The Department of Tourism, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, Bhutan, in collaboration with the PemaGatshel Dzongkhag Administration, is pleased to share that the second edition of Bathing Carnival Bhutan (BCB) will be held from 6-8
November 2026 at Telung, Nganglam, PemaGatshel.
This year, the Bathing Carnival Bhutan will be held on these dates taking into consideration the 108 Project in Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) and recognising the significance of this important Royal initiative. From 2027 onwards, the Bathing Carnival Bhutan will be held annually from 1–3 November at Telung, Pemagatshel. This three-day festival in the eastern district aims to offer a fresh and engaging experience for visitors seeking a unique water-based, cultural, and adventure-filled getaway.
The Bathing Carnival Bhutan (BCB), themed “Celebrating the Joy of Water,” is inspired by the cherished Bhutanese tradition of Thruebab, or Blessed Rainy Day, and the ancient practice of bathing in naturally occurring, blessed water. Water, representing life, memory, renewal, and joy, holds a special place in Bhutanese culture, where bathing in blessed waters has traditionally been associated with purification, renewal, well-being, and shared celebration. The first edition of the Bathing Carnival was celebrated alongside Thruebab, drawing inspiration directly from this deeply rooted cultural tradition.
Building on the spirit and significance of Thruebab, this year’s Bathing Carnival will be celebrated following the occasion, allowing participants and visitors to carry forward the experience of being blessed by the sacred waters and the cultural essence of this special time of year. The
event reimagines this cherished tradition through a vibrant blend of community, culture, sports, water-based activities, and entertainment, set against the beautiful landscapes of Telung.
The Bathing Carnival is a vibrant three-day celebration that brings together community, sports, entertainment, and local culture against the breathtaking landscapes of Telung. Designed as a contemporary festival for people of all ages, the event offers a unique blend of fun, outdoor
experiences, and cultural discovery, while showcasing the natural beauty and warm community spirit of the region. With a dynamic programme of activities, the Carnival creates an exciting new reason to visit PemaGatshel, inviting visitors and locals alike to come together, enjoy the outdoors, experience local traditions, and create unforgettable memories. By combining recreation, entertainment, and cultural experiences, the Bathing Carnival presents a fresh and engaging way to discover this lesser-explored part of Bhutan.
The program is packed with a diverse range of water-based and other activities designed to appeal to all interests. Highlights include a tug of water war, mass bathing, water fighting, bucket relay race with water, laser light show, fly fishing masher hunt and bamboo mat dining. Guests can also participate in a game of skills including balloon shooting, ring throwing, water balloon throwball competition and many more exciting activities. Beyond the aquatic and recreational events, the carnival provides a rich cultural immersion. Visitors can explore local markets and see demonstrations of traditional crafts, including Tsatshi Buram (local sugar candy) and Dung and Jaling (traditional musical instruments). The festival also features a Valley Fruit Feast and a final group dance that captures the spirit of the celebration.
“Bathing Carnival Bhutan is evolving into something truly special, finding happiness and meaning in nature and celebration of togetherness. In its second edition, more exciting activities, entertainment, meaningful cultural programs and the incredible beauty of two Dzongkhags were added to make the carnival an exciting, unique and an unforgettable experience. It is also an invitation to discover and experience Pemagatshel, the incredible Lotus Valley of eastern Bhutan”, said Singay Dorji, Dzongdag (Governor), PemaGatshel.
PemaGatshel is more than just a destination in eastern Bhutan, it is a place waiting to be discovered, explored, and experienced in its own unique way. With its beautiful landscapes, vibrant communities, rich cultural heritage, and authentic way of life, PemaGatshel offers travellers an opportunity to experience a side of Bhutan that feels fresh, intimate, and full of surprises. From connecting with local communities to enjoying the outdoors and discovering hidden corners of the region, every journey through PemaGatshel brings a sense of adventure and discovery. The Bathing Carnival adds an exciting new dimension to this experience, inviting visitors to see, experience, and enjoy PemaGatshel in a lively and unforgettable way.
“Welcome to Bathing Carnival 2.0, a celebration of Eastern Bhutan’s living heritage. Join us along pristine rivers and majestic landscapes to reconnect with ancient traditions, experience cultural renewal, and discover the serenity of Bhutan's flowing waters, including world-class fly fishing on one of our longest rivers,” said Lungten Jamtsho, Mongar Dzongdag (Governor). “Following the success of its inaugural edition, Bathing Carnival Bhutan returns with even greater energy and excitement. The second edition offers a fresh and engaging experience that brings together culture, community, nature, sports, and entertainment in one spectacular setting.
This year, we are particularly pleased to build on this momentum through close collaboration with Pema Gatshel and Mongar Dzongkhags, whose active participation and local engagement are helping shape a celebration that reflects the richness and diversity of eastern Bhutan. Against this backdrop, Pema Gatshel provides the perfect setting for the carnival—not simply as a destination in eastern Bhutan, but as a place to explore, connect, and experience something genuinely different. Through events such as the BCB, we continue to create innovative experiences that encourage travellers to venture beyond the familiar, discover Bhutan’s diverse destinations, and engage meaningfully with local communities. We look forward to making the second edition a memorable celebration for everyone,” said Damcho Rinzin, Director of the Department of Tourism, Bhutan.
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