When you are travelling with an Islamic travel agency for Umrah rituals, you can easily complete the rites of pilgrimage within a day (or in 4-5 hours to be more specific). Yet, at the same time, there’s plenty of time to spare on your Umrah visa. As far as Umrah Travel agencies such as Islamic Travel UK, provide the Umrah Packages all-inclusive with all the amenities and services required by pilgrims. Such as Hotels, Umrah VISA, transport, and flights. You can utilize this time and spend it in exploring the holiest city of Makkah.
Here’s how you can explore Makah during Umrah.
Before you Depart
Before you go for the exploration of holiest city of Makkah, ensure that you are fully prepared for it. Travelling to Makkah for holy rituals of Umrah pilgrimage is similar to any other foreign travel trip i.e. requires visas, travel and accommodation arrangements as well as all of the other liabilities of international travel. So complete your travel documents and obtain a valid visa for it first.
If you plan to spend the time exploring the region after the performance of holy rituals, you should have the stamina for it. Therefore, prepare yourself physically for the journey by exercising regularly and jogging daily for at least 30 minutes.
Travel to Makkah only after you’ve received the necessary vaccination shots from a registered health facility in your country. In order to ensure health safety of all the pilgrims arriving from across the globe, Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah makes it mandatory for Umrah pilgrims to get specific vaccinations beforehand. Though the requirements differ depending upon your region of travel, all of the pilgrims must get all the vaccinations specified for their country (list is available on the official website of relevant Saudi authorities).
Packing for you Umrah trip should also be minimal and lightweight. Less items to carry means less baggage handling issues. With a light luggage you can travel to any place without having to go through the hassle of separating out everyday items on a daily basis. You can simply take your complete luggage and travel anywhere. That’s why we advise to carry only the essentials like documents, clothing, footwear, medicines, electronics and toiletries.
When you Arrive
When you arrive in Makkah for the holy rituals, the first thing you need to do is check in a hotel that is present in close proximity to Haram as well as offer all the amenities for a comfortable stay experience. Usually, this part of your pilgrimage travel remain managed by the travel agency if you’ve booked Umrah Packages 2025 UK in advance. The same is the case with transportation services for your daily commute, intercity travel and Ziyarath services (when exploring the region).
Another thing to consider upon your arrival in Makkah is that you must prepare a list of the sites that you want to explore in the holiest city during Umrah. Some of the key sites to visit and explore include;
- Masjid-al-Haram.
- Makkah Museum.
- Jannat al Mualla.
- Hira cave.
- Mina region.
- Arafat plain.
- Makkah mall.
- Al Wahba crater.
Prepare your days in a way that you travel, explore, eat and rest without feeling too exhausted or tired.
When in Makkah during Umrah and exploring the holiest city, indulge yourself in local delicacies. Eat street food and traditional Saudi Cuisine from different fine dining restaurants. However, remember to stay light and healthy.
Be mindful of the prayer times while exploring the region. This is because you have to offer the daily Salah on time as well as many of the markets and tourist places remain closed during the payer times in Makkah. So plan your visit accordingly.
Etiquettes and Travel Tips
While you are exploring the holiest city of Makkah during Umrah, remember to be friendly and compassionate towards everyone. Avoid quarrelling with others and stay patient. Even if someone bother you forgive and forget.
Follow the rules and regulations and avoid breaking law. The different places you will be visiting during your trip will have different policies. So know about them and don’t violate any of these policies if you want to avoid going to jail or getting deported form KSA.
Makkah has a hot desert climate. So when you are touring the region for exploration purposes, stay hydrated. Drink enough water and electrolytes to make up for the mineral deficiency in your body due to excessive seating and heat.