Umrah Guide in Makkah: Step-by-step rituals for first-timers

Niyyah, Tawaf, prayer, Sa'i, and hair trimming: the five pillars of Umrah, guided through each one

A guided Umrah tour in Makkah walks you through each ritual step: making your intention, circling the Kaaba in Tawaf, praying behind Maqam Ibrahim, walking Sa'i between Safa and Marwah, and completing Halq or Taqsir. The guide speaks English or Arabic. Airport pickup by private vehicle or express train is included. The tour runs about six hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Perform Umrah rituals in Makkah

• Make intention for Umrah
• Recite Labbaik Allahumma Umrah
• Perform Tawaf around Kaaba
• Pray 2 Rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim
• Walk Sa’i between Safa and Marwah
• Men shave or shorten hair. Women cut hair

The experience

You arrive in Makkah for the first time, or you've been before but want the rituals explained clearly. A live guide meets you at the airport (by private car or express train, your choice), and walks you through each stage of Umrah without rushing. The guide speaks English or Arabic, so you understand not just what to do but why each step matters. Bottled water is provided throughout.

The ritual itself unfolds in sequence. You begin with Niyyah, stating your intention and reciting Labbaik Allahumma Umrah. Then comes Tawaf: seven counter-clockwise circuits around the Kaaba, starting at the Black Stone. After Tawaf, you pray two Rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim if space allows. Next is Sa'i, the walk between Safa and Marwah hills, completed in seven trips. The tour ends with Halq or Taqsir (men shave or trim their hair, women cut a small portion) marking the completion of Umrah.

The whole experience takes about six hours from start to finish. All areas are wheelchair accessible, and the tour suits any fitness level. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller, and small children sit on an adult's lap during transport. If you prefer public transit, options are available nearby.

What’s included

• Live guide in English or Arabic.
• airport pickup by private vehicle or express train.
• bottled water throughout the tour.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day8 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 22:00

Book up to1h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Makkah Tour

Is this one for you?Six hours is enough to complete all five ritual stages without rushing, but leaves the rest of your day free if you want to rest, explore the city, or return to your hotel. If you're arriving fresh and want to begin Umrah the same day, this timing works. If you prefer to settle in first, you can book for the following morning.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Arabic.

What exactly happens during Tawaf around the Kaaba?

Tawaf is seven counter-clockwise circuits around the Kaaba, beginning at the Black Stone. The guide leads you through the movement and explains the spiritual significance of each lap.

Do I need to know Arabic to follow the rituals?

No. Your guide speaks English or Arabic, whichever you choose at booking, and explains each step before you perform it, so language is not a barrier.

How do I get from the airport to the starting point?

Airport pickup is included. You can choose private vehicle transport or the express train, depending on your preference and arrival time.

What does Sa'i involve, and how long does it take?

Sa'i is a walk between Safa and Marwah hills, completed in seven trips back and forth. The guide leads you through all seven, and it is part of the six-hour tour duration.

Is this tour suitable if I'm visiting Makkah for the first time?

Yes. The tour is designed for first-time pilgrims. The guide walks you through every ritual step by step, making the experience clear and meaningful even if you've never performed Umrah before.