The Rann Utsav 2026-27 runs from 1 November 2026 to 7 March 2027 at the Tent City in Dhordo, on the edge of the White Rann of Kutch. For four months the salt desert hosts folk music, craft stalls, camel rides and some of the most striking moonlit landscapes in India. This guide covers the dates, the full-moon nights everyone wants, how to get there, and how we'd plan the trip.
Rann Utsav 2026-27 at a glance
- Dates: 1 November 2026 – 7 March 2027
- Where: Tent City, Dhordo, Kutch (Gujarat 370510)
- Run by: Gujarat Tourism with Evoke Experiences (official site: rannutsav.net)
- Nearest airport & railhead: Bhuj, about 85 km away
- Best nights: full moons (see below)
Dates are from the official announcement. Always reconfirm on the official site before paying for tents.
Full-moon dates for the 2026-27 season
On a full-moon night the White Rann glows silver all the way to the horizon. It's the image most people come for, and these dates sell out first.
- Tue, 24 November 2026
- Thu, 24 December 2026 (Christmas week, books out earliest)
- Fri, 22 January 2027
- Sat, 20 February 2027
The night before and after each full moon is almost as bright and usually easier to book. If you're flexible, these are the best value nights of the season.
How to reach Dhordo
By air: Fly to Bhuj, then about 2 hours by road to Dhordo. By train: Bhuj is well connected to Ahmedabad and Mumbai. By road from Ahmedabad: roughly 400 km, a 7–8 hour drive. We usually break it with a night in Bhuj, or send our own car and driver from Ahmedabad so the whole trip runs door to door. See our car and tempo traveller rental from Ahmedabad.
Permits
The White Rann sits near the international border, so an entry permit is required. You can get it online or at the Bhirandiyara checkpost on the way to Dhordo. Carry a photo ID for every traveller. When you book a Rann of Kutch package with us, the permit is arranged for you.
What to see around the Rann
- The White Rann at sunset and sunrise, the two best light shows of the day
- Kala Dungar, the highest point in Kutch, with views across the salt desert
- Craft villages like Hodka, Nirona and Bhujodi: embroidery, rogan art, weaving and bell-making
- Bhuj: Aina Mahal and Prag Mahal palaces, and the local bazaars (see Bhuj in our tours)
- Dholavira, the UNESCO-listed Harappan city, for a longer trip
- Mandvi, a beach and shipbuilding town, about 1.5 hours from Bhuj
How many days?
2 nights covers the essentials: one evening and one sunrise on the White Rann, Kala Dungar and a couple of craft villages. 3–4 nights lets you add Bhuj, Mandvi or Dholavira without rushing. Short on time? Our 3-day White Desert itinerary shows what fits.
Tips from our operations desk
- Book full-moon tents 2–3 months ahead, Christmas and New Year even earlier.
- Pack a warm layer. Days are pleasant but desert nights get cold in December and January.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen: the white salt reflects a lot of light.
- Carry cash for craft villages; card and UPI don't always work in remote spots.
- Combine it with the rest of winter Gujarat: Uttarayan kites in Ahmedabad in mid-January, or a Gir lion safari.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Rann Utsav 2026-27 dates?
The Rann Utsav tent city season at Dhordo, Kutch runs from 1 November 2026 to 7 March 2027, as announced on the official Rann Utsav website (rannutsav.net). Always reconfirm dates before booking.
When are the full-moon nights during Rann Utsav 2026-27?
The full moons in the season fall on about 24 November 2026, 24 December 2026, 22 January 2027 and 20 February 2027. The night before and after are almost as bright. These dates sell out first, so book 2–3 months ahead.
How do I reach the Rann Utsav at Dhordo?
The nearest airport and railway station are in Bhuj, about 85 km (around 2 hours by road) from Dhordo. From Ahmedabad it is roughly 400 km, a 7–8 hour drive. Most travellers fly or take a train to Bhuj and continue by car.
Do I need a permit to visit the White Rann?
Yes. An entry permit is needed for the White Rann. It can be taken online or at the Bhirandiyara checkpost on the way to Dhordo. In our packages we arrange it for you.
How many days do I need for the Rann of Kutch?
Plan at least 2 nights: one evening and sunrise on the White Rann, plus a day for Kala Dungar and the craft villages. With 3–4 nights you can add Bhuj's palaces, Mandvi beach or Dholavira.
Want the Rann without the planning? Our Rann of Kutch tour packages include tent or hotel bookings, the permit, and a private car and driver. Travel agents can ask for B2B net rates.
