How do you perform Umrah? The main rites are entering Ihram with the intention to perform Umrah, completing seven circuits of Tawaf around the Kaaba, performing seven rounds of Sa’i between Safa and Marwa, and finishing with Halq or Taqsir—shaving or shortening the hair.
Understanding the steps of Umrah before traveling can make the journey calmer and more organized, especially for first-time pilgrims. This Umrah Guide explains how to perform Umrah correctly, from preparation and Ihram to completing the final rite. It also covers accommodation, transportation, packing and common mistakes.
Visa conditions, health requirements, permits and access arrangements may change. Always check the latest instructions through official Saudi channels and the Nusuk platform before booking. Religious questions involving individual circumstances should be referred to a qualified scholar.
Explore available packages with Areej Al Alam Travel & Tourism and let our team help you plan your journey.
What Is Umrah?
Umrah is a pilgrimage performed in Makkah. Any reliable guide for Umrah explains that its principal rites are Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i and Halq or Taqsir. Understanding these rites is essential for learning how to perform Umrah correctly.
It differs from Hajj in its timing and rituals. Hajj takes place during specific days of Dhul Hijjah and includes additional rites, while Umrah is not tied to those Hajj days. However, operational restrictions may apply before and during the Hajj season.
Many pilgrims combine Makkah with a visit to Madinah and the Prophet’s Mosque. Visiting Madinah is spiritually important, but it is not one of the steps of Umrah and is not required for completing the pilgrimage. This distinction is important for anyone following a step by step Umrah guide.
Essential Umrah Rites at a Glance
| Step | Main action | What the pilgrim does |
| 1 | Preparation | Prepares before reaching the appropriate Miqat |
| 2 | Ihram | Makes the intention and begins the Talbiyah |
| 3 | Tawaf | Completes seven circuits around the Kaaba |
| 4 | Prayer | Prays after Tawaf when possible |
| 5 | Sa’i | Completes seven rounds between Safa and Marwa |
| 6 | Halq or Taqsir | Shaves or shortens the hair to complete Umrah |
The following sections explain these rites and the practical preparations surrounding them.
How to Prepare for Umrah Before Traveling
An important part of any Umrah Guide is preparing properly before departure. Begin by checking the official travel requirements that apply to your nationality and circumstances. Confirm your passport validity, visa type, health requirements and any current digital procedures.
Do not depend on an old article or another traveler’s previous experience. Visa rules, vaccination requirements and permit arrangements can change.
Before traveling, arrange:
- Flights and airport transfers
- Suitable accommodation in Makkah
- Madinah accommodation if included
- Transportation between Makkah and Madinah
- Personal medication and prescriptions
- Copies of important documents and reservations
- Travel insurance when applicable
- Internet access and essential official applications
Physical preparation is also important. Tawaf and Sa’i involve considerable walking, and the total distance increases when hotel access and movement inside Masjid al-Haram are included. A practical guide for Umrah should therefore address both religious and physical preparation.
If your health allows, begin walking regularly before departure. Older travelers and people with medical conditions should discuss the journey with their doctor and plan appropriate rest periods.
Most importantly, learn the rites before traveling. Anyone learning how to perform Umrah, especially a first-time pilgrim, should understand the Miqat, Ihram, Talbiyah, Tawaf, Sa’i and the completion of Umrah before boarding the flight. Knowing these steps of Umrah in advance can help you begin the journey with greater confidence and preparation.
How to Perform Umrah Step by Step
This section is the central part of this step by step Umrah guide. It explains the normal sequence while recognizing that unusual circumstances may require individual religious advice.
Step 1 – Prepare Before Reaching the Miqat
The first stage in learning how to perform Umrah is preparing before reaching the Miqat. The Miqat is the designated boundary at or before which a person intending to perform Umrah enters Ihram. The correct Miqat depends on the traveler’s route.
Before entering Ihram, pilgrims may bathe, complete the necessary personal grooming and prepare their clothing. Men wear the two prescribed Ihram garments. Women do not have an equivalent standardized uniform; they wear modest, loose and comfortable clothing.
Travelers arriving by air may put on the necessary clothing at home, at the airport or during the flight. Wearing the garments alone, however, is not the same as formally entering Ihram. This distinction is an important part of any step by step Umrah guide.
Aircraft can pass the Miqat quickly, so do not leave the intention until the last moment. Monitor flight announcements and ask the crew when necessary. If you are uncertain about the correct Miqat, seek reliable guidance before traveling.
Step 2 – Enter Ihram and Make the Intention
Ihram is a sacred state of worship, not merely a type of clothing. At the Miqat—or shortly before reaching it to avoid passing it without Ihram—the pilgrim makes the intention to perform Umrah and begins reciting the Talbiyah. This is one of the essential steps of Umrah and an important part of understanding how to perform Umrah correctly.
After entering Ihram, pilgrims must observe its restrictions. These include avoiding perfume, cutting the hair or nails, marital intimacy, hunting and entering into a marriage contract. Additional clothing rules apply to men, while women should learn the rulings concerning face veils and gloves from a trusted religious source.
Medical conditions, mistakes and other exceptional situations may require more detailed guidance. A general guide for Umrah cannot address every individual circumstance, so do not rely on an unverified social media answer for a personal religious ruling.
Step 3 – Travel to Makkah While Reciting the Talbiyah
Continue reciting the Talbiyah while traveling towards Makkah. Use the journey for remembrance, supplication and spiritual preparation.
Keep your passport, phone, hotel address and transportation contacts secure. Groups should agree on a communication method and meeting point before entering crowded areas.
If you arrive after a tiring flight, you may check into the hotel, organize your belongings and rest before going to Masjid al-Haram. This can be particularly helpful for older pilgrims and travelers with health conditions. The restrictions of Ihram continue until Umrah is completed.
Step 4 – Enter Masjid al-Haram
Entering Masjid al-Haram calmly and safely is an important practical stage in this step by step Umrah guide. Follow all signs, security directions and crowd-management instructions. Routes and gate access can change according to crowd levels.
Remember the gate you use, but do not assume it will remain available when you leave. Select a meeting point away from entrances, Tawaf routes and busy passages.
Carry only essential belongings in a small secure bag. When following the steps of Umrah, avoid stopping suddenly in moving crowds or blocking pathways while waiting for companions.
Step 5 – Perform Tawaf
Tawaf is one of the essential steps of Umrah and consists of seven circuits around the Kaaba. Begin when aligned with the Black Stone, keep the Kaaba on your left and move counterclockwise.
Each time you return to the starting alignment, one circuit has been completed. Continue until you have completed seven circuits. A small counter may help if you are concerned about losing track.
When learning how to perform Umrah, remember that touching or kissing the Black Stone is not required for completing Tawaf. Do not push, struggle through the crowd or harm another pilgrim to reach it.
There is no compulsory, separate supplication for every circuit. Pilgrims may remember Allah, recite the Quran and make appropriate personal supplications.
Move with the crowd, avoid walking against its direction and follow the designated paths. Older pilgrims and wheelchair users should use the routes and services assigned to them. A longer but less crowded route may be safer than trying to remain close to the Kaaba.
Step 6 – Pray After Tawaf and Drink Zamzam
After Tawaf, pray two rak’ahs when and where it is safely possible. Do not insist on praying immediately behind Maqam Ibrahim if this would obstruct people performing Tawaf.
Choose an appropriate place inside the mosque and follow the directions of mosque personnel. You may then drink Zamzam water, make supplication and rest briefly before Sa’i.
Step 7 – Perform Sa’i Between Safa and Marwa
Sa’i begins at Safa and ends at Marwa. Traveling from Safa to Marwa counts as the first round, while returning to Safa counts as the second. Complete seven rounds in total, finishing at Marwa.
Signs inside the mosque indicate the route. Men walk faster between the designated green markers when they can do so safely, while women continue at their normal walking pace.
Pilgrims may make supplication and remember Allah during Sa’i. There is no need to assign a compulsory, different prayer to every round.
Walk at a sustainable pace, drink water and rest when necessary. Wheelchair and mobility services may be available, subject to the current arrangements.
Step 8 – Complete Umrah with Halq or Taqsir
After Sa’i, men complete Umrah by shaving the head, known as Halq, or shortening the hair, known as Taqsir. Shaving is generally regarded as the better option for men, although practical circumstances such as an approaching Hajj or another Umrah may affect the decision.
A man choosing Taqsir should shorten the hair properly rather than cutting only a few isolated hairs without understanding the relevant ruling.
Women complete Umrah by trimming an appropriate small amount from the ends of their hair. They do not shave their heads.
After completing this final rite correctly, the pilgrim leaves the state of Ihram. Anyone uncertain about how the hair should be shortened should consult a qualified scholar.
Umrah Guide for Women
Women may enter Ihram in loose, modest and comfortable clothing; there is no required color or standardized female Ihram uniform.
The clothing should be practical for walking and crowded conditions. Women should learn the applicable rulings concerning face veils and gloves before traveling.
After Sa’i, a woman trims a small, appropriate amount from the ends of her hair in accordance with trusted religious guidance.
Menstruation requires special planning because it affects Tawaf. A woman in this situation should seek qualified advice based on when it began, which rites she has completed and her departure schedule.
Questions about traveling with or without a Mahram should distinguish between current entry regulations and religious rulings. Official procedures must be checked through current Saudi sources, while religious questions should be referred to a trustworthy scholar.
How Long Does Umrah Take?
There is no guaranteed duration. The time required depends on:
- Crowd levels
- Physical ability and age
- The Tawaf route or floor used
- Rest periods
- Wheelchair or mobility services
- Prayer times
- Current access arrangements
- Distance between the hotel and the mosque
The rites may sometimes be completed within part of a day, but this should not be treated as a promise. Hotel transfers, gate access and crowd movement can add considerable time.
Avoid scheduling a flight, train or long transfer immediately after your expected completion time.
Best Time to Perform Umrah
Any practical Umrah Guide should explain that the best time to perform Umrah depends on your priorities, including the weather, crowd tolerance, budget and preferred spiritual season.
Cooler months generally make outdoor movement and transfers more comfortable. Ramadan has special spiritual significance and usually attracts strong demand, larger crowds and higher accommodation costs.
School holidays and public holidays can also affect availability and prices. When planning how to perform Umrah during busy periods, remember that access conditions may change before and during the Hajj season. Always verify the current official instructions before buying non-refundable tickets.
Where to Stay in Makkah for Umrah
Do not choose a hotel based only on the distance displayed on a map. A hotel that appears close may involve hills, busy roads, indirect access or a long walk to a suitable mosque gate.
Consider:
- The actual walking route
- The most convenient Haram entrance
- Hills, ramps and road crossings
- Shuttle services
- Wheelchair accessibility
- Room size and occupancy
- Breakfast and meal arrangements
- Check-in and check-out times
- The needs of older travelers and children
- The complete cost of the stay
For a traveler with limited mobility, a more accessible hotel may offer better value than a cheaper but physically difficult option.
Traveling Between Makkah and Madinah
Common options include the Haramain High-Speed Railway, private transfers and coaches.
The train can be convenient, but remember to include transportation to and from the stations, boarding time and luggage handling in your plan.
Private vehicles provide door-to-door convenience and may suit families or travelers with several bags. Coaches may cost less but normally follow shared schedules.
Schedules, fares and baggage policies can change. Check the official railway information before booking and leave sufficient time between connections.
Visiting Madinah remains separate from the rites of Umrah, even when it is included in the same travel package.
Suggested Makkah and Madinah Itineraries
A practical Umrah Guide should allow enough time for worship, rest and transportation without creating an exhausting schedule.
Five-Day Umrah Plan
- Arrive in Makkah and perform Umrah after resting.
- Allow time for worship and recovery.
- Remain in Makkah or include a short Madinah visit.
- Keep the departure day flexible.
Seven-Day Umrah Plan
- Spend three or four nights in Makkah.
- Follow the steps of Umrah without rushing.
- Transfer to Madinah for two or three nights.
- Allow sufficient time for rest and departure.
Ten-Day Umrah Plan
- Divide the stay comfortably between Makkah and Madinah.
- Include rest days and limited historical visits.
- Keep the schedule lighter for older pilgrims and families.
Longer itineraries should provide more time for worship and rest rather than filling every day with activities.
Complete Umrah Packing Checklist
A practical guide for Umrah should include the essential items needed for a comfortable and organized journey.
Travel Documents
- Passport, visa and flight tickets
- Hotel and transportation confirmations
- Travel insurance details when applicable
- Digital and printed copies of essential documents
Clothing and Ihram Essentials
- Ihram garments for men
- Modest, comfortable clothing and suitable footwear
- Spare clothing and a small secure bag
- Unscented personal products for use during Ihram
Health and Technology
- Medication, prescriptions and basic first-aid supplies
- Sun protection and walking support when required
- Phone, charger, power bank and plug adapter
- Internet access, official applications and offline reservations
Common Umrah Mistakes to Avoid
When learning how to perform Umrah, avoid these common mistakes:
- Traveling without understanding the rites or identifying the correct Miqat
- Confusing Ihram clothing with the state of Ihram
- Delaying the intention until after passing the Miqat
- Pushing others to reach the Black Stone
- Losing count during Tawaf or Sa’i
- Blocking pathways or ignoring crowd instructions
- Choosing a hotel based only on advertised distance
- Creating an exhausting itinerary or tight transfer schedule
- Depending on outdated visa or permit information
- Treating a visit to Madinah as one of the steps of Umrah
How Much Does an Umrah Trip Cost?
A complete guide for Umrah should clarify that there is no single reliable cost for an Umrah trip. The total amount depends on the country of departure, travel season, trip duration, hotel category, room occupancy and transportation.
Costs normally increase during high-demand seasons, particularly when booking hotels close to the Haram, private transportation or premium rooms. Pilgrims learning how to make Umrah arrangements should consider the full cost of the journey, not only the advertised package price.
Compare the complete contents of each quotation rather than the advertised price alone. A low price may exclude transfers, luggage, meals, taxes or processing services.
How to Choose an Umrah Package
Before booking, request a written list of everything included and excluded. Compare:
- Packages with or without international flights
- Number of nights in each city
- Hotel names and room categories
- Practical distance from the holy mosques
- Room occupancy
- Shared or private transportation
- Railway tickets when included
- Meals and organized visits
- Visa-related assistance
- Cancellation and amendment terms
- Accessibility services
- Support during the journey
Do not accept descriptions such as “near the Haram” without checking the actual route.
Book through a reputable Umrah travel provider such as Areej Al Alam Travel & Tourism, and verify all inclusions, payment terms and cancellation conditions before confirming your booking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Umrah
What are the main steps of Umrah?
Enter Ihram with the intention, perform seven circuits of Tawaf, complete seven rounds of Sa’i and finish with Halq or Taqsir.
How do you perform Umrah for the first time?
Prepare before the Miqat, enter Ihram correctly, recite the Talbiyah, perform Tawaf, pray afterward when possible, complete Sa’i and finish by shaving or shortening the hair.
How long does Umrah take?
It depends on crowd levels, physical ability, rest periods and access arrangements. No completion time can be guaranteed.
Can Umrah be completed in one day?
The rites may be completed within one day under suitable circumstances. However, the full journey still requires time for arrival, rest and transportation.
Is Madinah part of Umrah?
No. It is not one of the rites, although visiting Madinah is spiritually important and common in Umrah itineraries.
What should I wear?
Men wear the prescribed Ihram garments. Women wear loose, modest and comfortable clothing. Both should learn the restrictions of Ihram before traveling.
Can children perform Umrah?
Children can accompany their families, but parents must plan carefully for crowds, walking, rest and supervision. Religious questions should be referred to a qualified scholar.
Can women perform Umrah on their own?
Current travel procedures should be verified through official sources. Questions involving a Mahram or personal religious obligations should be referred to a trusted scholar.
Conclusion:
Understanding the steps of Umrah before departure helps pilgrims focus on worship rather than avoidable confusion. The essential sequence is entering Ihram, performing Tawaf, completing Sa’i and finishing with Halq or Taqsir.
A practical Umrah Guide should also prepare travelers for flights, hotels, walking distances, transportation and changing official procedures. Learning how to perform Umrah is therefore an essential part of planning an organized and spiritually meaningful journey.
Planning your first Umrah journey? Areej Al Alam Travel & Tourism can help arrange suitable hotels in Makkah and Madinah, airport transfers, intercity transportation and a personalized itinerary. Contact us on WhatsApp to start planning your Umrah trip.