- Season
- 1 Nov 2026 to 7 Mar 2027
- Packages
- From Rs 6,300/night
- Full moons
- 22-25 Nov, 21-24 Dec, 20-23 Jan, 18-21 Feb
- Location
- Tent City, Dhordo, Kutch
- Permit
- White Rann permit required
Planning a White Rann trip this winter? The Rann Utsav 2026-27 season is now open and runs for 127 days, from 1 November 2026 to 7 March 2027, at the Tent City in Dhordo, Kutch. Packages start at about Rs 6,300 for one night according to the official booking site, and the desert festival's most sought-after dates are the full-moon windows, when the salt flats turn silver: 22 to 25 November, 21 to 24 December, 20 to 23 January and 18 to 21 February. You need a White Rann permit to enter the salt desert, so factor that into your planning.
What the festival offers this season
Rann Utsav is a celebration of Kutchi music, dance, food and crafts spread across the winter. This year's calendar also lines up with major holidays celebrated inside the festival grounds: Diwali Week ran 8 to 14 November, Christmas and New Year Week runs 18 December to 2 January, Makar Sankranti and the Kite Festival fall on 14 January, and Republic Day on 26 January. Visitors can ride camels at sunset on the white salt flats, watch folk performances, and buy Rogan art, Lippan kaam mud-mirror work and embroidered textiles directly from artisans in nearby villages.
What to see around Dhordo
Beyond the festival grounds, the region rewards a day or two of exploring. Kalo Dungar (Black Hill), the highest point in Kutch, gives panoramic views of the Rann and is known for its magnetic road illusion. Bhuj makes an easy day trip for Prag Mahal, the Kutch Museum and the Smritivan earthquake memorial. History lovers can drive the striking Road to Heaven to Dholavira, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Harappan site. Most travellers fly or take a train to Bhuj, then drive about 80 km to Dhordo.
How to plan
Book full-moon dates early; they sell out first and carry the highest demand, especially the Christmas-New Year window. One to three night packages are available, so a two-night stay covering a full moon is the sweet spot for most families. November and February are pleasant; late December and January nights get properly cold in the desert, so pack warm layers. Arrange the White Rann permit in advance through your package operator or the official portal, and carry the ID used for booking.
We track festival seasons and booking news that change family travel plans and update this page through the season. Last verified: 12 November 2026 against News18, Esquire India and Indian Express reports dated 5 to 11 November 2026.
A Miranda House graduate and lawyer who traded courtrooms for slow travel. Cheshta travels with the batches we host ourselves, with a soft spot for travelling alongside elders.
Planning your next trip?
We'll handle insurance, hotels, airport assistance and the itinerary — the same way we do it for every trip.
Questions on this article
asked by readers, answered by us
Was this helpful?
one tap, no sign-up