How to Plan Your Own Umrah Package
Planning your own Umrah package can offer flexibility, cost savings, and a more personalized experience. While pre-arranged packages by travel agencies provide convenience, creating a custom Umrah package allows you to tailor every aspect of your journey to suit your needs, preferences, and budget. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to plan your own Umrah package.
1. Decide Your Travel Dates
The first step in planning your Umrah package is to choose your travel dates. Keep in mind that Umrah can be performed at any time of the year except during Hajj season. If you prefer a less crowded experience, avoid peak times such as Ramadan. Be sure to check the latest guidelines from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah regarding travel dates and requirements.
2. Apply for an Umrah Visa
To perform Umrah, you must have a valid Umrah visa. Unlike other types of visas, the Umrah visa has specific requirements. You can apply for the visa online through the official Saudi visa portal or via an authorized travel agent. Here’s what you’ll need:
A valid passport with at least six months of validity.
Recent passport-sized photos.
Proof of vaccination (especially COVID-19 and meningitis).
Confirmation of travel and accommodation details.
Visa processing typically takes 5 to 7 business days, so apply in advance to avoid delays.
3. Book Your Flights
When planning your own Umrah package, you’ll need to book flights to Saudi Arabia. You can either fly into Jeddah (closer to Makkah) or Madinah, depending on where you want to start your journey. Major airlines such as Air India, Saudia, and Emirates offer flights to both cities.
Tip: Use travel comparison websites to find the best deals and discounts on flights. Booking early or traveling during off-peak seasons can save you money.
Duration: Flights from major Indian cities like Mumbai typically take 4 to 5 hours.
4. Arrange Accommodation
Choosing the right accommodation is key to a comfortable Umrah experience. Here are some tips for selecting hotels:
Proximity: Book a hotel near Masjid al-Haram in Makkah or Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah to minimize travel time for prayers.
Budget: Accommodation options range from budget hotels to luxury 5-star properties. You can find affordable mid-range hotels that offer excellent services within walking distance of the mosques.
Book Early: During peak seasons, hotels fill up quickly, so it’s essential to book your stay in advance. Websites like Booking.com and Agoda offer great options, and you can filter by proximity and price.
5. Transportation Between Cities
If you’re planning to visit both Makkah and Madinah during your Umrah trip, you’ll need to arrange local transportation. There are several options:
Buses: Buses between Makkah and Madinah are frequent and affordable, taking about 4-5 hours.
Private Cars: If you prefer more comfort, hire a private car service. Though more expensive, this option offers convenience, especially for families or groups.
Train: The Haramain High-Speed Railway is a fast and efficient way to travel between Makkah and Madinah.
Ensure that your transportation is booked in advance, especially during busy seasons.
6. Plan Your Umrah Itinerary
Once you have your travel and accommodation sorted, it’s time to plan your Umrah rituals. Here’s a basic outline of the Umrah steps:
Ihram: Before entering the Miqat (the boundary around Makkah), you must wear Ihram (two white cloths for men; modest clothing for women) and make the intention to perform Umrah.
Tawaf: Upon arrival in Makkah, perform Tawaf (circumambulation) around the Kaaba seven times.
Sa’i: After completing Tawaf, perform Sa’i, walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times.
Tahalul: Finally, shave or trim your hair (Tahalul) to complete the Umrah rituals.
You can spread these rituals across a few days or complete them in a shorter timeframe, depending on your preferences and spiritual readiness.
7. Meal Planning
Depending on your accommodation, meals may or may not be included. Many hotels offer buffet-style breakfast or half-board (breakfast and dinner). If your hotel doesn’t include meals, there are numerous restaurants and eateries around the Haram in both Makkah and Madinah offering local and international cuisine.
Tip: Opt for hotels that include breakfast to simplify your daily schedule. You can explore local restaurants for lunch and dinner.
8. Budgeting for the Trip
Creating a personalized Umrah package allows you to manage your budget more effectively. Here’s a breakdown of common expenses:
Flights: ₹40,000 to ₹60,000 for a round-trip from India.
Accommodation: ₹40,000 to ₹80,000 depending on the type of hotel and season.
Visa: ₹7,000 to ₹10,000.
Transportation: ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 for travel between cities.
Food: ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 depending on meal preferences.
Total: Around ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,80,000 (this is an estimate and can vary depending on your travel choices).
9. Stay Connected with Technology
To make your journey easier, stay connected through technology. Purchase a local Saudi SIM card for mobile data or activate international roaming before your trip. Use helpful apps like:
Prayer time apps to ensure you don’t miss any important prayers.
Google Maps for navigating the streets of Makkah and Madinah.
Umrah guide apps for step-by-step instructions on the rituals.
10. Spiritual and Health Preparation
Spiritual Preparation: Spend time in prayer, repentance, and study before your departure to mentally and spiritually prepare yourself for Umrah.
Health and Safety: Ensure you are fully vaccinated, and carry any necessary medications. The weather in Saudi Arabia can be hot, so pack accordingly and stay hydrated. Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking a lot during your pilgrimage.
11. Create a Checklist
To ensure that you’ve planned everything, create a checklist with all the essential steps, including:
Booking flights and accommodation.
Applying for the visa.
Packing necessary items like Ihram garments, personal hygiene products, and documents.
Arranging local transportation and meals.
Conclusion
Planning your own Umrah package is not only achievable but can also be more rewarding as you have full control over your itinerary, accommodation, and budget. By carefully preparing and following these steps, you can create a smooth, personalized Umrah experience that meets both your spiritual and travel needs. Whether you prefer luxury or simplicity, you’ll find that organizing your own Umrah packages from Mumbai is an empowering way to make the most of your pilgrimage.
For any assistance or additional support, you can always reach out to travel experts like Alliance Tours India to help you along the way.
Can I apply for an Umrah visa on my own, or do I need a travel agent?
You can apply for an Umrah visa on your own through the official Saudi visa portal. However, many people prefer to use authorized travel agencies to ensure a smooth process and avoid any complications.
What should I pack for a self-planned Umrah trip?
Pack essentials such as Ihram garments, comfortable clothing, walking shoes, personal hygiene items, medication, and an empty bottle for Zamzam water. Ensure that you have all necessary travel documents, including your passport, visa, and vaccination certificates.
How early should I book flights and accommodation for my Umrah trip?
It’s advisable to book your flights and accommodation at least 2 to 3 months in advance, especially if you plan to travel during peak seasons like Ramadan or school holidays when prices tend to rise and availability decreases.
What are the main expenses I should budget for when planning my own Umrah package?
Key expenses include flights, accommodation, visa fees, local transportation, meals, and personal spending. On average, a 15-day Umrah trip can cost between ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,80,000 depending on the season and preferences.
Is it cheaper to plan my own Umrah package than booking a pre-arranged one?
Planning your own Umrah package can be more cost-effective as you have control over your flight choices, accommodation preferences, and other expenses. However, pre-arranged packages may offer convenience and bundled deals, which could be cost-saving in some cases.
Can I choose my own itinerary and schedule for Umrah rituals?
Yes, when planning your own Umrah package, you have complete flexibility in creating your itinerary. You can decide when to perform the Umrah rituals, how long to stay in each city, and which additional sites to visit.
What type of accommodation should I choose when booking on my own?
The choice of accommodation depends on your budget and proximity to the holy mosques. You can choose from budget hotels to luxury accommodations near Masjid al-Haram in Makkah or Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah, depending on your preferences and the level of comfort you seek.
What are the best transportation options between Makkah and Madinah?
The most common options are buses, private cars, and the Haramain High-Speed Railway. Buses are the most affordable, while private cars offer more comfort. The high-speed train is also a fast and efficient way to travel between the two cities.
What documents do I need to apply for an Umrah visa?
You will need a valid passport with at least six months of validity, recent passport-sized photos, proof of vaccination (for COVID-19 and meningitis), and confirmed travel and accommodation details to apply for an Umrah visa.
How can I stay connected with my family during my Umrah trip?
You can either purchase a local Saudi SIM card for mobile data or activate international roaming on your phone. Additionally, using apps like WhatsApp or Google Maps will help you stay connected and navigate during your trip.
