How To Plan Your Own DIY Umrah - Guide & Step By Step Checklist

Are you thinking of planning your own Umrah trip this year?

Planning your own Umrah trip in 2025 might seem overwhelming at first, but with the correct planning and preparation it is more than doable. 

You just have to take the right steps, and you will see how smooth, affordable, and deeply rewarding your trip can be.

For this reason, these days, a majority of Muslims around the world are opting for do-it-yourself Umrah route, because it gives Pilgrims more control in comparison to the traditional way. 

Not only this, DIY Umrah also saves you money. Thus, this time, take the planning into your own hands and take this opportunity to plan a journey that is not only personalised but meaningful too.

So, it’s kind of like planning a holiday but with a spiritual purpose. 

If you’re thinking that performing Umrah on your own terms in 2025 means just ticking boxes, it’s more than that. It’s about embracing every second. 

From choosing your flight to standing before the Kaaba, you’re not just booking a trip - you’re assembling a journey according to your budget and heart. 

Well, if you’re intending to perform Umrah soon this year, this easy to follow, step-by-step guide is curated to help you with your planning. 

This DIY Umrah guide is simple and complete so that you can plan your Umrah journey with confidence.

Why Choose DIY?    

One of the best parts of choosing DIY Umrah is the freedom it gives to build a journey that suits you.

According to a research, flexibility, spirituality, and budget considerations are key factors that drive pilgrims to opt for DIY route.

Hence, DIY Umrah is a great decision, and here’s a simple breakdown of the benefits it offer.

Benefit	Explanation
Control	You have the control to pick your flights and hotels.
Savings	You cut costs with DIY planning, as it doesn’t involve pricey agency fees
Flexibility	You can travel whenever it suits you. You get the flexibility to decide where you want to stay.
Personal Connection	You feel more connected spiritually when you organise your journey yourself based on your choice and feasibility.

 

What Is the Cheapest Way to perform Umrah?

The cheapest way to do Umrah is by planning it yourself. Here are some key tips on how you can save your money while planning your trip to the fullest.

1. Book Flights Early:
   1. To get the best deals, consider booking early. Flights to Saudi Arabia can typically range from £150 ($150) to £450 ($600), but you can get up to 30% off if you book in advance.
2. Choose Budget Hotels:
   1. Choose to stay in hotels that are budget friendly. They are usually a little far (but close enough to walk) in both Makkah and Madinah. Hotel prices near the Haram can typically range from £75 ($100) to £200+ ($300+) per night, however affordable options charge as low as $50 per night
3. Travel Off-Peak:
   1. Flights and accommodation can cost up to 50% more during peak seasons, therefore the best time to get lower prices is to travel off-season. Ramadan is the busiest month of the year, so travelling in Ramadan would be costly if you want an affordable trip.
4. Use Local Transport:
   1. Travel in local buses or trains, instead of expensive tours. You will have to spend as little as $1–$5 for a bus or train ride within Makkah or Madinah, whereas instructor-led tours can cost you $50 or more per person.
5. Group Deals:
   1. You can get discounted rates if you consider booking as part of a small group rather individually. Group deals not only gives you company but offer opportunity to save up to 10-20%. This is a good percentage to save on your overall expenses.

By handling arrangements yourself and eliminating the agent, you can significantly lower expenses.

For instance, a full Umrah package through a travel agent may cost anywhere from £1,000 ($1,500) to £3,000 ($4,000), but with DIY planning, you can reduce this amount to around £600 ($800) to £1,200 ($1,200), depending on your choices. 

The choice of where to save and where to spend allows you to keep your Umrah trip affordable. 

This is the best way if you’ve been searching for how to perform Umrah without a travel agent.

All it requires is your willingness to put in the extra effort!

Download DIY Umrah Guide PDF

To make your experience smooth and more enjoyable, keep a DIY Umrah Guide (PDF format) handy. It’s the perfect resource to help you plan your pilgrimage with ease and confidence.

Check out our DIY Umrah Guide PDF.

It is the ultimate guide curated to help you plan your own trip step by step.

This virtual guide provides a clear, easy-to-follow roadmap to help you organise your Umrah journey. It includes everything from booking flights and hotels to understanding the religious rituals and timings.

So, whether you’re travelling for the first time or someone looking to perform Umrah independently, this guide is for you. It is packed with helpful tips and practical advice you will be grateful for. 

Besides this, the guide is designed by keeping in mind the affordability factor of the pilgrims. Thus, it will help you save money on your overall expense, while ensuring you experience a meaningful pilgrimage.

You’ll also get access to helpful checklists to make your planning process smooth without stressing your mind much. In short, don’t worry, our PDF Umrah guide has got you covered. 

So, download it today and start preparing for your spiritual journey!

How Do I Prepare Myself for Umrah?

Preparing for Umrah requires you to get ready in all ways: mentally, spiritually, and physically.

To prepare yourself fully, follow these steps.

Mental Preparation:

• Reflect on Your Intentions:
  • Understand the importance of Umrah and take time to set your spiritual goals.
• Learn the Rituals:
  • Familiarize yourself with the steps involved in Umrah. It will help you avoid confusion during actually performing it. Since every step requires you to read specific prayers, acquaint yourself with them in advance. 

That's why Pilgrim have created Umrah Dua cards and Umrah Companion to help you every step of the way! A simple and easy to follow flash cards during your pilgrimage.

Spiritual Preparation:

• Strengthen Your Faith:
  • Look for ways to strengthen your faith beforehand. One of the main ways is to engage in regular prayers and seek forgiveness before your trip.
• Read about Umrah:
  • Read and get a core understanding of the rituals that are part of Umrah. Understand their spiritual benefits.

Physical Preparation:

• Get the Right Documentation:
  • Make sure you have your passport, Umrah visa and vaccination documents in order.
• Health Preparations:
  • Check and get the mandatory vaccinations, plus carry any necessary medications with you, just in case.
• Pack Smart:
  • Pack essential items, like comfy shoes, Ihram, Umrah bag, umrah belt and toiletry kit, to ensure a comfortable trip.

Book Flights and Accommodation: Make smooth travel arrangements by planning ahead. Book early.

Umrah demands good preparation, and this holistic approach will ensure you’re fully ready.

Steps on How to Plan Your Own DIY Umrah

It is exciting and fulfilling to plan your own DIY Umrah trip. However, the process of planning requires thoughtful consideration of various aspects.

So, for your ease, try to break down the planning process into doable steps.

This way you can organise your plan and ensure that you have a rewarding experience in your journey ahead.

Let’s have a look at how you can make this happen.

Step 1: Plan in Advance to Save Money

The earlier you begin, the better deals you'll catch. Thus, planning ahead is key for a budget-friendly trip.

For flights, it is recommended to book at least 3-4 months early. This will help you secure the best prices. Since hotel prices fluctuate, booking in advance guarantees availability at an affordable rate.    

Another important thing to remember is to apply for Umrah visa ahead of time.

Moreover, much of the expense can be saved on food and transport as well by researching affordable options. 

If not this, another way to cut costs is by travelling in groups. Since many discounts are given with group travelling, you can make a big difference on flights, hotels, and even transport by choosing this option.      

Step 2: Determine the Best Time to Perform Umrah

The timing of your Umrah trip really matters, as it greatly affects your overall experience and expense. 

The best time to perform Umrah would be during Ramadan as this month holds extreme reward for any Muslim that performs Umrah, however, it will be more expensive.

If you're looking to go during a more quieter, less crowded time, then the best time will be after Hajj, as there will be fewer crowds and lower prices.

If you want to go when the weather is more manageable, then we'd recommend going during December to April.

The cheapest months to perform Umrah would be, December, April, May and September

Additional tip: Makkah features hot and dry climate. So, before booking, check the season for suitable temperatures, as it can impact your comfort.

Step 3: Flights - Jet Set for Jeddah

One of the most important steps in planning a DIY Umrah trip is booking your flight well in advance.

There are several airlines that fly from the UK to Saudi Arabia, and using a tool like  Google Flights, Momondo or Skyscanner will help you find the cheapest deals. 

Additionally, Wizz Air plans to launch flights from London Gatwick to Jeddah starting in March 2025.

To find the best deals, it is always a good move to compare prices on different flight-booking websites. You can also look for flight deals in advance through travel agencies.

It would be best to search for it during sales seasons.

Lastly, try flying on weekdays, as weekends tend to be more expensive. 

Step 4: Hotels - Finding the Perfect Umrah Accommodation

A major part of your Umrah planning revolves around where you stay.

For accommodation, there are a variety of hotels in Makkah and Madinah that range from budget to luxury.

If you want to save money, consider staying in a hotel that is a little farther from the Haram but is still within the reach by walk.

This way, you can lower your accommodation costs without losing access to the holy sites. Here are some of the budget-friendly hotel picks near the Haram.

These hotels are picked on the basis of star rating.

4 & 5-Star Hotel

Dar Al Eiman Grand Hotel

• Approximately 10–12 minutes of walking distance
• Offers reliable facilities
• Popular pick for groups
• Good value in off-season (moderately affordable)

2 & 3-Star Hotels

Al Kiswah Towers Hotel

• Approximately 10–15 minutes of walking distance
• Good value for money>
• Modern building 

Anwar Al Deafah Hotel

• Approximately 5 to 10 minutes of walking distance 
• Offers basic amenities
• Minimalist but practical

Since many hotels offer discounts for advance bookings, try to reserve your room well before your trip. Point to remember: proximity to the Haram is key!

Step 5: Arrange Your Umrah Visa

You can’t perform Umrah without a valid Umrah visa, so make sure you apply for your visa well in advance, because there can be delays in processing.

The new E-visa waiver for British nationals is a new visa introduced by the Saudi government, much cheaper when compared to the tourist visa and it's valid for for 180 days. However, the one disdavantage is that it's single entry only. 

If you want the stressful and cumbersome visa application process taken away from you, at Pilgrim Hub we offer a visa application service, if you'd like a professional to handle the process, click here.

You can’t apply for visa without some required documents. The documents include flight bookings, hotel reservations, and a valid passport. Verify if there are any changes to the visa requirements. For that, check the guidelines issued by the Saudi government. It also includes health requirements like vaccinations.      

In case you find yourself stuck in the produce and want to streamline the process, take agency’s help. Applying through a reputable agency is a good idea.

Step 6: Make Sure You Have the Right Vaccinations for 2025

Vaccinations are an important part of Umrah preparation since you have to proof your vaccination status at the time of entering the country.

There are specific vaccinations that Saudi Arabia requires from pilgrims. 

Below are the required and recommended vaccines,

Required Vaccines for Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims in 2025:

• Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccine
• Seasonal Influenza Vaccine
• COVID-19 Vaccine (if applicable)

Recommended Vaccines for Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims in 2025:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Typhoid
• Polio (Oral Polio Vaccine)

Be sure to get these before you’re all set to begin your journey.

Having the right vaccinations guarantees your safety and overall health during your journey to the sacred cities.

Step 7: Essential Apps for a Seamless Umrah Journey

 

 

For making your Umrah journey seamless and more organized, install apps.

• Nusuk App
  • The Nusuk App is another essential app for pilgrims performing Umrah. It is beneficial for managing your Umrah permit, which is required to enter Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage. This app allows you to apply for your permit online, making the process seamless and stress-free.

• Tawakkalna App

  • A crucial app for visitors in Saudi Arabia, Tawakkalna was initially developed for health monitoring and safety updates, particularly in response to COVID-19 regulations. It remains useful for travellers as it provides entry permits for certain areas, updates on local health guidelines, and vaccination status records.
• Haramain Train App
  • For those travelling between Mecca and Medina, the Haramain Train app is a must-have. It provides real-time schedules, ticket booking options, and travel updates for the high-speed Haramain railway
• Careem
  • One of the most reliable ride-hailing apps in Saudi Arabia, Careem provides safe, convenient, and affordable transport in Mecca, Medina, and beyond.

There are several apps available that help pilgrims with directions, prayer times, and guidance during their trip. 

Two of the helpful ones are: The Pilgrim App and My Dua List. The Pilgrim App is a must-have. It gives a variety of features that include key prayer times and a map of the Haram for easy navigation, local nearby services, tawaf counter, Islamic Landmarks, essentially making it the number 1 Umrah companion app for Muslim Pilgrims.

Whereas, My Dua List is another great app for Muslims. It's a website designed to help Muslims collect dua requests for Umrah, Hajj, Ramadan, traveling, etc.

Allowing you to ditch WhatsApp and Google forms for dua collections making it the number 1 application for dua requests.

It also offers a list of essential supplications you’ll want to have with you at hand during your pilgrimage

Step 8: Transportation

During your trip in Saudi Arabia, it is unavoidable to skip transportation between Makkah, Madinah, and other important sites. So, an economical move is to use local transport to get around.

For that Haramain Railway is one of the great options. It provides fast and affordable travel and connects Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah.

Apart from this, it's also a good idea to check with your hotel for shuttle services. These shuttle services by the hotels offer free transport to the Haram or nearby holy sites and mosques.

Step 9: Appoint a Mutawif

Wondering if you can get an expert in-person guide while performing Umrah? You may choose to appoint a Mutawif.

A mutawif (guide) is a knowledgeable person who knows about the rituals and can walk you through the entire process of Umrah.

They can help you not only with directions and prayers, but assist you in understanding the significance of each step of performing Umrah. It’s best to appoint a mutawif especially if you’re going to perform Umrah for the first time. 

Even though some travel agencies include a mutawif in their package, you can also hire one on your own, if you're interested in a mutawaif contact us here, and we'll get it arranged for you!

Step 10: Learn How to Perform Umrah

For acceptance, it’s essential to perform Umrah correctly. Here is the step-by-step guide to the rituals:

• Step 1: Entering the Sacred State of Ihram:
  • Enter into the state of Ihram (special clothes) before you reach the premises of the Haram in Makkah. It’s essential to declare your intention to perform Umrah at this step.
• Step 2: Circumambulating the Kaaba (Tawaf):
  • This step is all about walking around the Kaaba seven times. These walks are conducted in a counterclockwise direction. During Tawaf, recite prayers.
• Step 3: Walking Between Safa and Marwah (Sa’i):
  • After you’re done with Tawaf, walk between the hills known as Safa and Marwah seven times. This ritual is performed in the remembrance of Hagar’s search for water.
• Step 4: Shaving or Trimming the Hair (Tahallul):
  • For men, this step involves either trimming hair or shaving the head. However, women don’t need to shave their heads. For them, cutting a small portion of hair is required.
• Step 5: Personal Prayers (Dua):
  • Lastly, make prayers personal to you throughout the process. This is the time you must focus on your personal spiritual goals.

Umrah Dua Cards PDF

To ensure you perform Umrah properly, follow this structured approach. For the specific duas connected with each step, check out our digital Umrah dua cards.

How to Make the Most of Umrah?

Since performing Umrah is a deeply spiritual journey, there are numerous ways to make the most of your experience.

One of the keys is to stay mindful of the rituals and focus on your personal connection with Allah ^{سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى}.

By following this key, you can enhance your Umrah journey. For additional tips, keep reading!

• Maximise your duas:
  • Increase the frequency of making personal prayers throughout the journey to make the most of this opportunity.
• Be patient:
  • Stay calm and be patient. You might feel agitated because of the crowds, but remember, the journey is about devotion, not convenience. 
• Stay organised:
  • Plan in advance and stay organised, so you don’t feel rushed. 
• Get closer to the Kaaba:
  • Make most out of experience by trying to perform Tawaf as often as possible.
• Take time for reflection:
  • Connect spiritually and use moments in the Haram to reflect.

Umrah Itinerary for 5 Days

If you want a compact yet fulfilling experience, a 5-day Umrah itinerary is perfect for you. You can plan like this:

• Day 1: 
  • Arrive in Makkah, enter Ihram, and perform Tawaf and Sa’i at the Haram.
• Day 2: 
  • Visit significant holy sites in Makkah, such as the Cave of Hira and Mount Arafat.
• Day 3: 
  • Travel to Madinah and visit the Prophet’s Mosque and other key locations.
• Day 4: 
  • Explore Madinah’s significant sites like Quba Mosque and Uhud Mountain.
• Day 5: 
  • Perform a final duas/prayers before departing.
    

Umrah Itinerary for 10 Days

If you’re planning to go for extended period, a 10-day Umrah trip gives you enough time to experience Makkah, Madinah, and all the respective sacred sites.

Have a look at this proposed plan for an Umrah pilgrimage consisting of 10 days:

• Days 1-3:
  • Perform Umrah rituals in Makkah, including Ihram,Tawaf, Sa’i, etc
• Days 4-6:
  • Travel to Madinah, visiting important sites such as the Prophet’s Mosque and Quba Mosque.
• Days 7-9:
  • Perform additional rituals and visit more sites in Makkah and Madinah.
• Day 10:
  • Perform final prayers and depart from Makkah.

Umrah Dua Cards PDF

To make your pilgrimage more fulfilling, we are offering a Dua Cards PDF. It’s a helpful guide containing essential prayers needed to make your Umrah journey more meaningful.

This resource will help you remember all the important duas that are required at various steps of your pilgrimage.

Thus, it will ensure you don’t miss any essential supplications. Since it’s in PDF format, it’s handy and is easily accessible during your travels. 

Download your Umrah Dua Cards PDF today. This way, you’ll stay concentrated on your prayers during your DIY Umrah journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can you DIY Umrah?
  • Yes, you can make your Umrah do-it-yourself with proper planning and preparation.
• Can I hire a guide for Umrah?
  • Yes, you can hire a Mutawif to help you guide through the rituals. This way, you can make your Umrah journey smoother.
• Does Pilgrim have a guide on how women can perform Umrah?
  • Yes, Pilgrim does have a guide for women intending to perform Umrah.

Summary - DIY Umrah Guide

The DIY Umrah Guide is a beneficial aid that offers you everything you need to plan your own pilgrimage to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

Packed with essential steps, tips on money saving, and guidance on all essential arrangements, this helpful guide ensures you can perform Umrah confidently and spiritually.

From booking flights to learning the rituals, it’s a detailed resource tailored to make your journey well-organised and meaningful.

So, using this simple Umrah Guide, start your Umrah journey with confidence and devotion.

All set to take off on your spiritual journey? Purchase DIY Umrah Guide today and take control in your own hands of your pilgrimage experience.

With step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and everything you need to know, this guide will help you make the most of your sacred journey.

Don’t wait - start planning your meaningful DIY Umrah from the UK today!