What are the main Ziyarat sites in Makkah for Umrah pilgrims?

8 main Ziyarat sites in Makkah are: (1) Jabal al-Nour — the mountain containing the Cave of Hira where the first Quran revelation was received, (2) Jabal Thawr — where the Prophet and Abu Bakr (RA) sheltered during the Hijra migration, (3) Jannat al-Mu'alla — the ancient Makkah cemetery containing the graves of Khadijah (RA) and other family members of the Prophet, (4) the Plain of Arafat and Masjid al-Nimrah, (5) Muzdalifah and Mash'ar al-Haram, (6) Mina and the Jamarat Bridge, (7) Masjid al-Jinn, and (8) the Zamzam Well (visible through glass panels in Masjid al-Haram). Transport to most Makkah Ziyarat sites is by air-conditioned Saudi buses (Msha'er trains for Arafat-Mina) or operator-arranged coaches.

How do I book a Rawdah al-Sharif slot in Madinah?

Rawdah al-Sharif slots are booked exclusively through the Nusuk app (available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store) or at nusuk.sa. Open the app, select 'Rawdah Al Sharif', choose your visit date and time slot, and confirm booking. Slots are released 3 days in advance and fill within minutes of release — set a reminder for exactly 72 hours before your intended visit date. Men and women have separate entry times. The visit duration is approximately 15-20 minutes per slot. Slots are free of charge. A Saudi National ID or passport number is required for registration.

Is visiting graves during Ziyarat permissible in Islam?

Visiting graves during Ziyarat is permissible in Islam — the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'I used to forbid you from visiting graves, but now you may visit them, for they remind you of the Hereafter' (Sahih Muslim). The visit is made to pray for the deceased and reflect on mortality. What is not permitted: directing Du'a (supplication) to the deceased person, asking the deceased for intercession or favours, or practices that suggest the deceased has independent power to grant requests. The correct practice is to stand at the grave, make Salaam (greetings of peace), and pray to Allah for mercy on the deceased.

Ziyarat in Makkah and Madinah: Complete Guide for Indian Pilgrims

Section 1 — Makkah

What Are the Most Important Ziyarat Sites in Makkah for Umrah Pilgrims?

8 Makkah Ziyarat sites carry the highest historical and spiritual significance for Indian pilgrims, ranging from the mountain of the first Quranic revelation to the plains of Hajj that every pilgrim passes through. Most operators cover sites 1–5 in a single half-day bus tour (3–4 hours). Sites 6–8 are visited during Hajj or as separate tour additions.

1

Where Surah Al-‘Alaq (the first Quranic revelation) was revealed to the Prophet ﷺ in 610 CE.

Jabal al-Nour (“Mountain of Light”) rises 634m above sea level, approximately 4km northeast of Masjid al-Haram. The Cave of Hira (Ghar Hira) sits near its summit — a 1–1.5 hour climb of 1,652 steps depending on fitness level. The cave itself is small (approximately 3.7m long, 1.6m wide) but the significance is immense: it was here that Jibril (AS) appeared to the Prophet ﷺ and delivered the first 5 verses of Surah Al-‘Alaq: “Iqra bismi rabbika…”

What to do at this site: Recite Surah Al-‘Alaq (first 5 verses) at the cave entrance. Make Du’a. Reflect on the beginning of Wahy (Divine Revelation). Elderly and mobility-impaired pilgrims: the summit climb involves uneven stone steps with no lift — the mountain base area is spiritually meaningful without the summit climb. Do not climb if you have cardiac or severe joint conditions.

2

Where the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (RA) sheltered for 3 days during the Hijra (migration) from Makkah to Madinah.

Jabal Thawr is a steeper, more physically demanding climb than Jabal al-Nour — approximately 748m altitude with a 1.5–2 hour ascent on rough stone paths. The cave is referenced in Surah al-Tawbah (9:40): “…when the two were in the cave, and he said to his companion: Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us.” Quraysh search parties reached the cave entrance but the miraculous web of a spider and a nesting dove caused them to turn back without entering.

What to do at this site: Recite Surah al-Tawbah verse 40 at the cave. Reflect on the Hijra and the trust placed in Allah during fear. Most operator tours include a bus drive to the Jabal Thawr base for viewing without the climb — the historical significance is conveyed from the base with a tour guide explanation. Only physically fit pilgrims should attempt the summit.

3

The ancient Makkah cemetery containing the graves of Sayyidah Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (RA), the Prophet’s first wife, and other family members and Companions.

Jannat al-Mu’alla is the second-holiest cemetery in Islam after Baqi’ in Madinah, located 800m north of Masjid al-Haram near the Mu’allim (Miqat) mosque. The grave of Khadijah (RA) is marked with a small white marble headstone. Also buried here: Abd al-Muttalib (the Prophet’s grandfather), Aminah (his mother is traditionally associated with this area), and Sayyidah Qasim (his son). The cemetery is open to both men and women for visits.

What to do at this site: Stand at the grave entrance, recite the Salam for the deceased (“Assalamu alaykum ya ahl al-qubur…”), and make Du’a to Allah for mercy on all buried here. Do not place hands on grave markers, light incense at graves, or ask the deceased for requests — this is the Islamic ruling on grave visits (detailed in Section 4).

4

The plain where 3 million pilgrims stand annually for Wuquf (the pillar of Hajj), and where the Prophet ﷺ delivered the Farewell Sermon (Khutbat al-Wada‘) in 10 AH.

Arafat plain spans approximately 12km² and is entirely empty of pilgrims outside of Hajj season — an experience of profound stillness that many pilgrims find more moving than seeing it during the 3 million-person Hajj crowd. Jabal al-Rahmah (“Mount of Mercy”) rises from the center of the plain — a small rocky hill where the Prophet delivered his Farewell Sermon. Masjid al-Nimrah, the large mosque on the boundary of Arafat and the non-Arafat zone, accommodates approximately 350,000 worshippers for the combined Dhuhr-Asr Hajj prayer.

What to do at this site: Stand on Jabal al-Rahmah or the plain itself and reflect on Yawm al-Wuquf — the Day of Arafat. Read or recall the Farewell Sermon text. Make Du’a in the plain, especially if visiting during Hajj. For Umrah pilgrims visiting outside Hajj: the plain is open for visitor access year-round with no entry restrictions.

5

The site where a group of Jinn heard the Quran recitation of the Prophet ﷺ and accepted Islam, as referenced in Surah al-Jinn (72:1–2).

Masjid al-Jinn (also called Masjid al-Haras) is a small mosque 700m northeast of Masjid al-Haram, built at the spot traditionally identified where the Jinn gathered to listen to Quran recitation. The Quran records their response in Surah al-Jinn: “Say: It has been revealed to me that a group of Jinn listened and said, We have heard a wondrous Quran.” The mosque is modest in size and open for prayer at all times. Most Makkah Ziyarat bus tours pass this mosque en route to other sites.

What to do at this site: Offer 2 rak’ahs of Nafl prayer inside the mosque. Recite the opening verses of Surah al-Jinn. The visit is brief — most tour buses stop for 15 minutes for pilgrims to enter and pray.

6

The valley city of approximately 100,000 fire-resistant white Maktab tents where Hajj pilgrims spend 3–4 nights, and where the Jamarat stoning rites are performed.

Mina extends over approximately 20km² of valley between Makkah and Arafat and operates as a functioning tent city only during Hajj season (8–13 Dhul Hijjah) — the tents remain standing year-round but are empty outside Hajj. The Jamarat Bridge is a 5-storey concrete structure with 3 pillar columns representing the points where Shaytan appeared to Ibrahim (AS) during the sacrifice. The bridge was expanded after the 2006 crowd crush to accommodate 300,000 pilgrims per hour across its 5 levels. Umrah pilgrims visiting Mina outside Hajj enter a ghost city of white tents — a surreal and humbling experience.

What to do at this site: Walk through the Maktab tent rows. Stand at the Jamarat Bridge viewing area. Reflect on the story of Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS) and the spiritual meaning of the stoning rite (Rami). For Umrah Ziyarat, no ritual acts are performed at Mina — it is a historical and contextual visit only.

7

The open plain between Arafat and Mina where Hajj pilgrims spend the night under the open sky after departing Arafat at sunset on 9 Dhul Hijjah.

Muzdalifah is the site of Mash’ar al-Haram — the “Sacred Monument” referenced in Surah al-Baqarah (2:198): “When you depart from Arafat, remember Allah at al-Mash’ar al-Haram.” A small mosque marks the sacred boundary. Pilgrims collect pebbles here for the Jamarat stoning and observe the massive congregation of millions sleeping in the open valley. Outside Hajj, Muzdalifah is an open flat plain with the Mash’ar al-Haram mosque as the primary reference point for Ziyarat visitors.

What to do at this site: Pray 2 rak’ahs at Masjid Mash’ar al-Haram. Recite Surah al-Baqarah 2:198. For Umrah Ziyarat, this is a contextual visit — most meaningful when the pilgrim has studied the Hajj rites and understands what will (or did) happen here.

8

The well that miraculously appeared for Hajar (AS) and infant Ismail (AS) after Ibrahim (AS) left them in the valley of Makkah, and has flowed continuously for approximately 4,000 years.

The Zamzam Well sits 21m southeast of the Kaaba, now enclosed in a glass-windowed room visible from the ground floor of Masjid al-Haram. Direct access to the well itself is no longer permitted — the Saudi authority manages the pumping system that delivers Zamzam water to hundreds of cooler dispensers throughout the Haram on every floor. The well is 30m deep, drawing from an aquifer that supplies approximately 18.5 litres per second. Zamzam water is scientifically documented to contain elevated levels of calcium, magnesium, and fluoride — distinct from regular groundwater composition.

What to do at this site: Drink Zamzam water while facing the Qibla, making Du’a before the first sip — the Prophet ﷺ said: “Zamzam water is for whatever it is drunk for.” Fill the Zamzam bottles provided at every dispensing station. Carrying Zamzam home: Saudi airports permit 5 litres of Zamzam water per passenger in checked luggage (purchased at airport). Zamzam is not permitted in carry-on.

Section 2 — Madinah

What Are the Most Important Ziyarat Sites in Madinah for Indian Pilgrims?

7 Madinah Ziyarat sites carry mandatory visit status for any Indian pilgrim spending 8–12 days in Madinah as part of their Umrah itinerary. The Rawdah al-Sharif visit requires a pre-booked Nusuk slot — it cannot be entered without one since 2021. All other Madinah sites are open access. A standard Madinah Ziyarat bus tour covers sites 3–7 in a 3–4 hour circuit.

1

The second-holiest mosque in Islam, built by the Prophet ﷺ in 622 CE — the original structure was built by his own hands alongside the Companions.

Masjid al-Nabawi currently covers 400,500m² (40 hectares), accommodating 1.5 million worshippers simultaneously at peak capacity. The mosque contains the Prophet’s ﷺ tomb (under the Green Dome), the Rawdah al-Sharif, and Riyad al-Jannah — the 3 most significant areas of any Madinah visit. 1 Salah in Masjid al-Nabawi equals the reward of 1,000 prayers in any other mosque except Masjid al-Haram in Makkah (where 1 Salah equals 100,000) — this is narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari.

What to do at this site: Pray all 5 daily Salah in the mosque. Make the intention to offer Tahiyyat al-Masjid (2 rak’ahs of mosque greeting prayer) upon every entry. Visit the Rawdah via Nusuk booking (Section 3). Perform Salawat (blessings on the Prophet) abundantly while in the mosque compound.

2

The area between the Prophet’s ﷺ pulpit (Minbar) and his house/tomb — described in Hadith as “one of the gardens of Paradise.”

Rawdah al-Sharif is a 22m × 15m green-carpeted area inside Masjid al-Nabawi, demarcated by green-topped pillars. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Between my house and my pulpit is a garden from the gardens of Paradise, and my pulpit is upon my Pool (Al-Hawd)” — narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari. Riyad al-Jannah is the green carpet area itself. Access requires a Nusuk slot booking — managed crowd entry of 20–30 minutes per group. Men and women have separate entry queues and separate time windows. See Section 3 for exact booking steps.

What to do at this site: Offer 2 rak’ahs of Nafl prayer inside the Rawdah (preferred near the pillar columns). Make Du’a. Then proceed to the Prophet’s ﷺ tomb grille to offer Salaam: “Assalamu alayka ya rasulallah wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.” Move calmly — the area is monitored by Saudi Haram guards and pilgrims making excessive Du’a at the tomb are guided away politely.

3

The primary Madinah cemetery containing the graves of 10,000 Companions of the Prophet, his wives (Ummahat al-Mu’mineen), and family members including his son Ibrahim and daughter Ruqayyah.

Baqi’ is the oldest continuously used Islamic cemetery in the world, operating since 622 CE. Notable graves include: Sayyidah Aisha (RA) and other wives of the Prophet, Sayyidah Fatimah al-Zahra (RA) — location disputed, Uthman ibn Affan (RA) — the third Caliph, Ibrahim ibn Muhammad — the Prophet’s infant son, and Imam Malik ibn Anas — founder of the Maliki school of jurisprudence. Grave markers were deliberately removed in 1925 on Wahhabi authority — the current graves are unmarked mounds. Men’s visiting hours: after Fajr and after Asr prayers. Women’s visiting hours: restricted by Saudi policy — confirm current policy with your operator.

What to do at this site: Enter with the right foot. Recite the Du’a for cemetery entry: “Assalamu alaykum ya ahl al-diyar min al-mu’minin wal-muslimin…” (the complete Du’a is available in most Umrah dua booklets). Pray for mercy on the deceased. Exit calmly. The Prophet ﷺ would frequently visit Baqi’ and taught his Companions the cemetery greeting Du’a.

4

The first mosque built in Islamic history, constructed by the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions upon arriving in Madinah in 622 CE during the Hijra.

Offering 2 rak’ahs of Nafl prayer in Masjid Quba equals the reward of one complete Umrah — narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari: “Whoever performs Wudu at home and then comes to Masjid Quba and prays there, he will have a reward equal to Umrah.” The Prophet ﷺ visited Masjid Quba every Saturday and prayed 2 rak’ahs there. The current mosque is a modern structure built on the original foundation with massive white domes. Masjid Quba accommodates approximately 20,000 worshippers. The mosque is 5km from Masjid al-Nabawi — tour buses cover this as part of the standard Madinah Ziyarat circuit.

What to do at this site: Ensure Wudu is performed before entering (the Hadith specifies Wudu at home or hotel for the Umrah reward). Offer minimum 2 rak’ahs of Nafl prayer inside the mosque. Perform this visit on as many days as you are in Madinah — the reward is earned each visit. The mosque has separate prayer halls for men and women.

5

The mosque where the Qibla direction changed mid-prayer from Jerusalem (Bayt al-Maqdis) to Makkah (Masjid al-Haram) in the 2nd year of Hijra.

Masjid al-Qiblatayn is where Surah al-Baqarah 2:144 was revealed mid-prayer, commanding the change of Qibla direction. The Prophet ﷺ was leading Dhuhr prayer when the revelation came; he and the congregation turned 180° to face Makkah, completing the remaining rak’ahs facing the new Qibla. The original mosque had 2 Mihrabs (prayer niches) — one facing Jerusalem and one facing Makkah — giving it the name “Mosque of the Two Qiblas.” The current structure has 1 Mihrab facing Makkah. A smaller second Mihrab is preserved as a historical marker.

What to do at this site: Offer 2 rak’ahs of prayer inside the mosque. Locate the historical second Mihrab (facing the Jerusalem direction). Recite Surah al-Baqarah 2:142–144. The mosque is included in all standard Madinah Ziyarat bus tours — no separate transport needed.

6

The mountain site of the Battle of Uhud (3 AH / 625 CE), where 70 Companions were martyred, including Sayyidna Hamzah ibn Abd al-Muttalib (RA) — the Prophet’s uncle.

Uhud Mountain (Jabal Uhud) is a 1,077m long red granite ridge north of Madinah, site of the second major battle in Islamic history. The Prophet ﷺ himself was wounded here — his tooth was broken and his face cut. The Martyrs’ Cemetery (Maqbarat Shuhada’ Uhud) contains the graves of 70 Companions, with the grave of Hamzah (RA) — Sayyid al-Shuhada’ (“Master of the Martyrs”) — at the center. The Prophet ﷺ regularly visited Uhud and said: “Uhud is a mountain that loves us and we love it.”

What to do at this site: Visit the Martyrs’ Cemetery and recite the Salam for the martyrs. Locate Jabal al-Rumah (“Archers’ Hill”) — the small rocky hill where the Prophet ﷺ stationed 50 archers who abandoned their position, turning the tide of the battle. Recite Surah Al-Imran 3:169 (on the martyrs being alive with their Lord). The visit carries profound lessons in strategy, discipline, and trust in Allah.

7

The site of the Battle of the Trench (Ghazwat al-Khandaq, 5 AH / 627 CE) where the Muslim army dug a defensive trench on Salman al-Farisi’s (RA) suggestion.

The Khandaq site northwest of Madinah now comprises a cluster of 7 mosques built to mark the positions where the Prophet ﷺ and key Companions prayed during the 27-day siege. Masjid al-Fath (“Mosque of the Opening/Victory”) is the largest — traditionally the spot where the Prophet ﷺ made Du’a for 3 days and received the revelation of victory (Surah al-Ahzab 33:22–25). The other 6 mosques mark the prayer positions of Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali, Salman al-Farisi, and Bilal ibn Rabah (RA).

What to do at this site: Pray in Masjid al-Fath. Walk the approximate path of the trench (a small section of the original trench geography is preserved as an archaeological site). Reflect on the Tawakkul (reliance on Allah) displayed by the early Muslims during the 27-day siege when food was scarce and the threat was existential.

Section 3

How Do You Book a Rawdah al-Sharif Slot Through Nusuk?

Rawdah al-Sharif entry has been regulated through mandatory Nusuk Umrah Guide for Indian Pilgrims: App & Visa slot booking since 2021 — arriving at Masjid al-Nabawi without a pre-booked Nusuk slot will not grant access to the Rawdah area, regardless of how long you wait at the entrance. Saudi Haram guards enforce the slot system strictly. Slots release 3 days in advance and fill within 10–30 minutes of release for most dates. The booking takes 4 minutes on a smartphone — do it before departure from India.

1

Download the Nusuk app and create an account

Download Nusuk from Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Create an account using your passport number and mobile number. The app interface is available in English, Arabic, and Urdu. Account creation takes 3–5 minutes. Complete registration before arriving in Saudi Arabia — some Indian mobile numbers have difficulty receiving Saudi OTPs for first-time registration.

2

Set a reminder for exactly 72 hours before your intended Rawdah date

Slots open exactly 3 days (72 hours) in advance at midnight Saudi time (UTC+3). If your intended Rawdah visit is on Tuesday, slots release at midnight Saturday-Sunday (Saudi time). Set a phone alarm for 11:55pm Saudi time on Saturday. Slots for popular weekday times (after Fajr, after Asr) fill in under 10 minutes from release. Weekend (Thursday-Friday) slots fill in under 5 minutes.

3

Select “Rawdah Al Sharif” from the Nusuk home screen

Open Nusuk. Tap “Rawdah Al Sharif” on the home screen. Select “Men’s Visit” or “Women’s Visit” (separate entry systems). Select your date. Available time slots appear as green buttons — grey means full. Choose a slot — common options include after-Fajr (5am–7am), after-Dhuhr (2pm–4pm), and after-Asr (5pm–7pm). Each slot covers approximately 400–600 pilgrims at a time.

4

Confirm booking and save the QR code

Confirm the booking. A QR code is generated in the app. Screenshot the QR code and save it to your phone gallery — do not rely on the app being open at the Rawdah entrance (mobile data can be slow inside the mosque). Present the QR code to the Saudi guard at the Rawdah gate 10 minutes before your slot time. Late arrivals beyond 10 minutes of the slot start are not admitted.

5

Arrive at the designated Rawdah gate with Wudu

The Rawdah entry gate for men is on the northwest side of Masjid al-Nabawi; women’s entry is through a separate gate on the east side — confirm the exact current gate with the mosque signage on arrival (gate positions occasionally change with mosque renovation). Wudu is required for Rawdah entry. Perform Wudu at the mosque ablution facilities 20 minutes before your slot. The visit duration inside the Rawdah is 15–20 minutes per group.

If All Slots Are Full — 3 Alternatives

Alternative 1: Book for a less popular time — the post-Isha slot (10pm–midnight) is consistently the least competed-for time window. Alternative 2: Check Nusuk daily for cancellation slots — pilgrims who cancel release slots back into the pool within 24 hours of the visit time. Alternative 3: Your tour operator’s Saudi ground handler sometimes has a designated group Rawdah slot through the Haram authority’s tour group access system — ask your operator explicitly: “Does your Madinah Ziyarat programme include Rawdah group access?”

Section 4

What Is Permissible and What Is Not When Visiting Graves During Ziyarat?

Visiting graves is a confirmed Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ — he not only permitted it but encouraged it as a reminder of death and the Hereafter. The Islamic rulings on Ziyarat are clear and consistent across all 4 major Sunni schools of law. The distinction is between what is directed at Allah (always permissible) and what appears to be directed at the deceased (not permissible). Indian pilgrims sometimes encounter conflicting information from different religious backgrounds — the table below presents the mainstream Sunni scholarly position.

✓ Permissible

Visiting Islamic graves and cemeteries (Baqi’, Jannat al-Mu’alla, Uhud Martyrs’)
Reciting the Islamic Salam for the deceased: “Assalamu alaykum ya ahl al-diyar…”
Making Du’a to Allah for mercy on the deceased
Reciting Surah al-Fatihah, Surah Ya-Seen, or Surah al-Ikhlas and dedicating the reward to the deceased
Reflecting on mortality and the Hereafter while at a grave
Offering Salawat on the Prophet ﷺ at his tomb grille in Masjid al-Nabawi
Crying at graves out of remembrance of death or grief for the deceased

✗ Not Permissible

Directing Du’a (supplication) to the deceased person as an intermediary — Du’a is directed to Allah alone
Asking the deceased for personal requests, favours, or intercession on worldly matters
Placing hands on grave markers, kissing the grave, or prostrating (Sajdah) to graves
Lighting candles or incense at graves
Circling (Tawaf) around any grave — Tawaf is performed only around the Kaaba
Believing the deceased has independent power to grant or deny requests
Slaughtering animals at graves as a votive offering to the deceased

The Scholarly Consensus on Tawassul (Intercession)

Tawassul (seeking Allah’s mercy through the mention of a righteous person’s status) is a separate theological discussion from grave visitation. The permissible form — asking Allah to answer Du’a by virtue of the Prophet’s ﷺ status — is accepted by the majority of Sunni scholars including Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal. The impermissible form — directing a request directly to the deceased person — is agreed upon as prohibited across all 4 schools. Pilgrims with specific questions about their family’s traditional practices should consult a qualified scholar before arriving at the grave.

Section 5

How Do Indian Pilgrims Travel to Ziyarat Sites in Makkah and Madinah?

4 transport options exist for Ziyarat tours in Makkah and Madinah: operator-arranged private coaches (most common for Indian groups), Saudi public Ziyarat buses (cheapest, less flexible), taxis/Uber (flexible, more expensive), and Msha’er Electric Train (Hajj sites only).

Option	Cost	Sites Covered	Best For	Booking
Operator-arranged coach	Usually included in package (or SAR 50–100 add-on)	All major sites in one circuit	Indian groups — commentary in Hindi/Urdu; group departure times	Through your tour operator before departure
Saudi public Ziyarat buses	SAR 10–25 per circuit	Fixed routes — Makkah and Madinah circuits separately	Solo or budget pilgrims who missed operator tour	At the Haram bus station; no booking required
Taxi or Uber	SAR 80–200 per half-day tour	All sites at your own pace and sequence	Families with elderly parents who cannot walk tour distances; pilgrims with specific time windows	Uber app or negotiate with hotel taxi drivers
Msha’er Electric Train	Free for Hajj pilgrims with Hajj ID	Makkah → Mina → Arafat → Muzdalifah (during Hajj season only)	Hajj pilgrims travelling between Hajj sites on 8–13 Dhul Hijjah	HCoI or PTO provides Hajj train access cards

Section 6

What Ziyarat Services Do Umrah Operators Include vs Charge Extra For?

Most Indian Umrah packages (see Umrah Package Cost from India 2027: Economy to VIP Price Breakdown) include 1 Makkah Ziyarat bus tour and 1 Madinah Ziyarat bus tour as standard — but the inclusions, quality, and language of the guided commentary vary significantly between operators. Ask these 5 specific questions before confirming any package that includes Ziyarat:

Ziyarat Service	Economy Package	Deluxe Package	VIP/Premium Package
Makkah Ziyarat bus tour	Included	Included	Private vehicle
Madinah Ziyarat bus tour	Included	Included	Private vehicle
Hindi/Urdu commentary guide	Arabic only	Hindi/Urdu	Dedicated guide
Rawdah Nusuk booking assistance	Self-booking	Guidance provided	Operator books
Arafat / Mina visit (non-Hajj)	Extra SAR 50–80	Included	Included
Jabal al-Nour climb assistance	Not included	Drop-off only	Guide + assistance

The 5 questions to ask any Umrah operator — first confirm they are licensed using the How to Verify a Hajj & Umrah Operator’s Licence guide — about Ziyarat: (1) “Is the Makkah Ziyarat tour commentary in Hindi or Urdu, or Arabic only?” (2) “Does your package include Ziyarat to Arafat, Mina, and Muzdalifah or just the central Makkah sites?” (3) “Do you assist with Nusuk Rawdah booking, or is that our responsibility?” (4) “How many Ziyarat tours are included — one full day, or separate half-day tours for Makkah and Madinah?” (5) “Do you have a separate female guide for women’s Ziyarat groups?”

Frequently Asked Questions

Ziyarat in Makkah and Madinah — Common Questions Answered

Questions about visiting Islamic sites during Umrah

How much does a Ziyarat tour cost in Makkah and Madinah for Indian pilgrims?

A standard Makkah Ziyarat bus tour costs SAR 30–80 (₹700–₹1,800) per person if booked through a Saudi operator at the Haram; most Indian Umrah packages include at least 1 tour free. A Madinah Ziyarat bus tour (covering Masjid Quba, Masjid al-Qiblatayn, Uhud, Baqi’, and the Khandaq sites in 3–4 hours) costs SAR 40–100 (₹900–₹2,200) if not included in the package. A private taxi-based Ziyarat tour for a family of 4 costs SAR 200–400 (₹4,500–₹9,000) for a half day — more expensive but allows custom pacing for elderly members.

Can women visit Uhud and Baqi‘ cemetery in Madinah?

Women’s access to Baqi’ cemetery and Uhud Martyrs’ cemetery has been intermittently restricted and permitted under different Saudi policies over the years. As of 2024–2025, women have been permitted to visit Baqi’ and Uhud for Ziyarat during designated visiting hours, accompanied by their group. Confirm the current policy with your operator before arrival in Madinah — Saudi Haram and cemetery authorities can change access rules without advance notice. Women’s Ziyarat at Uhud (standing at the Martyrs’ Cemetery gate area) has been consistently permitted. Women can participate in all Madinah bus Ziyarat tours including the Uhud stop.

Is it necessary to wear Ihram for Ziyarat tours in Makkah?

Ihram for Umrah: Rules, Garments & 14 Prohibitions is not required for Ziyarat tours in Makkah — Ihram is only required for the Umrah rites themselves (Tawaf, Sa’i, and Halq/Taqsir). After completing Umrah and exiting Ihram (by performing Halq or Taqsir), pilgrims wear regular clothing for all subsequent activities in Makkah including Ziyarat tours to Jabal al-Nour, Jabal Thawr, Jannat al-Mu’alla, and the Hajj sites. Men do not need to wear Ihram sheets on Ziyarat bus tours. Women wear their regular modest clothing and abaya.

What is the reward of praying at Masjid Quba and how often should I visit?

Praying 2 rak’ahs in Masjid Quba equals the reward of one complete Umrah — this is narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari (Book 20, Hadith 96). The Prophet ﷺ visited Masjid Quba every Saturday and prayed 2 rak’ahs there. The condition stated in the Hadith is performing Wudu at home (or hotel) before travelling to the mosque — not performing Wudu at the mosque itself. Visit Masjid Quba on every day of your Madinah stay if possible — each visit with Wudu and 2 rak’ahs earns the Umrah reward again. The mosque is 5km from Masjid al-Nabawi — your operator’s Madinah Ziyarat tour will include 1 visit; additional visits require a taxi or Uber (SAR 15–20 one-way).

Related Guides

Ziyarat in Makkah and Madinah — Complete Guide for Indian Pilgrims