How long does Umrah take? How to build a realistic and balanced Umrah programme

How many days is an Umrah programme?

An Umrah programme is not tied to a fixed number of days; it is generally planned in blocks of 7, 10, 14 or 21 days. The length of the trip can be freely decided according to the traveller’s work or family leave, budget and the number of nights they want to spend in Makkah and Madinah.

Basic approaches to consider when deciding the length of the programme:

• Short programmes (7–8 days): Ideal for those who work or have limited time. Usually arranged as 3 nights in Madinah and 4 nights in Makkah.
• Standard programmes (10–12 days): The length that strikes the best balance between worship and rest. Extremely comfortable for those who want to spend a long time in the mosques.
• Long programmes (14–21 days): Preferred in wide time windows such as the month of Ramadan or the school half-term holiday.

What does an Umrah programme look like?

An ideal Umrah programme consists of the outbound flight, the stay in Madinah, entering ihram, the transfer to Makkah, performing the Umrah rites and the return flight. The order is usually to spend 3-4 nights first in Madinah, visiting the Prophet’s Mosque, and then move to Makkah by high-speed train and complete the Umrah.

A realistic travel flow that doesn’t wear you out:

• Arrival and stay in Madinah: Starting the trip with Madinah is a wonderful beginning for shaking off flight fatigue and preparing spiritually in the calm of the Prophet’s Mosque.
• Madinah-Makkah high-speed train transfer: Travelling from Madinah to Makkah, choosing the 2-hour-20-minute Haramain high-speed train instead of a coach keeps road fatigue to a minimum.
• Arrival in Makkah and Umrah: Right after settling into your hotel in Makkah, you go to the Haram and complete the Umrah tawaf and sa’y, then leave ihram by cutting the hair.

How many Umrahs are performed in a 15-day Umrah?

On a 15-day Umrah trip, the essential thing is the one main Umrah performed by entering ihram. Visitors who wish may perform additional Umrahs during their time in Makkah by going to the miqat boundary (the Tan’im Mosque); however, the essential point is to avoid excessive physical fatigue and focus on tawaf and worship at the Kaaba.

The approach to additional Umrahs according to Diyanet, Turkey’s Presidency of Religious Affairs, and fiqh sources:

• Emphasis on quality: Rather than wearing the body out by going back and forth to the miqat boundary one after another, it is considered more virtuous to spend the time inside the Masjid al-Haram performing tawaf, reciting the Qur’an and resting.
• Health and stamina: Umrahs performed back to back in a hot climate can lower the body’s resistance. Rest breaks must always be left between additional Umrahs.

In which month is Umrah most comfortable?

The most comfortable Umrah trip takes place in November, December, January and February, when the climate is cool. In these winter months, when the desert heat loses its force, daytime walks and worship are physically far less tiring.

Key criteria when choosing the period:

• Temperature (November – February): The weather is mild by day and cool at night. It is the most comfortable time for families with children and elderly visitors.
• Quieter periods (October and May): At the opening or closing of the season, crowd density drops; there is more flexibility in hotel and flight options.
• Busy periods (Ramadan and school half-term): Periods when the spiritual atmosphere is at its peak but crowd density reaches its highest level.

Plan your Umrah with your own calendar

How many days you set aside for Umrah, or how many nights you stay in your hotel, doesn’t have to be limited by standard packages prepared by others. You can build your trip entirely freely around your own work calendar and your family’s needs.

With Zair, you choose for yourself your outbound and return dates, your split of nights between Madinah and Makkah and your high-speed train times. We keep track of the operational processes, and you focus on your worship.