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Makkah and Madinah: preparing for Umrah from Uzbekistan

A trip to Makkah and Madinah is above all a spiritual journey. This page covers the practical side: seasons, hotel locations, the order of the days and what to sort out before you fly.

best time

The cooler months are November–February; Ramadan is the most sought-after and busiest period

highlights

  1. IThe Sacred Mosque (Al-Masjid al-Haram) and the Kaaba in Makkah
  2. IIThe Prophet's Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi) in Madinah
  3. IIIHotels within walking distance of the mosques
  4. IVZiyarat to the historic sites of both cities
  5. VGroup escort and help with documents

Who this trip is for

Umrah is the lesser pilgrimage and, unlike Hajj, can be performed at any time of year. From Uzbekistan, Umrah travellers include families, elderly parents accompanied by their children, married couples and groups from the local mahalla. The trip is physically demanding: lots of walking, heat, crowds and early rising for prayers.

Questions about the rites and religious matters are best discussed with an imam or a knowledgeable person you trust. We help with the organisational side: documents, flights, accommodation and logistics. The general preparation steps are described in our guide to Umrah from Uzbekistan.

When to go

Makkah and Madinah are hot for most of the year. From November to February the days are warm rather than exhausting, so these months suit elderly pilgrims and families with children. In Madinah, winter nights can be cool.

Ramadan is the most desired and the busiest period, especially the last ten days: hotel rooms near the Haram are scarce and prices are high. During the Hajj season, special restrictions apply to trips for other purposes. Summer heat is intense, so it is better to move circumambulation and walking to the evening and night.

Where to stay

Makkah

The main criterion is the distance to the Sacred Mosque. Front-row hotels by the Haram cost more but spare you long walks, which matters especially for older pilgrims. Hotels farther away are often linked to the mosque by shuttles or buses, but at peak times the journey takes longer.

Madinah

Hotels are packed tightly around the Prophet’s Mosque, many just a few minutes’ walk from the gates. Depending on who is in your family, it helps to pick a hotel near the gates leading to the women’s or men’s section.

Order of the trip

There are two types of programme: Madinah first and then Makkah, or the other way round. This determines where pilgrims put on ihram and enter the state of ihram. The group discusses this in advance.

In Makkah

  • Performing Umrah: tawaf around the Kaaba and sa’i between the hills of Safa and Marwa.
  • Prayers in the Sacred Mosque.
  • Ziyarat: sites connected with the history of Islam, according to the group programme.

In Madinah

  • Prayers in the Prophet’s Mosque.
  • A visit to Al-Rawdah with a prior permit, usually obtained through the official app. The permit process changes, so check it before you travel.
  • Ziyarat: Quba Mosque, Mount Uhud and other historic sites.

How many days to plan

The standard length is 10–14 days, with a few days in Madinah and the rest in Makkah. Shorter 7–8 day programmes are possible but leave less time for prayers and rest in between. With elderly relatives, it is better to choose a longer programme and keep the days light.

Good to know

Entry rules, visa types, vaccination requirements and rules on accompanying women are set by the Saudi authorities and change from time to time. We do not list processing times or fees on the website because they depend on the period and the type of trip. Rules are given as of October 2026 and may change: check with our manager or the official embassy website before you travel.

Be sure to take out medical travel insurance and bring a supply of personal medication with prescriptions. Wear shoes that are already broken in: you will walk many kilometres a day in Makkah. Drink water often and in small amounts, especially in the heat.

Flights from Tashkent go to Jeddah or Madinah; our manager will find direct and connecting options. Learn more about the country on our Saudi Arabia page.

Supporting elderly pilgrims

If parents or grandparents are travelling with you, discuss the physical demands with a doctor beforehand and bring a medical summary of their diagnoses in case they need help. The Sacred Mosque has options for performing the rites in a wheelchair for those who find walking hard; it is best to ask about the procedure on site. Plan rest breaks between prayers, avoid the most crowded hours and stay with the group. Agree on a meeting point in case you lose each other in the crowd.

Let us prepare your Umrah trip

Send a request, message us on Telegram @GlobalDestination1 or call +998 99 760-82-88. Our manager will explain the current application process and choose dates, hotels near the mosques and a trip format that works for your family.

Updated: 2026-10

FAQ

How long does an Umrah trip last?

Usually 10–14 days, split between Makkah and Madinah. The exact split depends on the group programme, the dates and the pilgrim's wishes.

What is the best time for Umrah?

Many people hope to perform Umrah during Ramadan, but it is the busiest and most expensive time. For a calmer trip with elderly parents, families often choose the cooler months outside the holidays.

Can I go on Umrah independently?

Formally, independent trips are possible, but the rules for permits, visas and bookings change regularly. It is more reliable to travel with an organiser who handles the paperwork and accompanies the group. Rules are given as of October 2026 and may change: check with our manager or the official embassy website before you travel.

Can non-Muslims visit Makkah?

No, entry to Makkah is permitted only to Muslims. The rules for Madinah are different and worth checking before you travel.

What should I take on Umrah?

Ihram for men, comfortable modest clothing, shoes for long walks, personal medication with prescriptions and copies of your documents. Our manager will give you a full list along with the trip programme.

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Global DestinationTashkent
TASHKENT2026

To: Global Destination

Where: Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Tel.: +998 99 760-82-88

Email: [email protected]

Telegram: @GlobalDestination1