Mid-range Heritage hotel · Paro
Zhiwa Ling Heritage, Paro
A hand-built Bhutanese hotel at Satsam Chorten in the Paro valley, opened in 2005 after five years of work by Bhutanese artisans. Carved and painted woodwork throughout, and a temple inside built with old timbers from Gangtey Goenpa.
Photo: Xiaojun Deng · CC BY 2.0 · CommonsZhiwa Ling sits at Satsam Chorten, about 5 minutes by car from Kyichu Lhakhang and a short drive from Rinpung Dzong and the Taktsang trailhead. It was built over five years by Bhutanese carpenters, carvers and painters and opened in 2005 as the first Bhutanese-owned hotel of its class. Its about 45 rooms and suites are heavy with carved timber and painted motifs.
Inside, a temple on the second floor uses timbers taken from Gangtey Goenpa during that monastery's restoration, said to be some 450 years old. The hotel has a restaurant, bar, indoor pool, spa and hot stone baths. It sits at the top of our mid tier on price, and is the stay for travellers who want Bhutanese craft rather than international styling.
Why we use it
- Built by Bhutanese artisans, opened 2005
- Temple inside with old Gangtey Goenpa timbers
- Close to Kyichu Lhakhang and the Taktsang trailhead
Best for
Trips that stay here
Sleep here on a trip
Photo: Christopher J. Fynn · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons
Comfort
Central Bhutan to Bumthang, 12 nights
Private car with driver
Photo: Christopher J. Fynn · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons
Comfort
Paro, Thimphu and Punakha in comfort, 6 nights
Private car with driver
Around the stay
Paro
Paro is the broad valley at 2,250 m that holds Bhutan's only international airport, the Rinpung Dzong and, 10 km up the valley, the Tiger's Nest on its cliff. Most trips start or end here. Give it two to three nights: one full day for Taktsang, one for the dzong, museum and Kyichu Lhakhang.
Photo: Original: Nina R from Africa Derivative work: … · CC BY 2.0 · Commons
Hike to Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest
The classic Bhutan day: a steady climb of about 500 m from the car park to the cafeteria viewpoint, then on to the mona…
Photo: Bernard Gagnon · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum on foot
Walk from the town across the covered cantilever bridge, up through the dzong's courtyards and on to the round Ta Dzong…
Photo: David Broad · CC BY 3.0 · Commons
Morning prayer wheels at Kyichu Lhakhang
One of Bhutan's two oldest temples, a few minutes north of Paro town, where villagers walk circuits and spin prayer whe…
Questions
About Zhiwa Ling Heritage, Paro
What makes Zhiwa Ling special?
It was hand-built by Bhutanese artisans over five years and opened in 2005, with carved and painted woodwork throughout and a temple inside that uses old timbers from Gangtey Goenpa.
How far is Zhiwa Ling from Tiger's Nest?
The Taktsang trailhead is a short drive up the valley, roughly 15–20 minutes. Kyichu Lhakhang is about 5 minutes away.
Does Zhiwa Ling have a hot stone bath?
Yes, the hotel offers traditional hot stone baths and spa treatments, booked in advance. Ask your operator to reserve one for the evening after your Taktsang hike.
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Photo: Christopher J. Fynn · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons
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