- Festival Duration: 1st Nov 2026 to 28th Feb 2027 (120 Days)
- Prime Attraction: Full Moon White Desert Night Walks
- Starting Tariff: ₹14,500/person (1N/2D All Meals Included)
- Gateway Station: Bhuj Airport/Station (85 km from Dhordo)
Why Rann Utsav is India’s Most Awaited Winter Spectacle
Every winter, the Great Rann of Kutch—one of the world’s largest salt deserts spanning over 7,500 square kilometers—transforms into a breathtaking, shimmering white plain under the bright Gujarat sun. Between November and February, when the monsoon waters evaporate leaving behind crystallised mineral salts, the government of Gujarat and Tent City host Rann Utsav.
Over 400 luxurious tents arise on the desert fringes at Dhordo village. The festival blends traditional Kutchi folk music, fiery Sufi ballads, energetic Garba circles, camel safari rides, paramotoring, and world-famous Kutchi Rogan art and handicraft stalls.
Official Full Moon Dates 2026–2027 (Purnima Calendar)
Witnessing the White Desert under a full moon is universally hailed as a bucket-list memory. The pure white crystalline salt reflects 100% of the moonlight, bathing the entire horizon in a surreal silver luminescence where shadows disappear.
| Month | Full Moon Window (Ideal Travel) | Why Travel This Window? |
|---|---|---|
| November 2026 | Nov 23 - Nov 26, 2026 | Kartik Purnima Festival & Opening Spike |
| December 2026 | Dec 22 - Dec 26, 2026 | Winter Peak & Pre-Christmas Magic |
| January 2027 | Jan 21 - Jan 25, 2027 | Makar Sankranti & Crisp Clear Skies |
| February 2027 | Feb 19 - Feb 23, 2027 | Season Finale & Pleasant Desert Evenings |
*Tip: Full Moon slots sell out 45 to 60 days in advance. Always reserve your tents early if your dates coincide with Purnima.
Tent City Dhordo Package Tariffs (2 Nights / 3 Days)
Accommodation during Rann Utsav is divided between The Tent City (Dhordo) and White Rann Resort. All official tent packages are curated as all-inclusive experiences, including accommodation, all meals (Kutchi & continental buffets), pickup/drop from Bhuj, White Desert transfers, and cultural entertainment.
Darbar Suite (Presidential Luxury)
Ultra-spacious living room, master bedroom, private dining lounge & verandah
Rajwadi Suite (Royal AC Tent)
Luxurious wooden flooring, plush sitting lounge, handcrafted Kutchi art decor
Premium AC Tent
Spacious climate-controlled tent, twin/king beds, en-suite bathroom with running hot water
Deluxe AC Tent / Non-AC Tent
Cozy traditional Kutchi ambiance, attached western bath, charging docks
How to Get the White Rann Entry Permit (Online & Offline)
Because Dhordo is located close to the border, every Indian and international traveler must obtain a mandatory entry permit to enter the salt desert.
Step-by-Step Online Permit Method:
- Visit the official Gujarat Police portal:
portal.rannpermit.com - Click on "Get Permit" and select your date of visit and number of travelers.
- Upload a copy of a valid photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Driving License, or Passport).
- Pay the entry fee: ₹100 per adult (above 12 yrs), ₹50 for children (5-12 yrs), and ₹50 per four-wheeler vehicle entry.
- Download the digital PDF permit with barcode. Present it at the Bhirandiyara / Dhordo BSF check-post.
The Perfect 3 Days / 2 Nights Rann Utsav Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Bhuj âž” Welcome at Tent City Dhordo âž” Sunset at White Desert
Arrive at Bhuj Railway Station or Airport. Board the AC vehicle transfer to Dhordo Tent City (85 km). Receive a traditional Kutchi welcome with dhol drums and arti. Check in to your AC tent, enjoy a grand Gujarati/Kutchi thali lunch. In the late afternoon, proceed to the White Desert in open camel carts to watch the breathtaking crimson sunset. Return for folk dances and live Sufi musical night.
Day 2: Kalo Dungar (Black Hill) âž” Magnetic Hill âž” Gandhi Nu Gam Craft Village
After breakfast, travel to Kalo Dungar (highest point in Kutch at 462m) for panoramic views of the great salt basin. Visit the sacred Dattatreya Temple where jackals are fed prasad. Stop by the Magnetic Hill where vehicles roll uphill against gravity! On the return, explore Gandhi Nu Gam (Ludiya village) to interact with master weavers and copper bell artisans. Return for evening stargazing on the salt flats.
Day 3: Sunrise at Salt Desert âž” Bhujodi Craft Village âž” Aina Mahal âž” Departure
Early morning sunrise excursion on the White Rann when the desert is crisp and tranquil. Enjoy breakfast and check out from Tent City. Drive back to Bhuj to visit the 18th-century Aina Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), Prag Mahal, and the Hiralaxmi Memorial Craft Park at Bhujodi. Drop at Bhuj Airport/Station for onward journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (Rann Utsav 2026-2027)
What are the official dates for Rann Utsav 2026-2027?
Rann Utsav 2026-2027 officially opens on November 1, 2026, and concludes on February 28, 2027. Peak visiting months are November, December (Christmas and New Year), and January.
When is the best time to visit Rann Utsav for the Full Moon experience?
The best time is during the Full Moon nights (Purnima) plus 2 days before and 2 days after, when the white salt desert glows silver under the moonlit sky. Key Full Moon dates are in mid-November 2026, mid-December 2026, mid-January 2027, and mid-February 2027.
What is the package price for Tent City Dhordo at Rann Utsav?
Tent City Dhordo packages start from ₹14,500 to ₹18,000 per person for 1 Night / 2 Days in Deluxe AC Tents, ₹24,000 to ₹32,000 per person for 2 Nights / 3 Days in Premium AC Tents, and up to ₹55,000+ for Darbar Suites, inclusive of all Kutchi meals, cultural events, and White Desert transfers.
Is a permit required to visit the White Rann of Kutch?
Yes, because of proximity to the Indo-Pak international border, Indian and foreign visitors require an entry permit. Indian citizens can obtain permits online via the Gujarat Police portal (portal.rannpermit.com) or at the Bhirandiyara / Dhordo check-post with a valid Government ID (Aadhaar / Voter ID / Passport) for ₹100 per adult.
How do I reach Rann Utsav Dhordo from Bhuj?
Bhuj (Airport and Railway Station) is the closest transit gateway, situated 85 km (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours drive) from Tent City Dhordo. Regular AC private tourist cabs, package shuttles, and state buses operate directly between Bhuj and Dhordo.