Rann Utsav and the White Desert of Kutch: dates, tents and full moon
Plan Rann Utsav at Dhordo: festival dates, the tent city, full moon nights on the salt desert, the permit for White Rann, nearby villages and costs.
By the Agrima Holidays Team · Updated October 2026 · 2 min read
About the Rann
The Great Rann of Kutch is a salt marsh the size of a small state. After the monsoon water dries in October, a white crust of salt stretches to the horizon. On full moon nights the desert glows silver. Rann Utsav, the festival run by Gujarat Tourism at Dhordo village, turns the edge of the desert into a tent city with folk music, crafts and camel rides.
Festival dates
Rann Utsav usually runs from November to February. The exact dates for each season are announced on the official Rann Utsav website, and tent prices follow demand. Full moon dates and the Christmas and New Year weeks sell out first.
Permit for the White Rann
Visitors need a permit to enter the White Rann area near Dhordo, issued at the Bhirandiyara checkpost or online. Carry ID for every traveller. Tent city guests get the permit through their booking. Rules checked in October 2026.
Getting there
- Fly to Bhuj from Mumbai, or to Ahmedabad from any metro
- Trains run to Bhuj from Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Delhi
- Bhuj to Dhordo is about 85 km, one and a half hours
- Ahmedabad to Dhordo is about 400 km, seven hours by road
What to see
- Sunset and moonrise on the salt flat at the watchtower
- Kalo Dungar, the highest point in Kutch, for the view across the Rann
- Craft villages: Hodka, Bhirandiyara, Nirona for rogan art and Bhujodi for weaving
- Bhuj: Aina Mahal, Prag Mahal and the Kutch Museum
- Mandvi beach and the shipbuilding yards
- Dholavira, the Harappan city, a UNESCO site, a long day trip
Where to stay
The Rann Utsav tent city at Dhordo offers several tent grades with meals and cultural evenings. Bhunga mud-hut resorts in Hodka and Dhordo give a quieter stay. Bhuj hotels cost less and suit travellers who visit the Rann for an evening.
Weather
Winter days run near 25°C to 30°C, with nights down to 8°C to 12°C on the desert. Carry a warm layer for the moonlit evenings.
What it costs
Our Rann Utsav package starts from the price on its package page per person on twin sharing. Tent city rates rise on full moon and holiday dates, and we price each date separately. Flights or trains to Bhuj are extra.
Practical tips
- Wear sunglasses on the salt flat
- Carry cash for craft villages
- Food in the tent city is Gujarati vegetarian
- Combine with the Statue of Unity, Dwarka or Gir for a longer Gujarat trip
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