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Packages & Categories
Packages differ from each other depending on the services they include. With a desire to facilitate the process of comparing and choosing packages for pilgrims, standardized package categories have been designed to provide options that suit the diverse preferences of pilgrims in terms of service levels and prices.
Understanding Packages & Categories: What Makes Them Different?
All Inclusive Packages
All-Inclusive packages provide all the essential services for pilgrims throughout their Hajj journey, ensuring a seamless and smooth experience. These services include visa issuance, flights, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, catering, transportation between cities, Mashair services, and guidance.
Shifting
Shifting Packages provide pilgrims with an accommodation located in close proximity to the Sacred Mashair sites during the Hajj period, ensuring both comfort in accommodation and ease of access to their belongings. Additionally, these packages offer a second accommodation in Makkah, before or after the Hajj period, typically situated near Al-Masjid Al-Haram, facilitating convenient access for prayers.
Non-Shifting
Non-Shifting packages provide pilgrims with a single accommodation throughout their stay in Makkah, both before and after performing the Hajj rituals at the Sacred Mashair sites. This adds a level of convenience to pilgrims as they are not required to relocate during their stay in Makkah.
Accommodations included in packages are selected to cater to the diverse preferences of pilgrims. The options vary between 5-Star hotels, providing the highest level of luxury and comfort, 4-Star hotels that balance luxury with practicality, and 3-Star hotels and residential buildings that offer essential services during pilgrim stay, suited for those seeking a more extended and relatively affordable experience.
Makkah Accommodation: Packages differ by offering pilgrims either a single accommodation in Makkah both before and after the Hajj period (Non-Shifting) or the flexibility to switch accommodations in Makkah (Shifting) before or after the Hajj period.
Packages and their corresponding prices are tailored based on duration, with a minimum of 6 days for Mashair packages, 10 days for Non-Shifting packages and 14 days for Shifting packages. Service providers may offer extended stays in their packages to provide pilgrims with options that cater to their preferences.
Categories Classifications
These various factors led to the introduction of 6 distinct categories for pilgrims this year, addressing their diverse needs and enhancing their overall experience.
Luxury
Tailored with the highest level of service, ensuring a pleasant and indulgent experience
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5-Star Hotels
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5-Star Hotels
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10 Days (Min)
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Majar Al-Kabsh or Al-Muaisim
Premium
A well-rounded blend of comfort and practicality, promising a convenient Hajj journey
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4-Star Hotels
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4-Star Hotels
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10 Days (Min)
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Majar Al-Kabsh or Al-Muaisim
Standard
Encompassing all the basic services needed for a wholesome and affordable Hajj journey
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3-Star Hotels or Residential Buildings
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3-Star Hotels or Residential Buildings
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14 Days (Min)
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Majar Al-Kabsh or Al-Muaisim
Luxury
Shifting
Marking the perfect balance between luxury and accessibility for a memorable Hajj journey
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5-Star Hotels
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5-Star or 4-Star Hotels or Residential Buildings
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5-Star Hotels
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14 Days (Min)
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Majar Al-Kabsh or Al-Muaisim
Premium
Shifting
Matching an elevated level of service with ease of access for a perfectly balanced experience
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4-Star Hotels
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4-Star or 3-Star Hotels or Residential Buildings
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4-Star Hotels
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14 Days (min)
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Majar Al-Kabsh or Al-Muaisim
Standard
Shifting
Offering an extended stay within affordable means, while providing pilgrims with all the essential services they need
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4-Star or 3-Star Hotels
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3-Star Hotels or Residential Buildings
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3-Star Hotels or Residential Building
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14 Days (Min)
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Majar Al-Kabsh or Al-Muaisim
Additional Factors that Differentiate Packages
In addition to the previously outlined main factors, there are additional considerations that affect the selection and differentiation of Hajj packages.
To enable pilgrims to compare different accommodations and consider their proximity to Al-Masjid Al-Haram and Sacred Mashair sites, Makkah has been subdivided into distinct zones, each with unique characteristics to cater to different pilgrims’ preferences.
Zone A
This zone is located in very close proximity to Al-Masjid Al-Haram, usually overlooking its yards, offering pilgrims the ease of access within walking distance.
Zone B
This zone encompasses the area surrounding Zone A, providing proximity to Al-Masjid Al-Haram but at a slightly greater distance compared to Zone A. While the distance to Al-Masjid Al-Haram is still walkable, certain accommodations also offer pilgrims shuttle services to Al-Masjid Al-Haram during prayer times for added convenience.
Zone C
This zone encompasses the largest area of Makkah, though it is not within walking distance from Al-Masjid Al-Haram or the Sacred Mashair sites. However, it offers a variety of accommodations, some of which provide shuttle services to Al-Masjid Al-Haram during prayer times.
Zone D
This zone is located in close proximity to the Sacred Mashair sites, providing pilgrims with ease of access to their accommodations during their stay in Mina.
Due to the high demand for accommodations in Makkah and Madinah during the Hajj season, accommodation services may differ from other times of the year. Some service providers may offer single rooms. However, the majority of rooms will be offered on a sharing basis. Packages will include a single bed in a shared room, which may vary between double, triple, or quadruple rooms. Service providers will make an effort to accommodate rooming preferences to the best of their ability. However, it should be noted that the selection of roommates is not guaranteed.
Choosing the right camp is essential for pilgrims during their stay in Mina to ensure a fulfilling Hajj experience that fits their preferences and objectives.
Majar Al-Kabsh Camp
This camp is characterized by its close proximity to the Jamarat Bridge, positioned just 300 to 700 meters away. This advantageous location facilitates the ritual of Pelting Jamarat, allowing pilgrims to perform the ritual with ease and convenience. With a capacity to accommodate around 5,000 pilgrims, this camp promises the highest level of service, ensuring a comfortable and meaningful stay in Mina.
Al-Muaisim Camp
This camp, located approximately 4 km from the Jamarat Bridge, offers a distinct atmosphere with all the necessary comforts to ensure pilgrims have a convenient stay. This camp has the capacity to accommodate up to 30,000 pilgrims, providing a well-equipped environment for a fulfilling Hajj experience.
The distance from Makkah to Madinah is approximately 450 km, a journey that typically takes up to 9 hours by bus, the default mode of transportation in most packages. These buses are generally equipped with modern features, prioritizing the comfort and convenience of pilgrims throughout the long trip.
Moreover, service providers may opt for alternative means of transportation between cities, including domestic flights or Haramain High Speed Railway. These upgraded alternatives not only ensure a comfortable journey but also adhere to a precise schedule, enhancing the overall travel experience for pilgrims moving between Makkah and Madinah.
While most packages include all the basic services needed by pilgrims during their Hajj journey, service providers may offer various additional services. These can be included within the package price or available for an additional cost. Services such as SIM cards, Adhahi, enrichment tours, among others, can add a level of personalization to pilgrims' experiences.