Performing Umrah, the
Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, is a deeply spiritual journey for Muslims
worldwide. For Pakistani pilgrims, meticulous planning is essential to ensure a
smooth and spiritually fulfilling experience. This guide details the cost
of Umrah from Pakistan, pre-departure preparations, travel routes, how to
incorporate a visit to Turkey, and the final journey to Masjid al-Haram.
1. Understanding
Umrah Costs from Pakistan
The cost of Umrah
varies based on travel packages, accommodation quality, and additional
services. Below is a breakdown of expenses for 2023:
A. Package Types
- Economy Packages (1,500–1,500–2,500)
- Flights: Round-trip economy class (Karachi/Lahore/Islamabad to
Jeddah/Medina).
- Accommodation: Budget hotels in Mecca and Medina
(shared rooms, basic amenities).
- Transportation: Group shuttle services between cities
and holy sites.
- Visa Processing: Included in the package.
- Deluxe Packages (2,500–2,500–3,500)
- Flights: Direct flights with premium airlines (e.g., Saudia, Emirates).
- Accommodation: 4-star hotels near Masjid al-Haram and
Masjid an-Nabawi.
- Transportation: Private or semi-private transfers.
- Guided Support: Scholars or group leaders to assist
with rituals.
- Premium Packages (3,500–3,500–4,500+)
- Flights: Business class options.
- Accommodation: 5-star hotels (e.g., Hilton, Marriott)
with Haram views.
- VIP Services: Personal transportation, luxury
amenities, and exclusive guidance.
B. Additional Costs
- Visa Fees: 80–80–120 (processed via
Saudi-approved travel agents).
- Vaccinations: Meningitis (mandatory) and COVID-19
vaccines (~50–50–100).
- Travel Insurance: 50–50–150.
- Miscellaneous: Meals, Zamzam water, souvenirs, and
emergency funds (300–300–500).
Tip: Book packages through government-approved
agents (listed on Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs website) to
avoid scams.
2. Pre-Departure
Preparations
A. Documentation
- Valid passport (6+ months validity).
- Umrah visa (requires a confirmed hotel
booking and return flight ticket).
- Vaccination certificates (digitally
uploaded to the Saudi Muqeem portal).
- Hotel and flight itineraries.
B. Spiritual
Readiness
- Learn the steps of Umrah:
Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and Halq/Taqsir.
- Memorize supplications (duas) and Quranic
verses.
- Seek forgiveness and set sincere
intentions (niyyah).
C. Physical and
Practical Preparations
- Health Check-up: Ensure fitness for rituals (walking 7x
around the Kaaba, Safa-Marwa hills).
- Packing Essentials:
- Ihram clothing (2 sets).
- Comfortable footwear (sandals for Tawaf).
- Prayer mat, Quran, and dua books.
- Reusable water bottle and snacks.
- Hygiene items (unscented soap,
sanitizer).
D. Financial
Planning
- Notify your bank about international
travel.
- Carry Saudi Riyals (SAR) for local
expenses.
3. Travel
Itinerary: Pakistan to Saudi Arabia
A. Departure from
Pakistan
- Major Airports: Karachi (Jinnah), Lahore (Allama Iqbal),
Islamabad (Benazir Bhutto).
- Airlines: PIA, Saudia, Emirates, Qatar Airways (transit via Dubai/Doha).
- Flight Duration: 3–5 hours (direct) or 6–10 hours (with
layovers).
B. Arrival in Saudi
Arabia
- Jeddah (King Abdulaziz Airport): Closest to Mecca (90 km).
- Medina (Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz
Airport): Closer to
Masjid an-Nabawi.
Procedure:
- Clear immigration (present visa and
vaccination documents).
- Collect luggage and meet your tour
operator.
- Transfer to Mecca/Medina via bus or
private car.
4. Incorporating a
Visit to Turkey
Many pilgrims combine
Umrah with a trip to Turkey for tourism or spiritual reflection. Here’s how to
plan it:
A. Visa
Requirements for Turkey
- E-Visa: Apply online at www.evisa.gov.tr (60–60–80 for Pakistanis).
- Validity: 30–90 days (single entry).
B. Travel Routes
- Option 1: Pakistan → Turkey → Saudi Arabia
- Fly from Pakistan to Istanbul (Pegasus,
Turkish Airlines).
- Spend 3–5 days exploring Istanbul (Hagia
Sophia, Blue Mosque, Bosphorus cruise).
- Fly to Jeddah/Medina via Saudia or
Flynas.
- Option 2: Saudi Arabia → Turkey → Pakistan
- After Umrah, fly from Jeddah to Istanbul
(4-hour flight).
- Visit Cappadocia, Pamukkale, or Antalya
before returning to Pakistan.
C. Costs for Turkey
Visit
- Flights (Jeddah–Istanbul): 200–200–400
round-trip.
- Accommodation: 50–50–150/night
(budget to mid-range hotels).
- Food/Transport: 30–30–50/day.
Tip: Use Istanbul’s efficient metro system and
book tours via agencies like Türkiye Tour for discounted
rates.
5. Journey to
Masjid al-Haram
A. Entering the
State of Ihram
- Miqat Points: Pilgrims enter Ihram at designated
locations (e.g., Dhul-Hulaifah for Medina travelers).
- Procedure: Perform ghusl, wear Ihram (2 white
sheets), and recite the Talbiyah.
B. Performing Umrah
Rituals
- Tawaf: Circumambulate the Kaaba 7 times counterclockwise.
- Sa’i: Walk between Safa and Marwa hills.
- Halq/Taqsir: Shave or trim hair to complete Umrah.
C. Staying Near the
Haram
- Most hotels in Mecca are within 1 km of
the mosque. Use the King Fahad Expansion area for less
crowded prayer spaces.
- Transportation: Walk or use the Makkah Metro during
peak hours.
6. Challenges and
Tips for a Smooth Journey
A. Common
Challenges
- Crowds: Avoid peak prayer times for Tawaf.
- Language Barrier: Learn basic Arabic phrases or use
translation apps.
- Health Issues: Stay hydrated and avoid peak sun hours.
B. Pro Tips
- Download the Nusuk app
(official Saudi platform for Hajj/Umrah permits).
- Carry a lightweight bag for shoes during
prayers.
- Respect local customs (e.g., dress
modestly, avoid photography inside Haram).
Planning Umrah from
Pakistan requires attention to costs, documentation, and spiritual readiness.
By choosing a reputable travel package, preparing thoroughly, and optionally
extending your journey to Turkey, you can transform this pilgrimage into a holistic
spiritual and cultural experience. The ultimate reward—standing before the
Kaaba in Masjid al-Haram—is a moment of profound connection with Allah, making
every effort worthwhile.
May your journey be
blessed and accepted!
