Bareilly to Makkah Umrah Travel Guide

For a first-time pilgrim, the journey from Bareilly to Makkah feels like a series of unknowns: which airport, when to wear ihram, what happens at immigration. Here is the whole journey explained in order.

Stage 1: Bareilly to the departure airport

Bareilly does not currently have direct international flights to Saudi Arabia, so groups travel by road or train to Delhi (roughly 250 km) and depart from Indira Gandhi International Airport. Depending on the season and fare availability, Lucknow is sometimes used instead. We arrange the group transfer so that families reach the airport together with time in hand rather than travelling alone at night.

Stage 2: Ihram and niyyah

Men wear two unstitched white sheets; women wear ordinary modest clothing. Ihram is entered before crossing the meeqat — for flights from India, this is usually done before boarding or announced during the flight. Your group leader will tell you exactly when. Once in ihram, the restrictions apply: no perfume, no cutting hair or nails, no arguing or quarrelling.

Reciting the talbiyah from this point onward is one of the most moving parts of the entire journey.

Stage 3: Flight and arrival

Flights land at Jeddah or Madinah depending on your itinerary. At immigration, biometric and document checks are completed. Keep your passport, visa copy and hotel details easily accessible, and stay with your group.

Stage 4: Jeddah to Makkah

Makkah is roughly 80–90 km from Jeddah, usually about an hour and a half by coach. This transfer is included in our packages, along with hotel check-in assistance.

Stage 5: Your first Umrah

After resting briefly and freshening up, the group proceeds to Masjid al-Haram. The first sight of the Kaaba is something no description prepares you for. You then perform tawaf, pray two rak’ah behind Maqam Ibrahim where possible, perform sa’i between Safa and Marwah, and complete halq or taqsir — after which you exit ihram.

Practical tips for the journey

Carry a light shoulder bag with your documents, medicines and a change of clothes in case checked baggage is delayed. Wear sandals that slip on and off easily. Drink water regularly — the climate is far drier than Bareilly. Save your group leader’s number in two phones.