Umrah rituals take only a few hours, so what do you do with the rest of your stay? Makkah Ziyarat Places show you where the Prophet ﷺ received revelation, hid during the Hijrah and gave his Farewell Sermon near Arafat. If you travel from the UK, AL Islam Travels can add guided visits to your Umrah package, so the days between rituals have a clear plan. These visits are optional, but many pilgrims like the history they add.
Makkah is busy all year. The General Authority for Statistics (2025) reports that 15.2 million people performed Umrah in the first quarter of 2025, including 6.5 million who arrived from abroad. The Pilgrim Experience Programme (2025) adds that 18.03 million international Umrah performers arrived across the full year. A plan helps you avoid crowds and rushed days. This guide covers the main sites, your visit options, the steps on the day, cost factors and how to pick a provider. siasatbernama
Jabal al-Nour, Cave Thawr and Arafat
Most ziyarat routes follow the life of the Prophet ﷺ in order. Jabal al-Nour, on the northern edge of the city, holds Cave Hira, where the first verses of the Quran came to him. The climb is steep, and most visitors need an hour or more to reach the cave. Many pilgrims view the mountain from its base or from the Hira Cultural District, a visitor area with exhibitions.
Jabal Thawr lies south of the Haram. In 622 CE the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr hid in its cave for three nights during the Hijrah to Madinah. The path is rough and steep, so many guides point out the mountain and tell the story from the road.
Is the list longer than that? Yes. Arafat and Jabal al-Rahmah sit around 20 km east of the Haram, where pilgrims stand on the Day of Arafah during Hajj. Mina, known for its tent city, and Muzdalifah lie along the same road. Outside Hajj, visitors can drive through all three and see the plains in a quiet state.
Closer to the Haram, Jannat al-Mu’alla holds the grave of Khadijah, the first wife of the Prophet ﷺ, and other family members. Masjid Aisha at Tan’im is where many pilgrims already in Makkah put on ihram for another Umrah. The Makkah Museum adds local history for anyone who wants a calmer, indoor stop.
Effort, timing and who each site suits
Not every site fits every traveller. Makkah Ziyarat Places range from a short drive to a hard climb, so match each stop to your energy. Arafat, Mina and Muzdalifah work well for most people, since you stay in the car and step out at key points. The two mountain caves need good shoes, water and steady legs.
Group tours keep costs down and follow a fixed timetable. Private cars give you time to rest and let you skip a climb. Do you travel with a parent who has limited mobility? Choose the private option and ask your guide to plan lower-effort stops.
| Site | Historic link | Effort | Best time | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jabal al-Nour | Cave Hira, first revelation | High | Early morning | Fit adults |
| Jabal Thawr | Cave Thawr, the Hijrah | High | Early morning | Fit adults |
| Arafat and Jabal al-Rahmah | Day of Arafah | Low | Morning or late afternoon | Most visitors, families |
| Mina and Muzdalifah | Hajj rites | Low | Any time outside Hajj | Most visitors |
| Jannat al-Mu’alla | Family of the Prophet ﷺ | Low | Daytime | Most visitors |
From hotel pick-up to return: how a ziyarat day runs
Finish your Umrah rituals before you plan any ziyarat. The two are separate, and you do not need ihram for sightseeing. Many pilgrims reach Makkah by road or by the Haramain high-speed railway, then rest before a ziyarat morning. Here is how a half-day trip works.
- Confirm the plan. Share your hotel, group size and mobility needs with your provider.
- Check your permits. Umrah needs a permit booked through the official Nusuk app, so finish that step first.
- Meet your guide at the hotel, often after Fajr, before the heat and the traffic build.
- Visit the stops in order. Each one includes time for a short talk, prayer and photos.
- Return to the hotel before Dhuhr or Asr, then rest and drink water.
A licensed ziyarat guide in Makkah will usually advise a dawn start. Summer temperatures can pass 40°C, and roads near the Haram slow down by mid-morning.
Take a couple from Manchester. They finish Umrah on their second day and book a half-day private car for the third morning. The guide drives past Jabal al-Nour, tells the Hira story at the base, and continues to Arafat and Mina. They are back at the hotel before Dhuhr.
Costs and how to choose a provider
What shapes the price
The price of a tour of Makkah Ziyarat Places depends on a few clear factors. Tour type matters most, since a shared seat costs less than a private car. Vehicle size, tour length and the number of stops come next. Season plays a part too, because Ramadan, Hajj season and UK school holidays push rates up. Open-air sites have no entry fee, but museums may. Ask for a written quote that lists stops, hours and pick-up.
What to ask before you book
Start with licensing. For flight-inclusive packages from the UK, check that the operator holds an ATOL from the Civil Aviation Authority. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah regulates the Umrah companies that work on the ground. Ask who the guide is, which languages they speak and what happens if a site closes at short notice.
A UK-based operator focused on Hajj and Umrah, like AL Islam Travels, can answer your questions in UK hours and add ziyarat to the same booking as your flights and hotel. A general high-street agent may need to pass your request to a third party, which can slow changes.
Compare three written itineraries on the same stops and timings. Check group size, guide language and refund terms. A low price with a long list of extras rarely helps.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best Makkah Ziyarat Places to visit during Umrah?
The most visited stops are Jabal al-Nour (Cave Hira), Jabal Thawr, Arafat and Jabal al-Rahmah, Mina, Muzdalifah and Jannat al-Mu’alla. The Makkah Museum suits a quieter day. Pick two or three stops that match your energy, because rest between rituals matters as much as sightseeing.
Is ziyarat part of Umrah?
No. Umrah consists of ihram, tawaf, sa’i and shaving or trimming the hair. Ziyarat is optional sightseeing of historic places. Finish your rituals first, then visit the sites at a comfortable pace. You do not need to climb any mountain to complete your Umrah.
Do I need a permit to visit these sites in Makkah?
Umrah needs a permit booked through the official Nusuk app, which the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah manages. Most open-air historic sites do not sell tickets, but museums may, and access rules can change. Ask your provider to confirm the current rules before you travel.
How long does a Makkah ziyarat tour take?
Half-day tours often run three to four hours and cover two to four stops. Add time for prayer, photos and traffic. A full-day plan can include a museum and a longer drive to Arafat and Mina. Ask your provider for a written timetable before you book.
How much does a ziyarat tour in Makkah cost?
Rates depend on tour type, vehicle size, tour length and season. A shared coach seat costs less than a private car, and Ramadan raises prices. Ask for a written quote that lists stops, hours, pick-up and extras so you can compare offers fairly.
Is a private ziyarat tour worth the extra cost for a family?
Per person, group tours usually cost less. A private car suits a family of four or five because you split one vehicle and set your own pace. It suits young children or older parents who need rest breaks, too. Compare quotes for the same stops first.
Can UK pilgrims add ziyarat to an Umrah package?
Yes. Many UK operators include guided ziyarat in the package or list it as an add-on. Check the booking terms for pick-up times, stops and group size. Confirm that your provider holds an ATOL if your package includes flights.
Is it safe to visit Jabal al-Nour in the summer heat?
Summer temperatures in Makkah can pass 40°C, so plan with care. Visit at dawn, carry water, wear a hat and sturdy shoes, and rest often. If the heat is high, view the mountain from its base and skip the climb.
Can elderly pilgrims join Makkah ziyarat?
Yes, with planning. Choose a private car, book a morning slot and ask your guide to skip steep climbs. Arafat, Mina and Muzdalifah need little walking. Bring water, a hat and any regular medication, and tell your guide about mobility needs early.
Do I need ihram for ziyarat in Makkah?
No. Ihram is only for Umrah itself. Wear modest, loose clothing and comfortable shoes for ziyarat. Carry a small bag with water, a light scarf or hat, and your phone, since your Nusuk details and hotel address sit on it.
If you are ready to plan, start by choosing two or three sites that suit your energy and the people travelling with you. Then compare a few written itineraries, check your Nusuk permit and ask about pick-up times and refunds. To add guided visits to your Umrah booking, reach out to AL Islam Travels and ask about ziyarat options within your package. A clear plan keeps the days calm, and the sites add meaning to the time between your rituals.
