomes jutho. You cannot
give it to anyone else or return it to the pot. This is especially relevant when
offering your water bottle to someone. Nepalese people will always pour water
into their mouths from the bottle without touching the container to their lips.
Westerners don’t typically drink this way, so it’s best not to offer your water
bottle to a Nepalese person.
Nepalese don’t take food from another’s plate; sharing food is not customary.
Don’t touch any uncooked food unless it has been given to you to eat. This
refers to food waiting to be cooked but does not mean you can’t eat fruits and
raw vegetables.
Don’t put more food on your plate that you can eat, as Nepalese people believe
that food should be respected, not thrown away. Keep this in mind when you
are being served at the Utpala Café—it’s better to go back for second helpings
rather than to leave food on your plate.
People in Nepal eat with their right hand but use their left while drinking water
(if the right hand is soiled from eating). They believe that eating without washing
one’s face is inauspicious for the day, so they wash their face, hands and mouth
before and after eating. People usually don’t talk while eating.

In traditional Nepalese households, the males are served food first, and the
women often eat in the kitchen or at the table after the. As a guest in a Nepalese
home, Western women will generally be served with the men, but you should
be sensitive to traditional gender customs: it’s better to not invite Nepalese
women to eat at the table when it’s not appropriate.

1.4 Don’t Touch or Step-Over

The bottom of a person's feet is considered the lowest part of the body and the
most defiled, while the head is considered the most sacred. It is important to be
mindful of where your body is in relation to these body parts. Don’t touch or step
over:
1. A person: especially if that person is performing puja (worship). They
cannot continue puja without purifying themselves by taking a shower.

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 2. Someone’s head: touching someone’s head (cap or hair) is offensive;
Nepalese people consider their head to be the most sacred part of the
body. It is better not to pat children on the head.
3. Someone’s feet: Nepalese people don’t point the soles of their feet at
another person because it is considered an insult. When you sit, make
sure that the soles of your feet do not point at anyone. You can sit
cross-legged, or tuck your legs beneath you, or sit with your arms
around your knees with your toes pointed forward.
4. Written materials: Nepalese people do not step over anything written
or printed, e.g., newspapers, books, or magazines. In case that this
happens, they pick up the item and touch it to their forehead to again
purify that item; and
5. People or food: Nepalese people do not step over people or food as
they believe that God dwells in every person, and in food as well. So,
for example, if your outstretched legs are across a doorway or path,
pull them in when someone wants to pass.

1.5 The Left Hand vs. the Right Hand

Nepalese people do not use their left hand while giving or receiving something.
The left hand is inauspicious and ritually impure as it is used in cleaning oneself
after defecating. However, the left hand can be used for giving, receiving, or
passing things if the right hand is soiled from eating. Otherwise, use only your
right hand for eating or handing over an object, such as payment at a shop.

It is a sign of respect to give or receive things with both hands. Nepalese people
extend their right hand and touch or hold onto the right forearm or elbow with
the left hand as they offer or accept objects. This is particularly important when
dealing with officials at banks, government offices, and so forth.

1.6 Relations Between Men and Women

Nepalese men and women rarely show any physical affection, such as holding
hands, hugging, or kissing in public; even husband and wife do not show
physical affection in public. Rather, they keep a certain distance from each
other. It is true that these old customs have changed in recent years, especially
in the more Westernized areas of Kathmandu.

Physical interaction between people of the same sex, such as hand holding
and linking arms is very common in Nepal and does not indicate a
homosexual or lesbian relationship.

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When a woman is alone in the house, a man who is not a close relative must
not go and meet her there. A man should keep the door open while talking
with a woman in a room.

1.7 Privacy
It is normal for Nepalese people to visit their friends or family without prior
notice. They usually do not knock on the door before entering their friends’ or
family members’ room. Therefore, lock the door from the inside if you do not
wish to be disturbed unexpectedly.

Nepalese people may ask you questions about your family, personal life,
personal preferences, and even about your earnings, occupation, marital
status, and so forth. In Nepal this is simply a normal and friendly way of getting
to know other; do not be offended.

Nepalese people do not expose their bodies when they change their clothes,
even among members of the same sex. (This rule is relaxed for the elderly.)

1.8 Dress
In general, Nepalese people dress very conservatively, and appreciate the
same consideration from visitors. Although in the cities shorts as casual wear
may be acceptable attire for men it is never appropriate to wear shorts while
attending official functions, especially in temples or other respectable venues.
Shorts are not appropriate attire for women. Especially in the villages and
mountains, wearing a long skirt will afford you more respectful treatment.

Skimpy shorts, sleeveless tops, and going braless is frowned upon. An easy
way of summarizing the appropriate dress code in Boudha at the monastery:
your shoulders and knees should be covered.

When visiting a high lama, or a monastery where young monks are practicing
discipline and celibacy, Westerners are more respected and welcomed if they
are also modestly dressed.

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2. CUSTOMS INSIDE THE MONASTERY WALLS

2.1 Dharma books and sacred objects

Dharma books and sacred objects represent the Buddha’s own words which are
rare and precious and are never placed directly on the floor. Never step over
books or sacred objects, including even the hem of the robes or the shawl of a
monk or nun. Shoes are left outside or carried low in the hand in a bag when
entering a temple, and never passed over someone’s head. See section II 1.4
for more information.

It is very poor manners to point the soles of your feet at a high lama, a holy
statue, image, or a shrine. If you need to stretch your legs during a visit or during
a teaching, stretch them out away from the teacher or the shrine’s statues.
Moreover, never lay down in the presence of a high lama or during a Dharma
teaching or puja.

As is often said, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Observe your

Nepalese and Tibetan hosts, and emulate them as is appropriate. These
suggestions are certainly not meant to intimidate Western visitors, but rather to
enhance the harmonious encounter and blending of different cultures.

2.2 Visiting Rinpoche

Tulku Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche, the abbot of the monastery, is happy to receive
visitors. He usually sets aside two hours in the morning between 10:00 a.m.
and 12:00 noon to receive visitors in his private shrine room on the third floor
of the new RYI building.

Western newcomers often wonder what the appropriate behavior is when

visiting a Tibetan high lama such as Rinpoche. The following are a few
guidelines.

Rinpoche is responsible for over 600 monks and 200 nuns and the functioning
of the monasteries and nunneries. As much as he enjoys visits, his time is
always limited. For this reason, please try to limit your visits; only visit if you feel
the need to, but certainly do not come every day. Try to be sensitive to how
long you should stay. If Rinpoche appears very busy, especially with other
visiting lamas, make your visit short. When a monk arrives with Rinpoche’s
lunch, this is a signal for you to say goodbye!

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When you arrive for your appointment with Rinpoche, stand outside the door
until an attendant comes to escort you. Please remove your shoes and leave
them in the hallway.

Traditionally, a white silk scarf (Tib. khatag), symbolizing your pure motivation,
is offered to a high lama at one’s first meeting or when requesting a special
teaching, blessing, or empowerment. Fold the khatag like an accordion (in
seven folds) and open it wide with both hands when giving it to Rinpoche. He
will accept it from you and put it over your neck as a blessing. You then keep
the khatag. You may also offer flowers, fruit, cookies, or another gift. You can
offer a donation of money (typically placed inside an envelope) and hand it to
Rinpoche along with the khatag.

It is important to think about what you want to say to Rinpoche before your
arrival. Try to phrase your questions in simple, direct (slang-free) language to
be sure you are understood. If your question is about a philosophical issue,
read some preparatory material on the topic so that you and Rinpoche will have
some shared ground and terminology for the sake of discussion. If you have a
complicated question, bring along a translator.

When Rinpoche enters or leaves a room, it is respectful to stand until he asks

you to sit or until he has left the room. Also, never sit on a seat that places your
head higher than his head—you will see Tibetans bow as low as possible when
approaching so that their head is not higher than his. When speaking to
Rinpoche, it is more polite to sit in front of him, please do not stand over him.

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Section III

Finding Long-Term Housing

1. Looking for the Right Space for You

After a few weeks in a guest house, you will want to look for more spacious
accommodations. How do you find such a place?

The best resource is RYI’s Senior Student Services Officer who stays current
on what is available for rent in the Boudha area. The housing list will be emailed
to all students one week before classes begin. Listings are provided in part by
fellow students who may have a spare room and former students who maintain
apartments and sublet them when not in town. If you are looking for, or offering
a room in a shared apartment, please let the Senior Student Services Officer
know. She can connect you with RYI student roommates. Throughout the
semester, as new housing opportunities come in, additional places will be
added to the online RYI housing list. Therefore, you might want to revisit that
link.

Bulletin boards and Facebook pages such as “Boudha Boudha” are other place
to find accommodation listings. There is a housing bulletin board in the hallway
near the RYI classrooms, and other bulletin boards outside the more popular
internet shops or inside restaurants.

You may simply walk around the area where you would like to live and ask
directly at an apartment building if rooms are for rent. You can also ask people
at local restaurants and shops. It may be helpful to bring a friend with you for
language support and another set of eyes and ears as you explore.

Students are advised to inquire about the history of the building, how it
withstood the 2015 earthquakes, and what repair or reconstruction work was
carried out afterward. Should you have any doubts about the building’s
strength, the RYI Administration Office can provide details of recommended
structural engineers who will inspect it for a fee.

76
2.Taking a Room in a Tibetan or Nepalese Home

Living with a host family can be an effective way to develop fluency in Tibetan
or Nepali. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity and
participate in a homestay!

If you are planning to stay with a Tibetan family, it is good to know there are
many different Tibetan dialects that sound quite different from each other and
might be hard to understand at first. At RYI, central Tibetan dialect, or U-
Tsangke, is taught.

Culturally, a homestay can be a rich experience. However, there are also some
practical considerations. For example, Nepalese and Tibetans generally do not
knock before entering a room, and you may find that your privacy is
compromised. You are in their house, and you may be treated as one of the
family rather than a renter, which might be different to what you are used to.
Lock your door if you want privacy.

If you have decided to have meals with the family as part of your rental
arrangement you will be expected to be home at mealtimes. It is also good to
keep in mind that the variety of foods that you may be used to at home is not
likely to be provided in Nepalese and Tibetan homes. Most meals are simple
fare.

An excellent reason to stay with a family is to rapidly improve your spoken

language skills. Another positive outcome may be that your cultural awareness
will also improve. Many linguistic scholars say that language cannot be
separated from culture; staying with a host family and getting to know their way
of life will benefit your studies.

3. Making Your Space Suitable for Living and Studying

Appliances and Furniture

You may need to buy some common household goods to make your apartment
more comfortable. A gas stove, coffee maker, plates, cutlery, a Stavol
(automatic voltage regulator), and furniture are just a few of the things you may
need to find. In the next section, there is an extensive list of these items, where
to find them, and the price you can expect to pay to purchase them.

77
In addition to new goods, there is often a supply of used household goods from
someone renovating or leaving their apartment. Again, the bulletin boards in
the hallway outside the classrooms and Facebook pages often have these
postings. There are also many notice boards at NGOs, schools, and other
offices around Kathmandu that display listings of items for sale. Google groups
(https://groups.google.com/g/ktmktm) and groups on Facebook (like "Boudha
Boudha," "Kathmandu Expats," and "Kathmandu Online Second-hand Sale")
may also be helpful for acquiring used goods.

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Section IV

Shopping for Everything You Need

*The information here is as of Spring 2023

1. Groceries, Basic Foods, Housewares, and More...

“The Art of Negotiating”

Except for the large grocery and department stores (which have ticketed
prices), most prices in Nepal are negotiable. Keep in mind that prices in Thamel,
as in any tourist shopping area, will be much higher than at local markets.

This shopping guide provides an overview of the current prices you can expect
to find. Use these prices as a guide only; many deals are arrived at through
nurturing relationships with merchants or by shopping with a knowledgeable
local.

While negotiating, be firm, but polite. Many merchants quote an outrageously

high first price, often double or more the value of the product or service.
Laughing in good humor and naming a price lower than you expect to pay
begins the discussion. Have patience; Nepalese people believe they can often
out-wait a bideshi (tr. foreigner). Also keep in mind that NPR 10 may not be
very much money to you, but may be important to a shopkeeper. Once you
agree to a price, it is final. Backing out of a deal is considered very bad
manners.

Online Shopping seems to have become more and more popular in

Kathmandu, such as daraz nepal, esewa, muncha, smartdoko, sastodeal,
hamrobazar (vendors and suppliers advertise their products and most of them
provide home delivery service too) to name a few. Since most of these sites
work with "cash on delivery" and seven to 15 days free returns, it is a safe way
to shop and to save a lot of time.

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2. Supermarkets etc. Around Boudha

2.1 Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket, Chuchepati-Boudha

Tel:1-4485395, 4485396; store manager’s number (Mr. Gyan Gurung
9801241418, Mr. Niran Manandhar 9802305805)
website: http://bbsm.com.np

You can find Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket’s Chuchepati-Boudha branch on

Boudha main road, opposite the main entrance of the Hyatt Regency Hotel. It
offers a good selection of foods (including yogurt, imported cheeses, wine, and
liquors); housewares (cleaning supplies, appliances, plates, glasses, towels);
clothing; and electronic items (refrigerators, TVs, and appliances). They also
have produce and bakery sections as well as refrigerator/freezers for
beverages and frozen meats.

Bhat-Bhateni Rough Price Guide (in alphabetical order)

Dust-buster NPR 6,000-14,000

Electric heater NPR 4,000-28,000
Gas heater NPR 13,000-20,000
Iron NPR 1,000-4,500
Microwave NPR 9,900-42,000
Pillows NPR 500-1050
Refrigerator (large) NPR 32,500-36,000
Refrigerator (small) NPR 13,000-15,000
Sheet sets NPR 1,600-5,000
Stove top NPR 5,000-22,000
Toaster oven NPR 1400-4500
Washing machine (Top load) NPR 35,000-60,000
Washing machine (Front load) NPR 77,000 to 10,9000
Water purifier (14L) NPR 7000 -30,000
Winter blankets NPR 5000-9,000
Vacuum cleaner NPR 6000-15,000

2.2 Manakamana Thakur Store

This mini-mart is located on the corner of our monastery’s street and Phulbari
Road. There is less of a selection than Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket, but it is in a
convenient location. Juices, snacks, spreads, pastas, and sauces are available
here. A small adjoining store sells an assortment of stationery supplies.

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2.3 G Mart
G Mart is located on the main Boudha road adjacent to G Café. To get there,
once you exit the main Boudha gate, walk left down the street. G Mart is across
the street about a minute’s walk. This is a small supermarket which carries a
variety of toiletries, non-perishable food items, and bakery items from G Café.
It also carries fresh cheese, dairy products, and a nice selection of seeds and
nuts.

2.4 Shambhala Café

This cafe is located just outside the main gate of the monastery. It carries
breads (including rye bread), rolls, cookies, and cakes from Vienna Bakery
Cafe. If you need gluten-free bread, please contact: Lobsang 9818544557 or
[email protected]. If you inform them by Friday, your order for
gluten-free bread will be delivered Saturday morning to the Cafe.

2.5 Utpala Café, Bakery, and its Farmer’s Market

Utpala Café also sells a variety of breads, cakes, and healthy drinks. It has its
own bakery called Utpala bake House providing freshly baked items. As
mentioned above, it also hosts a Farmer’s Market on Saturday (8 a.m. to 4
p.m.). The Farmers’ Market offers organic vegetables and fruits, European
breads and cheeses, jam, eggs, and much more. Check out the chocolate-
covered dried strawberries!

2.6 Japanese and Korean Stores

There are several Japanese and Korean stores in and near Boudha. Usupso
sells home and gift products and is located on the opposite side of Boudha gate.
To reach there one will need to take a three-minute walk towards left from
Boudha gate.

2.7 Himgiri Organic Hub

Himgiri Organic Hub is an organic store where you can buy certified organic
products produced in the high Himalayan region of Nepal, for example, certified
organic vegetables, fruits, beans, different variety rice, dairy products, super
food, ayurvedic products, meat and eggs, tea & coffee, eco-friendly products,
handicraft products, natural raw honey, and much more.
Opening hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Location: opposite Thrangu Rinpoche’s
school (Shree Mangal Dvip Boarding School) in Ramhiti, Boudha.
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Phone: 01-4918100
Also see its Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/heacop ) for details.

2.8 Online Shopping

You may also shop for local products online. Here is a list of some online stores:
www.farmersmarketnepal.com
https://organicshopnepal.com/shop-now/
https://www.kathmanduorganics.com/shop
https://www.daraz.com.np/shop/gaunghar-organic-store/
https://khetibazaar.com/
https://farmshopktm.com/
https://organiconline.com.np/

3. Supermarkets Around Kathmandu

3.1 Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket, Bhat-Bhateni area (“Old Bhat-

Bhateni”)
Tel: 01-441-9181, Mobile: 9801246802 website: http://bbsm.com.np
This multi-story supermarket, like Bhat-Bhateni Chuchepati-Boudha, offers a
range of groceries, clothes, shoes, electronics, and household goods. It takes
fifteen minutes to get there by taxi if you are not traveling during rush hour. This
one is referred to as “old” Bhat-Bhateni as it was the site of the original
supermarket.

3.2 Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket, Maharajgunj

Tel: 01-401-6130 , 4016131, 4016132; Mobile: 9801241454 website:
http://bbsm.com.np
This branch is larger than the other four Bhat-Bhateni Supermarkets. It is a 15-
minute taxi ride if you are not traveling during rush hour. This Bhat-Bhateni
seems to have the widest selection.

3.3 Bluebird Mart, Tripureshwor

Tel: 01-4169176
This supermarket is on the way to Patan, but on the north side of the Bagmati
river. It has a good selection of edibles and housewares, although slightly pricier
than Bhat-Bhateni. Bluebird Mart also has a new outlet on Durba Marg.
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3.4 Big Mart
Tel: 01-4915114 website: www.bigmart.com.np
Big Mart is a chain of supermarkets in Nepal. The closest one to RYI is in Jorpati
and near Tinchuli.

3.5 Saleways or Saleberry Supermarkets

https://www.facebook.com/salewayssupermarket/
www.salesberry.com.np
Another retail chain in Nepal, Saleways or Saleberry supermarkets carry
groceries, toiletries, kitchen items, electronics, garments, etc. Some outlets
also offer organic vegetables and fruits. The closest one to RYI is on
Maharajgunj, opposite the US embassy.

3.6 Weekly Farmers’ Markets

There are four or five weekly Farmers’ Markets in Kathmandu. Besides Utpala
Cafe’s markets in Boudha (see 2.7. above), the Le Sherpa’s Saturday Farmers’
Market is very popular among RYI students. Every Saturday, from 7:30 a.m. to
12:30 p.m., Le Sherpa restaurant (Lazimpat, Kathmandu), and 1905
Restaurant (Naxal, Kathmandu) host farmers’ markets which offer organic food,
fresh produce, European breads, French and Italian cheeses, organic
vegetables, grains, and much more. However, most of these products are also
available at Utpala Cafe’s markets on Saturday mornings Another farmer’s
market takes place every Saturday at the Labim Mall in Pulchwok. They offer a
variety of local food and products.

4. Price Guide for Basic Food Supplies

Depending on the season and on the specific variety of fruit, prices will vary
greatly.

4.1 Fruit
• Apples NPR 220and above/kg
• Bananas NPR 130/doz
• Mangos—summer only NPR 170 and above/kg
• Mustang apples NPR 270/kg
• Papaya NPR 110/kg and above
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 • Strawberries NPR 800/kg and above
• Tangerines/mandarins NPR 105/kg and above

4.2 Grain Staples

• Basmati Rice NPR 200/kg, NPR 80-100/kg
• Brown Rice NPR 250/kg and above
• Mansuri Rice NPR 70kg
• Mung Daal NPR 150/kg and above
• Mushoor Daal NPR 160/kg and above
• Potatoes NPR 100-120/kg
• Rato Daal (Red Lentil) NPR 120-180/kg

4.3 Spices, Flours, Sugar

• Atta—whole wheat flour NPR 90/kg
• Maida—white flour NPR 90/kg and above
• Cooking spices: most general use spices are available from vendors
outside of the main gate for NPR 5-10 per “thimble-full” (about 50-100g)
• Sugar NPR 100/kg
• Salt NPR 20/Kg

5. Price Guide for Housewares

For less expensive prices on these goods, it is better to avoid the Boudha stupa
gate area and venture further. Small independently owned shops in Jorpati
(walk to your left once you get onto the main road), Tusal, Chuchchepati, and
Chabahil (west of the Hyatt Regency Hotel) all have a good selection of
inexpensive wares. You can ask in two or three stores to compare prices, but
most shopkeepers keep standard, set prices.

5.1 Cookware
Dorje’s Kitchen on Phulbari Road
Tel: 98032-45887
Dorje gives a discount for RYI students and good advice where to get things.
His prices are generally cheaper than those of the bigger supermarkets, but the
items are not necessarily of equal quality. Prices for cooking items depend on
size and quality:
• Pressure cookers NPR 1,200-7,000
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 • Steel pots with lid NPR 400-2500
• Kettle NPR 300-1,500
• Electric kettle NPR 800-3000
• Stainless steel water filter NPR 1,200-3,500
• 2L hot water thermos NPR 1000-1,500

5.2 Stoves
Prices for gas stoves will vary greatly depending on the place of manufacture
and quality. Japanese and Korean stove tops will be costlier than those listed
below.
• Indian-made, top unit: double element, NPR 2800-6,000; single
element, NPR1,500-2,500
• Chinese-made: double element, NPR 2,200 and above; single
element, NPR 1,500 and above

5.3 Cooking Gas

Propane is the gas required for stove-top units. It is available at several
locations in Boudha. You will be required to pay a deposit on the gas cylinder
of around NPR 5,000 (including cylinder, pipe, regulator, gas). The cost to refill
the gas is NPR 1,800. Prices may fluctuate in the case of supply limitations.
Ask a local for advice before you buy. In some cases, you will also need to buy
a regulator and supply hose. Be aware that during winter there may be gas
shortages and prices can rise to more than NPR 2000 per cylinder for a refill,
including delivery. So, at the start of the season (i.e. September), buy two
cylinders. It is no fun to run out of gas in the middle of cooking dinner, not have
a full backup cylinder, and then find that there are no cylinders available at the
supplier either!

According to locals, Nepal Gas is said to be the best brand with reliable
supplies.

K.C Gas Dealer on Mahankal Road. Contact: Ek Bahadur 9841390063

Important tips: choose a supplier who is close to your home, if possible. Gas
cylinders are heavy, and although the supplier will deliver to your home, you
will have to accompany the delivery bicycle to show them where you live. It is
nice to tip the delivery person NPR 100 or more, depending on the distance
traveled and the number of cylinders he is carrying. Choose a supplier that you
85
like. When the cylinder is empty you will return it to the same place for refills
and to return the cylinder when you no longer need it. At this point, you’ll get
your deposit back. If you have an established relationship with a supplier, he is
less likely to discount your deposit (which he should not do anyway).

5.4 Flooring, Furniture, Refrigerators

Flooring
To buy flooring, your best and most inexpensive bet is to visit stores around
Jorpati, Chuchchepati, and Chabahil. Plastic flooring costs between NPR 220
and NPR 1800/m. Below are some recommendations for flooring:

Chandra Vinayak Furnishing Center, Chabahil

Tel: 01-447-0044, 98413-46519 (Boss: Ujjwal Sharma)
This shop is across the street from the main stupa gate. They offer some of the
best prices for carpeting. The owner, Shankar Sharma, and his son both speak
English well.

Dilip Furniture and Furnishing, Chuchchepati

Tel: 01- 6637235, 01-663-0469 (phone number of the store in Bhaktapur)
This shop is located near the chowk/intersection where Mahankal meets the
main road. It is in a residence. They have a good selection of linoleum and
carpets, but prices fluctuate widely depending on which shopkeeper you ask.

There are also several shops with a good selection of flooring just east of
Chabahil stupa at the far end of Chabahil, and in Jorpati.

Furniture
The cost of wood has recently increased a lot in Nepal. You can purchase
ready-made furniture, or order it to be made. For secondhand furniture, check
out the bulletin boards at RYI, restaurants, and cafés in Boudha. There are also
several websites for secondhand items sold in Kathmandu.

Furniture Stores in Kathmandu:

There are many good furniture stores in Kathmandu, especially in
Kupandole/Patan area. For higher end/quality imported furniture, Index
Furniture from Thailand has two outlets in Kathmandu. Tel: 01-554-4270, 01-
4415181 (Jawalakhel outlet);
email: [email protected]
Other furniture stores are: https://sbfurniturenepal.com/
https://www.furnitureland.com.np/

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Desks: just before Nabil Bank on Boudha main road, on both sides of the street
are several furniture shops where you could buy a simple wood table or desk.
A wooden desk can cost between NPR 9,000 and NPR 10,000 with two
drawers. For between NPR 15,000 and NPR 16,000, you can find a larger one
with three drawers at Shree Boudha Furniture and Furnishing Store. You can
also have a waterproof plywood table made to order in shops along the street
for NPR 2,500 to NPR 5,500 or purchase a plastic table for NPR 2,000 to NPR
5,000.

Beds: a wooden bed (single, plywood) costs around NPR 9,000-10,000.

5.5 Bedding—Mattresses, Sheets, Pillows, and Towels

Mattresses
The most common type of mattress is the cotton one that is called “dasana” in
Nepali. The cheaper ones cost NPR 800-3200 and the higher-end Dasana from
Timba company can cost about NPR 18000 for a queen size bed. They can be
ordered in different sizes and thicknesses. High-quality mattresses (like those
found in Western countries) will be expensive, at least by local standards. An
average-quality single-size mattress (with one-year guarantee) will cost
anywhere between NPR 4,000-10,000. High-quality mattresses are much more
expensive. A 3-by-6-foot mattress will be around NPR 4,400 and a 4-by-6 foot
mattress will be around NPR 11,000 with up to a 5-year guarantee.

Another option is a coconut mattress, which is comfortable and available in

different widths and sizes. You can find one at various fabric stores out the front
of the Boudha stupa main gate.

A cheaper option is to buy several thin foam slabs—between NPR 800 and
NPR 2,500 each—and layer them on top of each other. You could also buy
pieces of fabric and have them stitched together as a larger mattress with cover.

Pillows
These will range in cost between NPR 150-700 per piece, depending on the
size and the materials used inside.

Sheets/Towels
The budget option for bedding is to buy several meters of cotton fabric and have
one of the local tailors fit it to your bed/mattress/pillow size.

For enough material for a single sheet, you will need approximately between
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NPR 400 and NPR 800. For enough material for a double sheet, you will need
NPR 600-900. You’ll need a little extra fabric if you want them sewn at the ends.
Pillows cases will cost about NPR 25 and above for material and NPR 25 above
for sewing. Single bed electric heating mattress can cost above NPR 1200.

Thick blankets, which can also be used to soften Nepalese style mattress, cost
about NPR 3,000. Thin blankets cost NPR 600 or more depending upon the
quality.

New Road, to the east of Durbar Square in Kathmandu, is the best place to buy
fabric. Here is a tip: to keep warm in winter, consider buying a few meters of
flannel at the fabric market in New Road and make a cozy quilt cover and sheet
set from that.

More convenient—but more expensive—would be to buy a ready-made bed

sheet set from one of the department stores in the city (see above) or online
shops.

Towels are sold in the street market between the stupa and the main road which
runs next to La Casita restaurant.

Here is a list of online stores for bed linen. Their products are made from good
quality organic cotton. They also provide home delivery.
• Cotton Mill Nepal: www.cottonmillnepal.com
• Kaapa Creations: http://www.instagram.com/kaapa.creations/

6. Shopping for Buddhist and Ritual Items

6.1 Khatags
A standard yellow or white rayon khatag will cost between NPR 25 and NPR 50
and can be purchased at many stores selling Dharma items. Fabric stores
generally have a better selection and slightly cheaper prices. Higher quality
khatags can be bought from the small shops inside the main Boudha stupa gate
or around the kora for between NPR 100 and NPR 400. They are also available
in the prayer flag shop next to the yoghurt shop on the way to Shechen
Monastery.

More environmentally friendly khatags made from cotton are available at the
small shop at the bottom of Garden Kitchen Café and at Utpala Café’s Farmer’s
Market.
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6.2 Incense
Incense of all varieties is available around the stupa for NPR 40 to NPR 350.
There is a store selling only incense opposite the stupa main gate. Shechen
Monastery also makes different varieties of quality incense, available from the
Tsering Art School shop at Shechen Monastery in Boudha. A high-quality
incense from Bhutan will cost between NPR 300 and NPR 500, and above.

6.3 Thangkas and Statues

There are really no maximums or minimums for thangka and statue prices.
Essentially, you get what you pay for. Below are some local thangka dealers
with a good selection. If you don’t find what you want in Boudha, you can also
check out thangka shops in Thamel and near Durbar Square.

A good selection of statues can be found in the shops in Patan, although the
various statue shops on the kora are owned and operated by the same Newari
families as these shops in Patan. One might find what one is looking for closer
to home at one of these shops in Boudha, but for a slightly higher price.

Boudha Stupa Thangka Center, found on the kora, near Hello! Café, is also
home to the School of Buddhist Paintings. They allow you to see how a thangka
is painted step by step. They have a large selection.
Tel: 01-491-6490; email: [email protected]; [email protected]
Website: www.bstcthanka.com

The Land of Buddha Thangka Workshop paints thangkas with natural pigments,
on customer demand. Students can take drawing and painting classes. Kelsang
Tenzing Bhutia +977 9803805545, [email protected]

Statue Maker’s Shop, inside the Padma Arcade on the kora, is recommended
by RYI alumni. Tel: Saroj 98400-50504; Shop number: 01-4599484 website:
www.rupamaker.com

Tibetan Thangka Treasures in Thamel, across from KC’s Restaurant, is another

reliable shop. Surendra and his brother are well-known and have a good
reputation.

Tsering Art School, Shechen Monastery, will paint thankas to order.

Tel:01-517-8007

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Next to Hello! Cafe, you can find the Tibetan Thangka Gallery (wholesale, retail,
and order).

Rincheling Thanka Gallery and Art School is located on the kora next to Tibet
Kitchen Restaurant. www.thankahouse.com; email: [email protected];
Tel: 01-4915840.

Buddhist Art Gallery, Dhara Tole, Boudha, next to Khasti Inn and Home
Guesthouse, Mob. No.: 9851054428, e-mail: [email protected],
website: buddhistartgallery.org

If you visit Patan, Gautam Gift Emporium, near Golden Temple. Shop number
5539206. Mobile and WhatsApp: 9851051561 (Gautam Shakya) is a statue
seller who offers good quality products at affordable price ranges). You may
even schedule a workshop visit with him. He can also make deliveries within
the Kathmandu valley.

6.4 Mandala Sets and Offering Bowls

Offering bowls can range in price from NPR 350 for a small-sized aluminum set
of seven pieces, or NPR 1000 for a set made of brass, to thousands of rupees
for larger-sized gold and silver bowls.

Mandala sets range in price from NPR 1800 for one made of tin or metal to
NPR 350,000 for the highest quality mandala plates.

The small road running north from the back of the stupa, from Bazra Arcade all
the way to Shechen Monastery, is full of silversmiths that make offering bowls,
ritual objects, and jewelry to order.

6.5 Prayer Flags and Door Hangings

A string of prayer flags will cost between NPR 150 and NPR 800 depending on
size and quality of fabric and print. These are available at all the shops around
the stupa.

Prices of door hangings vary, depending on the type of fabric used, but you will
find them for between NPR 500 and NPR 900.

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6.6 Malas
Tibetan Mala Shop, in the Padma Arcade, sells malas of all kinds. Prices range
from NPR 350 to NPR 7,000. Tel: Pasang Tsering 98135-82897. There are also
many mala shops all around the stupa. Kelsang Gyatso Tel:9818941351,
Kalsang Lhamo Tel:9818055851

7. Books and Music

7.1 Bookstores—Tibetan Texts and Dharma Books in English

In Boudha and the surrounding areas

Boudha Book Store—Second floor, above Himalayan Handicraft House in

Kora.
This shop has an extensive selection of textbooks, dictionaries, and pechas
(traditional Tibetan texts). Tel. 01-4916426

Dharma Book Center—Second floor, in the same arcade as ABC Travels. Look
for the blue sign. This shop has a good selection of textbooks, dictionaries, and
pechas (traditional Tibetan texts). Tel: 01-4579709

Mugum Book Shop—Tibetan books and pechas. It can be found on the road
behind Café Kaldi. Tel: 9860480260, 9841166885.
Email:[email protected].

Stupa Books on Phulbari road near Tarik Monastery—both inside the Baskin
Robin’s Ice Cream Parlor and across the street. This shop has books and
Dharma CDs. Tel: 01-491-5560.

Marpa Kagyu Dharma Preservation Center has Tibetan dharma books and
pechas. It also offers photocopy and printing services, and sells good quality
ritual implements. This shop is located on the opposite side of Boudha
Bahumukhi Campus on Phulbari road. To find this shop one will have to go
inside the courtyard which is next to Arya Specialty Coffee. Tel. 01-4915560,
01-4915585

The Himalayan Store below the Himalayan Cafe on the kora also has Dharma
books and Nepali dictionaries. Tel: 98414-35457

Several monasteries, like Shechen Monastery or Thrangu Rinpoche’s

91
Monastery, also have bookshops with Tibetan and English texts. There is also
a small Tibetan bookstore at Phulahari Gompa.

The International Buddhist Academy (IBA) also has a library that has recently
been expanded. Here you can find English, Tibetan, and some Sanskrit
Buddhist texts. However, it has limited hours, and books cannot be taken off-
campus. For more information, please visit
www.internationalbuddhistacademy.org

Thamel and surrounding areas.

Most of the tourist book shops in Thamel have plenty of Tibet-related books
available, but the shops listed below consistently have a good selection of
language aids and Dharma texts as well.

The New Tibet Book Store—Keshar Mahal, Thamel. Tel: 01-4515788,

9808855990 WhatsApp: 9801041611
Email: [email protected]
This shop offers the widest selection of English language Dharma books,
dictionaries, language aids, and more. Mention to Tenzin, the owner, or her
brother, that you are an RYI student.

Vajra Books—Thamel. Tel: 01-5320562, 9851071473

https://www.facebook.com/VajraBooks/
This shop also offers an excellent selection of Dharma books, and many
scholarly books. It also publishes fine Dharma books and an extensive
anthropology selection. The owner’s name is Bidur.

China’s Tibet Book Store—Thamel, Mandala Street. Tel: 01-4700442

It offers a wide selection of Tibetan books.

Pilgrims Book House—Thamel (Opposite to Helena’s Restaurant)

http://www.pilgrimsbooks.com; http://www.pilgrimsonlineshop.com;
Tel: 01-422-1546, 98039-26019; email: [email protected],
[email protected] website: pilgrimsonlineshop.com
Pilgrims offers the widest selection of books in English in Kathmandu.
It also has books about Tibetan language, and some books in Sanskrit.

Vision Books - Thamel. Tel: 982-3616811

https://www.facebook.com/vision.books.nepal/
This shop has a collection of used rare books, as well as religious, and
Dharma books. You can look for their books on their website:
www.thebestbookfinder.com
92
Nepal Book Depot, Thamel next to Kathmandu Guest House. Tel: 01-
4700975

Mandala Book Point—Kantipath. Tel: 01-425-5444,

website: https://www.facebook.com/Mandala-Book-Point-145519749781/
This shop has a large selection of Dharma books, as well as books for general
reading. It also has a good dictionary and reference section.

7.2 Bookstores—Sanskrit
For Sanskrit publications, Tibet Book Store and Vajra Books have a few
Sanskrit books, but the main one is Ratna Pustak Bhandar in Maitighar. Tel:
01-4240850, 4242077 Website: https://www.shopratnaonline.com/

7.3 Bookstores—Fiction and Travel Books

Any of the bookstores in Thamel offer fiction and travel guidebooks. Most shops
will buy back the same used books at half their original sale price. Here are a
couple places to get you started:

Summit Book House—Thamel, next to Kathmandu Guesthouse.

Tel: 01-5344306

If you =visit Lalitpur area, here is a list of book stores that you may explore.
Wisdom Book and Aroma Shop, Bhanimandal Chowk, Tel: 9803737589, 01-
5430586, www.instagram.com/wisdombooks_aroma/ It offers a 10% student
discount on all books. It also has a reading space.

Pilgrims Book House, Jhamsikhel near Big Mart. Tel: 01-5400605

7.4 Music—Popular
There are several CD shops around the stupa and outside of the main gate that
will sell many of the latest releases, usually for about NPR 250. However, the
CD shops in Thamel have a much wider selection of popular music and will be
more likely to offer discounts on bulk purchases. You can usually bargain down
to about NPR 150 each.

93
7.5 Music—Local
Tibetan and Nepalese CDs are generally more costly than Western music CDs.
Buddhist chants and Tibetan folk music average NPR 200-500 per disc, while
Nepali albums can cost from NPR 300 to NPR 600.

8. Air Purifiers and Air Pollution Face Masks

During the dry months the air quality deteriorates in Kathmandu. Check the air
quality at one of these sites:
https://aqicn.org/station/@354301
https://www.airnow.gov/international/us-embassies-and-consulates/

Wearing an air pollution face mask is recommended when the air quality is poor.
Brands such as Vogmask and Metromask are available in Kathmandu. You
might want to bring better quality air pollution masks from abroad. When you
go to buy a mask, make sure to check if it has been certified. For instance, the
US offers ‘N95’ and ‘N99’ certificates, Europe gives ‘FFP2’ or ‘FFP3’
certificates, while China has its own ‘KN95’ certificate. The other thing to check
is how airtight the mask is on your face. KN95 masks are available in Boudha,
for example at Boudha Pharmacy.

Regarding COVID-19 protection masks, if you go to pharmacies in the Boudha

area, you may find a variety of KN95 masks ranging from 50 NRP to 300 NRP.
The brand that has been tested and proven to be working best against COVID
is the one from Golf Space (KN95 GB2626-2006) with five layers of protection.
It was found at Sri Ram Pharmacy near Teaching Hospital in Maharajgunj.

Long term residents might want to consider investing in an air purifier. Some
companies allow you to bring the air purifier home for a day and test whether it
works well in your home. Criteria to consider are the type of filter (for example,
Hepa filter), size of room, noise level, power consumption, the volume of air per
minute it pushes through the filter, and how easily you can get replacement
filters.

Please contact the Senior Student Services Officer about the latest details on
available air purifiers and air pollution face masks. Please also see section
IX.2.3 for air pollution and your health.

94
9. Stationery Shops
The closest stationery shop to RYI is on the Fulbari road, across Manakamana
Super Market. There are several other small stationary shops on the way to the
stupa and on Boudha main road. You will find the best selection in the stationery
shop near G Cafe (go outside Boudha gate, cross the road, and walk left) and
on the same road a bit further down. Bhat-Bhateni supermarket also has a good
selection of folders, markers, etc. For the best quality and widest selection, one
can also go into town, to New Road and Putalisadak. One of the big stores with
stationery supplies is Ekta Books. Their branches are in Thapathali and
Jawlakhel. Another big stationery (and art supplies) store is Vicky Stationery in
Kupondole, Lalitpur (https://www.facebook.com/vickystationers/).

10. Computers and Servicing

There are three main areas of town that sell and service computers. These are
Durbar Marg, Putali Sadak, and New Road. Most leading computer brands
have service centers and agents in these areas. Should you require service
support, RYI recommends that you do an internet search to locate the store for
your brand and model.

Here are two reliable computer repair and servicing vendors:

Subash Thapa, Global IT Support Pvt. Ltd., Tripureshwor, Kathmandu Phone

No. :- 01-4255747/ 4243354
Mobile No. :- 9851135357

Mausam Shrestha, Radiant Group Pvt. Ltd., New Road, Kathmandu

Phone No. :- 01-5713350
Mobile No. :- 9851158656/ 9849801550

11. Gifts and Where to Shop

Gifts: Pashmina and Cashmere
Pashminas come in a variety of qualities, largely determined by “blending”, i.e.,
the mix of pure pashmina and other textiles. Be warned that tags are often
mislabeled “100% cashmere”. Most stores seem honest about which is which
and will let you smell some burned threads to prove it is not synthetic.

Also, be aware that the price of shawls in Boudha is more expensive than in
Thamel, which is itself more expensive than the local markets.There are several

95
pashmina retailers around the stupa, such as Tibet Imports. Refer to the
“Thangkas and Statues” section for location information, but the best selection,
and usually the best prices, are to be found in Thamel. Bargain hard!

For reliable, quality, and friendly service, you can visit Cashmere House in New
Basantapur Plaza near Kathmandu Durbar Square, at the end of New Road.
Jitendra and his family will take good care of you if you mention you are affiliated
with RYI. http://cashmerehousenepal.com/

Another store for reliable high-quality pashmina and cashmere garments is

Nature Knit and Weaves in Thamel. https://natureknit.com/

Gifts: Jewelry
Nepal offers stones and jewelry for shoppers of all budgets—a necklace can
cost from US$5 to US$500. A good selection can be found in Thamel, or
Boudha.

Gifts: Paper Products

Lovely Souvenirs Paper Shop: around the kora, under Dolpo Art Gallery, close
to Flavors Restaurant. between Chobgye Trichen Rinpoche’s monastery and
the big bell. Here you can find small and light thangka-like paintings on lokta
paper, cards, notebooks, tiny prayer flags, envelopes, wrapping and art paper,
etc. The same items are much cheaper in this shop than directly around the
stupa. Contact: Dilip 9841443394

Tibetan/Nepalese Clothes
There are many tailors and fabric shops around Boudha. The price to have a
traditional Tibetan chuba (dress) made starts around NPR 2,500, depending on
your choice of fabric. To have a Nepalese kurta made starts at about NPR
1,000. For kurtas from India, visit Fabindia in Jawalakhel. Although quite a bit
pricier, this shop offers the convenience of ready-made clothing.

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Section V

How to Get Where You Want to Go

1.Taxis
Since much of your local travel will be by taxi, it’s worth spending some time
learning the ins and outs of taxis in Kathmandu. Here are some guidelines.

You will generally pay a premium for the convenience of getting a taxi right
outside the main gate of Boudha stupa. These drivers are waiting for tourists
and their prices are adjusted accordingly. They may open negotiations at NPR
400 and may not be interested in your counter-offer of NPR 50. In addition,
drivers at the main gate now pay a NPR 20 fee to park, and that can be factored
into the price.

You will be much cheaper if you walk a hundred meters to the left or right of the
gate to hire a taxi. It is usually not even necessary to set a price in advance.
Act as you live here and do what the locals do: get in the taxi, tell the driver
where you wish to go, and leave it at that. The drivers who do not regularly
service the tourist trade will simply turn on the meter, and drive. Just make sure
the meter gets turned on.

There are taxis whose meters have been modified in very creative ways! The
“flag fall” rate (the amount that appears as soon as the meter is turned on)
should be NPR 14. If it is more than that, the meter has been tampered with.
Also, watch the meter as you travel. After a few trips, you will know what it
should read at points along the way. In addition, watch to see if the meter jumps
when the driver uses the horn, or hits the breaks—these are creative
modifications to increase the fare.

1.1 Bargaining for a Taxi

In December 2018, the police department announced that they will enforce that
all taxis must go by meter and are not allowed to bargain. You will have to see
whether this is still the case upon your arrival in Nepal. Therefore, if bargaining
for a taxi continues, here are some tips:

97
There is a fine art you will learn about hiring a taxi off-the-meter. It takes a little
getting used to, but you may prefer this to watching the meter. Once you explain
to the driver where you want to go, ask him or her how much this will cost. If the
driver quotes an outrageous price and refuses to budge, simply try another taxi.
If a driver quotes a price you are happy with, agree on that price and get in the
taxi. If you get stuck in traffic, it is your choice to pay more. For longer distances,
for example, going to Pharping from Boudha (NPR 2000-2500 one way),
usually people agree on a price rather than going by meter.

As mentioned above, unfortunately, there are many creative ways to push the
fare higher. One trick is to take a roundabout way to your destination. If you find
yourself in places or around corners you know are not correct, tell the driver.
Don’t be shy! If need be, get out and hire another taxi. But, most importantly,
work with your patience. Anger only complicates matters, and it will take even
more time to arrive at your destination.

1.2 Night Rates

A driver is entitled to charge you the legal night rate between the hours of 8:00
p.m. and 6:00 a.m. If you negotiate a price, you may be able to pay less than
the night meter rate. Remember that the driver will probably not get a return
fare, and will likely try to make up for that loss when he sets your price.

1.3 Prices
Nepal’s inflation rate was 4.15% in 2018 to just above 4.5% in 2019, and prices
continue to increase. (http://www.tradingeconomics.com/nepal/inflation-cpi)
Note that prices may be higher if petrol is in short supply.

As a general guide, below is what you can expect to pay for taxis to common
destinations, and how long it should take on a good day (as of Nov. 2019):

Thamel NPR 500 20 minutes (one-hour w/traffic)

Immigration NPR 450- 500 20 minutes (45 minutes w/traffic)
New Road NPR 450 – 550 30 minutes (one-hour w/traffic)
Airport NPR 500 20 minutes (40 minutes w/traffic)
Swayambhu NPR 600-700 40 minutes
(one hour 20 minutes w/traffic)
Patan Durbar NPR 700-800 40 minutes
Square (one hour thirty minutes w/traffic)
Pharping NPR 2,000 90 minutes (one way)
NPR 3,000 (round trip)
98
 NPR 6,500 (whole day)
Nagi Gompa* NPR 2,500 60 minutes (one way)
NPR 3,500-4,000 (round trip)
Ciwec Hospital NPR 500 (25 minutes)
Grande Hospital NPR 500-600 (40 minutes)

*During the monsoon, and if the road is bad, these costs might be higher. As
one enters the national park, there are fees for the driver, the car, and for you,
all to be paid at Narayanthan gate. For example, the entrance fee for taxis is
NPR 400. As the road can be quite bad, a maximum of three people per taxi is
recommended.

These rates are applicable from Boudha Gate to the above-mentioned

destinations.

Hari Krishna is one of the reliable taxi drivers in Boudha. He also has contacts
of other drivers who follow the above rates. Krishna’s number is 9841-446423.

Jitu Ballav is another taxi driver who has an A/C cab. His services are frequently
used by RYI students. His number is 9860238662.

Other taxi drivers are: Rajkumar (9803381379) and Nima (9840722233).

Traffic rush hours are 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Friday
afternoon: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday is a holiday so there is not much
traffic. Sunday is a workday in Nepal, not a holiday.
Online Transportation Apps:
Another convenient option to hail a cab is use the mobile apps such as Pathao,
Tootle, or Indrive. Both apps can be downloaded for free from the App Store
or Play Store. Pathao and Tootle provide on-demand ride sharing services
through two-wheeler and four-wheeler options. Their service is available 24/7.
If you have access to the internet, you can easily request a ride with your current
location on their app. Once you have confirmed your destination, they will
provide you a transparent payment sheet that clearly states the number of
kilometers for your commute, price per kilometer, and total price including
service tax. You will also frequently receive promotions for discounts in these
rides as well. These apps are popular among the RYI community.

Other online booking apps are:

Sajilo app
Easy taxi Nepal app
99
*You can also calculate your cost of taxi fares in Nepal through
https://www.numbeo.com/taxi-fare/in/Kathmandu

2. Safa Tempos and Microbuses

Safa (tr. clean) tempos are white, three-wheeled electric vehicles that travel
regular routes, such as along Mahankal Road to the main road (route number
two).

Microbuses or minivans carry ten to 12 passengers, and most end their trips at
Ratna Park which is near the local bus station at the exhibition grounds in the
center of Kathmandu. Both are inexpensive, about NPR 15/20 depending on
the length of your trip, but do not run directly to Thamel. To get to the airport,
for example, you will have to take one microbus to Gausala Chowk (before
Dwarika’s Hotel in Baneshwor, off the Ring Road), then get another one from
there to Ring Road that stops outside the airport. The last tempo leaves Ratna
Park at 8:00 p.m. Bring your RYI Student ID card to claim student discount.

3. Buses
Buses are cheaper than tempos, but slower, and less comfortable. The last bus
leaves Ratna Park at 8:00 p.m. (winter 7:00 p.m.). Bring your RYI Student ID
card to claim student discount. Please beware of pickpockets who operate on
buses.

4. Cycle-Rickshaws
Cycle-rickshaws are suitable for short distances, but slower than taxis, and not
necessarily cheaper. They are useful for traveling from Thamel to New Road or
Durbar Square, or from Thamel to Lazimpat. A rickshaw should cost about NPR
100 from Thamel to New Road; a metered taxi will cost NPR 150 or more.
However, with a taxi, you’ll have a hard time finding a driver who will want to
take you this short distance. The Thamel to Durbar Square route is a pleasant
trip on narrow streets filled with shops of all kinds.

100
Section VI

Hello? Hello? Can you hear me?

1. Communication Services

1.1 General Telephone Services

Obtaining a mobile phone and SIM card in Nepal is straightforward. You may
be able to use a mobile phone from your home country unless it has been
“locked” to a proprietary service provider. You will need to purchase a new SIM
card. SIM cards cost approximately NPR 150 and may be purchased from
authorized retailers, of which there are several in Boudha.

Two types of SIM cards are available: pre-paid and post-paid. Pre-paid cards
can be obtained at shops in Boudha or at Nepal Telecom and NCell outlets in
town. You will need a copy of your passport and your current visa and a
passport photo to buy a SIM card. Recharge cards can be obtained from
multiple outlets across the country in denominations of NPR 50, 100, 200, 500,
and 1,000.

You can find SIM cards at these shops: the nearest is across from Boudha gate
and a few meters to the right. In the back of the same building there is a
photocopy shop to copy your passport. Across the street and a couple of
minutes’ walk towards Kathmandu, there is Losar Color Lab where they will
make passport photos. Another shop is Namo Buddha Shop: turn left out of
Boudha gate, walk 100 meters, and cross the road. Also, Stupa Boudha Mobile
Shop could be helpful: turn right after walking out of Boudha main gate.

Post-paid SIM cards may be obtained at the Nepal Telecom office in

Jawalakhel, Patan, near the zoo. Applicants must submit a photocopy of their
passport and several passport-sized photos. Users wishing to place
international calls with post-paid cards will be required to make a deposit.

Cheap Apple and Android mobile phones are widely available in Kathmandu
from multiple vendors with pricing starting from as low as NPR 3,000. NCell
data packages are available for most mobile phones, but make sure that you
choose your data plan carefully to avoid excessive roaming charges. Visit
www.ncell.axiata.com for details.
101
It should be noted that over-subscription of Nepal’s mobile phone networks is
common and slow connection speeds and poor call quality often result.

1.2 Cable Internet

Good internet can be available at home through WorldLink. WorldLink’s cable
internet package is reliable. Tel: 9801-52-3050; 01-5970050 website:
www.worldlink.com.np

Please find the list of internet Service Providers in Nepal here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_internet_service_providers_in_Nepal

2. Mail and Shipping Services

2.1 Sending Mail

Most mailing can be done locally in Boudha through shops that provide this
service. It is a long way to the general post office (GPO) in Dillibazar (Phone
number for inquiry: 01-4432891, 01-4419597), and unless you have parcels to
send, it is easier to use the local services. You can also buy stamps for
postcards at shops around the stupa and pay have your postcard mailed by the
same shop. http://www.gpo.gov.np/Home/Index

There is a shipping services provider located near Himalayan Kitchen Coffee &
Co. It is the last shop on the left as you approach this cafe, after the internet
café. It is open mornings and evenings.

Sky Lake Exports located on the main Boudha Road is an excellent export
service for anything you must send, big or small. It offers FedEx, Sky Net,
Aramax, DHL, UPS, TNT, and Aramex services. It also accepts major credit
cards. Tel: 01- 448-8658, 01-4491434

Alternatively, DHL has opened a branch in Boudha on the main street next to
the police station and underneath Himalayan Java Cafe next to Money-
Exchange. Other DHL, FedEx, and UPS offices are in Kathmandu. Check
Nepal Yellow Pages phone directory for more information:
www.yellowpagesnepal.com

102
2.2 Receiving Mail
Students can have mail sent directly to RYI. Mail is picked up from the general
post office (GPO) every Thursday afternoon. Students can receive their mail
from the Administration Office during office hours. For personal parcels,
students will receive a package slip and will need to visit the GPO to retrieve
the parcel. Students are advised to carry their passport and a photocopy of their
passport along with the parcel slip as this will be required at the post office.
Please note that your name as it appears on the package must be the same as
in your Passport to receive your parcel.

Use this mailing address for general post and parcels:

Your Name
Rangjung Yeshe Institute
PO Box 21277
Kathmandu, Nepal 44600

Generally, parcels arrive successfully, but be advised that some parcels are
“lost in transit” and never arrive or arrive with items missing. One suggestion to
protect against pilferage at the airport and post office is to have the sender wrap
the box in paper, then apply tape to every surface of the box. We also advise
registering your parcel so you can use its tracking number in case you need to
investigate its loss.

Sending anything valuable by parcel post, such as electronic devices, is not

advised. To receive this type of parcel, you will have to go to the airport yourself
to pick it up. This may involve payment of customs fees as well as other taxes.

Sending a parcel via FedEx or DHL is more reliable than a public courier, but
more expensive. If you decide to have a parcel sent by one of these companies,
a street address and phone number will be required. The following address
should be used in this case:

Your Name
C/O Rangjung Yeshe Institute
1 Seto Gompa Marg
Kathmandu, Nepal
+977-1-491-5975

103
Section VII

The All-Important Visa

1. Immigration Procedures—Renewing Your Visa

Nepal immigration has transferred all visa applications to the internet, so to

renew your tourist visa, you begin the process online. Please go to the following
website: http://www.immigration.gov.np and click the link for the online
application. Then, click the link for “tourist” and fill out the form. You will need
to upload a passport photo in .JPEG format.

For students enrolled in an academic program at RYI, the easiest option is to

obtain a study visa. All study visas will be processed through the RYI Finance
Office. This process will be explained in detail during orientation.

If you are willing to pay, RYI’s visa liaison officer can save you a trip to the
immigration office and complete this part of the procedure for you. For more
information, please contact the RYI Finance Office.

Department of Immigration Office

If you wish to complete this process yourself, once the form is complete, submit
it and then print out the document the website provides. This document needs
to be signed and taken to the Department of Immigration.

Directions to the Immigration Office in Kalikasthan

The Department of Immigration is in Kalikasthan, just off the Dillibazaar main
road. If you take a taxi there, tell the driver, “Immigration, in Kalikasthan (Ka-LI-
ka-stan).” Look for the “Immigration Office” on the right side.

From Boudha, go to Chabahil. Turn left onto Ring Road. Continue south on
Ring Road, passing the turn to the airport, towards Old Baneshwor. Pass
Dwarika’s Hotel on your left. At the large intersection for Dillibazar, go right and
continue west until the sign for Kalikasthan, on the left corner; turn left. Go
straight for a while. Twenty to fifty meters past the large pipal tree on the left,
turn left on the fresh dirt (or newly paved) driveway. Look for the sign for “Nepal
Immigration Office,” a new red brick building, straight ahead.
104
Remember to bring the following with you:
• Your passport
• Two passport-size photos
• The above-mentioned form, printed from the immigration website.
(Remember to sign the form!)

Location: Kalikasthan, Dillibazar, Kathmandu

(Please see “Location Map” on the website.)
Tel: 01-452-9660; 01-452-9659
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]
Website: www.immigration.gov.np

Office Hours
Sunday to Thursday: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in summer; 10:00 a.m. to 4:00
p.m. in winter (November through January); Friday: 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(summer); Friday: 10.00 a.m.- 3.00 p.m. in winter (Nov. to Jan.);

Visa Application Hours

Sunday to Thursday: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
*Timings may change. Please confirm via call before visiting the office.

105
Section VIII

Points to Remember for Peace of Mind

1. Personal Safety
The security situation in Nepal has improved significantly over the last few
years, but, as in all countries, a degree of vigilance is sensible, especially at
night when roads are frequently deserted and there is little police presence.
Kathmandu is an “early-to-bed and early-to-rise” city with locals rarely venturing
out once the shops close between 7:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Robbery and violence are rare, but several muggings occur in Boudha each
year, mostly at night. Avoid gangs of local youths and dimly lit lanes. In the
unlikely event of robbers entering your house at night, for your own safety it is
recommended to pretend to sleep and not engage with them.

If you are out at night, ensure that you are alert and fully aware of your
surroundings. It is advisable to travel in groups of three or more and to carry a
good flashlight and a noise device with you. If you are accosted by a robber
and a weapon is produced, don’t even think about trying to fight back; simply
give up your bag or wallet, as they can be replaced.

It is strongly recommended that you do not carry your passport, credit cards, or
large sums of cash. Some people carry a smaller amount of cash in a separate
pocket to give to a would-be thief instead of their main cash. (Remember which
pocket is which!) Keep your mobile phone hidden and be especially cautious
when riding on tempos, microbuses, and buses which are frequented by
professional pickpockets. In your own neighborhood, take advice from locals
and never leave bags or any valuables near open windows.

The Administration Office has a safe where you can store your passport and
airplane tickets. We ask that you minimize requests to remove them and to be
aware of the office hours, so you are not left without your papers when you
need them.

Occasionally, we hear of thieves entering apartments during daytime when the

tenants are away. Therefore, we recommend that you close your windows when
leaving your place empty for a time.

106
2. Emergency Contacts
Upon arrival at RYI, you will receive a card with RYI emergency contact
information listed on it. Please only use the contact details in the event of an
emergency.

Should you experience any threat to your personal security and require police
or consular assistance, please contact RYI’s Principal in the first instance.
Should he be unavailable, please call the next person on the emergency card
and keep going until you get through to someone and are able to speak to a
staff member. Do not rely on SMS/text messages since these may arrive
several hours after being sent.

It is helpful to have your insurance card and a list of your own personal
emergency contacts when out and about. You can carry these in your wallet or
bag.

107
Section IX

What You Need to Know to Stay Healthy in

Nepal

1. Safeguarding Your Health: Acute illness and Medical

Emergencies
Working and studying in a developing country makes unusual demands on both
the professional and personal lives of students and faculty members. Identifying
health problems early can make all the difference.

1.1 Code of Conduct for a Health Buddy

We encourage all staff, faculty, and students to assume some responsibility for
the welfare of their colleagues. Find yourself a “Health Buddy” before a medical
condition needing treatment arises. A "Health Buddy” could be a fellow student
with whom you agree that you will assist each other with procuring medications
or supplies and accompanying them to the doctor or hospital if this ever
becomes necessary. You agree to visit each other at home and alert the RYI
administration as necessary, without violating the privacy and right to the
confidentiality. Some hospitals in Nepal require the patient’s family to stay with
them to assist with activities of daily living, paying bills, registering, and buying
medication, food, and water. A “Health Buddy” can also play this role.

RYI staff, faculty, and students are requested to adopt the following voluntary
code of conduct regarding health:

When you are sick…

• Do not downplay your illness.
• Do not delay seeking medical advice.
• Always report an episode of illness, whether you think it is serious or
not, to your buddy.
• Report all serious illnesses to the Senior Student Services Officer.
• Keep your colleagues informed of changes in your condition when ill.
• Accept the requests of your colleague to visit if you have been unwell
for several days.

108
When someone you know is sick…
6. Contact your friends or colleagues if they have not attended classes for
several days or are known to be ill.
7. Ask whether they have sought medical advice. If not, suggest it.
8. Offer to visit. If the offer is declined, find a skillful way to drop by.
9. Report all serious illnesses directly to the Senior Student Services
Officer.
10. Satisfy yourself that, to the best of your knowledge, the ailment is being
properly attended to.
11. Accompany the individual when they visit a doctor. Be reassuring, kind,
and helpful.
12. Maintain confidentiality.

Specific guidance for faculty members:

• If a student has not turned up for classes for several days, enquire from
other students whether they have seen or spoken to the student.
• If you feel the matter needs further attention, report it to the Senior
Student Services Officer.

2. Staying Healthy in Kathmandu

Staying healthy in Kathmandu is a challenge best met with basic knowledge of

health risks and common-sense approaches on how to avoid becoming ill. The
following information about food, water, air quality, and vaccinations, will help
you have a healthy stay in Nepal.

2.1 Water
Typhoid, cholera, dysentery, infectious hepatitis, and various parasitic diseases
are only some of the illnesses acquired through drinking impure water. Tap-
water in Nepal is not always properly treated and should be considered unsafe
to drink unless it has been purified with a special filter or boiled.

Beverages that are safe include hot drinks (including milk tea as the milk is
boiled before it is added), recognizable local and imported soft drinks (Coca-
Cola, 7-Up, Fanta), and bottled beer.

Water Purification
Nearly all studies of water sources in Kathmandu show contamination.

109
All water used for drinking, making ice cubes, rinsing contact lenses, and
brushing teeth should be sterilized by boiling.

How to purify water

Filter/boil: water purification is a high priority measure for maintaining good
health. Because Kathmandu is at 4,200 feet, water should be boiled for three
minutes. This is sufficient time to destroy bacteria, parasites, cysts, and viruses
that may contaminate the water. Local clay water filters remove debris from
water but do not sterilize it. Therefore, water should first be filtered, boiled, and
then stored in clean and disinfected containers. Filters should be cleaned
frequently with a dilute chlorine solution.

Chemical Purification: when the above water purification methods are not
available, bleach or iodine may be used following these directions:

Add two drops of bleach per liter of clear water or four drops per liter of cloudy
water and mix thoroughly by stirring or shaking water in the container. Let stand
for thirty minutes. A slight chlorine odor should be detectable in the water - if
not, repeat and let the water stand for an additional fifteen minutes. It is now
safe to drink.

Iodine tablets should be gray-blue in color. If they are yellow-green they have
deteriorated and are no longer effective. Add two iodine tablets per liter of
water, wait five minutes, and shake well. Wait an additional thirty minutes before
drinking the water.

Adding a small amount of vitamin C (50 mg) to your water after the contact time
with the iodine will render the water nearly flavorless!

2.2 Food
Most intestinal problems can be avoided if food and drink are properly prepared.
The same safety principles should be applied when eating out. Although
foodborne illness is less common in the winter, there is a risk year-round.

Avoid salad and other leafy greens during the summer months (Cyclospora)
unless they are cooked. Cooked food should be hot when eaten, whether it
comes from a five-star hotel or a lesser establishment. Leftovers must be
reheated thoroughly. Cold foods should be kept cold and eaten cold.

110
Note: If you eat salads at restaurants, it is important to know that not all
restaurants around Boudha are soaking and washing their vegetables
properly. And be aware of food items, for example, hamburgers that often
have leafy greens and tomatoes.

Fruits and Vegetables

All raw fruits and vegetables should be cleaned well and soaked in bleach or
iodized water for twenty minutes. An ozonator (available at Bhat-Bhateni
Supermarket) can also be used to clean fruits and vegetables before cooking
and eating them.

In the outdoor market, fruits and vegetables are often freshened with
contaminated water and should be peeled and/or soaked in treated water, or
ozonated, before eating. They should be washed thoroughly with detergent
and running water before soaking or peeling.

The vegetables that will be eaten raw and not peeled should be soaked for 15
minutes in a solution of one tablespoon of household bleach (5% sodium
hypochlorite) per gallon of water and then rinsed with clean drinking water. An
alternative to bleach is iodine. Add enough iodine to make the water weak-tea-
colored and soak the vegetables for fifteen minutes. Lettuce or cabbage leaves
for use in a salad should be separated and washed before soaking.

Cyclospora is a parasite found on leafy green vegetables during the monsoon.

Also known as blue-green algae, it causes a diarrheal illness and is only killed
by heat/cooking. During Cyclospora season—May to September—minimize or
avoid eating raw leafy vegetables, including lettuce and cabbage. Research
shows this organism is resistant to bleach and iodine.

Some restaurants soak their salad vegetables in iodine or other disinfectants

which render them safe to eat. Do not be afraid to ask them if they do this.
Otherwise, avoid any raw vegetable or fruit that cannot be peeled.
Meats and Seafood
Eating raw or undercooked beef, pork, sausage, and fish can lead to trichinosis,
tapeworm, fluke infections, and other intestinal illnesses. Smoking, salting,
pickling, and drying meat and fish does not always protect one from being
infected. To be safe, fish and meat should be thoroughly cooked.
Eggs and Dairy Products
Eggs should be washed in the same manner as vegetables and then cooked
well. Raw eggs should not be used in foods that are not cooked. Avoid dairy

111
products unless you know them to be hygienically prepared and properly
refrigerated. Local fresh milk should be boiled before drinking. Custards, potato
salad, mayonnaise and similar items left unrefrigerated can make you ill and
are best avoided unless you have prepared them yourself and you know they
are hygienic.

Local yoghurt is delicious and generally considered safe. Be sure to clean the
top layer with a spoon before consuming.

Flies
Flies are notorious transmitters of disease. In their foraging, flies can be wide
ranging and do not distinguish between food and human or animal waste, often
going from one to the other. In this manner, flies transmit disease from one
unsuspecting person to another. Protect your food from flies.

Washing Dishes
Dishes should be washed in hot, soapy water, rinsed with hot tap water and
allowed to air dry in a place free of flies.

2.3 Air Pollution and Health

The air quality in Kathmandu is poor during some winter months every year.
Anyone with a history of asthma or allergies may have a flare-up of symptoms
from November through May. Consider wearing a pollution mask while outdoors
to protect your airway. For information about places to buy good air pollution
masks and air filters, please contact the Senior Student Services Officer.

If you have asthma or other respiratory problems, be sure to bring prescribed

medications and take them as needed. Some residents find that homeopathic
or herbal remedies for boosting the immune response and treating respiratory
illness help prevent infection. Homeopathic remedies are locally available but
herbal preparations must be brought from outside of Nepal.

What you can do:

• Pay attention to the AQI (air quality index).
• Reduce intensity and time of outdoor exercise if AQI is “Unhealthy for
Sensitive Groups” or worse.
• Run room air purifiers during the winter and spring months.
• Reduce indoor sources of pollutants such as smoking, incense, air
fresheners, and candles.

112
2.4 Medical Care
There are several hospitals and medical clinics in Kathmandu with excellent
specialists, generalists, and surgeons.

Below is a list of health facilities. RYI does not have an opinion the relative
qualities of these services, although Grande Hospital Emergency Department
has a good reputation. It is located about 30 minutes from Boudha when traffic
is light. HAMS hospital is about 4 km from RYI and has also received good
reviews. The CIWEC Hospital is often frequented by expatriates for medical
treatment. It is about a 20-minute drive from Boudha and has doctors on-call
24 hours a day, seven days a week.

There are also doctors of Homeopathic, Tibetan, Chinese, and Ayurvedic

medicine in Kathmandu. There is a renowned eye hospital (Tilganga Hospital)
in Kathmandu. If you wear glasses, bring an extra pair. If necessary, most types
of lenses can be made here at very low cost, but they are perhaps of lesser
quality than in the West.

113
2.5 Kathmandu Health Services
Hospitals/Clinics
Name Location/ Office Hours/ Contact Details
Other Information
CIWEC Hospital - 24-hour service, including 01-4424242
Travel Medicine emergency services. 01-4424111
Center 01-4435232
(previously called Location: near British and 01-4413163
“CIWEC Clinic”) Indian Embassies,
Lazimpat (6.4 km from [email protected]
RYI) www.ciwechospital.co
m
Grande International 24-hour service: reputedly, 01-5159266
Hospital a very good emergency 01-5159267
room 9801202550

Emergency medical
Location: Dhapasi (8.4 service: 9801 202 545
km from RYI)
Contact for
international
patients: 9801 202
553 (Jiniya)

https://grandehospital.
com/
info@grandehospital.
com
Hospital for Advance 24h our emergency 01-4377404
Medicine and service. 01-4377704
Surgery (HAMS) 977-9802377404
Location: Mandikhatar
Road, Dhumbarahi Air ambulance
(outside but near ring service: 9801904643
road)
(4.2 km from RYI) Contact for
international
patients:
9828086880 (Sushant
Bhandari)

114
 [email protected]
m

https://hamshospital.c
om/
Nepal Mediciti 24-hour service 01-4217766
Hospital Opening hours for 9810136491
appointments:
Monday- Friday 9:00am - Emergency hotline:
18:00 pm 1134 and
Sunday 9:00am - 18:00pm 9801235698

Location: Sainbu, Contact for

Bhaisepati, Lalitpur international
(14 km from RYI) patients:
9801235636

[email protected]
m

www.nepalmediciti.co
m
Utpala Clinic Dr. Sabina Lama 9886743789
9 am to 6 pm

Location: Boudha 6, Near

Utpala Cafe

Other services: Dental,

and
TMMC: Travel and 24-hour service 01-4363614
Mountain Medicine 9851116918
Centre, (previously Location: Kaldharamarg
“Nepal International 20356, Khusibu (7.6 km www.tmmcnepal.com
Clinic”) from RYI)

OM Hospital Location: Chabahil (2.7 9802076226 (For

km from RYI) emergency)
01-4466178
01-4466179
01-4476225

115
 01-4482484

appointment@omhos
pital.com,
omhrc@omhospitalne
pal.com

www.omhospitalnepal
.com

Norvic Hospital 24-hour services 01-4101600 (For

emergency)
01-4218230
Location: Thapathali, just 01-4257689
before bridge to Patan (7.4 01-4258554
km from RYI) 01-5970032

appointment@norvich
ospital.com

www.norvichospital.c
om

B & B Hospital Orthopedic/ Trauma/ 01-5531933

Surgery 01-5970999
01-5544800
Location: Gwarko, 01-5531930
Lalitpur (9.8 km from RYI) 01-5528526 (fax)

[email protected]
m.np

www.bbhospital.com.
np
Patan Hospital ICU/Surgery/Neonatal 01-5522278
01-5522266
Location: Lagankhel, 01-554-8007 (Patan
Patan, Lalitpur (11 km Private Clinic)
from RYI)
www.pahs.edu.np/pa
hs-
community/hospital
116
 Boudha Stupa Location: Boudha Road, 01-4917641
Polyclinic Kathmandu
https://www.facebook.
com/bspclinic/
Stupa Community 24 Hour service 9841511906
Hospital
Location: Boudha Road, http://www.stupahealt
Kathmandu h.org.np/

Dental Clinics
CIWEC Dental Clinic Dentist: Dr. Niranjan 01-444-0100
Sharma 01-4424111
01-4424242
9:00 am - 5:00 pm 01-4435232

Location: Lazimpat area, Info@ciwec-

next to Indian Embassy clinic.com
and British Council (6.4
km from RYI) www.ciwechospital.co
m

Healthy Smiles 10:00am - 5:00pm 01-442-0800

9801044208
Dr. Neil Pande. 01-4444689

Location: Ananda smilenepal.hs@gmail.

Bhavan, Lazimpat, com
Kathmandu, Nepal (6.2
km from RYI) www.smilenepal.com
Thamel Dental Clinic Dr. Niranjan Sharma 01-4510004
(same as in Ciwec Dental
Clinic)
[email protected]
Location: Tridevi Marg, .np
Thamel, below Himalayan
Java (7.3 km from RYI) www.dentalclinic.com.
np

117
 Dent Inn Sunday to Friday 01-4221764
9:30 am – 6:30 pm 01-4221760
9843050990
Location: Sherpa Mall –
Third Floor, Durbar Margh www.dent-inn.com
(5.8 km from RYI)
National Dental -- 01-4437252
Hospital 01-4433697
01-4436311

[email protected]
m

Mental Health Care Professionals – Free Resources

(established during the Covid epidemic)

TPO Nepal Open hours: Every day 1660 010 2005 (Toll
from 8am to 6pm free number from NTC
network only)
Location: Baluwatar,
Kathmandu (5.9 km from www.tponepal.org
RYI)

CMC Nepal Contact through National 1145 (Hotline)

Women’s Commission
Hotline number 1660 018 5080 (Toll
free number from NTC
They also offer a fee for network only)
service clinic for corporate
clients. 9841672307 (Pawan
KC)
Location: Jitjung Marg,
Thapathali, Kathmandu www.cmcnepal.org.np
(7.5 km from RYI)

TUTH Teaching Location: Maharajgunj, 9849630430 (Helpline)

Hospital Kathmandu (6 km from 9840021600
RYI) 01- 4412303

118
 www.teachinghospital.
org.np/

Mental Health Care Professionals - Fee for Service Resources

Dr. Arun Kunwar Psychiatrist (Metro Clinic), 01-4721515
degree from USA 01-4721514

Isha Wellness Location: Chakupat, 9851105254

Collective Patan, Lalitpur (8.6 km
from RYI) info@isha-
institute.com

www.isha-
institute.com

Risav Koirala Grande Hospital 01-5159266

(Counselor) Mental Health OPD 01-5159267
Need to call one or two 9801202550
day in advance to
schedule www.grandehospital.co
m/depatment/psychiatr
Location: Dhapasi, y
Kathmandu (8.4 km from
RYI)

Dr. Richa Amatya Mediciti Hospital 01-4217766

Mental Health OPD 9810136491

(available on Sunday, www.nepalmediciti.co

Wednesday, and Friday m
from 4pm-6pm)

Location: Bhaisepati,
Lalitpur (14 km from RYI)
Dr. Raman Koirala HAMS Hospital 01-4377404
Mental Health OPD 9802377404

119
 Location: Mandikhatar,
Kathmandu (4 km from
RYI)
Patan Hospital Open hours: 8am-12pm 01-5522278
Mental Health OPD (Closed on Saturday 01-5522266
and Wednesday)

Location: Lagankhel,
Lalitpur (11 km from RYI)
Dr. Manisha Neuro psychiatrist 01-4467067
Chapagain (Medicare Hospital)

Location: Chabahil,
Kathmandu (2.2 km from
RYI)

Dr. Pushpa Sharma Psychiatrist (Om Hospital 9851047354

and CIWEC)

Dr. Krista Psychology Care and 9851168177

Rajkarnikar Consultancy, PCC
kristarajkarnikar@g
mail.com
Dr. Pradeep Man Psychiatrist 9851007931
Singh Nepal Medical college
www.nmcth.edu
Location: Jorpati,
Kathmandu, next to
Boudha (2.3 km from RYI)

Raji Manjari Pokhrel Masters in Social Work 9843823356

from Columbia University
School of Social Work, rajimanjaricounseling
New York, combines @gmail.com
Narrative Approach and
Somatic Experiencing,
LGBTIQA++ inclusive,
trauma informed.
Location: Chabahil,
Kathmandu

120
 Dr. Prathama (PhD), psychology, 9808960176
Raghavan counselor (developmental
psychology, narrative prathama.raghavan@g
practices, EMDR trauma mail.com
therapy, etc.)

Location: Dhobhighat,
Lalitpur near Thado
Dunga crossroads.
Chham Gurung Specializes in Cognitive 9813442615
Behavioral Therapy from
Singapore. chhamkgurung@gmail.
com
Location: Dhobhighat,
Lalitpur
Dr. Arun Kuwar Metro Hospital 01-4721515
psychiatrist, degree from 01-4721514
the USA

Location: Atithi Party

Venue, Kathmandu (4.9
km from RYI)

Gynecology
Dr. Geeta Gurung CIWEC 01-4424111

Location: Kapurdhara www.ciwechospital.com

Marg, Kathmandu (6.4 km
from RYI)

Dr. Padam Raj Grande Hospital 01-5159267

Panta
Location: Dhapasi, www.grandehospital.co
Kathmandu (8.4 km from m
RYI)

121
Neurologist
Dr. Lekhjung Thapa, Neuro Hospital, Bansbari 9841061801
Neurologist 9855060509
9842041217

https://www.neuro.org
.np/

Dr. Prakanj Jalan Norvic Hospital Contact his assistant

(trained and worked Shiwani to make an
in the USA) appointment:
Shiwani (phone and
WhatsApp):
9810329785

Orthopedic Specialists
Dr. Deepak Mahara CIWEC Hospital and 01-4424111 (CIWEC)
Teaching Hospital 01-4412404 (Teaching)
Dr. Chakra Raj Grande Hospital 01-519266
Pandey
Location: Dhapasi, www.grandehospital.co
Kathmandu (8.4 km from m
RYI)

Ophthalmologists
Dr. D.N Shah Grande Hospital 01-5159267
Tilganga Eye Location: Sinamangal, 01-4493684
Centre Kathmandu (3.9 km from 01-5970048 (Direct
RYI) Line)

www.tilganga.org

Dr. Suman Thapa Sudrishti Eye Clinic 01-4228531

and others
Location: Durbar Marg, www.sudrishti.com.np
Kathmandu (5.7 km from
RYI)
Dr. Suman Thapa and his
retina specialist Dr.
122
 Pradap Karki also have
an operation theater for
cataract surgeries etc.

Chiropractor
Dr. Neisha Josan Norvic Hospital, 01-5970032
Bhattacharya Thapathali, Kathmandu WhatsApp/ Viber:
9880888000

https://www.norvichospit
al.com/departments/chir
opractic
Chiropractic and Location: Tripureshwor, 01-4260313
Manual Therapy Kathmandu 9851274137
Center

Physiotherapy
Kinesiology Run by Tenzing David 01-4420604
Physiotherapy Sherpa (studied and 01-4426947
worked in Belgium,
Australia, and the info@kinesiology-
Netherlands) physiotherapy.com

Location: Astrek www.kinesiology-

Complex, Bhagwan physiotherapy.com
Bahal, Thamel (7.2 km
from RYI)

Helping Hands Contact person: Sudip 9851075888

Rajit 01-447-3518
01-449-6807
Location: Chabahil
Chowk, Kathmandu (2.4 [email protected]
km from RYI)
www.helpinghandshospi
tal.org.np
CIWEC Hospital Manoj Yadav 9849165212

123
 Location: Kapurdhara www.ciwechospital.com
Marg, Kathmandu (6.4 km
from RYI)
Grande Hospital Rajesh Singh 9841429391
www.grandehospital.co
Location: Dhapasi, m
Kathmandu (8.4 km from
RYI)
Sonam Y. Licensed physiotherapist, 9842979961
Hurtigkarl experienced in
(Physical Therapist musculoskeletal system. sonamhurtigkarl@gmail.
& Craniosacral Also offers natural com
Therapist) alignment assessment
and ergonomic
assessment.

Location: Next to Sonam

showroom building,
Boudha.

* Appointments can be
booked directly through
call or text. The session is
charged NRS. 2000/ 60
mins session.

Dermatologist
Dr. Anil Kumar Jha, DI Skin and Health +977 14721500
Dermatologist Referral Center – +977 14721900
DISHARC, Golfutar, 7
[email protected]
Kathmandu
m

Allergy Testing http://www.disharc.o

rg/

Prof. Dr. Anupama Norvic International 01-5970032

Karki Kunwar Hospital

124
 (Senior Consultant [email protected]
Dermatologist and Location: Thapathali,
Venerologist/Cosm Kathmandu (7.5 km from https://www.norvichospit
etologist and Laser RYI) al.com/doctors?departm
Surgeon) and ent=dermatology&docto
others. r=
Dr. Sanu Babu Nepal Mediciti Hospital 01-4217766
Shrestha and Dr, 9810136491
Uma Keyal Location: Dhapasi,
Kathmandu (8.4 km from [email protected]
RYI)
http://www.nepalmediciti
.com/COE/department-
of-dermatology
Dr. Jebina Lama The Skin Clinic 01-4440852
01-4440853
Sunday to Friday: 10 am
to 6 pm [email protected].
np
Location: Kailash Marg,
Tangal, Kathmandu (3.3 https
km from RYI)
[email protected].
np

https://theskinclinic.com.
np/
Dr. Lalan Nepal Skin Hospital 01-5905344
Khatiwada and
others Location: Suryabinayak, Info@nepalskinhospital.
Bhaktapur (6.3 km from com
RYI)
https://www.nepalskinho
spital.com/

Poison Control
Poison Information Contact Person: Mr. 01-4353877
Center, Nepal Shyam Lohani 9851038490

125
Alternative Therapies and Massage
Dr. Ambika Kathmandu Homeopathy 01-4486727
Prashad Gyawali, Health Clinic, Bibhuti 9841239086
Homeopath Janak Marg, New
Baneshwor, Kathmandu
Dr. Fatima Acupuncture and Chinese 01-4915203
Younoos Medicine 9818199320

10:00 am-5:00pm
Closed on Sunday

Location: KTM City

Center, Kamalpokhari (4.8
km from RYI)

Dr. Madhu Bajra 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm 01-4223960

Bajracharya (Closed on Saturdays) 9851032299
Ayurvedic Clinic
“Piyushabarshi Location: 7/35 [email protected]
Aushadhalaya” Masangalli, et
Mahabouddha, behind Bir
Hospital, Kantipath, www.ayurvedicclinic.net
Kathmandu (6.8 km from
RYI)

Pure Vision Location: Boudha, 01-4460058

SORIG, between RYI and Thrangu
Tibetan Massage Rinpoche’s monastery www.purevisionsorig.or
(150 m from RYI) g

Tibetan Doctors
Kunphen Tibetan Sunday-Friday 9:00 am 01-4251920
Medical Center to 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm to
5:00 pm [email protected]
(Closed on Sundays)
kunphentibetanmedicine.
Location: In Boudha com
kora, next to Chobgye
Trichen Rinpoche’s
126
 monastery (400 m from
RYI)

(*bring your RYI student

card to receive a
discount)
Shelkar Tibetan Thursday to Tuesday 9841655768
Medical Clinic 5 am to 12 noon 9808329933
(Closed on Wednesdays)

Location: Boudha (at the

intersection near
Garden Kitchen
Restaurant)
Pure Vision SORIG Monday-Friday, 9:00 am 01-4460058
to 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm to
5:00 m [email protected]
www.purevisionsorig.org
Location: Boudha,
between Ka-Nying
Shedrub Ling monastery
and Thrangu Rinpoche’s
monastery.
Kunphen Tibetan Sunday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. 01-4251920
Medical Center to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00
p.m. to 5:00 p.m. info@kunphentibetanme
Closed Sundays dicine.com

Location: Kunphen www.kunphentibetanme

Marg, Chhetrapati, dicine.com
backside of Thamel,
towards Swayambhu (7.5
km from RYI)

(*bring your RYI student

card for discount)

127
 Amchi Tsering Lives in Pharping, but 9841475713
Chozom works in Boudha about
once weekly.
He trained in the lineage
of Mipham Rinpoche, and
he used to be Chatral
Rinpoche’s doctor. Call
him first to find out when
he is in Boudha.

Location: near Dhondrup

Guesthouse, Boudha.

*Good to bring a
translator
Traditional Boudha –6, Ramhiti, 9810216836
Buddhist Sorig Kathmandu, Nepal
Herbal Medicine Buddhistsowarigpa.medi
Center [email protected]

X-RAY, Ultrasound Facilities, Labs

Siddhi Poly Path Sunday-Friday 01-4510604
Lab 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
Closed Saturdays [email protected]

Location: Dili bazar, www.siddhilab.com.np

Kathmandu (5 km from
RYI)

*This is said to be a
quality lab in Kathmandu
Om Hospital Sunday-Friday 01-4476225 (Ext. 140)
7:30 am to 7:00 pm 9802076226 (Emergency
Saturday, 8:00 to 10:00 Contact)
am
omhrc@omhospitalnepal
Location: Chabahil, .com
Kathmandu (2.7 km from
RYI)
128
 www.omhospitalnepal.co
*On Call: on advance m
notification
MRI X-Ray Facility Location: Narayan 01-4423805
Chaur, Naxal, next to
Bank of Kathmandu (4.9
km from RYI)

Siddhi Ultrasound Dr. Raju Pradhan 01-4243237

Clinic 01-4243006
7:30 am to 5 pm

Location: Caledon
Complex
2nd floor, Bag bazar
Kathmandu (5.9 km from
RYI)

Stupa Community 24-hour service 01-4916287

Hospital
Location: Boudha Road
Kathmandu (900 m from
RYI)

KLab Location: Chabahil 01-4582999

Care-Giver Services and Health Support

Lhakpa Lhakpa has supported 9803114135
people from the RYI
family, for example, by [email protected]
flying with them to a
hospital in India and
supporting them after a
surgery.
nurses Nima from Ciwec Clinic 01-4424111 (Ciwec, ask
can connect you to for Nurse Nima)
private nurses in case
you need home services

129
Veterinarians (Doctors for Animals) and Animal Welfare Organizations
Dr B. R. Thapa Mobile Veterinary Hospital 01-5444715
Experienced doctor, 01-5541293
therefore costlier. Especially 9851067824
good for complicated 985107 7978 (Dr. Rai)
surgeries.
Also, will do house-calls.

7:30 am to 7 pm in summer/
6 pm in winter

Location: Jawalakhel,
Patan, next to Central Zoo
(9.7 km from RYI)

One of their vets, Dr. Rai,

specializes in care of cats.
Dr.Sushil Animal Medical Centre 9843544022
Kumar Paudel 7 am to 7 pm 014480625
9851129617 (Dr.
Location: Chucchepati, Awadesh Jha)
Chabahil, Kathmandu, close
to Boudha’s Bhat-Bhateni
supermarket (1.5 km from
RYI)

*Also provides care to cats.

Dr. B. C. Jha Advanced Pet Hospital & 01-4422855
Research Centre Pvt. Ltd. 9841209744
Experienced doctor,
therefore more costly.

Does less invasive keyhole

surgery for spaying.

24-hours a day, 365 days a

year

Location: B-Bishal Basti

(Ka), Bishal Nagar,

130
 Kathmandu, Nepal (4.3 km
from RYI)
Dr. S.P. Kathmandu Veterinary Clinic 01-4720266
Gautam Good for more basic 9841213315
veterinary needs, less
expensive. subarshengautam@hotm
ail.com
Location: Ring Road,
Maharajganj, Kathmandu
(5.2 km from RYI)

Dr. Umesh Does house-calls 9851070196

Location: Boudha [email protected]

Dr. Kumar Government of Nepal Central 01-5361938

Mandal Vet Hospital 01-5312143

Location: Tripureshwor, https://www.crvh.gov.np

Kathmandu (8.3 km from
RYI)

Dr. Deepak Kantipur Mobile Vet. Clinic 9841263141

Location: Boudha Mahankal

opposite Pani Tanki and
police post.

Does home visits.

Street Dog Non-Profit center to help 9841075383
Care street dogs. 9808594356

In addition, every Saturday [email protected]

Street Dog Care has a camp
in Boudha, near the big bell. www.streetdogcare.org

Location: Presently located https://www.facebook.co

near Sankhu. m/StreetDogCare/

131
 KAT Centre Non-Profit Animal Rescue 9843810363
(Kathmandu center.
Animal [email protected]
Treatment 10 am to 4 pm Sunday to
Centre) Friday www.katcentre.org.np

Location: Rudryeshowr,
Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu
(6.9 km from RYI)
Sneha’s Care Non-Profit Animal Rescue 01-5909023
org. They have an 9808645023
ambulance facility.
[email protected]
10 am to 5 pm
www.snehacare.com
Location: Sirjana Marga,
Karyabinayak, Lalitpur (15
km from RYI)

Kopan Non-Profit Dog Rescue 9803976378

Community Centre.
Dog Welfare [email protected]
Location: Kopan, [email protected]
Kathmandu (2.8 km from m
RYI)
www.communitydogwelfa
rekopan.org

Catmandu Home based private www.facebook.com/catm

Lovers organization for orphaned andulovers
newborn kittens. Focuses on
education, rehoming &
animal birth control.

Animal Nepal Mon to Friday 9 am to 5pm 01-5538068

Location: Chobar, Lalitpur [email protected]

(13 km from RYI)
www.animalnepal.org.np
Please make few copies of these pages for easy access in an emergency.

132
Health Insurance
RYI requires that all international students purchase an insurance policy that
will cover all medical and hospitalization costs, and medical evacuation
insurance while studying at RYI. In the event of a medical emergency that
requires treatment outside of Nepal, the medical evacuation insurance will save
a lot of unnecessary worry and money.
Medication and Pharmacies
Most medication available locally is inexpensive and manufactured in Nepal or
India. Consider bringing all medication with you to ensure that the quality and
dosage of the medication are acceptable to you.

Pharmacies, called “Chemists” in Nepal, sell just about everything over the
counter. Pharmacists are not medical doctors and do not have the same
qualifications as pharmacists in other parts of the world. Obtaining diagnosis
and treatment from a local pharmacist is not recommended.
Visits for Minor Treatments
Immunizations and treatment for mild illness or injuries can be addressed at
CIWEC Hospital, TMMC Nepal International Clinic, and Grande Hospital.
CIWEC and TMMC Nepal International Clinic assure unbroken cold chain
vaccines and are the recommended for immunizations.
Emergencies After Hours and Weekends
Grande Hospital has emergency services. Contact the International
Coordinator, Sushma at 98012-02553. She will alert the ER that you are
coming. Upon arrival at RYI you will receive the RYI emergency card which
contains further hospitals with emergency services. Please keep this card in
your wallet.

For any mental health emergency, contact CIWEC Hospital at 01-442-4111/01-

4424111 or Carrie Sengelman (RYI Health Advisor) at 98010-38052.
Laboratory Services
CIWEC Hospital, Grande Hospital, and TMMC Nepal International Clinic have
reputable medical laboratories. At CIWEC Hospital, stool samples can be
submitted for analysis from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. every day. CIWEC is
recommended for fevers of unknown origin and tropical diseases).
Siddhi Poly Path Lab is renowned for providing a quality affordable service.
Please see the details above.

133
2.5 Household Staff
Some students may employ domestic help who is involved in the purchase and
preparation of food, as well as house-cleaning. A medical examination of home
helpers prior to employment is recommended. This should include a general
physical examination, a chest x-ray to screen for tuberculosis, and stool tests
to screen for intestinal parasites.

Domestic employees should be carefully instructed about proper personal and

household cleanliness, food sanitation, including preparation and handling, and
dish washing. Repeat your instructions frequently to be sure they are
understood and properly followed. Provide soap and clean towels for the
frequent and thorough hand-washing necessary in the kitchen. Medical
examinations and treatment of household staff can be done at the following
clinics:
• TMMC Nepal International Clinic Tel: 01-4363614, 977-9851116918
Website: https://www.tmmcnepal.com/index.php/contact
• Awon Kalimati Clinic, Clinic Tel: 01-427-1873

2.6 Vaccinations
Immunizations are an important part of preventing illness. Many of the
immunizations needed for Nepal may not be part of the immunization regime in
your home country. Vaccination history should be reviewed and updated prior
to departure from your home country. Soon after arrival, review your
immunization records and update any vaccinations needed.

The following are recommended for adults in Kathmandu:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Japanese Encephalitis
• Tetanus/Diphtheria
• Meningitis A & C
• TB skin test when leaving Nepal
• MMR
• Polio
• Rabies pre-immunization
• Typhoid
• Influenza (flu vaccine)
• Covid-19 Vaccine

134
Vaccination Cost
If you decide to wait to get vaccines here, we recommend you get them from
CIWEC, TMMC Nepal International Clinic, or Grande Hospital because they
adhere to international standards of transport and storage of vaccines.
Below is the cost of some vaccines at CIWEC Hospital: (January 2023).

Hep A PAED (Havrix 720): USD 65

Rabies (Rabivax) = USD 20
Typhoid (typhoid conjugate vaccine -Typbar) = USD 52
Japanese encephalitis (JEEV) = USD 36
Influenza USD 30

Please be aware that the vaccines take a few weeks to become fully effective.

2.7 Diseases found in Nepal

For more information, please visit Nepal - Traveler view | Travelers' Health |
CDC :
• Diarrhea: Contact medical help if you have the following:
 >4 diarrhea stools per day x two days
 Fever, blood in stools, or severe stomach cramps
 Fainting episodes
 Persistent high temperature
 Severe headache
 Right lower abdominal pain

NOTE: It is best NOT to self-treat diarrheal illnesses while in

Kathmandu. Most diarrhea is caused by bacteria in Kathmandu but
occasionally parasitic and viral diarrheas are seen. It is best to have a
stool test and get appropriate treatment.

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Mosquito-borne Illnesses: The recommended insect repellent has one of
the active ingredients below. When used as directed, these insect
repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and
breastfeeding women.
 DEET
 Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and Icaridin outside the US)
 IR3535
 Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
 Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
135
  2-undecanone
o Dengue
o Japanese Encephalitis
o Malaria There is no malaria in Kathmandu or on typical
Himalayan treks. It could be present throughout the country at
altitudes below 4,000 feet (1,200 meters).
• Rabies
• Tuberculosis (TB)
• Typhoid
• Influenza
• Covid-19

For any health questions or problems, contact the Senior Student Services
Officer, Tel: +977-9823824952,

136
Section X

Earthquake Preparedness: How to be “Quake-Safe”

Nepal is in one of earth’s most active geologic zones and minor earthquakes
occur often, whether you feel them or not. Large earthquakes can cause serious
personal injury and damage buildings. The last severe quakes hit the Kathmandu
valley in spring 2015. The entire Himalayan zone has active faults and further
earthquakes are to be expected.

Be forewarned about what to do during an earthquake; the knowledge may

save your life.

Adequate preparation and planning can reduce the risk of injury when the next
quake happens. During the 2015 earthquakes, everyone associated with RYI
and Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery was safe. RYI takes particular care to
train community members to be properly prepared in the event of an
earthquake, and many students, staff, and faculty members reported that this
training was extremely helpful during the actual event.

Please read these instructions carefully and prepare accordingly. This guide
was developed by the RYI Emergency Preparedness Committee with additional
information from the US embassy.

1. Earthquake Preparation
This is a list of suggested preparations you should make before an earthquake:
• Memorize RYI‘s earthquake procedure, as outlined below.
• Practice “duck, cover, and hold” at home and on campus. Practice
evacuation procedures.
• Prepare a go-bag and store it next to the main exit of your home. (For
details, please see below.)
• Prepare an emergency preparedness kit and keep in a safe place
outdoors. (For details, please see below.)
• Learn how to give first aid.
• Have a meeting place agreed upon where you can unite with your
family or/and friends in the event of an earthquake.
• Be sure to know how to turn off gas, water, and electricity in your home.

137
2. RYI’s Earthquake Procedure
If an earthquake does happen, it is important to understand the structure of the
building where you are to decide upon the correct earthquake procedure for
your specific situation. If your house is a simple brick or stone construction
without pillars or beams, like very old buildings in Kathmandu or in buildings in
the mountains, the best procedure is to get outside as quickly as possible.
This applies especially if you are on the ground floor of this type of
building.

Should your house be a building with pillars and beams like most recent
constructions in Kathmandu, the instructions below apply.

2.1 Procedures for a minor earthquake

If you are inside during a MINOR earthquake:
Stay inside.
If you find yourself indoors, the most dangerous thing to do during an
earthquake is to try to leave the building, because objects such as flower pots,
bricks, and electricity wires, may fall on top of you.

In addition, it is important to know that the staircase is one of the least safe
places to be during an earthquake, as it is structurally one of the weakest points
in a building, therefore you do not want to be in the staircase during the
earthquake. Instead of trying to leave your room, get under your desk or move
just a few steps to the nearest interior wall in the room you are in. Stay indoors
until the shaking stops and you are confident it is safe to go outside.
Duck, cover, and hold on.

• Duck (also “drop”) under sturdy furniture such as a heavy table, or

against an interior wall, away from glass that may shatter or from
furniture and other items that may fall on you. You may also duck next
to a heavy, sturdy piece of furniture such as a chest or your bed.
• Cover your head with your arms to protect face and eyes.
• Hold on!
• Stay away from windows.
• If you are in bed, get out of bed, go to the nearest interior wall, duck-
cover-hold, and protect your head and back with a pillow.

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 • If you are in the kitchen, move away from the refrigerator, stove, and
overhead cabinets. If possible, turn off any appliances. Duck, cover,
and hold on.
• If you are in an RTI classroom, duck, cover, and hold, and protect your
head and back with a cushion or backpack.
• Remain calm and reassure others.

After the shaking stops:

• Grab your go-bag—which should be always easily accessible—and get
to safety quickly and quietly, but without running.
• Wait outside for at least 30 minutes and up to two hours to ascertain
whether the first earthquake was a pre-shock or the main shock.
• Evaluate if your building is safe before re-entering.
If you are outdoors during a minor earthquake:
• Move into the open, away from buildings, utility wires, and anything that
could fall on you.
• Drop to the ground.
• Stay there until the shaking stops, then re-evaluate the safety of your
position and possibly find a safer place to wait 30 minutes to two hours
to re-enter your building.
• As you move to a new location watch for power lines that have fallen,
especially on wet ground. These could be live, and you could get
electrocuted, so stay away from them.
If you are in a crowded store or other public place during a minor
earthquake:
• Do not rush for exits.
• Stay calm and help others do the same.
• Move away from shelves containing objects that could fall.
If you are in a moving vehicle during a minor earthquake:
• If the roadsides are clear, stop quickly.
• If in a built-up area, slow down until you are away from buildings, trees,
or utility wires.
• In both cases, leave the doors slightly open and stay in the car until the
shaking stops.
• Once the shaking has stopped, proceed with caution, avoiding bridges
and roads damaged by the quake.

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2.2 Procedures for a major earthquake
• Duck, cover, and hold on. (See details above).
• Remain calm and reassure others.
• After the shaking has stopped, grab your go-bag and get to safety
quickly and quietly, but without running.
• Assess your situation and stay in a safe place until you feel it is safe to
move about. Stay out of already weakened and damaged buildings.
Find a place free of trees and buildings; be sure to check for fallen
electric wires and stay a minimum of four meters away from them. Do
not touch downed power lines or objects in contact with them. Avoid
downed wires in water or on very wet ground.

Aftershocks are most common during the first forty-eight hours following an
earthquake. If the earthquake occurs at night, get to safety and stay there at
least until morning.
• Check for injuries and, if you know how, give first aid. Cover those who
are seriously injured with blankets to prevent shock, but do not attempt
to move them unless they are in immediate danger from falling
masonry, etc.
• Be wary of stray dogs and animals.
• Be cautious when opening any doors.
• Turn off gas, water, and electrical breakers.
• Once your own safety and that of nearby students and staff has been
assured, make your way to the Hyatt Regency Hotel (Emergency
Response Center #2).

If you NEED help or are willing to help, please travel to:

Emergency Response Center #1 (RYI): the open land behind Ka-Nying

Shedrub Ling Monastery, next to the monastery’s back gate where arrivals can
register, regroup, eat, drink, receive and give first aid.

RYI staff are organized into emergency response teams (see below) and are
ready to provide assistance. Follow RYI staff’s guidance on how to help, for
example by creating temporary shelters for students from plastic tarps and
rope, digging latrines, and providing first aid.

Emergency Response Center #2 (Hyatt Regency Hotel): Once the situation

is stable, RYI staff will lead small groups of able-bodied students and staff to
the Hyatt Regency Hotel to await contact from various embassies.

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Be sure to contact your family and friends as soon as possible.

3. RYI Emergency Response Teams

To prepare for emergencies, RYI staff is trained to operate in three emergency

response teams which are under the oversight of an incident commander.
• The Operations Team consists of an operations leader, a fire crew,
and a search and rescue team.
• The Communications Team consists of a communications leader, an
area assembly team, and an accountability team.
• The Facilities Team consists of a facilities leader, a medical team, a
food and water team, a shelter and sanitation team, and a supplies
team.

4. Emergency Kits

4.1 What is a Go-Bag?

A go-bag is a portable kit that contains the items one would require to survive
for 72 hours, when evacuating from a disaster such as an earthquake. Keep it
readily in an accessible place, for example, near the front door of your house.
After the shaking stops, you can easily grab your go-bag, and safely leave the
building.

Have sturdy shoes next to your go-bag to protect your feet from broken glass
and debris.

Suggested Go-Bag Contents: Six color-coded pouches: Please see the

graphic on the next page.

4.2 Emergency Preparedness Kit

The following is a suggested list of items to keep in a storage box outside your
residence that is easily accessible at a time of emergency. A secure container
would be a metal box with clasps that can be locked with zip ties which can be
easily cut off. Do not use a padlock as this could make access to the materials
more difficult when they are needed quickly.

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Suggested Emergency Preparedness Kit Content:
1. Plastic barrel (average size)
2. Standard two-battery flashlight (torch)
3. Two double-bed size blankets
4. Shovel
5. Pick Axe
6. Crowbar
7. Nineteen-liter plastic container
8. Candles
9. Matches (ten packs)
10. Work gloves, two pair
11. Five pens
12. Two pads of lined paper
13. One half-inch thick, 50-foot roll of nylon rope
14. 12 bottles of distilled water
15. Quarter-inch thick, fifty-foot roll of nylon rope
16. A carefully assembled medical kit
17. One set of clothes for each occupant for warm, cold, and wet weather
18. One pair of rubber slip-on shoes for each resident of your house
19. Toiletries: towels, toilet paper, toothpaste, soap, toothbrushes, etc.
20. Canned or storable/well-sealed/long-lasting basic foods
21. Manual can opener

For more details and training, contact the Head of Student Services.
Tel: 01-491-5975• Email: [email protected]

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Section XI

Packing List for Kathmandu

Below is a checklist of things to consider bringing with you to Nepal. You might
want to travel light as you are sure to accumulate gifts, clothes, and other things
while in Nepal. Many items, unless otherwise noted, can be found easily in
Kathmandu. However, please note that any clothes in a size larger than
“medium” are hard to find in Nepal. Good quality clothing or natural materials
such as cotton are costlier in Nepal than in many Western countries. Footwear
in sizes larger than 43 (US 9) for men or 39 (US 7) for women might be difficult
to get in Nepal.

Clothing
• Two to four shirts suitable for layering (short and long sleeved)
• Two to three trousers, a skirt, and/or jeans
• One sweater, knitted hat, and gloves (though, locally made ones are
available and quite cheap)
• One turtleneck or scarf/shawl
• One raincoat/lightweight rain gear (late monsoon showers can come at
random times during the fall semester)
• One warm jacket (Good-quality down and synthetic jackets are
available in Nepal and are in many cases cheaper than in the West.)
• One set of thermal underwear (top and bottom)
• One to two nice outfits (Tibetans and Nepalese dress nicely when
visiting a Rinpoche or attending teachings or an empowerment.)
• Rubber sandals/flip flops for showers (Cheap and comfortable styles
are available in Nepal.)
• Underwear (Good quality underwear is hard to find in Nepal.)
• Seven to ten pairs of socks (Cotton and thin wool socks are not
available in Nepal.)
• Pajamas, nightgown, and/or robe
• Shoes
• One pair of hiking shoes/boots (broken in) and/or running shoes
• One bathing suit if you plan to do any swimming or hot tubbing

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Health and Hygiene
Note: Most regular toiletries and over-the-counter medications are available in
Nepal.
• Prescription medicine and the written prescription along with doctor’s
verification letter
• Good air pollution face mask with HEPA filter
• Toothbrush, toothpaste
• Soap and shampoo
• Comb and/or brush
• Sunscreen, moisturizers, cosmetics
• Insect repellent
• Motion sickness pills
• Deodorant (Good deodorant/antiperspirant is hard to find in Nepal.)
• Travel first aid kit, including Imodium which is hard to find in Nepal
• Contraceptives, condoms
• Aspirin or other pain relievers
• Tissues (small travel kind) and/or wet wipes
• Tampons and other feminine products (Good quality tampons are not
available in Kathmandu.) We also recommend bringing one round of
over-the-counter yeast infection medicine; climate change and
increased use of antibiotics can create a particularly volatile
environment for this condition.
• Razor blades, shaving cream
• Eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses; contact lenses and cleaning
solution (Eyeglasses can be obtained very cheaply—but of lesser
quality in Nepal. This might not be the case for contacts and contact
supplies.)
• Personal vitamins and/or supplement (Good quality supplements are
not available in Nepal.)
• Grapefruit seed extract and or acidophilus/probiotics (These are good
preventatives for illness and not available in Nepal.)
• Echinacea (helpful for immune system)
• Sudafed—if you suffer from chronic sinus infection, you may like to
bring a supply of Sudafed as it is not available in Nepal and pollution
can be quite bad at times which can trigger sinus issues.
• Mosquito Repellents: The past year, Kathmandu valley had a mild to
the severe dengue outbreak. Although it is a three-year cycle, it is
always safe to bring good mosquito repellents with you. There has
been a case in the past that the pharmacies have run out of such
repellents. Insect repellents that contain DEET offer the best protection
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 against mosquito bites. DEET is designed for direct application to skin
to repel insects, rather than kill them.

Miscellaneous
1. Money satchel
2. Daypack for field trips
3. Camera
4. Cell/mobile phone (with long battery life)
5. External power pack (solar powered, one with larger charge capacity is
better)
6. Small flashlight and extra batteries
7. Pocket knife—Swiss army style (Remember to pack this in your
checked luggage.)
8. Travel umbrella—one of good quality that can withstand heavy
monsoon rains (lesser quality umbrellas are easily found throughout
Kathmandu)
9. Wristwatch and/or alarm clock
10. Ear plugs (crucial for bus rides and early morning dog barking)
11. Contemporary novelty items for gifts: T-shirts, pens, small toys, etc.
12. Gift for your host family—something nice from your culture
13. Personal and family photos for sharing with new friends
14. Sleeping bag
15. Nail clippers—available here in most variety or department stores
16. Bath towel—one of good quality is difficult to find in Nepal
17. Pocket calculator
18. Travel sewing kit
19. Luggage tags and locks
20. Good sunglasses
21. A good water bottle
22. Small thermos or travel mug for winter
23. Portable water filtration & purification system, such as Berkey, Sawyer,
or products intended for water treatment on trek.

Passport photos: Please note that you will need many passport photos for visa
registration forms, bank forms, KU forms, etc. You can get them made very
cheaply in Boudha, for example at Losar Color Lab, which is located on Boudha
main road, on the right hand side when walking out of Boudha main gate.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND THANKS

Parts of the sections in this guide—the sections on Nepalese customs and

visas—have been updated from Guide to Day-to-Day Living in Nepal, compiled
by Krishna Pradhan and Ganu Joshi, and published by Centre for Language
Learning (CLL) International. We are very grateful to Krishna Pradhan for his
kind permission to excerpt from this excellent guide which is far more extensive
than the light treatment we have used would indicate.

A special thanks also to Clarke Warren, who formerly managed the Naropa
Study Abroad Program, Carrie Sengelman ARNP, FNP, Laurie Lange, Chöying
Choktrang, Rachel See, and many others.

Many sections of this guide were provided by fellow students and RYI staff from
years of living in Nepal - arduous shopping, taxi experiences, and negotiating.
May it be of benefit!

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Websites of Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche’s Activities:
www.shedrub.org
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Chokyi.Nyima.Rinpoche

1. Monks and Nuns:

Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery, Nunnery, etc.: www.monksandnuns.org
Prayers - www.monlam.org

Facebook:
KNSL Monastery – general: https://www.facebook.com/KaNyingShedrubLing
KNSL Monastery – online teachings – Dharma Gyan Vidyalaya Q&A
https://www.facebook.com/groups/292009885608823
KNSL’s nunnery - https://www.facebook.com/nagigumba
KNSL’s Thousand Buddha Temple in Lumbini
https://www.facebook.com/1000buddhatemple

2. Study:
Rangjung Yeshe Institute: www.ryi.org
Facebook:
RYI - “Rangjung Yeshe Institute”
RYI students - “RYI Boudha Talk”
RYI alumni - “RYI Alumni”
RYI wider community - “Rangjung Yeshe Friends
RYI Student Society - “RYI Student Society 2020 and Beyond”

3. Dharma Online:
Tara’s Triple Excellence - online meditation: www.dharmasun.org/tte
RYI online learning - https://ryi.org/online-courses

4. International Dharma Centers of CNR:

Gomde Centers: www.gomde.org
Dharma Houses: www.dharmahouse.org

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5. Translation:
Dharmachakra Translation Committee - www.dharmachakra.net
Rangjung Yeshe Publications - www.rangjung.com
RYI Translator Training - www.ryi.org/programs/translator-training

6. Social Work:
Shenpen - www.shenpennepal.org

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RANGJUNG YESHE INSTITUTE

PO Box 21277
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 01-491-5975
Email: [email protected]
www.ryi.org

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