- November 27, 2025
Umrah is known as the minor pilgrimage not only because it is not obligatory as the Hajj but also because it has fewer rituals. Hajj is a lot more extensive pilgrimage that requires multiple days. You don’t need multiple days for Umrah. Many people are curious about how long it takes to do Umrah. You just need three to six hours to perform this pilgrimage. But pilgrims make sure to stay for a few days at the pilgrimage sites to immerse themselves in various acts of worship.
No doubt you can perform Umrah in a few hours. But having more days in the holy city gives you sufficient time for reflection. UK pilgrims and pilgrims around the world plan a multiple-day Umrah. This gives them enough time to perform various acts of worship, self-reflect, and explore multiple historic and religious sites around the two holy cities. If you have also started looking for Umrah packages with flights from the UK, you need a day-to-day breakdown to perform Umrah.
An Overview of the Duration of Umrah
Umrah is not like Hajj. Hajj is the obligatory pilgrimage that takes several days to perform and must be performed on specific dates. The minor or voluntary pilgrimage can be performed at any time of the year within a few hours.
You can perform all the Umrah rituals in three to six hours. But pilgrims want to have more time in the region to rest and explore the spiritual landmarks comfortably. More time also means you get more time to get closer to the Almighty and ask for His forgiveness. So, most pilgrims stay in the country for three to seven days.
Let’s break it all down for you day by day.
Day-by-Day Breakdown of an Umrah Trip
Day 1: Arrive in Makkah & Enter Ihram
As soon as you start the search for Umrah packages, your spiritual journey begins. All the preparation and planning are a part of it. But arriving in Makkah makes it all real. You will feel the spirituality in air as you enter this sacred city. Make sure to enter the state of Ihram before you cross Miqat (the designated boundary).
Purify yourself and wear the Ihram garment. Don’t forget the most crucial step which is to make an intention to perform the pilgrimage. Continuously chant “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk…”. If you are not tired, you can head over to the sacred Masjid al-Haram for the next ritual. However, many pilgrims check-in their hotels for rest or a quick nap.
Day 2: Perform the Core Umrah Rituals
Your second day must be all about performing the core rituals of the pilgrimage. Start your day as early as possible. The earlier you go to the pilgrimage sites, the better chance you have at beating the heavy crowds. Start by performing Tawaf around the Kaaba. This ritual involves making seven circles around the sacred cubic structure.
The next ritual is Sa’i. For Sa’i, pilgrims must head over to Safa and Mawrah. This ritual features walking between the two hills seven times to commemorate the struggles and faith of Hajar. After that comes the last ritual that takes you out of the obligations and rules of the state of Ihram. This ritual is Halq/Taqsir. It involves shaving or trimming hair.
Day 3: Rest, Reflection, & Extra Prayers
After you are done with your Umrah rituals, you can take a day to reflect on your journey and have a spiritual rejuvenation.. Performing extra prayers at the sacred Masjid al-Haram is a great way to yield additional rewards.
Moreover, spend time reading and understanding the Holy Quran. Also, make as many duas as possible to ask for the Almighty’s blessings and forgiveness. You can make all your personal duas and recite supplications from Quran and Sunnah. You can also perform Tawaf al-Nafl (optional Tawaf) if you want to spend more time at the Kaaba. It is a rewarding experience that connects you to the Creator.
Day 4: Explore Makkah’s Sacred Sites
Makkah has many sacred sites in addition to the pilgrimage sites that you will visit for your pilgrimage. You can visit these landmarks for an enlightening experience. Some of these landmarks include:
- Jabal al-Nour
- Mount Arafat
- Mina
- Cave Thawr
- Jannat al-Mu’alla
Day 5 & 6: Trip to Madinah
Pilgrims who visit Saudi Arabia also make sure to visit Madinah too. This is the city of the Prophet (SAW) and houses his last resting place. Here are some places that you must visit in Madinah.
- Masjid an-Nabawi
- Masjid Quba
- Mount Uhud
- Masjid Qiblatain
- Jannat al-Baqi
It is not obligatory to visit Madinah. However, it is a very spiritual uplifting experience and is something that no Muslim would want to miss out on.
Day 7: Departure & Final Reflections
At this day, you should return to Makkah for final reflections, gratitude, and contemplation. If you have time, perform a farewell Tawaf. Also make heartfelt duas and ask for the blessings of the Almighty. As you depart, make sure that you return with a renewed heart and faith. Reflect on your countless memories of closeness with the Almighty.
Summing Up
Umrah is a flexible pilgrimage. You can perform it whenever you want, with breaks and at your own pace. You can perform it in a few hours but spending at least seven days in the holy cities is recommended. Follow the above itinerary or create one of your own for maximum rewards and blessings for your Umrah trip.
Comments