zhiwaling ascent
Thimpu, Bhutan
Hotel Overview
Zhiwaling Ascent is a contemporary concept hotel set in a lush, park-like landscape, offering a peaceful escape from Thimphu’s hustle and bustle. Surrounded by towering cypress and pine trees, the hotel blends modern comfort with Bhutan’s deep connection to nature, creating an atmosphere of calm and reflection.
Guests arrive via a scenic drive through a pine forest, where the fresh mountain air and quiet surroundings set the tone for a restorative stay. The hotel’s setting, near the Takin Preserve that is home to Bhutan’s rare national animal, further enhances the sense of being immersed in nature.
Designed with inspiration from Bhutanese dzongs and traditional farmhouses, Zhiwaling Ascent embraces minimalism while maintaining warmth and authenticity. The hotel’s open spaces encourage a sense of tranquility and connection, serving as both places of rest and quiet inspiration. Sustainability is woven into its design, with double-glazed windows for natural light.
More than just a place to stay, Zhiwaling Ascent reimagines the Bhutanese hospitality experience as a contemporary, mindful retreat. Facilities include a restaurant with views of the valley and forest, spa therapy room, and a rooftop bar and lounge with spectacular panoramic views which is transformed into a yoga and meditation space during the day.
Official Star Rating
- 4 star
Category
- Leisure
Inventory
20 rooms:
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17 x Deluxe Rooms
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3 x Premium Rooms
Unique Selling Points
Inspired by Bhutanese Farmhouses: Designed with a sturdy stone core and extended balconies—referred to as ‘backpacks’—the architecture reflects traditional Bhutanese farmhouses, offering both aesthetic charm and functional shelter during monsoon months.
Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Design: As Bhutan’s first low-energy hotel, Zhiwaling Ascent follows passive-house principles with optimized solar gains, insulated walls and double-glazed windows, ensuring eco-friendly comfort.
Modern Craftsmanship Meets Bhutanese Heritage: Created by an Austrian architect in collaboration with Bhutanese artisans, the hotel integrates dzong-inspired elements with contemporary spatial planning for a seamless blend of tradition and innovation.
A Boutique Experience – No Two Rooms Alike: Unique room layouts, varied ceiling heights and thoughtfully designed contemporary spaces ensure every guest experience is distinctive and personalized.
A Special Partnership with the Royal Institute of Tourism and Hospitality (RITH): Zhiwaling Ascent shares a unique relationship with RITH, Bhutan’s premier hospitality training institute. Through this collaboration, the hotel supports and nurtures the next generation of Bhutanese hospitality professionals, providing students with real-world experience while maintaining high service standards.
A Sanctuary for Mindfulness & Reflection; More than just a hotel, Zhiwaling Ascent is a contemporary retreat designed for rest, relaxation and contemplation, offering open spaces that connect guests with nature, architecture and inner peace.
Versatile Rooftop Spaces: The enclosed rooftop room serves as a multipurpose space for yoga, meetings or private events, while the open-air rooftop bar offers majestic views of the mountains and lush forests with the Thimphu cityscape below.
