Short Haj Package 2027: What HCoI Pilgrims Get

Q: How much does the Short Haj Package 2027 cost?

The HCoI Short Haj Package 2027 costs approximately ₹4,50,000–₹5,50,000 per pilgrim — higher in total than the Regular Package (₹3,80,000–₹4,80,000) because it includes closer hotel proximity (500–800 metres from Masjid al-Haram) and serves a smaller pilgrim batch. On a per-day basis, the Short Package costs more (₹26,500–₹36,000 per day vs. ₹9,500–₹16,000 per day for the Regular Package). The Madinah visit is not included in the Short Package — self-funded addition costs approximately ₹15,000–₹25,000. The official 2027 cost is announced in the HCoI Hajj Policy notification after airfare and hotel contracts are finalised.

Q: How does the HCoI ballot work for the Short Package?

The HCoI ballot operates as a 3-stage computerised random draw: Stage 1 allocates to first-time Hajj applicants (never performed Hajj), Stage 2 allocates to applicants who have not performed Hajj in 10+ years, and Stage 3 allocates remaining slots to all other eligible applicants randomly. All ballot stages are verified by the HCoI CEO, an independent IT auditor, and a Ministry of Minority Affairs representative. Submission date within the application window does NOT affect selection — all applications submitted before the deadline receive equal ballot consideration within their priority stage.

The Direct Answer

The HCoI Short Haj Package 2027 is a 15–17 day Hajj pilgrimage package offered by the Haj Committee of India — encompassing the 5 obligatory Hajj rite days (8–13 Dhul Hijjah 1448), 3–4 days of pre-Hajj Makkah stay, and 3–4 days of post-Hajj Makkah stay — designed for pilgrims who cannot commit to the Regular Package's 30–40 day duration. The HCoI allocates approximately 17,500 Short Package slots (10% of India's total Hajj quota of 1,75,025) annually. A pilgrim choosing the Short Package performs ALL 12 Hajj rites — Ihram, Tawaf al-Qudum, Sa'i, Wuquf at Arafah, Muzdalifah stay, Rami al-Jamarat (3 days), Qurbani, Halq/Taqsir, Tawaf al-Ifadah, and Tawaf al-Wada — without reduction or substitution.

Section 1 — What Is the Short Package

What Is the HCoI Short Haj Package?

The HCoI Short Haj Package is a condensed Hajj itinerary of 15–17 total days versus the Regular Package's 30–40 days. All mandatory Hajj rites are identical in both packages — no rite is shortened, modified, or skipped. The Short Package was introduced by the HCoI for Haj 2026 — its inaugural year — in response to demand from working professionals, business owners, and elderly pilgrims who are medically fit but cannot take extended leave from work or family obligations.

The key difference between the two packages is not the Hajj rites performed, but the number of days in Makkah before and after the 5-day Hajj rite period. The Short Package provides 3–4 pre-Hajj days and 3–4 post-Hajj days in Makkah. The Regular Package provides 10–15 pre-Hajj days and 7–10 post-Hajj days — allowing longer Masjid al-Haram worship, extended recovery time between rites, and a full Madinah Ziyarah visit.

Short vs. Regular Package Comparison

Feature	Short Haj Package 2027	Regular Haj Package 2027
Total trip duration	15–17 days	30–40 days
Pre-Hajj Makkah stay	3–4 days	10–15 days
Post-Hajj Makkah stay	3–4 days	7–10 days
Madinah visit	Not included (optional self-funded)	Included (5–7 nights)
Accommodation distance from Masjid al-Haram	Within 500–800 metres (Ajyad, Misfalah, Jarwal zones)	500 metres to 2 km
Approximate cost 2027	₹4,50,000–₹5,50,000	₹3,80,000–₹4,80,000
HCoI slots allocated	~17,500 (10% of total)	~1,57,525 (90% of total)
Ballot competition	Higher (fewer slots, equal demand)	Lower (larger pool)
Best suited for	Working professionals, time-constrained pilgrims, repeat pilgrims	First-time pilgrims, retirees, those seeking immersive experience

Who Should Choose the Short Package?

A pilgrim should choose the Short Package when they satisfy at least 1 of 4 criteria: (1) Cannot take more than 20 days of leave from employment or business. (2) Have dependants requiring return within 3 weeks. (3) Are physically fit but prefer a compressed schedule to reduce fatigue. (4) Have previously performed Hajj and want a more efficient repeat Hajj.

First-time pilgrim with no time constraints: benefits more from the Regular Package — the longer Makkah stay, Madinah Ziyarah, and recovery time between rites allow a more immersive first Hajj experience. Elderly first-time pilgrim who needs rest and recovery time: better served by the Regular Package's 30–40 day duration. Ideal Short Package candidate: a pilgrim who has already performed Hajj and seeks to repeat efficiently within a tight professional schedule.

Section 2 — What HCoI Offers

What Does the HCoI Offer in the Short Haj Package 2027?

The HCoI Short Haj Package 2027 provides 6 core components: (1) Return economy class airfare from the designated Indian embarkation airport. (2) Makkah hotel accommodation within 500–800 metres of Masjid al-Haram for 15–17 nights. (3) Ground transport from Jeddah airport to the Makkah hotel. (4) HCoI-authorised Mutawwif services during all 5 Hajj rite days (1 Mutawwif per 40 pilgrims). (5) Qurbani (animal sacrifice) arrangement on 10 Dhul Hijjah. (6) All mandatory documentation processing including Nusuk registration, Hajj visa, and health certificate coordination.

The Madinah visit — included in the Regular Package — is NOT offered in the Short Package baseline. Self-funded addition: approximately ₹15,000–₹25,000 (3 nights hotel near Masjid an-Nabawi) plus ₹3,000–₹5,000 for Makkah–Madinah transport via the Haramain High Speed Railway (SAR 95 one-way).

Duration of the Short Haj Package 2027

The Short Haj Package 2027 spans 15–17 days. Departures from India are expected approximately 9–12 May 2027 (3–6 days before 8 Dhul Hijjah 1448). Returns to India are expected approximately 24–27 May 2027 (9–12 days after Eid al-Adha on approximately 16 May 2027). Hajj 1448 AH reference dates: Day of Arafah (9 Dhul Hijjah) ≈ 15 May 2027; Eid al-Adha (10 Dhul Hijjah) ≈ 16 May 2027 — both subject to Saudi Supreme Court moon sighting confirmation. Short Package pilgrims complete Tawaf al-Wada on 12–13 Dhul Hijjah and depart Makkah for Jeddah airport within 24–48 hours.

Day-by-Day Itinerary of the Short Haj Package 2027

Day	Date (Approx.)	Hijri Date	Activity
Day 1	10 May 2027	3 Dhul Hijjah 1448	Departure from Indian embarkation airport
Day 2	11 May 2027	4 Dhul Hijjah 1448	Arrive Jeddah → Ihram at Miqat → Makkah hotel check-in → Tawaf al-Qudum + Sa'i
Days 3–5	12–14 May 2027	5–7 Dhul Hijjah 1448	Voluntary Tawaf, Zamzam, Masjid al-Haram worship, rest
Day 6	14 May 2027	8 Dhul Hijjah 1448	Yawm al-Tarwiyah — travel to Mina, Salah and overnight in Mina tents
Day 7	15 May 2027	9 Dhul Hijjah 1448	DAY OF ARAFAH — Wuquf at Arafah (Dhuhr to sunset) → Muzdalifah overnight
Day 8	16 May 2027	10 Dhul Hijjah 1448	Eid al-Adha — Rami Aqabah → Qurbani → Halq/Taqsir → Tawaf al-Ifadah → return to Mina
Day 9	17 May 2027	11 Dhul Hijjah 1448	Rami at all 3 Jamarat → Mina overnight
Day 10	18 May 2027	12 Dhul Hijjah 1448	Rami at all 3 Jamarat → Nafar Awwal (early departure to Makkah) → Tawaf al-Wada
Days 11–13	19–21 May 2027	13–15 Dhul Hijjah 1448	Makkah hotel — rest, voluntary Tawaf, Zamzam, Multazam supplication
Day 14	22 May 2027	16 Dhul Hijjah 1448	Makkah → Jeddah airport transfer
Day 15	23 May 2027	17 Dhul Hijjah 1448	Return flight to India — arrival at embarkation airport

Important — Date Confirmation

All 2027 Hajj dates are based on the expected Dhul Hijjah 1448 moon sighting. Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court confirms the official Hajj calendar after the Dhul Qa'dah moon sighting — dates may shift by 1 day. The HCoI confirms final 2027 Short Package departure and return dates in the official package notification issued after Saudi court confirmation.

Accommodation in the Short Package

Short Package hotels are located within 500–800 metres of Masjid al-Haram — in the Ajyad, Misfalah, and Jarwal hotel zones. This is significantly closer proximity than the Regular Package's broader 500 m–2 km allocation. Typical hotels include 3-star and 4-star properties such as Pullman ZamZam Makkah, Hilton Suites Makkah, Anjum Hotel, or equivalent. Meal services include breakfast and dinner. Room sharing: 4 men per room or 4 women per room. Single or double occupancy upgrades are not available through the HCoI quota — only through private Haj Group Operators. Mina tent accommodation for 3 nights (8, 9, 10 Dhul Hijjah) is HCoI-managed in the same camps as all Indian pilgrims regardless of package type.

Does the Short Package Include Madinah?

No — the HCoI does not offer or allocate any Madinah accommodation nights in the Short Package baseline. Self-funded Madinah addition costs approximately ₹15,000–₹25,000 for 3 nights hotel near Masjid an-Nabawi, plus ₹3,000–₹5,000 for Makkah–Madinah transport. The Madinah visit requires no Ihram and carries no Hajj rite obligation — it is a Ziyarah (visit) to the Prophet's mosque. Adding Madinah extends the total trip to approximately 18–20 days.

HCoI recommendation: add Madinah after Hajj rites — not before. Arriving in Madinah before the Hajj rite period means the pilgrim must travel back to enter Ihram at Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali) for Makkah, adding significant logistical complexity.

Section 3 — Inclusions & Exclusions

What Is Included and Excluded in the Short Haj Package 2027?

The Short Haj Package 2027 includes 8 items and excludes 6 items. Understanding this distinction is essential for accurate trip budgeting and preparation.

INCLUDED in the Short Haj Package 2027

Return economy class airfare

Indian embarkation airport ↔ Jeddah or Madinah (operated by Air India or IndiGo on HCoI Hajj charter flights — airline confirmed annually by HCoI circular)

Makkah hotel accommodation — 15–17 nights

3–4 star hotels within 500–800 metres of Masjid al-Haram; 4-per-room sharing; breakfast and dinner included

Mina camp accommodation — 3 nights

8, 9, and 10 Dhul Hijjah 1448 (Yawm al-Tarwiyah, Day of Arafah night, and Eid al-Adha night) in HCoI-managed Mina tents

Ground transport: Jeddah airport → Makkah hotel

Arrival-day transfer in HCoI-chartered buses; air-conditioned coaches

Hajj rite circuit transport

Makkah hotel → Mina → Arafah → Muzdalifah → Mina → Makkah — complete ground transport circuit for all 5 Hajj rite days

Ground transport: Makkah hotel → Jeddah airport

Departure-day transfer in HCoI-chartered coaches on the scheduled return date

HCoI-authorised Mutawwif services

1 Mutawwif (licensed Hajj guide) per group of 40 pilgrims during all 5 Hajj rite days; guides certified by Saudi Hajj Ministry

Qurbani (animal sacrifice on 10 Dhul Hijjah)

Arranged and paid for within the package fee; HCoI co-ordinates through licensed Saudi slaughterhouses in Mina

EXCLUDED — Not Covered by the Short Package

Madinah visit and accommodation

Self-funded — approximately ₹15,000–₹25,000 additional for 3 nights near Masjid an-Nabawi

Ihram garments

Self-purchased — approximately ₹500–₹1,500 for 2 sets of Ihram for men; women wear modest clothing conforming to Ihram requirements

Personal medications and health items

Pilgrims must bring sufficient personal prescription medication for the full trip duration; HCoI does not supply medications

Travel insurance

Strongly recommended — approximately ₹3,000–₹8,000; HCoI does not arrange or subsidise pilgrim travel insurance

Personal spending

Zamzam water containers, souvenirs, additional meals outside the included breakfast and dinner, Saudi SIM card (approximately SAR 25–50)

Hajj visa fee

Note: the Hajj visa fee IS included in the package cost for all HCoI quota pilgrims — no separate payment is required at the consulate

Section 4 — Allocation & Ballot

How Does the HCoI Allocate the Short Haj Package 2027?

The HCoI conducts a computerised ballot (random draw) among all eligible applicants who select the Short Package on the e-Haj portal. Approximately 17,500 total Short Package slots are available for Hajj 1448 AH. The ballot is not first-come, first-served — all applications submitted within the application window receive equal ballot consideration regardless of submission date.

The Short Package ballot is conducted separately from the Regular Package ballot. An applicant selects one package type only and cannot apply for both simultaneously. Ballot results are published on the e-Haj portal approximately 8–10 weeks after the application window closes. Rejected applicants are automatically placed on the Regular Package waiting list — no re-submission is required. An applicant who rejects their Short Package allotment forfeits the slot without refund of the ₹500 registration charge.

How Many Short Package Slots Does HCoI Allocate for 2027?

Approximately 17,500 slots = 10% of India's total Hajj quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims. The remaining 1,57,525 slots cover the Regular Package and HGO (Haj Group Operator) private quota. The exact 2027 count is confirmed in the HCoI annual Hajj Policy notification — published after Saudi Arabia announces India's quota (typically October–November preceding the Hajj year). Slot distribution is proportional across India's 36 states and union territories based on Muslim population. Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Kerala, and Karnataka — the 5 largest Muslim-population states — receive approximately 60% of the total Short Package allocation.

Eligibility Criteria for the Short Package 2027

Muslim Indian citizen

Applicant must hold Indian citizenship and be Muslim; no minimum or maximum age restriction except as noted below

Above 18 years of age

Applicants below 18 years may not apply independently; minors below 12 may travel only with a qualifying Mahram or guardian

Valid ordinary Indian passport

Minimum 10 months of validity from the scheduled departure date; official (diplomatic or government) passports are not eligible for HCoI quota

Has not performed Hajj in the past 10 years (first-priority criterion)

First-time Hajj applicants receive the highest ballot priority; applicants who have not performed Hajj in 10+ years receive second-priority consideration

Application submitted within the HCoI application window

Submitted through the e-Haj portal at hajj.gov.in before the application window closing date; late applications are rejected without ballot consideration

Mahram requirement: Women below 45 years of age must apply with a Mahram (male companion — husband, father, son, or brother). The Mahram applies simultaneously for the same package type. Both the woman and her Mahram are allocated or rejected together as a single unit — a Mahram cannot be allocated without his female dependent, and vice versa.

How Does the HCoI Ballot System Work?

The HCoI conducts a 3-stage computerised random draw:

Stage 1 — First-time Hajj applicants

Applicants who have never performed Hajj receive the first-priority random draw; highest allocation probability within this stage

Stage 2 — Applicants who have not performed Hajj in 10+ years

Applicants not covered under Stage 1 who have a 10+ year gap from their last Hajj; second draw from remaining unallocated slots

Stage 3 — All other eligible applicants

Remaining slots allocated to all other eligible applicants by purely random draw; no submission-date advantage within this stage

All 3 stages use the same randomisation algorithm, verified by the HCoI CEO, an independent IT auditor, and a Ministry of Minority Affairs representative. The algorithm code is publicly disclosed in the HCoI annual report.

Priority Categories in Short Package Selection

First-time Hajj applicants with no prior Hajj history — Highest Priority

Receives Stage 1 ballot consideration; highest probability of allotment in a competitive ballot year

Applicants who have not performed Hajj in 10+ years

Receives Stage 2 ballot consideration after Stage 1 slots are exhausted

Applicants aged 70 years and above — Cross-cutting priority

Regardless of prior Hajj history; elderly applicants receive priority consideration across all stages

All other eligible applicants

Stage 3 random draw; no priority based on income level, profession, or submission date within the application window

Mahram-and-dependent applications (e.g., husband and wife): treated as a single unit. If either receives a priority category elevation (e.g., woman aged 70+), both the woman and her Mahram receive elevated category status.

Section 5 — Package Cost

How Much Does the Short Haj Package 2027 Cost?

The Short Haj Package 2027 costs approximately ₹4,50,000–₹5,50,000 per pilgrim. This is higher in total than the Regular Package (₹3,80,000–₹4,80,000) due to: (1) closer hotel proximity to Masjid al-Haram, and (2) a lower total pilgrim count in the Short Package batch, which reduces economies of scale. The official 2027 cost is announced in the HCoI Hajj Policy notification after finalising airfare contracts (Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet — the 3 airlines operating HCoI Hajj charter flights), hotel contracts, and Mina camp contracts.

Package cost is fixed by the HCoI and applies uniformly to all Short Package pilgrims regardless of embarkation city — Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Lucknow, or Srinagar. No negotiation or price variation exists within the HCoI quota.

Short vs Regular Package Cost Comparison

Cost Metric	Short Package 2027	Regular Package 2027
Total package cost (approx.)	₹4,50,000–₹5,50,000	₹3,80,000–₹4,80,000
Duration	15–17 days	30–40 days
Cost per day	₹26,500–₹36,000	₹9,500–₹16,000
Accommodation zone	Within 500–800 m of Masjid al-Haram	500 m to 2 km
Madinah included	No	Yes (5–7 nights)
Leave required from work	18–20 days	35–45 days

Payment Schedule

The HCoI payment schedule comprises 2 instalments:

Non-refundable application fee of ₹500

Paid at the time of e-Haj portal registration; confirms the application submission; not refunded under any circumstances including ballot rejection

Full package balance — within 15 working days of allotment

Payable within 15 working days of receiving the allotment confirmation letter; the 15-working-day payment deadline is identical to the passport submission deadline — both must be completed simultaneously within the same window

Payment Method — Important

Payment is accepted through the e-Haj portal via NEFT, RTGS, or net banking only. Cash payments at SHC (State Hajj Committee) offices are not accepted from 2024 onwards. Late payment results in slot forfeiture — no late payments are accepted except documented medical emergencies approved in writing by the HCoI CEO.

Section 6 — How to Apply

How Does a Pilgrim Apply for the Short Haj Package 2027?

The application process follows 7 sequential steps — all conducted through the official e-Haj portal at hajj.gov.in. No physical visits to SHC offices are required at the application stage.

Create an e-Haj account at hajj.gov.in

Click 'New Registration' on the e-Haj portal, enter your Aadhaar number, mobile number, and email address. The portal sends an OTP to your registered mobile number — enter the OTP to activate your account. Keep your login credentials secure; the portal is used for all subsequent steps including ballot tracking. hajj.gov.in

Complete the Hajj application form

Enter all personal details exactly as they appear in the passport — full name, date of birth, passport number, passport expiry date, father's name, permanent address, and SHC (State Hajj Committee) selection. Name, date of birth, and passport number must match your Nusuk registration and passport precisely. Any discrepancy can result in visa rejection.

Select 'Short Package' in the package preference field

The e-Haj form includes a dropdown for package type. Select 'Short Package'. A pilgrim who accidentally selects 'Regular Package' must withdraw and reapply before the application window closes — the package type cannot be changed after submission. This is one of the most common and consequential errors made during the application process.

Upload required documents

Upload clear scans of: passport biographical page (JPEG or PDF, minimum 300 DPI); Aadhaar card (front and back); 1 recent passport-sized photograph (35×35 mm, white background, not older than 3 months). For Mahram-dependent applications: both persons' documents must be uploaded under the primary applicant's account.

Pay the ₹500 registration fee

Complete payment through the e-Haj portal's integrated payment gateway via NEFT, RTGS, or net banking. Payment confirmation and application reference number are displayed immediately — save both for tracking. This ₹500 fee is non-refundable in all circumstances.

Submit before the closing deadline

The HCoI application window for Hajj 2027 opens approximately January 2027 and closes approximately March 2027. Exact dates are published in the Hajj Policy notification. Applications submitted after the closing date are rejected without ballot consideration — there are no late-submission provisions.

Track ballot results on e-Haj portal

Check hajj.gov.in approximately 8–10 weeks after the application window closes. Successful: 'Allotted — Short Package' with passport submission and balance payment deadline. Rejected: 'Not Allotted — Waitlisted (Regular Package)' — automatically enters the Regular Package waiting list; no further action required. hajj.gov.in → My Application → Ballot Status

Section 7 — Key Deadlines

What Are the Key Deadlines for the Short Haj Package 2027?

Five deadlines govern the application and preparation process for the Short Haj Package 2027. Missing any single deadline can result in slot forfeiture or disqualification.

Deadline	Approximate Date	Action Required
e-Haj application window opens	January 2027	Create e-Haj account; prepare all documents; complete form review
e-Haj application closes	March 2027	Submit application + pay ₹500 before midnight on closing date
Ballot results published	April–May 2027	Check e-Haj portal; note passport submission and payment deadline
Passport + balance payment deadline	Within 15 working days of allotment	Submit original passport to SHC; transfer balance package payment via NEFT/RTGS
Medical camp / health certificate	April–May 2027	Attend SHC-organised medical camp; receive mandatory vaccinations; complete Form HMF-1
Embarkation	9–12 May 2027 (approx.)	Report to embarkation airport with all documents — passport (original), Hajj visa, health certificate, Nusuk registration

Important — 2027 Dates Are Indicative

All 2027 dates are indicative — the HCoI publishes official application window dates in the Hajj Policy notification, released by the Ministry of Minority Affairs after Saudi Arabia announces India's quota (expected October–November 2026). Monitor hajj.gov.in from October 2026 for the official 2027 Hajj timeline and application window announcement.

Section 8 — Common Misconceptions

What Are the Most Common Misconceptions About the Short Haj Package?

Eight widely held misconceptions about the HCoI Short Haj Package are addressed below with verified factual corrections.

Misconception	Fact
'The Short Package skips some Hajj rites'	All 12 Hajj rites are identical in both packages — no rite is shortened or omitted. The only difference is the number of days before and after the 5-day Hajj rite period.
'The Short Package is cheaper than the Regular Package'	Short Package total cost is ₹50,000–₹1,00,000 higher than the Regular Package — it costs more, not less, due to closer hotel proximity and smaller batch size.
'Applying first increases the chance of getting the Short Package'	The HCoI ballot is random within priority categories. Submission date within the application window does not affect selection — all timely applications receive equal consideration.
'Short Package pilgrims can visit Madinah within the package'	Madinah is not included in the Short Package baseline. It requires a self-funded additional booking costing approximately ₹15,000–₹25,000 for accommodation plus transport.
'The Short Package is only for elderly or sick pilgrims'	The Short Package is open to all eligible Muslims — it carries no medical restriction. It is specifically designed for time-constrained working professionals and repeat Hajj pilgrims.
'A Short Package ballot rejection means no Hajj in 2027'	Rejection automatically enters the pilgrim on the Regular Package waiting list — Hajj 2027 may still be possible through the Regular Package waiting list without any additional action.
'The Short Package accommodation is lower quality than Regular'	Short Package accommodation is closer (500–800 m vs. 500 m–2 km) and often in higher-rated hotels than the Regular Package. Quality is the same or better, not lower.
'Women can apply for the Short Package alone below age 45'	Women below 45 years require a Mahram companion to apply. Both the woman and her Mahram apply simultaneously as a unit — both are allocated or rejected together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Short Haj Package 2027 — Common Questions

What is the HCoI Short Haj Package 2027?

The HCoI Short Haj Package 2027 is a 15–17 day Hajj pilgrimage package offered by the Haj Committee of India — encompassing the 5 obligatory Hajj rite days (8–13 Dhul Hijjah 1448 / 15–20 May 2027), 3–4 days of pre-Hajj Makkah stay, and 3–4 days of post-Hajj Makkah stay. It is designed for pilgrims who cannot commit to the Regular Package's 30–40 day duration. All 12 Hajj rites are identical in both packages — no rite is shortened or omitted. The HCoI allocates approximately 17,500 Short Package slots (10% of India's 1,75,025 total Hajj quota).

How much does the Short Haj Package 2027 cost?

The HCoI Short Haj Package 2027 costs approximately ₹4,50,000–₹5,50,000 per pilgrim — higher in total than the Regular Package (₹3,80,000–₹4,80,000) because it includes closer hotel proximity (500–800 metres from Masjid al-Haram) and serves a smaller pilgrim batch. On a per-day basis, the Short Package costs more (₹26,500–₹36,000 per day vs. ₹9,500–₹16,000 per day for the Regular Package). The Madinah visit is not included — self-funded addition costs approximately ₹15,000–₹25,000. The official 2027 cost is announced in the HCoI Hajj Policy notification after airfare and hotel contracts are finalised.

How does the HCoI ballot work for the Short Package?

The HCoI ballot operates as a 3-stage computerised random draw: Stage 1 allocates to first-time Hajj applicants (never performed Hajj); Stage 2 allocates to applicants who have not performed Hajj in 10+ years; Stage 3 allocates remaining slots to all other eligible applicants randomly. All ballot stages are verified by the HCoI CEO, an independent IT auditor, and a Ministry of Minority Affairs representative. Submission date within the application window does NOT affect selection — all applications submitted before the deadline receive equal ballot consideration within their priority stage.

Does the Short Haj Package 2027 include a Madinah visit?

No — the HCoI Short Haj Package 2027 does not include a Madinah visit. A Short Package pilgrim who wishes to visit Madinah must arrange 3–5 nights of accommodation independently through a licensed Saudi travel agent, at an additional self-funded cost of approximately ₹15,000–₹25,000 for hotel accommodation near Masjid an-Nabawi, plus ₹3,000–₹5,000 for Makkah–Madinah transport (Haramain High Speed Railway: SAR 95 one way). The HCoI recommends adding Madinah after Hajj rites — not before — to avoid the logistical complexity of re-entering Ihram at Dhul Hulayfah.

Who is eligible for the Short Haj Package 2027 and what are the priority categories?

An applicant is eligible if they: are a Muslim Indian citizen above 18 years of age; hold a valid ordinary Indian passport with minimum 10 months of validity from departure; and submit through the e-Haj portal (hajj.gov.in) within the application window. The HCoI applies 4 priority categories: (1) First-time Hajj applicants with no prior Hajj history (highest priority); (2) Applicants who have not performed Hajj in 10+ years; (3) Applicants aged 70+ regardless of prior Hajj history (cross-cutting priority); (4) All other eligible applicants. Women below 45 years must apply with a Mahram companion — both are allocated or rejected together as a single unit.

Short Haj Package 2027 — Summary

What it is: A 15–17 day Hajj pilgrimage package (HCoI quota) encompassing all 12 obligatory Hajj rites — identical to the Regular Package in every rite, differing only in the number of pre- and post-Hajj days in Makkah.

HCoI slots: Approximately 17,500 (10% of India's 1,75,025 total Hajj quota); allocated via 3-stage computerised ballot (not first-come, first-served).

Cost: Approximately ₹4,50,000–₹5,50,000 per pilgrim — higher per day than the Regular Package (₹26,500–₹36,000 vs. ₹9,500–₹16,000); Madinah not included.

Best for: Working professionals and repeat Hajj pilgrims who cannot take 30–40 days of leave; not recommended as first-choice for first-time pilgrims with no time constraints.

Application: 7-step process via hajj.gov.in; window opens approximately January 2027, closes approximately March 2027; ₹500 non-refundable registration fee; ballot results in April–May 2027.