Zhiwaling Bhutan
Your Gateway to a Wonder-filled Holiday in Bhutan
Zhiwaling Bhutan is your gateway to a wonder-filled holiday in Bhutan. Renowned for one of the best hotels in Paro, Zhiwaling Heritage, and a delightful boutique hotel in Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city, Zhiwaling Ascent, the Zhiwaling family are looking forward to welcoming you to our fascinating home here in the Hidden Kingdom of Bhutan. Travel to Bhutan requires some attention to a few unique details making working with licensed Bhutan local tour operators essential, and one of the best Bhutan tour operators, Yangphel Adventure Travel, is also a part of the Zhiwaling family. Here at Zhiwaling we are equipped and ready to craft seamless travel itineraries, travel planning that takes care of all the essential details for you so you can simply enjoy the best Bhutan tour packages tailormade for you and your family and friends. Travel to Bhutan by air starts in Paro, home to the country’s only international airport, Paro International Airport (PBH) and home to Zhiwaling Heritage, one of the best hotels in Paro, and the perfect home from home for you to start your holiday in Bhutan. With a total of 45 rooms and suites, Zhiwaling Heritage is the perfect choice for solo travellers, couples and families alike. Set within gardens and forest a few minutes’ drive from the centre of Paro, serenity and privacy are assured. A highlight of your visit to Paro and stay at Zhiwaling Heritage will certainly be a trek to the revered Tiger’s Nest Temple. The trailhead to the Tiger’s Nest Temple is just a few minutes’ drive from Zhiwaling Heritage, and the hotel team will prepare a mountain guide and a picnic to accompany you on this iconic, and literally breathtaking, walk to one Bhutan’s most beautiful temples, perched on a cliff edge, 3,120m above the Paro Valley. And a visit to Bhutan has to include a visit to the capital city Thimphu, and Zhiwaling Ascent is ready to welcome you to its cozy rooms and serene location on a hillside just above the city. The Motithang Takin Preserve is located just behind the hotel. The preserve is home to Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, this is a must visit to see this unique goat-like-antelope bovine. Also, during your stay in Thimphu, head to the city’s markets to learn about Bhutan’s culture and handicrafts, visit museums, and be sure to visit the Tashichho Dzong, a royal fortress that is today the King’s office, the seat of Bhutan’s government and a monastic complex. A fortress has been on this site since the 11th century CE. The Zhiwaling family also take their cultural and environmental stewardship seriously too, planting only footprints that promote and preserve local culture, tradition and the environment. Both of the Zhiwaling hotels include sustainable practices in their business operations, reflecting Bhutan’s commitment to environmental protection and conservation. Solar panels, rainwater collection systems, and organic kitchen gardens not only reduce environmental impact but also provide an opportunity for guests to understand the Bhutanese approach to responsible tourism. Guided treks to enjoy ancient temples, the forest, mountains, and stunning natural beauty of Bhutan are a must for any travel itinerary to Bhutan, and Zhiwaling’s travel agent partner, Yangphel Adventure Travel, is ready to share their more than 35 years of experience with you in creating the perfect holiday in Bhutan for you and yours.
Zhiwaling Heritage - Your Home from Home while visiting Paro, Bhutan
Zhiwaling Heritage stands as one of the finest representations of Bhutanese hospitality and cultural preservation, making it one of the best hotels to stay in Bhutan. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Paro Valley, this boutique hotel not only offers a luxurious home from home but also an authentic cultural immersion that reflects the soul of Bhutan. Paro itself is steeped in centuries of history, from its ancient dzongs and monasteries to quaint villages with intricately painted homes. Guests stepping into the Zhiwaling Heritage are welcomed into an environment where every detail, from the hand-carved wooden cornices to the hand-woven bed covers, tells a story of Bhutan’s heritage. The hotel was built to pay homage to the traditional ways by local Bhutanese artisans, ensuring that every architectural and interior choice pays homage to Bhutan’s culture and traditions, while ensuring guests enjoy a superlative level of comfort and modern convenience. The hotel’s own temple, crafted from 450-year-old timbers reclaimed from historic monasteries, provides a sacred space for guests for meditation, reflection, and spiritual learning. With underfloor heating, Wi-Fi, spacious suites, and a variety of experiences from wellness to gastronomic to traditional, Zhiwaling Heritage embodies the balance between past and present, offering travelers a retreat that is both luxurious and deeply rooted in the local culture of Bhutan. Guests are encouraged to engage in cultural activities that go far beyond the ordinary hotel experience. The hotel hosts guided meditation sessions in the temple, which overlooks the majestic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, one of Bhutan’s most iconic spiritual landmarks. Yoga sessions on the terrace allow guests to connect with the natural rhythm of the valley, while the opportunity to witness and participate in archery and dart demonstrations offers insight into Bhutan’s national sport and traditional recreational activities. The culinary experiences at Zhiwaling Heritage are equally enriching, showcasing a blend of traditional Bhutanese and international cuisine.
Many dishes are prepared from seasonal vegetables harvested straight from the hotel’s own gardens, enjoy Bhutanese specialties like ema datshi (chili cheese stew), buckwheat pancakes, and locally brewed butter tea, or indulge in Western classics prepared with local flair. Dining can take place in the Gawa Restaurant for traditional dishes, the Linka Restaurant for international flavors, or the Mad Monk Bar for evening relaxation with local beverages. For wellness enthusiasts, the Menlha Spa offers treatments inspired by Tara, the goddess of compassion and healing, while the heated indoor pool and outdoor meditation spaces provide holistic options for rejuvenation. Beyond the hotel, travelers can explore Paro’s rich heritage with visits to Rinpung Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang, and other historical sites, or take hikes through terraced rice fields and forested trails. By staying at Zhiwaling Heritage, travelers experience not only the ultimate comfort but also a deep connection to Bhutanese spirituality, culture, and the natural beauty of the Himalayan foothills. This combination of immersive experiences, luxury, and authentic local hospitality makes Zhiwaling Heritage a standout choice among the best hotels to stay in Bhutan, providing a holiday in Bhutan that will linger in the heart long after departure. Each suite, from the Magnolia and Drugyel Junior Suites to the opulent Takin and Blue Poppy Suites, provide guests with expansive views of the Paro Valley and mountain landscapes. The Royal Raven Suite epitomizes luxury, featuring two king-sized bedrooms, separate living and dining areas, a private porch, and butler service. Guests are invited to participate in Bhutanese tea ceremonies, learn about traditional arts, or simply bask in the tranquility of the surrounding gardens and mountains. By combining cultural immersion, architectural beauty, and a personalized service, Zhiwaling Heritage elevates the standard of boutique hotels in Bhutan, making it an unparalleled retreat in the heart of the Paro Valley. From sunrise meditations to evening contemplations by the fire, every moment spent here deepens one’s appreciation for the spiritual and cultural richness of Bhutan, leaving travelers with memories that are as profound as they are luxurious.
Zhiwaling Ascent - One of the Best Hotels in Thimphu
Zhiwaling Ascent offers a strikingly different yet equally enchanting experience compared to its sister property in Paro. Positioned just outside the capital, the hotel blends contemporary design with Bhutanese architectural influences, creating a serene retreat that is perfect for both leisure and business travelers. While Thimphu is the political and cultural heart of Bhutan, the city retains a quiet charm, with minimal traffic, open green spaces, traditional dzong architecture and a modern infrastructure. Zhiwaling Ascent’s location on a 25-acre property close to the Motithang Takin Preserve provides a connection to Bhutan’s wildlife and natural beauty, with the national animal, the takin, roaming freely within the preserve nearby. The hotel’s minimalist design emphasizes spacious interiors, natural light, and open areas that encourage contemplation and relaxation. From large panoramic windows to thoughtfully chosen furnishings, every detail promotes a sense of calm and connection to the surrounding mountains and forests. Sustainability is at the core of the hotel’s philosophy, with energy-efficient systems, rainwater harvesting, solar-powered water heating, and low-impact construction methods contributing to Bhutan’s broader environmental initiatives. Zhiwaling Ascent also serves as a training hub for students of the Royal Institute for Tourism and Hospitality, where hands-on learning ensures that guests receive service that is both professional and culturally informed. Staying at Zhiwaling Ascent provides an ideal base to explore Thimphu’s cultural, historical, and modern attractions. Travelers can easily access sites such as the Tashichho Dzong, the National Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma, and the Zhilukha Nunnery, helping guests gain a deeper understanding of Bhutan’s spiritual heritage.
The hotel’s rooftop bar and open-air terrace offer panoramic views for yoga sessions, meditation, and relaxation, while the adjacent spa therapy rooms provide treatments designed to harmonize body and mind. Dining at Zhiwaling Ascent combines organic local ingredients with culinary creativity, offering everything from freshly baked pastries to traditional Bhutanese dishes, ensuring a farm-to-table experience in a setting of elegant modernity. Guests can participate in cultural workshops, learn traditional crafts, and even observe local festivals from the hotel, allowing for a rich immersion into the lifestyle and values of the Bhutanese people. The hotel’s emphasis on personalized service, mindfulness, and connection to nature exemplifies the philosophy of Gross National Happiness, ensuring that visitors leave with not just memories, but a meaningful understanding of Bhutanese culture. Zhiwaling Ascent also caters to travelers looking for corporate retreats, small weddings, or private events. Its conference facilities, meeting rooms, and flexible event spaces allow visitors to host gatherings with unparalleled views of Thimphu Valley and the surrounding forests. The combination of tranquility, cultural immersion, modern amenities, and personalized hospitality style makes Zhiwaling Ascent one of the best hotels in Thimphu, perfectly complementing the experiences offered at Zhiwaling Heritage in Paro. Guests can wake up to the scent of cypress trees, enjoy guided hikes or cultural tours, participate in meditation and yoga, and return to elegantly appointed rooms that blend contemporary comfort with traditional Bhutanese touches. This holistic approach to hospitality ensures that every visit is as enriching as it is luxurious, providing travelers with a sense of renewal, inspiration, and connection to the natural and cultural landscape of Bhutan. Whether exploring the local markets, attending spiritual ceremonies, or simply observing the wildlife in the preserve, a stay at Zhiwaling Ascent will share with you a unique perspective on Thimphu and Bhutan, merging luxury with authenticity, serenity, and adventure.
A Trip to Bhutan is a Journey into a Beautiful and Unique World
A trip to Bhutan is unlike any other travel experience in the world, one that combines spiritual exploration, cultural immersion, pristine natural scenery and the majestic beauty of the Himalayas. Planning the best Bhutan itinerary typically includes a mix of Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, and the Bumthang, and Phobjikha Valley, with each destination offering distinct landscapes, monasteries, and local interactions. Bhutan’s approach to tourism emphasizes sustainability, cultural preservation, and economic benefits for local communities, ensuring that travelers contribute positively to the kingdom while experiencing its wonders. The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), as paid by visiting international tourists, funds community projects, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation, while licensed guides facilitate safe and meaningful exploration. A visit to Bhutan is an educational, spiritual, and sensory journey. Travelers staying at Zhiwaling Heritage in Paro and Zhiwaling Ascent in Thimphu have immediate access to iconic landmarks like Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Rinpung Dzong, National Memorial Chorten, and Buddha Dordenma, as well as opportunities for local culinary experiences, cultural workshops, and participation in festivals. Bhutan’s seasons provide unique opportunities for exploration. Spring brings blossoming valleys and migratory birds, summer offers vibrant greenery and trekking adventures, autumn hosts colourful festivals with traditional dances and ceremonies, and winter presents snow-capped peaks and clear skies perfect for photography and meditation. Visitors can engage in hiking, archery, spiritual and cultural learning, and farm-to-table culinary experiences, ensuring that every day brings a meaningful interaction with Bhutanese life. For adventure seekers, trekking routes such as the Druk Path, Jomolhari, and Bumthang circuits provide immersive experiences amid pristine landscapes. Those interested in spirituality can attend pujas, learn about local Buddhist philosophy, or practice meditation in serene monasteries. Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage is evident in its art, architecture, music, and daily rituals, making a journey here an enlightening experience for travelers seeking depth, reflection, and inspiration. Booking with a reputable local tour operator such as Yangphel Adventure Travel is essential and ensures a seamless journey, from visa assistance to curated experiences, guided tours, and tailored itineraries. Guests can select the best Bhutan tour packages to match their interests, whether focusing on cultural immersion, adventure, luxury stays, or wellness retreats. Travelers are encouraged to explore local markets, visit artisans, learn traditional crafts, and interact with villagers, ensuring a holistic appreciation of Bhutanese life. Accommodation at Zhiwaling Heritage and Zhiwaling Ascent provides a perfect balance of luxury, culture, and sustainability, making the trip comfortable and enriching. A holiday in Bhutan also offers opportunities to understand and experience the country’s unique philosophy of Gross National Happiness, emphasizing environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and spiritual well-being. From the lush valleys of Paro and Thimphu to the remote Himalayan villages, Bhutan invites travelers to slow down, embrace mindfulness, and appreciate the timeless beauty and wisdom of this Himalayan kingdom. With well-planned itineraries, guided cultural immersion, and luxurious boutique hotels, a trip to Bhutan promises you a journey that is not only memorable but transformative, leaving you with lasting impressions of serenity, cultural richness, and unparalleled natural beauty.