Plan Your Ziyarat Trips and Tours During Umrah

Performing Umrah is a deeply spiritual journey, but the experience does not have to end at the gates of Masjid al-Haram or Masjid an-Nabawi. Both Makkah and Madinah are surrounded by dozens of historically significant Islamic sites that every pilgrim should try to visit. These ziyarat (literally meaning "visits" in Arabic) connect you to the stories of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his companions, and the earliest days of Islam.

This guide covers the most important ziyarat locations accessible from both Makkah and Madinah, along with practical details on tour types, durations, and how to plan your visits.

Ziyarat Sites from Makkah

Most Makkah ziyarat tours cover 8 to 12 locations in a single half-day circuit. The standard route takes you through sites related to the life of the Prophet (PBUH), the early days of revelation, and the rituals of Hajj.

1. Jabal al-Noor and the Cave of Hira

This is the mountain where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to retreat for meditation, and where Angel Jibreel (AS) delivered the very first verses of the Quran. The cave sits near the summit of Jabal al-Noor (Mountain of Light).

Location: Approximately 4 km from Masjid al-Haram
Climb Duration: Around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the cave on foot
Note: The newly developed Hira Cultural District at the base of the mountain includes a Revelation Exhibition, Quran Museum, and marketplace. A cable car system is being built to improve accessibility for those unable to make the climb.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning after Fajr to avoid the heat

2. Jabal Thawr (Cave of Thawr)

This is the cave where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Abu Bakr (RA) hid for three days during the Hijrah (migration) to Madinah. A spider miraculously spun a web across the entrance, convincing their pursuers that no one had entered.

Location: About 8 km south of Masjid al-Haram
Climb Duration: 1 to 2 hours (strenuous terrain)
Note: Most visitors view the mountain from the base without climbing. The mountain itself is visible from the road during ziyarat tours.

3. Jannat ul-Mualla

One of the oldest and most sacred cemeteries in Islam, located less than 1 km from Masjid al-Haram. It is the resting place of Khadijah (RA), the Prophet's first wife, as well as several other family members and companions.

Location: Walking distance from the Haram
Access: Currently open for male visitors only
Duration: 15 to 20 minutes

4. Masjid al-Jinn

Located north of Masjid al-Haram, this mosque marks the site where a group of Jinn came to listen to the Quran being recited and pledged their faith to the Prophet (PBUH). It is a brief stop on most ziyarat routes but carries a unique place in Islamic history.

Location: About 1 km from the Haram
Duration: 10 to 15 minutes (drive-by or brief stop)

5. Masjid Aisha (Taneem)

This mosque serves as one of the Miqat points for those already in Makkah who wish to perform a second or subsequent Umrah. Named after Aisha (RA), who donned her ihram here on the instruction of the Prophet (PBUH) after the Farewell Hajj.

Location: About 7.5 km from Masjid al-Haram
Duration: 20 to 30 minutes (many pilgrims pray here before re-entering ihram)

6. Mount Arafat and Jabal ar-Rahmah

Arafat is the vast plain where pilgrims gather during Hajj on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah. Jabal ar-Rahmah (Mount of Mercy) within this plain is believed to be the place where Adam (AS) and Hawwa (AS) were reunited on Earth after descending from Paradise.

Location: About 20 km east of Makkah
Duration: 30 to 45 minutes at the site
Note: A white pillar marks the summit. The site is accessible year-round but is especially crowded during Hajj season.

7. Masjid Nimra

A grand mosque situated at the edge of the plain of Arafat, this is where the Prophet (PBUH) delivered his historic Farewell Sermon and led combined Dhuhr and Asr prayers during his final Hajj.

Location: Adjacent to the plain of Arafat
Note: The mosque may be closed on regular days and typically opens for Friday prayers and during Hajj season. You can pray in the outer courtyard if the main hall is closed.

8. Muzdalifah

An open plain between Mina and Arafat where pilgrims spend the night during Hajj, praying Maghrib and Isha together. Pebbles are collected here for the stoning ritual in Mina.

Location: Between Arafat and Mina
Duration: 15 to 20 minutes (brief stop on tour circuit)

9. Mina (Tent City)

Known as the Tent City, Mina is where the Jamarat pillars are located for the symbolic stoning of the devil during Hajj. This ritual commemorates Prophet Ibrahim (AS) rejecting the temptation of Shaytan.

Location: About 8 km from Makkah city centre
Duration: 15 to 20 minutes
Note: The massive scale of the permanent tent structures is impressive even outside Hajj season.

Ziyarat Sites from Madinah

Madinah ziyarat tours typically cover 6 to 8 locations and can be completed in 2 to 3 hours. The sites are more compact and closer together compared to Makkah.

1. Masjid an-Nabawi and the Rawdah

The Prophet's Mosque is the spiritual heart of Madinah and the second holiest mosque in Islam. Within it lies the Rawdah ash-Sharifah (Riyad ul-Jannah), the area between the Prophet's tomb and his pulpit, which he (PBUH) described as "a garden from the gardens of Paradise."

Location: Central Madinah
Access: Rawdah visits can be booked through the Nusuk app (separate booking for men and women)
Tip: Prepare your list of duas in advance, as time in the Rawdah is limited and precious

2. Jannat ul-Baqi

The oldest and largest Islamic cemetery, located immediately adjacent to Masjid an-Nabawi. It contains the graves of many of the Prophet's family members and companions, including his daughter Fatima (RA) and several of his wives.

Location: Next to Masjid an-Nabawi
Access: Open for male visitors during specific hours (usually after Fajr and Asr). Women can view and make dua from the boundary walls.
Duration: 15 to 20 minutes

3. Masjid Quba

The very first mosque built in Islam, constructed by the Prophet (PBUH) upon his arrival in Madinah in 622 CE. Praying two rakaat here carries the reward equivalent to performing an Umrah, according to authentic hadith.

Location: About 5 km south of Masjid an-Nabawi
Duration: 30 to 45 minutes
Tip: Many pilgrims walk from Masjid an-Nabawi to Masjid Quba after Fajr prayer, following the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) who used to visit it every Saturday.

4. Masjid al-Qiblatain (Mosque of the Two Qiblas)

This mosque marks one of the most pivotal moments in Islamic history. During a congregational prayer, the Prophet (PBUH) received divine revelation to change the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Makkah. He turned mid-prayer, and the entire congregation followed.

Location: About 4 km northwest of Masjid an-Nabawi
Duration: 20 to 30 minutes
Note: The former direction of the qibla towards Jerusalem is still marked inside the mosque.

5. Mount Uhud and the Martyrs' Cemetery

Mount Uhud is the site of the famous Battle of Uhud in 625 CE. The Prophet (PBUH) said, "Uhud is a mountain that loves us and we love it." The Martyrs' Cemetery (Shuhada) at the foot of the mountain contains the graves of 70 companions who were martyred in the battle, including Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib (RA), the Prophet's uncle.

Location: About 5 km north of Masjid an-Nabawi
Duration: 30 to 45 minutes
Key sites at Uhud: The battlefield itself, the Archers' Hill (Jabal al-Rumah), and the cave where the Prophet (PBUH) took refuge after being injured

6. The Seven Mosques (Sab'a Masajid)

A cluster of small historical mosques near the site of the Battle of the Trench (Khandaq). Each mosque is named after the companion who was stationed at that position during the battle. They are a testament to the defensive strategy and faith of the early Muslims.

Location: About 2 km from Masjid an-Nabawi
Duration: 15 to 20 minutes

7. Masjid al-Jumu'ah

The mosque where the first Friday prayer in Islam was held, during the Prophet's migration from Makkah to Madinah.

Location: About 2.5 km from Masjid an-Nabawi
Duration: 15 to 20 minutes

8. The Garden of Salman al-Farsi (RA)

A beautiful date palm garden where the Prophet (PBUH) rallied the Muslim community to plant 300 date palms to help free Salman al-Farsi (RA) from slavery. The Prophet (PBUH) planted some of the trees with his own blessed hands.

Location: In Madinah
Duration: 15 to 20 minutes

9. Beer e Ghars (Well of Ghars)

A well from which the Prophet (PBUH) drank and performed wudhu. It is also known as the Well of Paradise. The Prophet (PBUH) expressed a wish to be bathed with water from this well after his passing.

Location: In Madinah
Duration: 10 to 15 minutes (the well is covered by a metal grill for protection)

Private vs Shared Ziyarat Tours: What You Need to Know

One of the most common questions pilgrims have is whether to book a private or shared ziyarat tour. Here is a breakdown to help you decide.

Private Tours

Private tours give you a dedicated vehicle and driver (and optionally a guide) for your group. This is the most comfortable and flexible option.

Makkah Private Ziyarat: Typically 3 to 4 hours covering all major sites. Prices range from SAR 150 to SAR 800+ depending on vehicle type (sedan, SUV, van, or minibus) and group size. Luxury car options for small groups (up to 3 guests) start around SAR 150 to 200. Larger vehicles for families or groups of 7 to 15 guests range from SAR 400 to 800.
Madinah Private Ziyarat: Usually 2 to 3 hours. Prices range from SAR 100 to SAR 500+ depending on vehicle and group size.
Advantages: You control the pace, spend more time at sites that interest you, stop for photos, and travel in comfort with your family or group.
Best For: Families with children, elderly pilgrims, groups wanting a tailored experience, or anyone who prefers privacy and flexibility.

Shared/Group Tours

Shared tours operate on fixed schedules with a set route. You share the vehicle with other pilgrims.

Makkah Shared Ziyarat: Available from SAR 15 to SAR 50 per person for basic bus or van tours. These can be arranged through local operators near the Haram or through your hotel.
Madinah Shared Ziyarat: Starting from SAR 15 to SAR 30 per person. In Madinah, shared ziyarat transport can often be found near major gathering points.
Advantages: Budget-friendly, no minimum group size, and you get to meet fellow pilgrims.
Drawbacks: Fixed itinerary with limited time at each stop, less comfort, and larger groups can mean waiting.

Self-Arranged Visits

Some sites, particularly in Madinah, are within walking distance or a short taxi ride from your hotel. Many pilgrims walk to Masjid Quba, Jannat ul-Baqi, and the Seven Mosques independently.

Makkah: Self-arranged visits work for Jannat ul-Mualla (walkable from the Haram) and Masjid Aisha. For Arafat, Mina, and the mountain sites, a vehicle is essential.
Madinah: Walking from Masjid an-Nabawi to Masjid Quba (about 45 minutes) is a rewarding experience and follows the Sunnah. Mount Uhud, Masjid Qiblatain, and the Seven Mosques are best accessed by taxi or tour.

Practical Tips for Planning Your Ziyarat

Timing Your Visits

Makkah Ziyarat: Best done in the early morning (after Fajr) or late afternoon to avoid peak heat. Most tours start between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM or around 3:00 PM.
Madinah Ziyarat: Similarly, morning or late afternoon is ideal. The Madinah sites are slightly more compact, so an afternoon tour works well.
Avoid Fridays for Makkah/Madinah ziyarat tours as roads near the mosques become extremely congested around Jumu'ah prayer time.

What to Bring

Comfortable walking shoes (essential for mountain sites)
Sunscreen, hat, and a water bottle
A small prayer mat for praying at the sites
Your phone for photos and the Nusuk app (for Rawdah booking)
Light snacks, especially if travelling with children

Booking Your Tour

Through Your Hotel: Most hotels in Makkah and Madinah have tour desks or can arrange ziyarat through trusted local operators.
Online Platforms: Tours can be booked through platforms like Viator, GetYourGuide, Expedia, and local operators such as Dream Ziarah and Zamzam Umrah Taxi.
On-the-Ground: Local taxi drivers and tour operators near the Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi offer ziyarat tours. Negotiate the price and itinerary before departing.
Nusuk App: Essential for booking Rawdah visits in Madinah.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 (Makkah Ziyarat - Half Day): Start with Jabal al-Noor and the Hira Cultural District, then proceed to Jabal Thawr (view from base), Jannat ul-Mualla, Masjid al-Jinn, Arafat, Jabal ar-Rahmah, Masjid Nimra, Muzdalifah, and Mina. End with Masjid Aisha if you plan to perform another Umrah.

Day 2 (Madinah Ziyarat - Half Day): Begin with Masjid Quba, then visit Masjid al-Qiblatain, the Seven Mosques, Mount Uhud and the Martyrs' Cemetery, Masjid al-Jumu'ah, the Garden of Salman al-Farsi, and Beer e Ghars. Visit Jannat ul-Baqi separately (after Fajr or Asr prayer).

The Spiritual Value of Ziyarat

Ziyarat is not a mandatory part of Umrah, but it adds immense spiritual depth to your journey. Walking where the Prophet (PBUH) walked, standing where revelation descended, and seeing where the companions sacrificed their lives for Islam makes the stories of the Quran and Hadith feel tangible and real.

Whether you choose a private tour for comfort or join a shared group for fellowship, these visits will leave a lasting impression on your heart. For families, ziyarat is an especially powerful way to teach children about Islamic history in a way no classroom can replicate.

Plan your ziyarat in advance, carry a light heart and an open mind, and allow these sacred sites to deepen your connection with your faith.

Plan Your Ziyarat Trips and Tours During Umrah: Complete Guide to Islamic Holy Sites