Archival photograph; current arrangements may differ.Kaaba and Tawaf
Learn the official guidance for Tawaf and follow crowd directions. The photo is a view of the Kaaba, not a live crowd forecast.
Makkah • Madinah • A meaningful journey
Your journey to Makkah and Madinah
Discover sacred places, historic mosques and the landscapes around them. Shape a thoughtful visit around worship, learning and the needs of your travelling companions.
The True KSA is an independent information platform. Official services are linked, not provided here. Research checked: 14 October 2026
Begin with the purpose of your journey
Choose whether you are planning Umrah, Hajj, a stay in Madinah or a wider heritage visit. Build in rest, realistic transfers and time for worship before adding optional excursions.
Umrah
Prepare your pilgrimage arrangements and leave space for a calm stay in Makkah.
Hajj
Use the official route applicable to your country and your authorized provider.
Madinah
Make time for the Prophet’s Mosque and thoughtfully chosen nearby visits.
Islamic heritage
Explore historic places with a knowledgeable guide and respect for local arrangements.
Makkah: the Grand Mosque and your wider visit
Al Masjid Al Haram surrounds the Kaaba. Give your stay a clear rhythm: worship, rest and practical movement before optional historical visits.
Sources:Visit Saudi · Al Masjid Al Haram (opens in a new tab)Visit Saudi · Makkah (opens in a new tab)
Archival photograph; current arrangements may differ.
Safa and Marwa
Sa’i takes place between Safa and Marwa. Follow your official pilgrimage guidance and verify the current route for any assistance you need.
Zamzam, Maqam Ibrahim and the Hijr
Use current official mosque guidance to understand these places and services. Keep circulation clear and do not force access through a crowd.
Islamic heritage
Optional historical visits
Consider Jabal Al Nour, Jabal Thawr and selected historic mosques after your main arrangements are secure. Choose an exterior view when that suits your group.
Madinah: worship, reflection and nearby heritage
Plan time at Al Masjid An Nabawi alongside rest and a few well-chosen visits. Keep the mosque experience distinct from your optional excursions.
Archival photograph; current arrangements may differ.The Prophet’s Mosque
Confirm your arrival route, meeting point and return plan. Give priority to worshippers and follow staff directions.
Separate appointment
Rawdah appointment planning
Arrange prayer in the Rawdah through the official Nusuk service, using available appointment slots. A general mosque visit does not itself secure a Rawdah appointment.
Quba and Al Qiblatain
Choose separate time for these mosque visits and verify transport and local visitor arrangements.
Uhud and historical Madinah
Choose a respectful visit to Uhud, then consider selected historic mosques and heritage areas. Avoid turning a full day into a rushed checklist.
Al Baqi’ and museum enquiries
Confirm current Al Baqi’ visiting arrangements locally. For museums, check opening, languages and booking directly.
Prepare for Umrah
Keep entry eligibility, pilgrimage permits, travel bookings and the rites themselves as separate planning steps. Check current official requirements before committing to travel.
Preparation checklist
- 1
Check the entry route that applies to your passport and circumstances.
- 2
Confirm current permit arrangements through Nusuk and the Ministry.
- 3
Review official guidance for Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i and completion of Umrah.
- 4
Plan accommodation, transfers, assistance and rest around your actual needs.
Understand the Hajj journey
Hajj follows an authorized, seasonal programme. Nusuk Hajj serves specified countries, and registering does not mean that you have been accepted. Confirm the official route for your country.
Mina
Arafat
Muzdalifah
Jamarat
Use this section for orientation. Follow official guidance and your provider’s instructions for your individual rites, timing and movement.
Find places for your journey
Use the filters to build a shortlist. Confirm access, opening and transport before turning it into a booked itinerary.
34 places
- Muslims only
Al Masjid An Nabawi
المسجد النبوي
MadinahMosque
- Muslims only
Al Masjid Al Haram
المسجد الحرام
MakkahMosque
Jabal Al Nour
جبل النور
MakkahMountain or landscape
Jabal Thawr
جبل ثور
MakkahMountain or landscape
Hudaybiyyah historic site
موقع الحديبية التاريخي
MakkahHeritage place
Bay’ah Mosque
مسجد البيعة
MakkahMosque
Al Jinn Mosque
مسجد الجن
MakkahMosque
Al Tan’im Mosque — Aisha Mosque
مسجد التنعيم — مسجد عائشة
MakkahMosque
Seasonal access controlsNamirah Mosque
مسجد نمرة
Holy sitesMosque
Seasonal access controlsAl Khayf Mosque
مسجد الخيف
Holy sitesMosque
- Seasonal access controls
Jamarat complex
منشأة الجمرات
Holy sitesPilgrimage area
Al Ji’ranah Mosque
مسجد الجعرانة
MakkahMosque
Showing 12 of 34
Suggested journeys
Five flexible outlines to help you divide your time. Confirm transfers, appointments and your provider’s programme first.
- 1
3-day Makkah focus
A flexible outline for a short stay; your actual rites and arrival timing determine the order.
Day 1
Arrive, settle in and confirm your pilgrimage arrangements.
Day 2
Time at the Grand Mosque, rest and a manageable daily rhythm.
Day 3
One optional historical visit if suitable, followed by your departure plan.
Suggested plan — not a booked package
- 2
5-day Makkah and Madinah outline
A suggested division of time; transfer bookings and available appointments come first.
Days 1–2
Makkah stay and your confirmed Umrah arrangements.
Day 3
Confirmed intercity transfer, arrival and rest in Madinah.
Days 4–5
The Prophet’s Mosque, a Rawdah visit only with an available appointment, and selected nearby stops.
Suggested plan — not a booked package
- 3
7-day journey at a gentler pace
Fewer transfers and more rest for a group that prefers an unhurried stay.
Days 1–3
Settle in Makkah; prioritize pilgrimage arrangements, worship and rest.
Day 4
Transfer with enough time for both station or pickup arrangements and hotel arrival.
Days 5–7
Madinah stay with Quba or another chosen visit on a separate, manageable day.
Suggested plan — not a booked package
- 4
2-day Madinah visit
A short city visit centred on worship and one or two chosen excursions.
Day 1
Arrive, rest and visit the Prophet’s Mosque under current access arrangements.
Day 2
Choose Quba, Al Qiblatain or Uhud to suit your available time and group.
Suggested plan — not a booked package
- 5
Hajj: follow your authorized programme
Use your provider’s confirmed dates and movement plan. This is not a generic package or substitute ritual programme.
Before departure
Confirm your applicable official pathway, acceptance, booking and current health requirements.
During Hajj
Follow the assigned arrangements for the holy sites and your individual rites.
After the programme
Add a Madinah stay only if included or separately confirmed.
Suggested plan — not a booked package
Plan the practical details
Entry and permits
Check the current entry and pilgrimage route for your nationality. A tourist entry route is not a Hajj authorization.
Between cities
Confirm the operating rail or road service, station, ticket and luggage rules directly. The historic Hijaz station photo is not a modern rail departure point.
Sources:Haramain High Speed Railway — Official website (opens in a new tab)
(link could not be checked on 14 Oct 2026)
Stay and daily movement
Ask about the real walking route, slope, gates and transfers, not only a hotel’s stated distance from the mosque.
Health preparation
Read the Ministry of Health requirements for your journey, origin country and travel season. Review personal health needs with a qualified clinician.
Families and older travellers
Allow fewer stops, clear meeting points and time to rest. Agree a reunion plan before entering a busy area.
Mobility and assistance
Ask the operator about step-free routes, assistance, availability and charges. Confirm these arrangements before booking.
Visit with care and respect
Follow staff directions and keep gates and circulation routes clear.
Dress appropriately and respect the quiet of prayer spaces.
Ask before photographing people and follow site photography rules.
Treat historical excursions as optional visits, not additional pilgrimage rites.
Choose a pace that your whole group can manage.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Madinah visit part of my Umrah booking?
Check your package inclusions. A Madinah stay and its excursions need their own clear arrangements.
Does visiting the Prophet’s Mosque include a Rawdah appointment?
No. Use the official Nusuk appointment service and confirm available slots.
Are Hajj-site excursions available at any time?
Do not assume unrestricted access. Confirm seasonal controls and the applicable authorized arrangements.
Must I climb Jabal Al Nour or Jabal Al Rahmah?
Do not treat a historical excursion or a hill climb as a required pilgrimage rite. Use official guidance for your rites.
Can I book or obtain a permit on The True KSA?
Use the linked official services. This page provides discovery and planning information.
Official sources and photo credits
Research checked on 14 October 2026. Recheck operational requirements before travel. The True KSA is an independent information platform.
Official services and guidance
- Nusuk UmrahOfficial Umrah platform — Open official source (opens in a new tab)
- Nusuk HajjOfficial Hajj platform — Open official source (opens in a new tab)
- Nusuk HajjThe Hajj journey — Open official source (opens in a new tab)
- NusukMakkah and Madinah places — Open official source (opens in a new tab)
- Ministry of Hajj and UmrahRawdah visit permit service — Open official source (opens in a new tab)
- Ministry of Hajj and UmrahUmrah visit guide (PDF) — Open official source (opens in a new tab)
- Saudi eVisaTerms and conditions — Open official source (opens in a new tab)
- Visit SaudiMakkah — Open official source (opens in a new tab)
- Visit SaudiAl Masjid Al Haram — Open official source (opens in a new tab)
- Visit SaudiThe Prophet’s Mosque — Open official source (opens in a new tab)
- Visit SaudiQuba Mosque — Open official source (opens in a new tab)
- Visit SaudiAl Qiblatain Mosque — Open official source (opens in a new tab)
- Visit SaudiProphet’s Biography museum — Open official source (opens in a new tab)
- Visit SaudiHoly Quran Museum — Open official source (opens in a new tab)
- Ministry of HealthUmrah health requirements (PDF) — Open official source (opens in a new tab)
- Ministry of HealthHajj health requirements (PDF) — Open official source (opens in a new tab)
- Haramain High Speed RailwayOfficial websitelink could not be checked on 14 Oct 2026 — Open official source (opens in a new tab)
- Links open the official services in a new tab. The True KSA does not issue permits, bookings or packages.
View photo credits (38)
Real sourced photographs. Changes: cropping and WebP conversion. Nusuk and Visit Madinah photographs are used with permission; no public licence or endorsement is implied.
Archival photograph; current arrangements may differ.
| Photo | Credit | Licence | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jabal Al Nour — photographed view | Kaliper1 (opens in a new tab) | CC BY-SA 4.0 (opens in a new tab) | 1 January 2025 (according to Exif data) |
| Jabal Thawr — photographed view | Nusuk / Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (opens in a new tab) | Used with permission | Capture date not provided |
| Hudaybiyyah historic site — photographed view | Nusuk / Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (opens in a new tab) | Used with permission | Capture date not provided |
| Bay’ah Mosque — photographed view | Nusuk / Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (opens in a new tab) | Used with permission | Capture date not provided |
| Al Jinn Mosque — photographed view | Nusuk / Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (opens in a new tab) | Used with permission | Capture date not provided |
| Covered courtyard at Al Tan’im Mosque | Nusuk / Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (opens in a new tab) | Used with permission | Capture date not provided |
| Namirah Mosque — photographed view | Nusuk / Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (opens in a new tab) | Used with permission | Capture date not provided |
| Al Khayf Mosque — photographed view | Nusuk / Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (opens in a new tab) | Used with permission | Capture date not provided |
| Jamarat complex — photographed view | Nusuk / Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (opens in a new tab) | Used with permission | Capture date not provided |
| Al Ji’ranah Mosque — photographed view | Nusuk / Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (opens in a new tab) | Used with permission | Capture date not provided |
| Jabal Al Rahmah — photographed view | Nusuk / Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (opens in a new tab) | Used with permission | Capture date not provided |
| Ain Zubaida heritage — photographed view | Nusuk / Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (opens in a new tab) | Used with permission | Capture date not provided |
| Historic remains at Al Juhfa | Nusuk / Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (opens in a new tab) | Used with permission | Capture date not provided |
| Quba Mosque — photographed view | Nusuk / Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (opens in a new tab) | Used with permission | Capture date not provided |
| Badr area — photographed view | Nusuk / Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (opens in a new tab) | Used with permission | Capture date not provided |
| Uhud and Sayyid Al Shuhada area — photographed view | Nusuk / Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (opens in a new tab) | Used with permission | Capture date not provided |
| Al Khandaq area — photographed view | Nusuk / Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (opens in a new tab) | Used with permission | Capture date not provided |
| Rumah Well — photographed view | Nusuk / Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (opens in a new tab) | Used with permission | Capture date not provided |
| Ghars Well — photographed view | Nusuk / Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (opens in a new tab) | Used with permission | Capture date not provided |
| Al Ghamamah Mosque — photographed view | Nusuk / Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (opens in a new tab) | Used with permission | Capture date not provided |
| Abu Bakr Mosque — photographed view | Nusuk / Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (opens in a new tab) | Used with permission | Capture date not provided |
| Dome and interior of Umar Ibn Al Khattab Mosque in Madinah | Visit Madinah (opens in a new tab) | Used with permission | Capture date not provided |
| Ali Ibn Abi Talib Mosque — photographed view | Visit Madinah (opens in a new tab) | Used with permission | Capture date not provided |
| Bani Unaif Mosque — photographed view | Visit Madinah (opens in a new tab) | Used with permission | Capture date not provided |
| Prayer hall inside Al Qiblatain Mosque | Visit Madinah (opens in a new tab) | Used with permission | Capture date not provided |
| Al Suqya Mosque — photographed view | Visit Madinah (opens in a new tab) | Used with permission | Capture date not provided |
| Urwa Ibn Al Zubayr heritage area — photographed view | Visit Madinah (opens in a new tab) | Used with permission | Capture date not provided |
| Historic Hijaz Railway Station building in Madinah | Nusuk / Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (opens in a new tab) | Used with permission | Capture date not provided |
| Kaaba and worshippers in the Grand Mosque — archival panorama | Bluemangoa2z at Malayalam Wikipedia (opens in a new tab) | CC BY 3.0 (opens in a new tab) | 22 December 2007 (original upload date) |
| Kaaba and worshippers in the Grand Mosque — archival panorama | Bluemangoa2z at Malayalam Wikipedia (opens in a new tab) | CC BY 3.0 (opens in a new tab) | 22 December 2007 (original upload date) |
| Shade canopies in the Prophet’s Mosque courtyard — archival photograph | Vebra (opens in a new tab) | CC BY 3.0 (opens in a new tab) | Taken on 13 June 2014 |
| Kaaba Kiswah and doorway with worshippers — archival photograph | Benjamin Richter (opens in a new tab) | CC BY-SA 4.0 (opens in a new tab) | Capture date not provided |
| Green Dome and minaret at the Prophet’s Mosque | Nusuk / Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (opens in a new tab) | Used with permission | Capture date not provided |
| Makkah urban landscape around the Grand Mosque | Nusuk / Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (opens in a new tab) | Used with permission | Capture date not provided |
| Sa’i area between Safa and Marwa | Nusuk / Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (opens in a new tab) | Used with permission | Capture date not provided |
| Mina pilgrimage area | Nusuk / Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (opens in a new tab) | Used with permission | Capture date not provided |
| Arafat pilgrimage area | Nusuk / Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (opens in a new tab) | Used with permission | Capture date not provided |
| Muzdalifah pilgrimage area | Nusuk / Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (opens in a new tab) | Used with permission | Capture date not provided |