Rann Utsav 2026-27: Dates, Tent City Packages, Permit, Itinerary
Rann Utsav 2026-27 is open from 1 November 2026. Here are the full moon dates, Tent City prices, permit rules, how to reach Dhordo and a three-day plan.
Rann Utsav 2026-27 runs from 1 November 2026 to 7 March 2027 at the Tent City in Dhordo, Kutch, according to the official booking site, with packages starting at Rs 6,300 for one night. The four full-moon nights to plan around are 24 November, 23 December, 22 January and 20 February, when the white salt desert glows under the moon. This guide covers the dates, tent types and package prices, the White Rann permit, how to reach Dhordo, a three-day itinerary and the tips that make the trip comfortable.
Key Takeaways
- Season: 1 November 2026 to 7 March 2027 per the official Tent City website (its FAQ also describes the season as November to February, so check your dates when booking).
- Full moon (Purnima) dates: Tuesday 24 November 2026, Wednesday 23 December 2026, Friday 22 January 2027 and Saturday 20 February 2027.
- Tent City packages start at Rs 6,300 (1 night), Rs 12,600 (2 nights) and Rs 18,900 (3 nights), marked as “starting from” prices.
- Everyone entering the White Rann needs a permit: Rs 100 per person above 12 years, Rs 50 for children 6 to 12, free under 5, online for Indian nationals or at the Bhirandiyara checkpost.
- Bhuj is the gateway, about 85 km from the Great Rann; fly or take a train to Bhuj, then drive or use the Tent City pickup.
Updated October 2026. Dates and prices are from the official Tent City site and the Gujarat government’s permit portal, checked on 31 October 2026. Prices can change and usually rise on peak dates, so confirm at the time of booking.
Rann Utsav 2026-27: Quick Answer
| Detail | 2026-27 information |
|---|---|
| Season dates | 1 November 2026 to 7 March 2027 (official site) |
| Venue | Tent City, Dhordo, Kutch district, Gujarat |
| Nearest city | Bhuj (airport and railway station) |
| Package prices | From Rs 6,300 (1N/2D), Rs 12,600 (2N/3D), Rs 18,900 (3N/4D) |
| White Rann permit | Rs 100 per adult, Rs 50 per child 6-12, under 5 free |
| Peak dates | Diwali week (8 to 14 November), Christmas to New Year, and full-moon nights |
| Food | Vegetarian Gujarati and Kutchi meals at the Tent City |
The official Rann Utsav Tent City website lists the season dates, tent categories and current package prices.
Full Moon Nights in the 2026-27 Season
A full-moon night on the white desert is the reason many people go. The salt flat reflects the moonlight and the horizon almost disappears. Tent City rooms on these dates sell out first.
| Purnima | Date | Purnima tithi (New Delhi) | Best nights to be in the Rann |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kartik Purnima | Tuesday, 24 November 2026 | 11:42 PM, 23 Nov to 8:23 PM, 24 Nov | 23 and 24 November |
| Margashirsha Purnima | Wednesday, 23 December 2026 | 10:47 AM, 23 Dec to 6:57 AM, 24 Dec | 22 and 23 December |
| Pausha Purnima | Friday, 22 January 2027 | 9:29 PM, 21 Jan to 5:46 PM, 22 Jan | 21 and 22 January |
| Magha Purnima | Saturday, 20 February 2027 | 7:59 AM, 20 Feb to 4:52 AM, 21 Feb | 19 and 20 February |
Dates are from the Drik Panchang Purnima calendar. The moon looks almost full for a night or two either side, so if the exact date is sold out, book the night before. The moon rises around sunset on full-moon evenings, so be on the salt flat from about an hour before sunset.
Tent City Packages and Tent Types
The Tent City is run as an all-inclusive package rather than a room-only hotel. Packages usually include stay, vegetarian meals, cultural evenings, and guided visits to the White Rann and nearby sights; check the inclusions for your package before paying.
Package prices (starting from)
| Package | Starting price | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Night / 2 Days | Rs 6,300 | A quick White Rann sunset and sunrise |
| 2 Nights / 3 Days | Rs 12,600 | Most visitors; adds Kalo Dungar and craft villages |
| 3 Nights / 4 Days | Rs 18,900 | Relaxed pace, photography, full-moon trips |
These are the site’s “from” prices, marked with an asterisk. The actual rate depends on tent category, number of guests and dates. Diwali week, the Christmas to New Year stretch and full-moon nights usually cost more.
Tent categories
- Non-AC Swiss Cottage: The entry-level option. Nights in the Rann are cold from December, so AC matters less than a good blanket.
- AC Swiss Cottage: Useful in November and late February when afternoons are warm.
- Premium Tents and Super Premium Tents: Larger, better-furnished tents.
- Rajwadi Suite and Darbari Suite: The top categories, for families or a special occasion.
Pickups from Bhuj
The official site lists pickup options from Bhuj railway station and airport, including 8:15 AM and 1:30 PM from the railway station, 10:00 AM from the railway station and airport, and 3:30 PM from the airport. Choose a pickup that matches your train or flight, or select “No pickup” if you are driving.
White Rann Permit: How to Get It
Every visitor going onto the White Rann near Dhordo needs an entry permit. The Gujarat government’s online White Rann permit portal lets you book and pay in advance and avoid the queue at the Bhirandiyara checkpost.
| Category | Charge | Additional charge listed on portal |
|---|---|---|
| Child up to 5 years | Free | None |
| Child 6 to 12 years | Rs 50 | Rs 20 |
| Person above 12 years | Rs 100 | Rs 40 |
| Two-wheeler or four-wheeler | Rs 0 | None |
Step by step
- Open the permit portal and choose your visit date.
- Enter details for every traveller, including children.
- Upload ID proof of the main traveller for verification.
- Pay online and save the permit on your phone and as a printout.
- Show it at the checkpost on the way to the White Rann.
The online portal states it is for Indian nationals only. Foreign nationals should get the permit at the Bhirandiyara checkpost or through their Tent City booking or tour operator, and carry their passport. Tent City guests should ask whether the permit is included in their package before buying it separately.
How to Reach Dhordo
| From | Route | Approximate time |
|---|---|---|
| Bhuj | Road via Khavda road to Dhordo | About 1.5 to 2 hours (roughly 80 to 85 km) |
| Ahmedabad | Road to Bhuj, then on to Dhordo; or train or flight to Bhuj | About 7 hours to Bhuj by road, plus 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Mumbai | Flight to Bhuj, or overnight train to Bhuj | Flight is fastest; trains take most of a day |
| Rajkot | Road via Morbi and Bhuj | About 5 to 6 hours to Bhuj |
Bhuj is the gateway: the Gujarat Tourism page on the Great Rann of Kutch puts the Rann about 85 km from Bhuj and notes that Bhuj is the nearest air and rail hub. Fuel up in Bhuj; there are few petrol pumps on the way. Avoid driving the last stretch after dark if you are unfamiliar with the road.
A Three-Day Rann Utsav Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and catch the sunset
- Reach Bhuj by morning and drive or take the pickup to the Tent City.
- Check in, lunch, rest.
- Head to the White Rann watchtower area about an hour before sunset. Walk out onto the salt.
- Evening: folk music and dance at the Tent City, dinner.
Day 2: Kalo Dungar and craft villages
- Sunrise at the White Rann if you are a photographer; otherwise a slow breakfast.
- Drive to Kalo Dungar (Black Hill), the highest point in Kutch, for wide views over the Rann.
- Afternoon in the craft villages: Hodka and nearby villages for embroidery and mud-work homes (bhungas), and Nirona for Rogan art and copper bells.
- Evening: back to the Rann for moonrise if it is near Purnima.
Day 3: Bhuj on the way out
- Check out after breakfast.
- In Bhuj, visit Aina Mahal and Prag Mahal, the Smritivan earthquake memorial, and Bhujodi for handloom shawls.
- Evening flight or train from Bhuj.
If you have more days
Add Dholavira, the Harappan city site and UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the Khadir area (a long drive, best as a separate day), or Mandvi for its beach and shipbuilding yards.
Best time to visit within the season
| Period | What to expect |
|---|---|
| November | Season opens; warm afternoons, the salt may still be drying in parts; Diwali week is busy |
| December to January | Coldest and most popular; crisp white salt, cold nights, peak holiday demand |
| February | Pleasant days, fewer crowds; a good value window |
| Early March | End of season; warmer days, quieter Tent City |
Packing and Practical Tips
- Warm layers: Desert nights can get cold, especially in December and January. Carry a jacket, cap and socks.
- Sun protection: The white salt reflects strong light. Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat are essential.
- Footwear: Closed shoes you do not mind getting salty. Rinse them afterwards.
- Cash: UPI works at most stalls, but networks can be weak near the Rann. Carry some cash for craft purchases and camel cart rides.
- Connectivity: Download offline maps and keep your permit as a screenshot.
- Respect the border area: Kutch is close to the international border. Follow signs and instructions from security personnel, and do not go beyond permitted zones.
- Camel carts and rides: Agree the price before you start, and check the animal looks healthy and cared for.
- Health: Drink enough water; the dry air dehydrates you. Anyone with a medical condition should consult a doctor before a long road trip.
What to buy in Kutch
Kutch is one of India’s richest craft regions, and buying directly from artisans supports the villages you visit. Look for hand embroidery in several regional styles, Rogan art (painted with a thick castor-oil-based paint) in Nirona, Ajrakh block prints near Bhuj, handwoven shawls and stoles in Bhujodi, copper bells, lacquer work and leather goods. Ask the maker about the technique and the time it takes; a genuine hand-embroidered piece takes days or weeks, which explains the price. Craft stalls at the Tent City are convenient, but village workshops often have a wider range. Carry a cloth bag and keep receipts for larger purchases.
Rough Budget Without the Tent City
If the Tent City is full or out of budget, you can stay in Bhuj or at homestays and resorts in villages near Dhordo and visit the White Rann on your own. Approximate per-person costs for two nights, excluding travel to Bhuj:
| Item | Budget | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Stay (2 nights) | Rs 2,000 to Rs 4,000 (Bhuj hotel or village homestay) | Rs 6,000 to Rs 12,000 (resort near Dhordo) |
| Car hire from Bhuj (shared per person) | Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500 | Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,500 |
| Food | Rs 800 to Rs 1,200 | Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500 |
| Permit | Rs 100 to Rs 140 | Rs 100 to Rs 140 |
These are rough planning figures, not quotes. Peak-date prices can be much higher.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Rann Utsav 2026-27 dates?
The official Tent City website lists 1 November 2026 to 7 March 2027. Its FAQ also describes the season as roughly November to February, so confirm availability for late February and March dates when you book.
When is the full moon at Rann Utsav 2026-27?
Full moon dates are 24 November 2026, 23 December 2026, 22 January 2027 and 20 February 2027. The night before each is also a good choice.
How much does Rann Utsav Tent City cost?
Packages start at Rs 6,300 for one night, Rs 12,600 for two nights and Rs 18,900 for three nights, per the official site. Higher tent categories and peak dates cost more.
Do I need a permit to visit the White Rann?
Yes. It costs Rs 100 per person above 12 years and Rs 50 for children 6 to 12, with an extra charge listed on the portal. Indian nationals can book online; others can get it at the Bhirandiyara checkpost.
Can I visit the White Rann without staying at the Tent City?
Yes. You can stay in Bhuj or nearby villages and drive in with a permit. The Tent City is convenient but not compulsory.
Is Rann Utsav good for families with children and elderly parents?
Yes. The Tent City has comfortable tents and vegetarian food, and the White Rann viewpoint is accessible by vehicle with a short walk. Plan for cold nights and long drives from Bhuj.
Pick Your Moon, Then Book
Decide first whether you want a full-moon night, a holiday week or a quieter February trip, because that decides price and availability. Book your stay, then the permit, then travel to Bhuj. Keep a day for Kalo Dungar and the craft villages, pack for cold nights and bright days, and leave time to stand on the salt as the sun goes down. It is one of the most striking evenings you can spend anywhere in India.
