Bhutan's Second Bathing Carnival Returns to Telung, PemaGatshel, 6 to 8 November 2026
Bhutan's Department of Tourism and the PemaGatshel District Administration will host the second Bathing Carnival Bhutan at Telung from 6 to 8 November 2026.
The Department of Tourism, under Bhutan's Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, together with the PemaGatshel District Administration, is preparing to hold the second Bathing Carnival Bhutan (BCB) from 6 to 8 November 2026 at Telung, Nganglam, in the east of the country. The event's theme is Celebrating the Joy of Water, inviting travellers to play in the water and experience community life at the same time. This year's edition is also held to honour the 108 Project at Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Origins of the Festival and the Meaning of Water
The festival draws its inspiration from Thruebab, the Day of the Sacred Rain, and from the age-old custom of Bhutanese people cleansing the body in natural water. In the country's culture, water symbolises life, memory, new beginnings and happiness.
The first edition was held at the same time as Thruebab, but this year it has been moved to take place after that festival, so that participants and visitors can continue to receive the blessings of the water and keep absorbing the culture of this special period.
Highlights for All Ages
The event features a range of water activities, including a tug-of-war in the water, a group bathing activity, water splashing and a water-bucket relay race. There will also be a laser show and dining on bamboo mats.
Adventurous visitors can try fly fishing for Mahseer, while those who enjoy fun games can try balloon shooting, ring toss and water balloon toss, so that families and groups of friends of all ages can take part.
Local Culture and Food at the Event
Visitors can stroll through a community market and watch demonstrations of traditional crafts and local knowledge, such as the making of Tsatshi Buram, a local sweet made from sugar, as well as the traditional musical instruments Dung and Jaling.
Another activity is the Valley Fruit Feast, which invites guests to taste local fruit, before the festival closes with a communal dance.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Event name | Bathing Carnival Bhutan (BCB), 2nd edition |
| Dates in 2026 | 6 to 8 November 2026 |
| Venue | Telung, Nganglam, PemaGatshel District, eastern Bhutan |
| Organisers | Department of Tourism, together with the PemaGatshel District Administration |
| Theme | Celebrating the Joy of Water |
| Schedule from 2027 | Every year, 1 to 3 November, at Telung |
PemaGatshel and Mongar: Two Districts Organising Together
Singay Dorji, District Governor of PemaGatshel, said this edition adds more fun activities and cultural programmes, and is also an invitation for travellers to get to know PemaGatshel, known as the Lotus Valley of eastern Bhutan. Lungten Jamtsho, District Governor of Mongar, invited visitors to experience a living culture and to try fly fishing in one of the longest rivers in the country.
The two districts are working together to create a festival that reflects the diversity of eastern Bhutan, in the hope that travellers will venture beyond familiar routes and discover new destinations.
Who Should Take Note
Travellers who want a trip that is different from the usual and who enjoy outdoor activities should note the dates. Event organisers and tourism professionals can use it as an example of turning local traditions into a contemporary festival, and can also use it to plan tour programmes to eastern Bhutan.