Miss Bhutan

History

On October 10, 2008, MPC Bhutan Entertainment, a Thimphu based film production company, organized Miss Bhutan pageant and launched it first Miss Bhutan beauty pageant. The Founding President of Miss Bhutan Pageant is Karma Tshering.

The selection of the Miss Bhutan finalists and eventually the winner of the pageant is based on the decision of a panel of judges on the performance and physical attributes of the candidates and not by public voting system. The winner of Miss Bhutan receives a cash prize of Nu 100,000. The Miss Bhutan crown, designed in Bhutan, is worth another Nu 100,000.

In 2008, the winner represented the country at Miss Earth beauty pageant. Although there was no swimsuit round in the actual Miss Bhutan contest, the winner is trained in an enclosed area for the swimsuit competition in preparation for the international Miss Earth competition.

On November 9, 2008, Miss Bhutan 2008 Tsoki Tsomo Karchung participated in the 8th edition of Miss Earth beauty pageant, which was held at the Clark Expo Amphitheater in Angeles, Pampanga, Philippines.{{cite news|title=Filipinas recebem concurso da Miss Terra 2008

The second Miss Bhutan was held in 2010 where Sonam Choden Retty was the winner and held the title for the longest period (2010-2021). The third edition of Miss Bhutan was held only after a decade, Tashi Choden took the title and is now the reigning queen. She is the first one in the country to represent in the Miss Universe.

Miss Bhutan was restructured in 2026, with Sangay Tsheltrim as the chairman and 'Samuh+Shangreela' as the official organizer. He announced the debut of Bhutan at Miss World 2026.

Titleholders

Miss Bhutan 2022

After a hiatus of 12 years, the Miss Bhutan pageant made a triumphant return, generating widespread excitement and attention. The event witnessed a notable surge in participation by exceptionally talented women, surpassing previous editions. Tashi Choden emerged as the victor, attaining the coveted title of Miss Bhutan 2022 and subsequently securing the historic distinction of becoming the first Bhutanese representative at the esteemed Miss Universe pageant. Additionally, Sonam Pelden and Eden Zangmo earned the distinctions of 1st and 2nd runners-up, respectively, in the pageant.

Miss Bhutan 2022 Title and Placement

Miss Bhutan International Pageants 2022

Miss Bhutan Contestants 2022

Miss Bhutan 2010

Miss Bhutan 2010 Results

Miss Bhutan 2010 Contestants

Miss Bhutan 2008

Miss Bhutan 2008 marked a significant milestone as Bhutan's inaugural national pageant, introducing a refreshing and inspiring platform for the nation's citizens. This pioneering event attracted a cadre of exceptionally talented women whose accomplishments resonated with thousands of women across the country, ushering in a new era in Bhutanese cultural and societal norms. Notably, Tsokye Tsomo Karchung emerged as the first-ever Miss Bhutan, attaining both the prestigious title and subsequent recognition as one of the country's most accomplished women. She also took the title of Miss Photogenic and Miss Talent. Shelkar Choden secured the position of 1st runner-up, while Tshering Pem claimed the distinction of 2nd runner-up, contributing to the pageant's legacy of celebrating and promoting remarkable female achievements.

The grand finale of Miss Bhutan 2008 was held on 10 October 2008 in the YDF Auditorium, the nations's biggest auditorium hall. The pageant was judged by five famous personalities and two international judges, Kelly Dorji, actor/model popular in Bollywood Film Industry and Charm Osathanond, Miss Thailand 2006.

Miss Bhutan represented Bhutan in Miss Earth 2008, Miss Young International in Taiwan, and Miss Safari 2008 in Kenya.

The Bhutan Information Communication and Media Authority (BICMA), Bhutan's media regulatory body did not allow the contest to use the Gross National Happiness tag, as they believed its use didn't correspond with beauty contests.

Miss Bhutan 2008 Results

Miss Bhutan International Pageants 2008

Miss Bhutan 2008 Contestants

References

References

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3. NEWS, NE NOW. (2022-06-19). "Born in Nagaland, Miss Bhutan 2022, a proud lesbian, to represent country at Miss Universe pageant".
4. (2008-07-28). "Hunt on for first Miss Bhutan". [[The Hindu]].
5. (2008-04-26). "Tsokey A crowining glory or an incongruous crown?". [[Bhutan Observer]].
6. (2008-10-13). "Tshokey Tshomo crowned first Miss Bhutan". DNA: India, Diligent Media Corporation Ltd..
7. Subba, Tanka Raj. (2008-10-15). "What next for Miss Bhutan?". Bhutan Times: The People's Paper.
8. Berioso, Noli. (2008-09-16). "The 8th Wonder of The Earth Begins". The OPMB Worldwide.
9. Adina, Armin. (2008-11-10). "RP bet crowned Ms Earth 2008". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
10. Hua, Liu. (2008-11-10). "Miss Philippines wins Miss Earth 2008 pageant". Xinhua/Tian Shan Net, China.
11. SAMU.BT. (2024-03-11). "2008: Miss Safari in Kenya - Miss Bhutan Miss Bhutan".
12. SAMU.BT. (2025-11-10). "History - Miss Bhutan Miss Bhutan".
13. Pem, Sonam. (2025-03-17). "Bhutan’s three OTT platforms merge to strengthen local content and boost global reach".
14. SAMU.BT. (2024-01-15). "Miss Bhutan 2026 - Miss Bhutan Miss Bhutan".
15. Zam, Tshering. (2025-11-27). "Miss Bhutan returns, winner to represent Bhutan in Miss World".
16. (2022-09-22). "Miss Bhutan Pageant back after more than a decade".
17. (2010-10-26). "สัมพันธ์ไทย- ภูฏานแน้นแฟ้น ร่วมเป็นกรรมการตัดสินในMiss Bhutan 2010".
18. (2022-06-06). "Tashi Choden from Wangdue Phodrang crowned Miss Universe Bhutan 2022".
19. Onmanaroma. "Bhutan to feature its first delegate to the Miss Universe pageant".
20. BBS, Tashi Yangden. (December 24, 2022). "Miss Bhutan 2022 leaves for US to compete in Miss Universe". BBS.
21. (2008-10-11). "Tsokey Tsomo crowned Miss Bhutan 2008". [[Kuensel]] online.
22. (2008-07-18). "Miss Bhutan – Not a GNH brand ambassador". [[Kuensel]] online.