Umrah Step-by-Step: A Complete Guide to What to Do

Umrah follows a set order of rituals, and once you know the sequence, the whole journey feels far less overwhelming. This guide walks through each step in the order you'll actually perform it — from putting on Ihram before you reach Makkah, to the final trim of hair that closes your Umrah.

Step 1: Enter Ihram at the Miqat

Ihram is both a state of consecration and the simple clothing worn during it — two unstitched white sheets for men, and modest, regular clothing for women (no face veil or gloves required, though many women choose to cover for personal preference). You enter Ihram at or before the miqat, the boundary point for your route into the Haram area, and make the intention (niyyah) for Umrah along with the talbiyah, a short recitation repeated throughout the journey to Makkah.

Before Ihram, it's customary to shower, trim nails, and apply unscented preparation — scented products are avoided once you're in the state of Ihram itself.

Step 2: Tawaf — circling the Kaaba seven times

On arrival at Masjid al-Haram, Umrah begins with Tawaf: seven counter-clockwise circuits around the Kaaba, starting and ending at the Black Stone corner. Men perform the first three circuits at a brisk pace (raml) and the remaining four at a normal walk; women walk at a normal pace throughout. Quiet personal supplication is encouraged during Tawaf, though there's no fixed script you must recite.

Two short prayers (rak'ahs) at or near the Maqam Ibrahim follow the seventh circuit, along with drinking Zamzam water if it's accessible at the time.

Step 3: Sa'i — walking between Safa and Marwah

Next comes Sa'i: seven passes between the hills of Safa and Marwah, commemorating Hajar's search for water. The route today is a covered, air-conditioned corridor, and there are wheelchair lanes for anyone who needs them. As with Tawaf, personal supplication is welcomed throughout — there's no single required wording.

Step 4: Halq or Taqsir — completing Umrah

Umrah closes with either Halq (shaving the head, for men) or Taqsir (trimming a small portion of hair — for men this can substitute for shaving, and it's the standard practice for women, who trim rather than shave). Once this is done, the restrictions of Ihram are lifted and Umrah is complete.

Making the most of your time in Madinah

Most Umrah itineraries from Pakistan include a stay in Madinah, either before or after Makkah. There's no ritual requirement here — it's a chance to pray at Masjid an-Nabawi, visit the Rawdah if timing allows, and see nearby historic sites. We cover the best of these in our guide to places worth visiting in Makkah and Madinah.

Practical tips for first-timers

• Pace yourself. Tawaf and Sa'i together can take 60–90 minutes depending on crowd levels — stay hydrated and take breaks if needed.
• Travel light through the crowds. Keep only essentials (ID, phone, small cash) on you during Tawaf and Sa'i.
• Go with a guide for your first time. Having someone walk you through each step in person removes most of the uncertainty — this is one of the biggest reasons pilgrims choose a guided package over travelling independently.
• Check our packing guide. See our complete Umrah packing list so you're not scrambling the night before you leave.