Quick answer
Rann Utsav is the winter season around the tent city at Dhordo, on the edge of the White Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. The 2026–27 season runs from 1 November 2026 to 7 March 2027. Time your visit for a full-moon night, book tents two to three months ahead, and plan two nights in the Rann plus a day in Bhuj.
Highlights
- Sunset and moonrise over the White Rann salt flat
- Folk music and dance at the tent city every evening
- Kala Dungar, the highest point in Kutch, with views towards the border
- Craft villages for Ajrakh block printing, Rogan art and bandhani
- Camel-cart rides out onto the salt
What Rann Utsav actually is
Rann Utsav is less a single festival than a season. A tent city of several hundred tents is set up at Dhordo, about 85 km north of Bhuj, and the package covers meals, folk music and dance in the evenings, craft stalls, and activities such as camel-cart and ATV rides. The star is the White Rann itself: a salt flat that runs to the horizon and turns silver-blue under a full moon. The main viewing area is a few km from the tents.
When to go
December and January have the best weather, 26–28°C by day and 10–12°C at night, and the biggest crowds. November is quieter, but the salt can still be damp after the monsoon. Full-moon nights sell out first; this season they fall around 24 November, 24 December, 22 January and 20 February. Avoid Christmas, New Year and the Republic Day weekend unless you book very early.
Where to stay and what it costs
At the time of review, tent city packages start at about ₹6,300 per person for one night and ₹12,600 for two, with meals and the evening programme included. AC and premium tents cost much more. Cheaper options are the village resorts and bhunga (round mud-hut) stays in Hodka and Dhordo at ₹4,000–9,000 a night for two, or a Bhuj hotel at ₹2,500–5,000 with a long evening trip to the Rann. Book tents two to three months ahead.
Permits and crowds
You need a White Rann entry permit, about ₹100 per adult plus a vehicle fee, available online or at the Bhirandiyara checkpost. Weekend sunsets draw hundreds of cars, so walk further out from the viewing area for space. The Rann is close to the international border; carry ID and respect signboards.
Photography and what to wear
The salt glare is harsh: sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. Full-moon shots need a tripod and a long exposure. Artisans in Hodka and Bhirandiyara are used to visitors, but ask before photographing women. Nights are cold, so carry a jacket and closed shoes.
Combining it with Kutch and Gujarat
Add Kala Dungar, the craft villages and Bhuj's Aina Mahal and Prag Mahal. With more time, drive to Dholavira, the Harappan site, or relax at Mandvi beach. See things to do in Gujarat, the best time to visit Gujarat and our December ideas.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Rann Utsav 2026–27 dates?
How much does the Rann Utsav tent city cost?
Is one night enough for Rann Utsav?
How do I reach the White Rann of Kutch?
How we checked this page
Last reviewed
Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.
