Thimphu (Sangkala.id)-Bhutan is once again preparing to host the Bathing Carnival Bhutan (BCB). The water-, culture- and adventure-based tourism festival is scheduled to take place from November 6–8, 2026, in Telung, Nganglam, PemaGatshel, in eastern Bhutan.
The Department of Tourism of Bhutan, in collaboration with the PemaGatshel Dzongkhag Administration, is preparing BCB as a three-day celebration combining water recreation, sports, entertainment and local traditions.
The second edition of the festival takes into consideration the implementation of Project 108 in Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). Starting in 2027, BCB is planned to be held annually from November 1–3 in Telung, PemaGatshel.
Carrying the theme “Celebrating the Joy of Water,” the festival draws inspiration from Bhutan’s Thruebab tradition, also known as the Blessed Rain Day. In this tradition, natural water holds deep significance as a symbol of life, purification, renewal, health and well-being.
The Bathing Carnival Bhutan transforms these cultural values into a contemporary festival experience. Visitors are invited to enjoy Telung’s natural surroundings while taking part in a wide range of activities involving the local community.
Excitement on the Water
A variety of water-based activities will be among the festival’s main attractions. These include water tug-of-war, communal bathing, water fights, water bucket relay races and water balloon throwball.
The festival will also feature a laser light show, fly-fishing mahseer hunt and bamboo mat dining. Skill-based games, including balloon shooting and ring toss, will also be available for visitors of all ages.
Beyond water activities, visitors can explore local markets and watch demonstrations of traditional crafts, including Tsatshi Buram, a locally made sugar candy, as well as Dung and Jaling, traditional Bhutanese musical instruments.
The festivities will conclude with a Valley Fruit Feast and a community dance.
PemaGatshel Dzongdag Singay Dorji said the second edition of BCB has been strengthened with additional activities, entertainment and cultural programs.
“Bathing Carnival Bhutan is evolving into something truly special, bringing joy and meaning through nature and celebration together,” he said.
According to Singay, the festival also serves as a gateway for visitors to discover PemaGatshel, known as the Lotus Valley, through its natural landscapes, cultural heritage and local way of life.
Mongar Dzongdag Lungten Jamtsho also invited tourists to experience the rivers and landscapes of eastern Bhutan. He highlighted the region’s rich traditions and its potential for fly fishing.
Meanwhile, Director of Bhutan’s Department of Tourism Damcho Rinzin said Bathing Carnival Bhutan was developed as a tourism experience combining culture, community, nature, sports and entertainment.
He said collaboration with PemaGatshel and Mongar Dzongkhags is an important part of creating a festival that actively involves local communities while introducing eastern Bhutan’s destinations to visitors.
Through Bathing Carnival Bhutan, the Bhutanese government aims to encourage tourists to explore destinations beyond the country’s better-known tourist areas. PemaGatshel is being presented as a region where visitors can experience stunning landscapes, enduring traditions and an authentic local way of life.
The three-day festival is expected to become a tourism event where recreation, culture and community interaction come together in an open-air experience surrounded by the natural beauty of eastern Bhutan.***