Zhiwa Ling is located just outside of Paro in Bhutan and is close to the Tiger's Nest Monastery. Zhiwa Ling is noted for its traditional Bhutanese architecture and offers international standards of service and rooms.
Excellent traditional architecture and design making it a perfect blend of old and new
Eight cottages set within the 10 acres of gardens which contain most the rooms
Two restaurants with international and local cuisine
The first luxury hotel in Bhutan to be Bhutanese owned
Zhiwa Ling is quite unique in that it is the first truly Bhutanese owned luxury hotel. The aim of the owners was to blend harmoniously traditional Bhutanese design with the expectations of international guests. Over sixty local artisans were employed to lovingly handcraft its traditional exterior and interior design. When you enter the lobby, you will marvel at the ornate wooden carvings, intricate stonework and artwork. This traditional architecture and design flows throughout the hotel and rooms.
Zhiwa Ling has a main lodge, with eight two-storey cottages spread throughout its ten acre gardens. There are only 45 suites in total divided into Junior Suites, One Bedroom Suites and the two Bedroom Royal Raven Suite, all with excellent views over the Paro Valley. Rooms are sensibly furnished, with a gentle nod to Bhutanese arts and crafts - so expect creaky oak floors, hand-knotted rugs alongside vibrant bedspreads. Add to that satellite TVs (admittedly a little dated), WiFi and mini bar and you have exceptionally comfortable rooms to retreat back to after a day exploring Paro.
The Junior Suites are located in each of the stone cottages and you can be on either the ground floor (Mangolia) or upstairs with a balcony (Drugyel). We love the heated bathroom floor heating (great after a walk up Tigers Nest). There are two One-Bedroom Suites and are located in the main building and these come with a balcony. The two-bedroom Royal Raven Suite even has its own Buddhist shrine.
The hotel has two restaurants one serving international cuisine and the other serving classic Bhutanese fare. There is a spa complete with sauna, steam room and gym as well as a traditional hot stone bath. For those more spiritually inclined, there is a meditation hut and on the second floor of the main building, a Buddhist temple, complete with 450 year old timbers sourced from the famous monastery in Gangtey. There is also a cosy bar, Mad Monk, and for those favouring sobriety, you can wander to the Tea House.
When to visit
Raven suite great value for four people and has best views!
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Enquire NowZhiwa Ling is located along the Paro Chu Valley close to the famous Taktsang Lhakhang (Tigers Nest Monastery). It takes around 15-minutes to drive to the centre of Paro town and the main Dzong and airport.
Fly to Paro and drive 15-minutes to Zhiwa Ling. The hotel is about 1.5 hours from Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city.
Imagine Nepal and Bhutan
This itinerary provides a unique scenic flight over Everest, the beauty of Pokhara's surrounding mountains and the wildlife in Chitwan. Then from here it is on to the incredible and unique country of Bhutan, with incredible scenery and stunning monastries in some of the most impressive landscapes this itinerary will give you a fantastic sense of calm and being at one with nature. In both countries spend your time soaking up the local culture with true once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Day Trip to Chelela Pass and Hike Kila Goenpa
Chele La Pass is known to be the highest motorable pass in Bhutan and provides wonderful views over Ha Valley and Paro District, which you have the chance to view today before taking a scenic hike and visit to Kila Nunnery.
Dressing up in traditional Bhutanese dress
Anyone who works in Bhutan must wear traditional national dress, and you can have the chance to dress up for a few hours to see how it feels. The Bhutanese absolute love visitors doing it!
Evening Prayers at a Buddhist Monastery
Evening prayers at a Buddhist Monastery is something you should do at least once on a tour of Bhutan. You will witness monks chanting traditional prayers, helping them prepare for meditation.
Farmhouse Visit & Home-Cooked Dinner
Visit Kyichu Lhakang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan dating back to 7th century before meeting with local community members in a nearby farmhouse to enjoying a home-cooked dinner.
Kyichu Lhakhang
The Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, dating from the 7th century and constructed by the Tibetan Emperor Songtsan Gampo.
Local Archery Experience
Archery is the national sport of Bhutan and can be seen played throughout the Kingdom. Traditional bows are made from bamboo and witnessing an archery competition is an absolute highlight. We can easily arrange for you to have a go should you wish.
Paro Dzong & National Museum
The Paro Dzong, or Rinpung Dzong as it is otherwise called, looms above the town of Paro. On the hill above the Dzong in the former watchtower you can visit the National Museum.
Paro Sunday Market
If you are in Paro on a Sunday then absolutely visit the local market. See a variety of vegetables on offer from 0630 until about 1000, and you can then see the archery ground following your visit.
Tea with a local family
Visiting a local home in Bhutan is an exceptionally interesting experience given the lovely hospitable nature of its people. Try traditional butter tea, or even some locally made rice wine 'Ara'.
The Haa Valley
The unspoilt Haa Valley is located close to Paro and offers a fantastic day out. Drive over the Chele Pass, Bhutan's highest road, and choose to free-wheel on bikes into the Haa Valley. Explore the local monastery, have a picnic and return to Paro.
Tiger's Nest Monastery
The Tiger's Nest Monastery is spectacular; legend has it that this cliffside was where Guru Rinpoche landed on the back of a flying tigress, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. Set off for the 2-hour walk to the viewpoint before continuing onto the Monastery.
Zurig Lhakhang Hike & Archery
Hike through the scenic Paro Valley, visit historic Buddhist fortresses and try your hand at Bhutan's national sports - archery.
