To do a DIY Umrah, choose your dates and nights in Makkah and Madinah, confirm the right visa route for your passport and residency, book a return flight to Jeddah or Madinah, book hotels near the Haram, arrange private transport between airport, Makkah and Madinah, book Rawdah through Nusuk, and keep a buffer budget. A customized package lets you choose each piece while someone on the ground handles the logistics.
Reviewed by our team — always confirm current official rules.
- Decide nights first: most families choose 7–15 nights, with more nights in Makkah.
- Your visa route depends on your passport and where you live — check it before paying for flights.
- Hotel distance matters more than star rating, especially for elders.
- Book the Rawdah through the official Nusuk app; men and women have separate slots.
- Private transport saves hours compared with waiting for shared buses.
In this Guide
Starting in Madinah gives a calmer first few days to recover from travel before the Umrah rituals in Makkah. You then enter ihram at the Madinah miqat (Dhul Hulaifah) on the way to Makkah.
Step 1: Choose your dates and nights
Start with how many days you can travel, then split them between Makkah and Madinah. A common split is two-thirds in Makkah and one-third in Madinah.
Ramadan, school holidays and the weeks around Eid are the busiest and most expensive. Quieter months usually bring better hotel rates and calmer crowds.
Step 2: Confirm your visa route
Indian passport holders generally travel on an Umrah visa arranged through an authorised provider, or — if they are eligible — a Saudi tourist e-visa, for example through residency in a GCC country or a valid visa from certain countries. Rules change, so check the current official criteria for your situation.
Marhaba Haji does not sell standalone visas. Umrah visa assistance is offered only as part of an eligible full package.
Step 3: Book flights to Jeddah or Madinah
Jeddah (JED) is the usual gateway for Makkah; Madinah (MED) is ideal if you want to start in Madinah. Direct flights run from many Indian metros and every Gulf hub.
If you plan to perform Umrah on arrival in Jeddah, you must be in ihram before crossing the miqat — usually on the plane.
Step 4: Pick hotels near the Haram
Distance and route matter more than stars. Hotels in the Clock Tower and Jabal Omar area are closest in Makkah; the central area around Masjid an-Nabawi is best in Madinah.
Compare live prices for your exact dates, and check room size, breakfast and lift waiting times before you book.
Step 5: Arrange transport between cities
You need an airport pickup, a Makkah–Madinah transfer, and a drop-off for your return flight. The Haramain train is fast, while a private car or van takes you hotel to hotel with your luggage.
Step 6: Book Rawdah and plan ziyarat
Rawdah visits are booked in the official Nusuk app with separate timings for men and women. Ziyarat tours in Makkah and Madinah are easiest with a private vehicle and a guide.
Step 7: Set your budget
Your main costs are flights, hotels, transport and visa. Add a buffer for food, ziyarat, guides and shopping. Our planner adds up each item as you choose it.
Step 8: Keep support on the ground
Even when you plan everything yourself, a local contact who can sort out a late pickup or a hotel issue makes the trip much calmer — especially with elders or children.
Clarifications & Rules
Frequently Asked Questions
Marhaba Pilgrimage Editorial Desk
Verified GuidanceVerified Pilgrimage Logistics & Hospitality Specialists
Written and reviewed by Marhaba Haji ground coordinators who arrange customized Umrah journeys for Indian passport holders from India, the Gulf and beyond.
Have Questions About Your Pilgrimage?
Speak directly with Marhaba Haji's Bangalore team. We provide tailored hotel bookings, guided group packages, and visa advice.
