Kutch is one of the largest districts in India. The majority of its area is covered in salt deserts, widely known as the Rann. Rann Utsav is the White Desert Festival that turns the stark beauty of the Great Rann of Kutch into a sparkling cultural carnival. The Rann Utsav is much more famous than the Kite Festival or the Navratras of Gujarat. This festival celebrates life and nature with cultural dance and music. A white desert full moon night experience, so mesmerising that your cameras won’t stop clicking photos.
If you are planning a Gujarat trip, don’t rush and hold for a moment. If planned correctly, you too can experience this picturesque fairy tale festival. We will walk you through how to plan a trip to Rann Utsav, what to expect, the best travel itinerary, and other reliable information so that you can plan your trip conveniently and soak in the desert magic.
The White Desert Festival – What is Rann Utsav
The festival is celebrated every year in Dhordo on the Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. Temporary Tent City is built, and the white salt becomes a stage for music, dance and craft market. The celebration of dance and music that depicts Gujarat’s tradition lasts for around 107 days. The beautiful fete of “White Rann” is the main highlight. It’s a perfect destination to plan a holiday with your family and friends to experience a one-of-a-kind blend of natural spectacle and Kutch culture.
Rann Utsav 2025 Dates & Special Nights
For the 2025-26 season, the festival will run during the winter months. The festival typically spans late October through early March, so you still have time. You can plan your trip from November to February for the best weather and full festival activity. These are the exact highlights and special nights.
| Oct 2025 | 23 – 26 Oct 2025 – Diwali |
| Nov 2025 | 4 – 6 Nov 2025 – Full Moon Dates 20 Nov 2025 – Dark Moon Night |
| Dec 2025 | 3 – 5 Dec 2025 – Full Moon Dates 19 – 1 Jan 2026 – Christmas & New Year Week |
| Jan 2026 | 2 – 31 Jan 2026 – Full Moon Dates 14 – 15 Jan 2026 – Uttarayan / Kite Festival 19 – Jan – 2026 – Dark Moon Night 26 – Jan – 2026 – Republic Day |
| Feb 2026 | 1 – 2 Feb 2026 – Full Moon Dates 18 – 2 Feb 2026 – Dark Moon Night |
| March 2026 | 2 – 4 March 2026 – Full Moon Dates 20 March 2026 – Dark Moon Night |
Best Time to Experience White Desert Festival
The best time for experiencing the Rann Utsav is from November to February, as you will get pleasant weather. The nights are a bit cold, but with clear skies, making sunrise, sunset, and full-moon views spectacular. You can book a customised tour package with Chiku Cab for the white desert full moon night experience. The package will include your accommodation, transportation and other necessary bookings. You can remove or add itineraries depending on your travel budget and requirements.
How to Reach Rann Utsav?
There are multiple ways to reach Kutch for Rann Utsav:
By Air: The nearest airport is Bhuj Airport (BHJ). Flight connectivity is seasonal but regular from major cities such as Ahmedabad, Mumbai and sometimes Delhi. From Bhuj, the road transfer to Dhordo (Tent City) takes roughly 1.5–2 hours (about 75–85 km).
By Train: Bhuj Railway Station is the closest railhead. Trains connect Bhuj to Ahmedabad and other regional centres — from the station, you can hire a cab or pre-arranged transfer to reach Dhordo.
By Road: You can also travel by road directly from Ahmedabad, Rajkot, or even Mumbai and Delhi. Kutch has a well-established road network with various major cities. The roads are well-maintained, but you might encounter some rural roads closer to Rann.
Can I Take a Taxi to Ram Utsav?
Yes – you can book Chiku Cab’s mobility service from Delhi, Mumbai, Rajkot or Ahmedabad for a one-way or round-trip journey to Kutch for White Desert Festival. They also provide airport pickup and drop-off services at an affordable cost.
Choosing the Right Rann Utsav Package
You can book your Rann Utsav tour package with Chiku Cab. They provide various tour packages that are customizable. The package includes your transportation along with your hotel bookings, flight/train tickets, and other accommodations. You can choose between 1N/2D, 2N/3D, 3N/4D, and so on. You can customise your itineraries, like adding or removing places, taking detours, extending trips, etc.
Suggested Itinerary:
1-Day Itinerary
Arrive Bhuj early → transfer to Dhordo → check the sunset point on the White Rann → evening cultural program → return to Bhuj (or stay overnight).
2-Day Itinerary (Recommended)
Day 1: Bhuj → Tent City visit → White Desert sunset + camel cart → cultural performances at night.
Day 2: Sunrise on the Rann → artisan markets in Tent City / Dhordo village → return to Bhuj; optional evening at local handicraft market.
3-Day Itinerary (Leisure + Sightseeing)
Add Kalo Dungar (Black Hill) for panoramic views and Bhujodi for textile shopping; include Smritivan and Kutch Museum if you want local history
Things to Do at Rann Utsav
- Walk the White Rann at sunrise/sunset — the salt desert turns luminous.
- Full moon night walk — a surreal, luminous experience on the salt flats.
- Camel safari and jeep/ATV rides — for a bit of desert adventure.
- Kutchi folk dance performances and cultural shows in the Tent City amphitheatre.
- Handicraft shopping — textiles, ajrakh, embroidered shawls, silverwork, leather goods in Dhordo/Bhujodi.
- Photography — the landscape is ideal for wide-angle desert and astrophotography.
What to Pack for Rann Utsav?
- Warm layers (nights get very cold): jacket, thermals, scarf, gloves.
- Sun protection for daytime: sunglasses, sunscreen, hat.
- Good walking shoes (sand and salt can be rough).
- Power bank & camera gear — long exposures and dawn/dusk light are spectacular.
- Cash for rural stalls; many small vendors may not accept cards/UPI.
- Basic meds (cold meds, motion sickness if you plan off-road rides).
How Chiku Cab can help plan your Rann Utsav Trip
A dependable local cab service can remove a lot of hassle when travelling to remote festival sites. Chiku Cab can help you by providing:
- Fast and instant pickups from Bhuj airport or railway station at affordable prices.
- Customised transfer service for complete trip control.
- Flexible itineraries for families or groups.
- Drivers who are familiar with local roads and the best sunrise/sunset spots.
Some Useful Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Book early (Tent City & peak full-moon nights sell out).
- Check official schedules and package inclusions before you pay.
- Carry warm clothes and cash for village markets.
- Respect local customs and the fragile desert environment — avoid littering and stick to designated paths.
With the right planning, your White Desert Festival Trip will be both smooth and unforgettable. Chiku Cab can help you craft the perfect itinerary within your budget. Don’t miss this chance to experience something extraordinary whenever you get it.
FAQs About Rann Utsav 2026
Q. What is the best time to visit Rann Utsav?
A. November to February is the best time to plan your visit to Rann Utsav. The weather will be decent and ideal for exploring and enjoying the festivities to its fullest.
Q. How much does Rann Utsav cost?
A. That totally depends on your budget and spending. You can book Chiku Cab’s custom Rann Utsav package depending on your budget and travel requirements.
Q. Is it recommended to book the Rann Utsav package in advance?
A. Yes, if you can book the package in advance, just go for it.
Q. Can I visit the White Desert on a full-moon night without booking a tent?
A. Yes, anyone with a permit can enter the White Desert during the full moon night, even without having to stay in the Tent City.
Q. How many days are enough for Rann Utsav ?
A. A 2-3 day tour would be sufficient for experiencing the full extent of the festival, doing sightseeing, shopping, and enjoying the cultural programmes.
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