Zhiwaling Ascent

The staff made us feel so welcome and were always kind and ready to help. We also enjoyed the food, which was tasty and came in a great variety. Our room was spotless and comfortable, and a nice place to unwind after exploring. We had a wonderful two-night stay at Zhiwaling Ascent. It’s a beautiful, peaceful hotel with lovely views all around and a great location. We’d happily stay again. Thank you for having us! Laura & Andreas

The place looks nice, but the Sunday BBQ at Ascent Thimphu didn’t feel worth the price, even with Misty performing. The ticket said a welcome cocktail was included, but only one particular cocktail was free and you had to pay for anything else. That felt misleading. The food was average and the tea bland. A Sprite in a water glass cost Nu. 500, which is unreasonable. It seems more focused on looks than the actual experience, and I wouldn’t return for the Sunday BBQ.

Zhiwaling Ascent sits in the hills above Thimphu, surrounded by lush forest, so it’s a peaceful break from the busy city below. My wife and I, two Australian travellers, had a lovely stay. The modern, comfortable rooms still have a strong cultural influence, and the staff and service were fantastic. We also really enjoyed the delicious meals at the restaurant. People say the king sometimes spends a night here, which wouldn’t surprise me given how peaceful and comfortable it is. I’d recommend it to travellers looking for a mix of culture and comfort.

The grounds are nice, though the hotel is out of town, so having a car would make this a good place to stay in Thimpu. It’s a small, very nice hotel with beautiful rooms. Meals are good, and the staff, many of whom are interns because it’s part of the School of Hospitality, do a very good job.