# Miss Bhutan

Miss Bhutan is a national beauty pageant based in Bhutan. 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. 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.

## History

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. 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. 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.
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. Eighty-five women arrived from October 19, 2008 in the Philippines.

## Titleholders

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

## 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

| 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

| 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

| 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

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

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

### Miss Bhutan 2010 Contestants

| 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

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

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

### Miss Bhutan International Pageants 2008

| 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

| 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) | Thimphu, Bhutan | | Top 10 |
| 3 | Tsokye Tsomo Karchung | 24 | 173 cm (5 ft 8 in) | Thimphu, 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) | Thimphu, 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) | Thimphu, Bhutan | | |
| 15 | Kezang Chhoden | 18 | 168 cm (5 ft 6 in) | Thimphu, 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 | | |