Visit Swayambhunath, the “Monkey temple” the oldest shrine in the world established more than 2500 years ago. Situated on top of a high hill where legendary Manjushri discovered the lotus growing in the ancient Kathmandu valley lake, Swayambhunath commands a superb view of the valley below. The four side of this ancient structure are painted with the compassionate eyes of Buddha. Between the eyes is a mystical third eye symbolizing true wisdom. The nose appearing as an incomplete question mark is the Nepalese number of one, a symbol of unity.

Visit Pashupatinath Temple the most sacred of all Hindu temples in Nepal situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Non Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple precincts but may look into premises from the opposite bank. It draws tens of thousands of pilgrims and devotees from Nepal and India during the festival of Mahashivratri (the night of Lord Shiva)

To the north also lies Hiunchuli (6441m) connected by the razor sharp ridge, which leads across to the peak of annapurnas south. The trail to the famous annapurnas sanctuary lies between the guardian mountain of Hiunchuli and Machapuchare.

DAY 09: DAMAULI
Leave Pokhara early in the morning and drive to Damauli, the river put-in-point. After the rafts are rigged, we set off down the seti Khola. The whole day is spent within its forested canyon. The luxuriant vegetation we see is the remnant of the vast forests which once covered the middle hills of Nepal.

Traveling by raft is a perfect way to view undisturbed wildlife. At lunch break there is time to explore, bird watch, photograph, swim or relax. Later in the afternoon a small but technical rapid is encountered near the village of saranghat. The rapids are rated one to ten a scale developed on the Colorado River, with one being the easiest and ten the most difficult. We camp on the spacious beach below Saranghat. Saranghat is colorful middle hills village inhabited by Magars who are renowned for generations of service with the Gurkha forces.

DAY 10: CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK
In the city, one day may seem like another but not so in the river. On the second day, after breaking camp, we leave the Seti Khola and enter the Trisuli River. Here the middle hills recede and the Terai plains open before us. The topography changes dramatically. The twisted rock formations give way to sandstone and the gravel deposited by the Antedecent Rivers. We are also among different ethnic groups. The tribes of the Terai are more distinctly Indian in appearance.

After lunch we have the opportunity to visit a unique religious shrine, Devghat. To Hindus, this community is well known. Each year thousands of pilgrims visit the ashram to worship. With its meditation schools, guesthouses and gardens, devghat is a self-contained retreat.

Below the ashram we enter our third river, the Narayani end raft and drive to Chitwan National park. Upon arrival at the lodge, refreshments will be served and you will be briefed by the resident Guest Relations officer regarding the park, the wildlife programmes available and facilities of the lodge. Overnight at Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge.

Wildlife in chitwan includes the greater one-horned rhinoceros, spotted deer, hog deer, sambar deer and barking deer as well as a wide variety of birdlife. With a bit of luck, there is always a chance of glimpsing the leopard, sloth bear and Royal Bengal tiger. Overnight at Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge.