Must doFull-moon night on the White Rann
Walk out onto the salt flats as the moon rises and the whole desert turns silver.
WhereDhordo, near Khavda, Kutch
From BhujAbout 2 to 3 hours by road
Best monthsNovember to February
Rann Utsav1 Nov 2026 to 7 Mar 2027
PermitNeeded; we arrange it
ParentsEasy, flat salt
Check before you go: Permit rules, viewing times and Rann Utsav dates are set by local authorities and can change. Check the latest before you go; on our trips we arrange the permit and confirm timings.
The White Rann of Kutch is a vast salt desert near Dhordo in Gujarat, about 2 to 3 hours by road from Bhuj. It is white and dry from about November to February. The 2026-27 Rann Utsav runs from 1 November 2026 to 7 March 2027, and an entry permit is needed to walk out on the salt.
Why the Great Rann of Kutch turns white
In the monsoon, the Rann floods with seawater and rain. As it dries after the rains, the water evaporates and leaves a hard crust of salt that stretches for kilometres. By November it is white and firm enough to walk on.
Sunset turns the salt pink and gold. On full-moon nights it glows silver, which is when the Rann is most magical.
Is it okay for parents?
EasyStepsNone
WalkingFlat, as much or as little as you like
ToiletsAvailable near the viewing area
Good for parents and kids. Nights get cold, so carry a warm layer.
Rann Utsav and full-moon nights in 2026-27
Rann Utsav, the winter festival with the tent city at Dhordo, runs from 1 November 2026 to 7 March 2027. You can also visit the White Rann without staying at the tent city.
| Month | Full-moon nights |
|---|---|
| November 2026 | 23 to 25 |
| December 2026 | 22 to 24 |
| January 2027 | 21 to 23 |
| February 2027 | 19 to 21 |
Diwali, Christmas and New Year are the busiest weeks, so book early.
Veg and Jain food
Pure vegetarian Gujarati and Kutchi food is easy to find. Jain food on request at most stays.
Experiences nearby
Do more with locals
Must do
Craft & cultureAjrakh printing with an artisan family
Print your own cloth with a family that has made Ajrakh for generations.
Craft & cultureRogan art in Nirona
Watch one of India's rarest crafts, painted with a single stick and castor-oil paint.
Food & peopleMorning with Rann herders
Walk with a pastoralist family at sunrise and share chai in their village.
Craft & cultureOld city pol walk
Carved wooden houses, hidden passages and quiet temples, with a host who grew up in the pols.
FAQ
Great Rann of Kutch: your questions
Do you need a permit for the Dhordo white desert?
Yes. An entry permit is needed to go out onto the White Rann. We arrange it as part of the trip.
Can I visit the Kutch salt desert without staying at Rann Utsav?
Yes. You can stay in Bhuj, Hodka or Dhordo homestays and drive to the Rann for sunset.
When is the Great Rann of Kutch best for a full moon?
For 2026-27, the full-moon nights fall around 23 to 25 November, 22 to 24 December, 21 to 23 January and 19 to 21 February.
How cold does the White Rann get at night?
Winter nights in the Rann get cold, especially in December and January. Carry a warm jacket for the evening.
Sunrise or sunset at the Rann?
Sunset is the classic, but sunrise is quieter and just as beautiful if you stay nearby.
Something else on your mind? Ask on WhatsApp