Miss Bhutan is a national beauty pageant based in Bhutan.[1][2] The first Miss Bhutan pageant was held in 2008, the first winner of Miss Bhutan, Tsokye Tsomo Karchung, participated in Miss Earth 2008 beauty pageant, an annual international beauty contest promoting environmental awareness.[3][4][5] She took part in the 8th Edition of Miss Earth, Miss Young International in Taiwan, and Miss Safari 2008 in Kenya. 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 Organization
Formation2008; 16 years ago (2008)
TypeBeauty pageant
HeadquartersThimphu
Location
Membership
Miss Universe(2022)
Miss Earth (2008)
Official language
Dzongkha, English
Websitewww.missbhutan.bt

History

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The Miss Bhutan is organized and produced by MPC Bhutan Entertainment, a film production company based in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. On October 10, 2008, MPC Bhutan entertainment organized Miss Bhutan pageant and launched it first Miss Bhutan beauty pageant.[5] The Founding President of Miss Bhutan Pageant is Karma Tshering.[6][7]

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.[6]

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.[6] 77 contestants from all across Bhutan registered for the Miss Bhutan 2008, but only 20 contestants were short listed in the main event after the preliminary round.[7]

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.[8][9][10] Eighty-five women arrived from October 19, 2008 in the Philippines.[11][12]

Titleholders

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Year Miss Bhutan 1st Runner-Up 2nd Runner-Up 3rd Runner Up 4th Runner Up References
2008 Tsokye Tsomo Karchung
Thimpu, Bhutan
Shelkar Choden
Trongsa, Bhutan
Tshering Pem
Trashigang, Bhutan
Tashi Pelden
Wangdue, Bhutan
Kinga Wangmo
Paro, Bhutan
[7]
2010 Sonam Choden Retty
Punakha, Bhutan
Kinley Yangden Dorji
Thimphu, Bhutan
Tenzin Norden
Haa, Bhutan
Dechen Tshomo
Wangdue, Bhutan
Sangay Dema
Samtse, Bhutan
[13][14]
2022 Tashi Choden
Wangdue, Bhutan
Sonam Pelden
Wangdue, Bhutan
Eden Zangmo
Trashigang, Bhutan
Not awarded [15]

Miss Bhutan 2022

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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.[16][17] 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

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Title Contestant
Miss Bhutan 2022 Tashi Choden
1st Runner Up Sonam Peldon
2nd Runner Up Eden Zangmo
Other Awards
Best Ramp Walk Tashi Choden
Best In Kira Tashi Choden
Best in Evening Gown Tashi Choden
Miss Talented Sabina Subba
Miss Congeniality Anita Limboo

Miss Bhutan International Pageants 2022

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Pageant Contestant Placement Remarks
Miss Universe Tashi Choden Unplaced
Miss Supermodel Worldwide Devika Ghalley Miss Intellectual National Director of Miss Supermodel Bhutan
Miss Glam World Jeechen Lhadree 2nd runner up

Miss Bhutan Contestants 2022

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Contestant HomeTown Title/Award Placement
1. Anita Limboo Samtse Miss Congeniality Top 10
2. Chimi Yewong Dolma Trongsa
3. Dechen Pem Haa
4. Dema Wangmo Chukha
5. Devika Ghalley Samtse
6. Eden Zangmo Trashigang 2nd Runner Up Top 5
7. Jachen Ladree Sarpang Top 10
8. Karma Yangzom Trashigang
9. Kinley Choden Lhuentse
10. Lhakpa Dema Wangdue Top10
11. Namgay Wangmo Chukha Top 10
12. Nangsel C. Rigzang Paro
13. Phuntsho Seldon Wang Thimphu Top 5
14. Rinzin Wangmo Trashiyangtse
15. Sabina Subba Tsirang Miss Talented
16. Miss Talented Trashigang Top 5
17. Sheela Giri Samtse
18. Sonam Choki Bumthang
19. Sonam Lhamo Chukha
20. Sonam Peldon Wangdue 1st Runner Up Top 5
21. Sonam Tshoso Tshering Lhuentse Top 10
22. Tandin Pem Punakha
23. Tandin Wangmo Zhemgang
24. Tashi Choden Wangdue Winner,

Best in Kira,

Best in Evening Gown,

Best Ramp Walk

Top 5
25. Thinley Pem Chukha

Miss Bhutan 2010

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In the aftermath of Miss Bhutan 2010, renowned for its commitment to promoting social causes through beauty, the organization has consistently facilitated opportunities for women across the nation. It has served as a catalyst for numerous aspiring female participants, showcasing exceptional talents during the pageant. Notably, Sonam Choden Retty earned the prestigious title of Miss Bhutan 2010, while Kinley Yangden Dorji and Tenzin Norden secured the positions of 1st and 2nd runners-up, respectively, further exemplifying the pageant's dedication to recognizing and celebrating the achievements of exceptional women.

Miss Bhutan 2010 Results

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Final Results Contestants
Winner Sonam Retty Choden
1st Runner Up Kinley Yangden Dorji
2nd Runner Up Tenzin Norden

Miss Bhutan 2010 Contestants

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Contestant Hometown Award Title Placement
1. Dawa Yangchen Trashiyangtse Miss Athlete Top 10
2. Dechen Wangmo Tsirang Top 10
3. Dechen Tshomo Wangdue Phodrang 3rd Runner Up Top 5
4. Karma Loday Lhamo Thimphu Best Model
5. Kinley Chezom Samtse Miss Personality Top 10
6. Kinley Wangmo Zhemgang Miss Beautiful Hair
7. Kinley Yangden Dorji Thimphu 1st Runner Up

Miss Talent

Top 5
8. Kinzang Choden Bumthang Miss Photogenic Top 10
9. Namgay Dem Sarpang
10. Sangay Dema Samtse 4th Runner up

Miss Beautiful Skin

Top 5
11. Singye Dema Wangdue Best Model
12. Sonam Retty Choden Punakha Winner Top 5
13. Tashi Wangmo Sarpang
14. Tenzin Norden Haa 2nd Runner Up Top 5
15. Thinley Dema Bumthang Miss Congeniality
16. Tshering Yangki Trashiyangtse Miss Beautiful Smile
17. Tshering Zangmo Bumthang Miss Natural Beauty Top 10
18. Ugyen Pema Trashigang

Miss Bhutan 2008

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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.[18] 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.[7][18]

Miss Bhutan represented Bhutan in Miss Earth 2008, Miss Young International in Taiwan, and Miss Safari 2008 in Kenya.[18]

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.[19]

Miss Bhutan 2008 Results

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Final result Contestants
Winner Tsokye Tsomo Karchung
1st Runner Up Shelkar Choden
2nd Runner Up Tshering Pem

Miss Bhutan International Pageants 2008

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Pageants Contestant
Miss Earth (8th Edition) Tsokye Tsomo Karchung
Miss Young International Tsokye Tsomo Karchung
Miss Safari in Kenya Tsokye Tsomo Karchung

Miss Bhutan 2008 Contestants

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Age Contestants Age Height Hometown Title/Award Placement
1 Wangchuk Dema 18 173 cm (5 ft 8 in) Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan Miss Congeniality
2 Ugyen Dema 19 180 cm (5 ft 11 in) Thimpu, Bhutan Top 10
3 Tsokye Tsomo Karchung 24 173 cm (5 ft 8 in) Thimpu, Bhutan Winner

Miss Photogenic Miss Talent

WINNER
4 Tshering Zangmo 22 170 cm (5 ft 7 in) Mongar, Bhutan
5 Tshering Yangzom 20 170 cm (5 ft 7 in) Trashigang, Bhutan Miss Beautiful Top 10
6 Tshering Pem 17 175 cm (5 ft 9 in) Trashigang, Bhutan 2nd Runner Up Top 5
7 Tashi Pelden 20 175 cm (5 ft 9 in) Wangdue, Bhutan 3rd Runner Up Top 5
8 Shelkar Choden 24 178 cm (5 ft 10 in) Trongsa, Bhutan 1st Runner Up Top 5
9 Nima Sangay 23 168 cm (5 ft 6 in) Thimpu, Bhutan
10 Pema Yeshi 21 170 cm (5 ft 7 in) Bumthang, Bhutan Top 10
11 Ngawang Choden 23 175 cm (5 ft 9 in) Wangdue, Bhutan Top 10
12 Neljor Wangmo 18 165 cm (5 ft 5 in) Lhuntse, Bhutan
13 Kinga Wangmo 19 180 cm (5 ft 11 in) Paro, Bhutan 4th Runner Up Top 5
14 Kinga Om 18 163 cm (5 ft 4 in) Thimpu, Bhutan
15 Kezang Chhoden 18 168 cm (5 ft 6 in) Thimpu, Bhutan
16 Karma Zam 22 175 cm (5 ft 9 in) Paro, Bhutan Best Model Top 10
17 Karma Choki 19 165 cm (5 ft 5 in) Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan
18 Jamyang Zangmo 26 168 cm (5 ft 6 in) Trashigang, Bhutan
19 Deki Choden Namgyel 23 165 cm (5 ft 5 in) Trashigang, Bhutan

References

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  1. ^ Garcia, Cecile (2008-10-11). "Twenty women vied for top honours at the first Miss Bhutan beauty pageant". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 2012-06-12. Retrieved 2009-04-11.
  2. ^ Atlas of the World, Travel & Cultures (2004-01-01). "Bhutan Facts". National Geographic. Archived from the original on July 26, 2008. Retrieved 2009-04-11.
  3. ^ "Tshokey Tshomo crowned first Miss Bhutan". The Times of India. 2008-10-13. Archived from the original on 2012-10-22. Retrieved 2008-10-14.
  4. ^ "Hunt for Miss Bhutan takes off". Bhutan Times. 2008-04-30. Archived from the original on 2011-07-06. Retrieved 2008-10-14.
  5. ^ a b "Hunt on for first Miss Bhutan". The Hindu. 2008-07-28. Archived from the original on 2012-11-03. Retrieved 2008-10-14.
  6. ^ a b c "Tsokey A crowining glory or an incongruous crown?". Bhutan Observer. 2008-04-26. Archived from the original on 2009-07-27. Retrieved 2009-04-11.
  7. ^ a b c d "Tshokey Tshomo crowned first Miss Bhutan". DNA: India, Diligent Media Corporation Ltd. 2008-10-13. Retrieved 2009-04-11.
  8. ^ Subba, Tanka Raj (2008-10-15). "What next for Miss Bhutan?". Bhutan Times: The People's Paper. Archived from the original on 2011-07-06. Retrieved 2009-04-11.
  9. ^ Favila, Aaron (2008-09-16). "Filipinas recebem concurso da Miss Terra 2008". The Associated Press and Globo. Retrieved 2009-04-11.
  10. ^ Berioso, Noli (2008-09-16). "The 8th Wonder of The Earth Begins". The OPMB Worldwide. Archived from the original on 2015-09-24. Retrieved 2009-04-11.
  11. ^ Adina, Armin (2008-11-10). "RP bet crowned Ms Earth 2008". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on 2009-05-15. Retrieved 2009-04-11.
  12. ^ Hua, Liu (2008-11-10). "Miss Philippines wins Miss Earth 2008 pageant". Xinhua/Tian Shan Net, China. Archived from the original on January 8, 2009. Retrieved 2009-04-11.
  13. ^ "Miss Bhutan Pageant back after more than a decade". BBSCL. 2022-09-22. Retrieved 2023-07-04.
  14. ^ "สัมพันธ์ไทย- ภูฏานแน้นแฟ้น ร่วมเป็นกรรมการตัดสินในMiss Bhutan 2010". Thairath (in Thai). 2010-10-26. Retrieved 2022-08-14.
  15. ^ "Tashi Choden from Wangdue Phodrang crowned Miss Universe Bhutan 2022". BBSCL. 2022-06-06. Retrieved 2022-08-14.
  16. ^ Onmanaroma. "Bhutan to feature its first delegate to the Miss Universe pageant".
  17. ^ BBS, Tashi Yangden (December 24, 2022). "Miss Bhutan 2022 leaves for US to compete in Miss Universe". BBS.
  18. ^ a b c "Tsokey Tsomo crowned Miss Bhutan 2008". Kuensel online. 2008-10-11. Archived from the original on 2011-06-10. Retrieved 2008-10-14.
  19. ^ "Miss Bhutan – Not a GNH brand ambassador". Kuensel online. 2008-07-18. Retrieved 2008-10-14.