ZEN MASTERS™

INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURE TRAVEL EXPERIENCES

Custom Expeditions in the Himalayas, South America, British Columbia, Alaska, and Europe

Our ZEN MASTERS™ International adventures are bespoke, small group/private, led by Gerry Moffatt, and world-class professional guest guides who are the best in their field.

 

Keeping with the Thunder Dragon philosophy, our international experiences are designed to be authentic adventures that ignite, inspire, excite, challenge, and give you opportunities to stretch who you are…and discover who you want to become.

 

Thunder Dragon curates and creates each expedition to deliver unique learning opportunities in partnership with world-class guides, experts, teachers, and gurus.

 

These are not vacations or guided tours—they are participatory experiences that empower you with real skills that demand you “tune in and turn on.” We strongly recommend being physically fit and spiritually open to challenging yourself and embracing the unknown.

For further information, contact gerry@moffatt.net

2024/25 Thunder Dragon Whitewater Adventures in Nepal

Our river expeditions are meticulously crafted for experienced kayakers, packrafters, boatmen, and boatwomen. For either expedition, kayakers, packrafters, oarsmen, and women must be experienced and comfortable in big water—class 4. Kayakers should have a solid roll. Packrafters should be competent in self-rescue. Paddle rafters need no previous experience but are required to be strong swimmers.

These expeditions are designed in the true spirit of adventure, demanding engagement and a robust spirit from each participant. Members of the expedition must arrive with a self-sufficient ethos and be prepared to contribute actively to the collective endeavor. While we provide a complete cook team and kitchen staff to ensure a relaxed camp throughout the journey, each member is expected to play a vital role in the day-to-day expedition responsibilities. This includes participating in loading rafts and vehicles and fostering an environment of camaraderie and teamwork. Our expeditions are not just about navigating the rivers but also about embracing the collective effort that makes such an adventure possible.

Jungle Corridors of Eastern Nepal – Dudh Kosi, Sun Kosi & Arun River Odyssey

 

The Jungle Corridors of Eastern Nepal start on the lower reaches of the famous Dudh Kosi River, which drains Mt Everest. After the confluence with the mighty Sun Kosi, the river traverses Nepal to the far east. The journey culminates with a whitewater pilgrimage to the legendary jungle corridor of the Arun River.

Location: Eastern Nepal
Duration: 10 River days (13 days KTM-KTM)
Rivers: Dudh Kosi, Sun Kosi, Arun
Difficulty: Class 4 white water

Itinerary Overview:
Oct 29th: Day 1: Arrive in KTM Early evening pre-departure meeting
Oct 30: Day 2: KTM Sightseeing
Oct 31: Day 3: Drive 8 hours to Dudh Kosi
Nov 1: Day 4: Drive 5 hours Dudh Kosi River 5 river miles Camp 1
Nov 2: Day 5: Dudh Kosi River 20 miles camp Confluence Sun Kosi Camp 2
Nov 3: Day 6: Sun Kosi paddle 20 miles, camp in Jungle Corridor. Camp 3
Nov 4: Day 7: Sun Kosi paddle 20 miles through the Jungle Corridor. Camp 4
Nov 5: Day 8: Sun Kosi paddle 20 miles, camp below Big Dipper. Camp 5
Nov 6: Day 9: Sun Kosi paddle 10 miles to take out at Chatara. Drive to Dharan Hotel
Nov 7, Day 10: Drive 5 hours to the Arun at Leguwaghat, a 5-mile paddle. Camp 6
Nov 8 Day 11: Arun Paddle 15 miles Camp 7
Nov 9 Day 12: Arun Paddle 15 miles near the Sun Kosi confluence Camp 8
Nov 10 Day 13: Morning Paddle 10 miles to take out at Chatara. Short Drive to Biratnagar airport, where you will fly to Kathmandu. Hotel.

    • Base Trip Cost Kathmandu-Kathmandu Includes Hotels, ground transportation to and from Kathmandu to all put-ins / take-outs, airports, private instruction, safety boaters, meals, permits, outfitting, and domestic flight at the end of the trip from Biratnagar to Kathmandu.  Base Trip Cost:  $4100
    • Hotels and meals in Kathmandu are Not Included. This allows you to accommodate your budget and preferences. We are happy to provide a variety of hotel suggestions.
    • Kathmandu Airport Shuttles Not Included:  Arrival/ departure transportation/taxis to and from Kathmandu International Airport not included.  We can arrange airport pick-up and drop-off transportation if you wish.
    • Accommodation during the trip:  Room occupancy in Dharan is based on double occupancy. If you prefer a single room, please let us know. Note: there will be an additional charge for single occupancy.
    • NOT included Soft /Alcoholic drinks and evening meal in Dharan.
    • NOT included Guide/cook-team tip industry-standard 15% base trip cost.
    • Kayak Rental in Nepal $350 NOTE: Qatar Air will fly your kayak USA—Nepal for a regular excess baggage fee departing from New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Miami, Houston, Dallas Fort Worth, and Washington, D.C.
    • Oar raft rental for oarsmen/women: $500 for the entire length of the trip.
    • Minimum Group size 8

For reservations and a detailed equipment list, contact gerry@moffatt.net

Bheri Karnali Quest

 

The trip starts on the Bheri River, an ideal warm-up to our main objective, the Karnali. The Karnali River in Nepal is a legendary waterway carved through the pristine landscapes of the Himalayas. Renowned for its remoteness, stunning scenery, and big water, it offers a magnificent adventure for whitewater enthusiasts.

Location: West Nepal

Duration: 12 days Kathmandu KTM- KTM 11 Expedition Days, 10 River Days

Rivers: Bheri, Karnali

Difficulty: Class 4 (one optional class 4+)

Itinerary Overview:

  • Nov 11: Day 1: Arrive in KTM Early evening pre-departure meeting
  • Nov 12: Day 2: Sightseeing KTM
  • Nov 13: Day 3: Fly Surkhet Hotel Drive 5 hours Bheri River 5 river miles
  • Nov 14: Day 4: Bheri River 15 river miles
  • Nov 15: Day 5: Bheri 15 river miles take-out drive Surkhet Hotel
  • Nov 16: Day 6: Drive 4 hours to Karnali put-in. 7 river miles
  • Nov 17-21: Day 7-11: Karnali 90 river miles
  • Nov 22: Day 12: Karnali 15 river miles. Take out Chisopani. Drive 3 hours to Nepalganj. Fly Kathmandu. Hotel.

2024-25 Cost

Western Wilderness – Bheri and Karnali Quest

  • Base Trip Cost Kathmandu-Kathmandu Includes Hotels, ground transportation to and from Kathmandu to all put-ins / take-outs and airports, private instruction, safety boaters, meals, permits, outfitting, and domestic flights from Kathmandu to Surkhet and Nepalganj to Kathmandu.  Base Trip Cost:  $4300
  • Hotels and meals in Kathmandu are Not IncludedThis allows you to accommodate your budget and preferences. We are happy to provide a variety of hotel suggestions. 
  • Kathmandu Airport Shuttles are Not Included:  Arrival/ departure transportation/taxis to and from Kathmandu International Airport are not included.  We can arrange airport pick-up and drop-off transportation if you wish.
  • Accommodation during the trip:  Room occupancy in Surkhet is based on double occupancy. If you prefer a single room, please let us know. Note: there will be an additional charge for single occupancy.
  • NOT included Soft /Alcoholic drinks and evening meals in Kurkot and Dharan. 
  • NOT included Guide/cook-team tip industry-standard 10% base trip cost. 
  • Kayak Rental in Nepal $350 NOTE: Qatar Air will fly your kayak USA – Nepal for a regular excess baggage fee departing from New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Miami, Houston, Dallas Fort Worth, and Washington, D.C.
  • Oar raft rental for oarsmen/women: $500 for the entire length of the trip.

For reservations and a detailed equipment list, contact gerry@moffatt.net