Most visitors spend their time in Makkah between the hotel and the Grand Mosque, and rightly so. Many, though, want a morning to see the places tied to the Prophet's life and the rites of Hajj, or need a ride to the miqat to enter ihram for another Umrah. Those two kinds of outing are what this guide covers: the ziyarat tour, and the miqat ride, and how to arrange each by private car.
Part One: The Ziyarat Tour
Makkah's landmarks are spread around the edges of the city, and some are in the holy sites several kilometres from the Haram. A common route takes in:
| Site | General location | Why people visit |
|---|---|---|
| Jabal al-Nour (Cave of Hira) | Northeast of the Haram | Where the first revelation came; the climb is demanding |
| Jabal Thawr | South of the Haram | Its cave sheltered the Prophet and Abu Bakr during the Hijrah |
| Mina | East of Makkah | The pilgrims' tent city and the Jamarat complex |
| Muzdalifah | Between Mina and Arafat | Where pilgrims spend the night of the 10th of Dhul Hijjah |
| Arafat and Jabal al-Rahmah | East of Makkah, outside the Haram boundary | The site of the standing of Hajj, with Masjid Namirah |
Seeing the holy sites outside Hajj season is valuable for first-time visitors and anyone preparing for Hajj in future, because you see the distances and layout for yourself. Bear in mind that access to some areas can be restricted at certain times, especially as Hajj approaches, and the driver follows the traffic rules at each site.
A note on climbing the mountains
Visiting these places is for reflection and learning about the Prophet's life; there is no special act of worship attached to them, and climbing to Hira or Thawr is not part of any rite. The climbs are steep and need fitness, water and proper shoes, and are not advisable for older people in the heat. Many visitors simply look at the mountain and take photos from below.
Tour fare
| Tour | Sedan | Family SUV / Van | VIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makkah ziyarat tour | 150 SAR | 500 SAR | 1000 SAR |
The fare is for the whole car. The driver waits at each stop and brings you back to your hotel.
Part Two: The Miqat Ride for Another Umrah
Someone already inside Makkah who wants to perform another Umrah needs to go out to the hill, meaning outside the Haram boundary, enter ihram there, and come back. The two places people most often use are:
- Masjid Aisha at Taneem: the closest to the Grand Mosque, and therefore the most used.
- Masjid al-Jaaranah: a little further away to the northeast of Makkah, preferred by some visitors.
Both mosques have washing and wudu facilities, so you can bring your ihram clothes and change there. The ride goes out to the mosque and back to the Haram or your hotel:
| Ride from Makkah | Sedan | Family SUV / Van | VIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masjid Aisha / Taneem | 90 SAR | 150 SAR | 300 SAR |
| Masjid al-Jaaranah | 100 SAR | 200 SAR | 400 SAR |
Confirm with our team on WhatsApp if you want the return leg in the same booking, and tell us where you want to be dropped.
Choosing the Right Time
- Early morning: best for the ziyarat tour, with less heat and quieter roads.
- Away from prayer times at the Haram: roads around the central area clog before and after prayers, especially on Fridays.
- Miqat rides at night: many prefer to do the extra Umrah when it is cooler.
What to Send When Booking
- Your hotel or pickup point.
- The type of ride: ziyarat tour, Taneem or Jaaranah.
- Your preferred time and the number of people.
- The vehicle type, and whether you have elderly travellers or children.
For other rides inside the city, see our Makkah taxi page, and for other routes the fare guide.
After the Tour: Where Next?
If the tour falls on one of your last days in Makkah, you may be travelling afterwards. Makkah to Madinah is 400 SAR for a sedan, with details on our Makkah to Madinah taxi page. Makkah to Jeddah Airport is 190 SAR for a sedan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the ziyarat tour take?
Usually a few hours, depending on the number of stops, time spent at each, and traffic.
Can I climb to the Cave of Hira during the tour?
You can if you are fit enough, but it takes much longer, so tell us in advance and we will plan the waiting time.
What is the difference between Taneem and Jaaranah?
Both lie outside the Haram boundary and are used by people in Makkah to enter ihram. Taneem is closer; Jaaranah is a little further.
Does the miqat fare include waiting?
We confirm the waiting and return details with you on WhatsApp before the ride so everything is clear.
To book, message Mishwar Al Haramain on WhatsApp at +966582918075.