How to Perform Umrah Step by Step

Umrah is a beautiful journey of worship that Muslims perform in Makkah. It is not as long as Hajj, but it is still very special. Many first-time pilgrims feel nervous because they do not know the exact steps. This guide explains how to perform Umrah step by step in a simple and clear way.

Umrah has four main steps: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and Halq or Taqsir. Before travelling, pilgrims should also arrange a valid visa, flights, hotels, transport, and required permits. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah provides official e-services for Umrah permits, where pilgrims choose available dates and issue permits through the official system. Nusuk is also an official platform overseen by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for Umrah and Ziyarah services.

SafaTrips helps Indian pilgrims plan Umrah in a simple way, especially families, senior citizens, couples, women travellers, and first-time pilgrims. Our Umrah packages start from ₹1,09,990 for a 15 Days Value Plan, with better comfort options at ₹1,34,990 Deluxe and ₹1,65,990 Dedicated Travel Expert Plan. Prices may increase based on travel month, airline fare, hotel distance, room sharing, direct flight availability, Ramadan demand, hotel category, transport type, meals, and Saudi service updates.

For complete travel planning, you can also explore Umrah Packages from India and choose a plan that matches your budget and comfort.

What Is Umrah?

Umrah is a pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at most times of the year. It is different from Hajj. Hajj has fixed dates and is one of the five pillars of Islam for those who are able. Umrah is a highly blessed act of worship, but it does not have the same fixed days as Hajj.

Umrah includes entering the state of Ihram, going to Masjid al-Haram, performing Tawaf around the Kaaba, walking between Safa and Marwah, and then shaving or trimming the hair.

For a first-time pilgrim, the steps may look difficult at first. But when you understand them one by one, Umrah becomes easier to perform with peace and focus.

How to Perform Umrah Step by Step

To perform Umrah, first make intention and enter Ihram before crossing the Miqat. Then reach Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and perform Tawaf by walking seven rounds around the Kaaba. After Tawaf, pray two rakats if possible, drink Zamzam, and perform Sa’i by walking seven times between Safa and Marwah. Finally, men shave or trim their hair, while women cut a small fingertip-length portion of hair. After this, Umrah is complete.

Main Steps of Umrah

Step	Name	What You Do
Step 1	Ihram	Make intention and enter the sacred state
Step 2	Tawaf	Walk seven rounds around the Kaaba
Step 3	Sa’i	Walk seven times between Safa and Marwah
Step 4	Halq or Taqsir	Shave or trim hair to complete Umrah

Before You Travel for Umrah

Good preparation makes Umrah easier. Many problems happen when pilgrims only think about the rituals and forget travel planning. Umrah is both a spiritual journey and an international trip, so you need proper documents, bookings, and guidance.

Before travelling, check these important things:

Preparation	Why It Matters
Valid passport	Needed for visa and travel
Saudi visa	Required to enter Saudi Arabia
Flight booking	Should match hotel and visa dates
Hotel in Makkah	Closer hotels reduce walking stress
Hotel in Madinah	Useful if visiting Masjid an-Nabawi
Airport transfer	Helps avoid confusion after arrival
Umrah permit	Required through official systems as per availability
Ihram clothes	Needed before Miqat
Basic medicines	Important for seniors and families
Phone and internet	Needed for apps, permits, and contact

If you need visa help, SafaTrips can guide you through Saudi Umrah Visa Services so your documents and travel plan are handled properly.

Step 1: Enter the State of Ihram

Ihram is the first step of Umrah. It is a sacred state that a pilgrim enters before crossing the Miqat. Miqat is the boundary point where pilgrims must enter Ihram before going toward Makkah for Umrah.

For men, Ihram clothing is usually two white unstitched cloths. One cloth is wrapped around the lower body, and the other covers the upper body. Men should not wear stitched clothes, covered shoes, or head coverings while in Ihram.

For women, Ihram does not mean wearing two white sheets. Women can wear normal modest Islamic clothing. The clothes should be loose, simple, and cover properly. Women should not cover the face with a niqab during Ihram, but they should follow modesty rules.

Before Ihram, it is good to:

• Take a bath if possible.
• Trim nails before entering Ihram.
• Remove unwanted hair before Ihram if needed.
• Wear clean clothes.
• Apply perfume before Ihram, not after entering Ihram.
• Pray two rakats if there is time and it is suitable.
• Then make the intention for Umrah.

The intention can be made in your heart. You may say: “Labbaik Allahumma Umrah”
Meaning: O Allah, I am here to perform Umrah.

After this, start reciting the Talbiyah: “Labbaik Allahumma labbaik, labbaika la sharika laka labbaik, innal hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.”

Meaning: Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner. Surely all praise, blessings, and kingdom belong to You. You have no partner.

Things Not Allowed in Ihram

Ihram is a state of discipline. Pilgrims should stay calm, respectful, and focused on worship. Some actions are not allowed after entering Ihram.

Not Allowed in Ihram	Simple Explanation
Cutting hair	Wait until Umrah is completed
Cutting nails	Avoid until after Halq or Taqsir
Applying perfume	Do not use perfume after Ihram begins
Hunting	Not allowed
Marital relations	Not allowed in Ihram
Fighting or arguing	Avoid anger and bad language
Men covering head	Men should not cover the head in Ihram
Men wearing stitched clothes	Men should avoid stitched clothing in Ihram

For more detailed clothing rules, you can read Ihram Rules for Men and Ihram Rules for Women.

Step 2: Reach Makkah and Enter Masjid al-Haram

After entering Ihram, pilgrims travel toward Makkah. Keep reciting Talbiyah during the journey. When you reach your hotel, you may rest if needed, especially if you are tired after a long flight. Umrah should be performed with focus, not in a rushed or exhausted state.

When you are ready, go to Masjid al-Haram. Enter calmly with respect. Keep your eyes and heart focused on Allah. The first sight of the Kaaba is very emotional for many pilgrims. Use this time to make dua.

Masjid al-Haram can be crowded, so stay with your family or group. If you are travelling with senior citizens or children, decide a meeting point before entering.

Step 3: Perform Tawaf Around the Kaaba

Tawaf means walking around the Kaaba seven times. This is one of the main steps of Umrah.

Before starting Tawaf, men doing Umrah usually keep the right shoulder uncovered during Tawaf. This is called Idtiba. It is done only during Tawaf, not during the whole Umrah journey.

Start Tawaf from the area of Hajar al-Aswad, the Black Stone. You do not need to touch or kiss the Black Stone if there is a crowd. It is enough to face it from a distance and say: “Bismillahi Allahu Akbar”

Then start walking around the Kaaba in an anti-clockwise direction.

One complete round begins at Hajar al-Aswad and ends when you return to the same point. Complete seven rounds.

During Tawaf, you can make any dua. You can recite Quran, praise Allah, ask for forgiveness, and make personal duas. There is no fixed dua required for every round.

Between the Yemeni Corner and Hajar al-Aswad, many pilgrims recite: “Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah, wa fil-akhirati hasanah, wa qina adhaban-nar.”

Meaning: Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.

Tawaf Tips for First-Time Pilgrims

• Tawaf can feel crowded, but it becomes easier if you stay patient.
• Do not push others.
• Do not try to reach the Black Stone by force.
• Keep children close.
• Avoid taking too many photos.
• Make dua with full attention.
• Walk at a comfortable speed.
• Help elderly people if they are with you.
• Stay hydrated before or after Tawaf.

If the ground floor is too crowded, upper floors may be easier, but the walking distance will be longer. Senior citizens may need wheelchair support if they cannot walk much.

Step 4: Pray Two Rakats After Tawaf

After completing seven rounds of Tawaf, pray two rakats if possible. Many pilgrims prefer to pray near Maqam Ibrahim, but if it is crowded, you can pray anywhere in Masjid al-Haram.

Do not block the Tawaf path. Do not push others to reach a specific place. The goal is to pray with peace and respect.

After prayer, drink Zamzam water. Drink slowly, face the Qibla if possible, and make dua.

Zamzam is a blessed water. Many pilgrims make dua for health, forgiveness, family, rizq, and acceptance of Umrah.

Step 5: Perform Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah

After Tawaf and prayer, go toward Safa and Marwah for Sa’i. Sa’i means walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times. This act reminds pilgrims of Hajar (may Allah be pleased with her) and her trust in Allah.

Start from Safa. Face the Kaaba direction, praise Allah, and make dua. Then walk from Safa to Marwah. This is counted as one round. Then walk from Marwah back to Safa. This is counted as the second round.

Continue until you complete seven rounds. The seventh round ends at Marwah.

Sa’i Count	Direction
1	Safa to Marwah
2	Marwah to Safa
3	Safa to Marwah
4	Marwah to Safa
5	Safa to Marwah
6	Marwah to Safa
7	Safa to Marwah

Men should walk a little faster between the green lights if they are able. Women do not need to run. Senior citizens and people with health issues can walk normally.

During Sa’i, you can make any dua. You can ask Allah for ease, forgiveness, guidance, and acceptance.

Step 6: Complete Umrah with Halq or Taqsir

After Sa’i, the final step is Halq or Taqsir.

Halq means shaving the head completely.
Taqsir means trimming the hair.

For men, shaving the head is more rewarding, but trimming is also allowed. If a man trims, he should trim from all sides of the head, not only a few hairs.

For women, shaving the head is not done. Women cut a small fingertip-length portion from the end of their hair.

After this step, your Umrah is complete. You can come out of Ihram and normal restrictions are lifted.

Umrah Step-by-Step

Order	Step	Done Where?	Important Note
1	Ihram	Before Miqat	Make intention for Umrah
2	Talbiyah	On the way to Makkah	Keep reciting with focus
3	Tawaf	Around Kaaba	Complete seven rounds
4	Two rakats	Masjid al-Haram	Pray where space is available
5	Zamzam	Masjid al-Haram	Drink and make dua
6	Sa’i	Safa and Marwah	Complete seven walks
7	Halq or Taqsir	After Sa’i	Shave or trim hair
8	Umrah complete	Makkah	Ihram restrictions end

What to Read During Umrah

Many first-time pilgrims worry because they do not know Arabic duas. You do not need to memorize long duas to perform Umrah. You can make dua in your own language. Allah understands every language and every heart.

You can make dua for:

• Forgiveness.
• Parents.
• Children.
• Good health.
• Halal rizq.
• Protection from hardship.
• Ease in this world and the Hereafter.
• Acceptance of Umrah.
• Guidance.
• Peace for the Ummah.

If you want simple duas before travelling, you can read our Dua for Umrah.

Umrah for Senior Citizens

Senior citizens can perform Umrah, but they need better planning. The main challenge is walking, crowd movement, heat, and tiredness. A senior-friendly plan should include closer hotels, smoother transfers, rest time, and proper guidance.

Senior pilgrims should avoid rushing. They should rest after arrival if the journey has been long. They should keep medicines, water, and emergency contact details with them.

SafaTrips helps senior citizens with suitable package planning, hotel selection, transfer support, and guided assistance. Families can also choose comfort-focused plans if elderly parents are travelling.

For better support, many families prefer our ₹1,65,990 Dedicated Travel Expert Plan because it gives more personal attention and smoother planning.

Umrah with Family and Children

Family Umrah is a beautiful experience, but it needs patience. Children may get tired quickly, and crowded areas can be confusing. Parents should keep children close and avoid peak crowd times if possible.

A good family Umrah plan should include:

• Comfortable hotel location.
• Clear meeting point.
• Easy transport.
• Enough rest time.
• Simple meal planning.
• Light luggage.
• Extra patience during Tawaf and Sa’i.

Families should not rush rituals. It is better to perform Umrah calmly than to complete it in stress.

You can explore Family Umrah Packages if you are planning with parents, children, or relatives.

Umrah for Women

Women can perform Umrah with proper planning and modest clothing. They should wear comfortable clothes, carry essentials, and understand the rules of Ihram. Women do not wear men’s Ihram sheets. They can wear normal modest clothing.

Women should also plan for prayer areas, crowd timing, and group movement. If travelling in a women-only group, proper support becomes even more important.

Women should cut only a small portion of hair after Sa’i to complete Umrah. They should not shave the head.

Common Mistakes During Umrah

Many mistakes happen because pilgrims are nervous or uninformed. Learning before travel helps you avoid confusion.

Mistake	Better Way
Crossing Miqat without Ihram	Wear Ihram and make intention before Miqat
Pushing to touch Black Stone	Point from distance if crowded
Thinking fixed duas are compulsory	Make any sincere dua
Blocking Tawaf area for prayer	Pray where space is available
Rushing elderly pilgrims	Give them rest and support
Cutting hair before Sa’i	Cut hair only after completing Sa’i
Taking too much luggage to Haram	Carry only essentials
Arguing in Ihram	Stay calm and patient

Umrah is about humility. Do not let small problems disturb your worship.

Best Time to Perform Umrah

Umrah can be performed during most parts of the year, except when restrictions apply around Hajj season. The best time depends on your budget, weather preference, school holidays, and crowd comfort.

Winter months are more comfortable because the weather is cooler. Ramadan is highly special, but it is also more crowded and usually more expensive. School holidays are suitable for families, but prices may increase due to demand.

If you are budget-conscious, avoid peak travel dates when possible. If you want better comfort, book early and choose a package with better hotels and smoother transfers.

For seasonal planning, you can read our guide on the Best Time for Umrah.

What to Pack for Umrah

Packing should be simple. Do not carry too many things. You will need comfortable items that help you during travel, hotel stay, and mosque visits.

Useful packing items include:

• Passport and visa copies.
• Ihram clothes for men.
• Modest clothes for women.
• Comfortable slippers.
• Small drawstring bag.
• Unscented soap and wipes.
• Basic medicines.
• Prayer mat if needed.
• Power bank.
• Phone charger.
• Water bottle.
• Light snacks.
• Sunglasses.
• Small towel.

Do not carry heavy bags to Masjid al-Haram. Keep your hands free and your movement easy.

SafaTrips Umrah Package Options

SafaTrips offers practical Umrah packages for Indian pilgrims. Our pricing is clear and starts from ₹1,09,990. We do not suggest unsafe cheap travel shortcuts because Umrah needs proper guidance, good coordination, and reliable support.

Plan	Price	Best For	Duration	Comfort Level
15 Days Value Plan	₹1,09,990	Budget-conscious pilgrims	15 Days	Basic + Guided
15 Days Deluxe Plan	₹1,34,990	Families and first-time pilgrims	15 Days	Better Hotels + Support
Dedicated Travel Expert Plan	₹1,65,990	Seniors, private families, VIP support seekers	15 Days	Dedicated Assistance

SafaTrips can help with visa guidance, flights, Makkah hotel, Madinah hotel, airport transfer, Ziyarat planning, and package selection. Our goal is to make the journey simple so pilgrims can focus on ibadah.

How SafaTrips Helps First-Time Pilgrims

First-time pilgrims often have many questions. Where should I wear Ihram? How many rounds are in Tawaf? What if I forget a dua? Which hotel should I choose? Is transport included? How far is the hotel from Haram?

SafaTrips helps by explaining the journey in a simple way. We guide pilgrims before travel so they understand the flow of Umrah. We also help match the package with the pilgrim’s needs.

For example, a young solo pilgrim may choose a value plan. A family with children may need better hotel comfort. Senior citizens may need easier transfer and closer hotel options. Couples may prefer a quieter and more comfortable plan.

SafaTrips focuses on practical planning, not just package selling. We help you understand what you are booking and why it matters.

Simple 15-Day Umrah Journey Plan

Here is a simple sample plan. The final plan may change based on flights, hotel availability, visa, and package type.

Day	Plan
Day 1	Depart from India and arrive in Saudi Arabia
Day 2	Rest and prepare for Umrah
Day 3	Perform Umrah step by step
Day 4–6	Prayers in Makkah and personal ibadah
Day 7	Optional Makkah Ziyarat
Day 8	Travel to Madinah
Day 9–13	Prayers in Masjid an-Nabawi and optional Ziyarat
Day 14	Packing and final prayers
Day 15	Return journey to India

Some pilgrims visit Madinah first and then Makkah. Some perform Umrah soon after reaching Makkah. SafaTrips helps plan the sequence based on flight route and pilgrim comfort.

Visiting Madinah After Umrah

Visiting Madinah is not part of Umrah rituals, but many pilgrims include it in their journey. Madinah is home to Masjid an-Nabawi, one of the most loved places for Muslims.

Pilgrims may also try to visit Rawdah if permit availability allows. Since permit systems and availability may change, pilgrims should follow official app guidance and current rules. The official Nusuk platform is overseen by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and provides access to Umrah and Ziyarah-related services.

In Madinah, pilgrims usually spend time in prayer, salam, rest, and Ziyarat. The atmosphere is peaceful and deeply emotional.

Health and Safety Tips During Umrah

Umrah includes walking, heat, crowds, and long prayer times. Health planning is very important.

• Drink enough water.
• Do not skip meals.
• Wear comfortable footwear outside Ihram restrictions.
• Take medicines on time.
• Avoid walking too much in extreme heat.
• Use a wheelchair if needed.
• Keep emergency contact numbers.
• Stay with your group.
• Sleep properly.
• Do not ignore dizziness or weakness.

Senior citizens, diabetic pilgrims, heart patients, and people with mobility issues should speak to their doctor before travelling.

Manners to Follow During Umrah

Umrah is not only about completing steps. It is also about good manners. A pilgrim should be patient, humble, and kind.

Speak softly.

• Avoid arguments.
• Do not push others.
• Respect mosque staff.
• Keep the area clean.
• Help elderly pilgrims.
• Avoid wasting time.
• Make more dua.
• Avoid showing off.
• Focus on worship.

Small acts of kindness can make your Umrah more beautiful.

How Long Does Umrah Take?

The actual rituals of Umrah can take around 2 to 5 hours for many pilgrims, depending on crowd levels, walking speed, health, and mosque conditions. But you should not rush. During busy times, Tawaf and Sa’i can take longer.

Senior citizens, families with children, and pilgrims using wheelchairs may need more time. It is better to perform Umrah with calmness than to hurry and feel stressed.

Important Terms Every Pilgrim Should Know

Term	Meaning
Ihram	Sacred state for Umrah
Miqat	Boundary where Ihram must begin
Talbiyah	Words recited after intention
Tawaf	Seven rounds around Kaaba
Sa’i	Walking between Safa and Marwah
Halq	Shaving the head
Taqsir	Trimming the hair
Zamzam	Blessed water in Masjid al-Haram
Maqam Ibrahim	Place connected with Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام
Ziyarat	Visiting Islamic historical places

Why Choose SafaTrips for Umrah?

SafaTrips is suitable for Indian pilgrims who want clear planning, practical pricing, and guided support. We understand that Umrah is not a normal holiday. It is a spiritual journey, and every step should be planned with care.

SafaTrips helps with:

• Visa guidance.
• Flight coordination.
• Hotel selection.
• Makkah and Madinah planning.
• Airport transfer.
• Ziyarat support.
• Senior citizen assistance.
• Family-friendly package planning.
• Women traveller support.
• Clear pricing.

Our starting Umrah package is ₹1,09,990, with better comfort options at ₹1,34,990 and ₹1,65,990. You can also choose higher comfort plans based on hotel category, travel month, and personal needs.

If you want more comfort, you can also explore Deluxe Umrah Packages for better hotel and support options.

A Peaceful Umrah Starts with Simple Planning

Umrah becomes easier when you understand the steps before travelling. First, enter Ihram with the right intention. Then perform Tawaf around the Kaaba, pray two rakats, drink Zamzam, complete Sa’i between Safa and Marwah, and finish with Halq or Taqsir.

Do not worry if you do not know many duas. Speak to Allah from your heart. Stay patient, avoid arguments, and focus on worship. Umrah is a journey of love, humility, and forgiveness.

SafaTrips helps Indian pilgrims plan Umrah with clear packages, guided support, and practical advice. Whether you are travelling alone, with family, with elderly parents, or for the first time, our team can help you choose the right plan for a smoother journey.

FAQs About How to Perform Umrah Step by Step

What are the main steps of Umrah?

The main steps of Umrah are Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and Halq or Taqsir. First, enter Ihram before Miqat and make intention. Then perform seven rounds of Tawaf around the Kaaba. After that, perform Sa’i between Safa and Marwah seven times. Finally, shave or trim the hair to complete Umrah.

How many rounds are there in Tawaf?

There are seven rounds in Tawaf. One round starts from the area of Hajar al-Aswad and ends when you return to the same point. Pilgrims walk around the Kaaba in an anti-clockwise direction.

How many times do we walk between Safa and Marwah?

Pilgrims walk seven times between Safa and Marwah during Sa’i. Walking from Safa to Marwah is counted as one round, and walking back from Marwah to Safa is counted as the second round. The seventh round ends at Marwah.

Is it necessary to touch the Black Stone during Umrah?

No, it is not necessary to touch the Black Stone. If there is a crowd, pilgrims should not push others. It is enough to face the Black Stone from a distance, raise the hand, and say “Bismillahi Allahu Akbar.”

Can I perform Umrah without knowing Arabic duas?

Yes, you can perform Umrah even if you do not know Arabic duas. There are some recommended duas, but you can make dua in your own language. The most important thing is sincerity, humility, and focus on Allah.

What should women do after Sa’i?

After Sa’i, women should cut a small fingertip-length portion from the end of their hair. Women do not shave the head. After trimming the hair, Umrah is complete and Ihram restrictions end.

How long does it take to perform Umrah?

Umrah may take around 2 to 5 hours for many pilgrims, depending on crowd levels, walking speed, health, and mosque conditions. Senior citizens and families may need more time, so it is better not to rush.

Can senior citizens perform Umrah?

Yes, senior citizens can perform Umrah with proper planning. They may need closer hotels, wheelchair support, smooth transfers, rest time, and family or group assistance. SafaTrips helps senior pilgrims choose suitable Umrah plans based on comfort and health needs.

What is the starting price of SafaTrips Umrah packages?

SafaTrips Umrah packages start from ₹1,09,990 for a 15 Days Value Plan. Better comfort options are available at ₹1,34,990 Deluxe and ₹1,65,990 Dedicated Travel Expert Plan. Prices may increase based on travel season, hotel distance, flights, room sharing, and Saudi service updates.

Is Madinah visit part of Umrah?

No, visiting Madinah is not part of the Umrah rituals. Umrah is performed in Makkah. However, many pilgrims include Madinah in their journey to pray in Masjid an-Nabawi and visit important Islamic places.