Beyond the rites of Umrah itself, Makkah is home to a number of historically and spiritually significant sites known as places of Ziyarah — visits made out of remembrance and reflection rather than obligation. Many pilgrims from Pakistan set aside a day or half-day during their trip to see these locations, but with limited time and hot weather, it helps to know which sites matter most, how to reach them, and what etiquette to keep in mind.
This guide walks through the key Ziyarah locations in and around Makkah, what each site represents, and practical visiting tips for a comfortable, respectful trip.
Jabal an-Noor & the Cave of Hira
Jabal an-Noor, the "Mountain of Light," sits a few kilometres from the Haram and holds the Cave of Hira, where the first revelation of the Qur'an is believed to have taken place. Reaching the cave means climbing a steep, uneven path — roughly 600–700 steps depending on the route — which typically takes 45 minutes to over an hour each way.
This is a physically demanding climb, especially in Makkah's heat, so it isn't recommended for elderly pilgrims or anyone with joint or heart conditions. Pilgrims who do attempt it should carry water, start early morning or after sunset to avoid peak heat, wear proper walking shoes, and pace themselves with rest stops along the way.
Jabal Thawr & the Cave of Thawr
Located south of Makkah, Jabal Thawr holds the cave where the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr (RA) are reported to have taken shelter during the migration to Madinah. The climb here is generally considered even steeper and more strenuous than Jabal an-Noor, and the cave itself has a narrow entrance.
Because of the difficulty of the climb, many pilgrims choose to view the mountain from a distance or visit as part of an organised group tour with a guide, rather than attempting the ascent independently.
Jabal-ar-Rahmah, Arafat
Jabal-ar-Rahmah, the "Mount of Mercy," stands in the plain of Arafat and marks the site associated with the Prophet's ﷺ Farewell Sermon. It's most closely tied to the Day of Arafah during Hajj, but pilgrims performing Umrah outside the Hajj season often still visit the site to reflect at the plain and the small hill.
Outside of Hajj days, the area is far less crowded, making it a calmer stop for quiet reflection. There's a marked pillar at the top that many pilgrims like to see, though climbing it is not obligatory or specially significant on its own.
Mina
Mina, sometimes called the "City of Tents" for the thousands of white fireproof tents that house pilgrims during Hajj, lies between Makkah and Muzdalifah. Umrah-only pilgrims commonly pass through or stop briefly at Mina as part of a wider historical tour, even though its main rites belong to Hajj.
Outside the Hajj period, Mina is quiet, and a stop there mainly serves to help pilgrims visualise the scale of the Hajj journey rather than to perform any specific ritual.
Muzdalifah
Muzdalifah sits between Mina and Arafat and is where Hajj pilgrims traditionally gather pebbles for the ritual of stoning the pillars at Mina. Like Mina, it's usually visited by Umrah pilgrims as part of a broader historical circuit rather than for any rite specific to Umrah itself.
Jannat al-Mu'alla
This is one of Makkah's oldest cemeteries, located close to the Haram, and is the resting place of a number of the Prophet's ﷺ family members and early companions. Many pilgrims visit briefly from outside the gates to offer prayers and reflect, in keeping with the general Islamic etiquette around visiting graves.
Access inside the cemetery itself is often restricted to men, and even then, entry rules can change, so it's best to check current access conditions locally before planning a visit.
Masjid Aisha (Ta'if Road Miqat)
Also known as Masjid al-Tan'eem, this mosque marks one of the miqat points where pilgrims already inside Makkah — commonly residents, or pilgrims wishing to perform an additional Umrah during their stay — enter into ihram. It's one of the more frequently visited sites for Pakistani pilgrims performing multiple Umrahs during an extended trip.
Planning a Ziyarah Trip
A few practical points make a Ziyarah trip smoother:
- Most sites are spread across Makkah's outskirts, so a private or shared vehicle is far more practical than walking between them.
- Group Ziyarah tours (often arranged through your package or local operators) are a convenient option, especially if it's your first time and you're unfamiliar with the routes.
- Early morning or after Isha are generally the most comfortable times to visit, avoiding Makkah's midday heat.
- Not every site needs to be visited in one trip — pace it across your stay rather than rushing through all of them in a single outing.
- If you're travelling with elderly parents or young children, it's worth choosing sites that don't involve strenuous climbs, such as Jannat al-Mu'alla, Masjid Aisha, or viewing Jabal an-Noor and Jabal Thawr from ground level.
Planning your trip and want Ziyarah included in your itinerary? Every My Umrah package includes Makkah and Madinah Ziyarat as standard. See Our Packages
Etiquette While Visiting
It's worth remembering that Ziyarah is an act of reflection and remembrance, not a ritual requirement of Umrah itself. Pilgrims should keep a few points of etiquette in mind: maintain a calm, respectful demeanour at each site rather than treating visits as sightseeing stops; avoid excessive photography, particularly at cemeteries and sites tied to companions; keep prayers and supplications personal and sincere rather than performative; and follow any local guidance or restrictions given by site caretakers or your tour guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is visiting Ziyarah sites part of Umrah?
No. Ziyarah is not a requirement of Umrah itself — it's a voluntary, reflective visit to historically significant sites that many pilgrims choose to make during their stay.
Can elderly pilgrims visit all these sites?
Sites involving mountain climbs, such as Jabal an-Noor and Jabal Thawr, are physically demanding and generally not advisable for elderly pilgrims or those with health conditions. Sites like Jannat al-Mu'alla and Masjid Aisha are more accessible.
How long does a full Ziyarah tour take?
A group tour covering the main sites typically takes half a day to a full day, depending on how many locations are included and how much time is spent at each stop.
Do My Umrah packages include Ziyarah?
Yes. Standard My Umrah packages include Ziyarat arrangements in both Makkah and Madinah, with the exact schedule confirmed alongside your itinerary.
Site access, opening arrangements and local guidance can change. Please confirm current conditions with your tour coordinator or local authorities before visiting, and always follow any restrictions in place at the time of your journey.
