Difference Between Hajj and Umrah – A Simple Guide for Pilgrims

Published on: 1/1/2025

Understand the key differences between Hajj and Umrah including obligation, timing, rituals, and cost.

What is Hajj?

Hajj is an obligatory pilgrimage for Muslims who are physically and financially able. It must be performed during specific dates in the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah and includes a fixed set of rituals.

What is Umrah?

Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of the year. While it is not compulsory, it holds great spiritual significance and involves fewer rituals compared to Hajj.

Key Differences Between Hajj and Umrah

Which One Should You Choose?

If Hajj is obligatory upon you, it should be prioritized. Umrah is ideal for those seeking spiritual fulfillment with flexible timing and lower cost, especially for first-time pilgrims.

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GoSalam - Premium Hajj and Umrah Travel Agency in India

GoSalam is India's most trusted partner for spiritual journeys, offering affordable and luxury Umrah packages, Hajj packages, and Ziyarat tours.

Main Sections

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Hajj Packages 2025
  • Ramzan Umrah Packages
  • Umrah Packages from All Cities
  • Islamic Travel Blog

Our Services

  • Umrah Visa: Fast track e-visa processing with insurance included.
  • Flights: Confirmed seats on Saudi Airlines, Indigo, and Air India.
  • Hotels: Customized stays from Economy to Luxury near Haram.
  • Ziyarat: Guided tours of holy sites in Makkah and Madinah.
  • Transfers: Comfortable AC buses and private cars for transfers.

Why Trust GoSalam for Your Pilgrimage?

GoSalam is a verified and authorized travel agency specializing in Hajj and Umrah services from India.

  • Authorized Services: We provide fully licensed and visa-compliant packages.
  • Experience: Over 10 years of experience in the industry with 50,000+ satisfied pilgrims.
  • Support: 24/7 on-ground support in Saudi Arabia and India.
  • Transparency: No hidden charges. All packages include Visa, Flights, Hotel, and Food.
  • Physical Presence: Offices in New Delhi and Srinagar for direct consultations.

Comprehensive Umrah Guide

What is Umrah?

Umrah is a beautiful sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It involves visiting the Holy Kaaba in Mecca, performing Tawaf (circumambulation) and Sa'i (walking between Safa and Marwah). Unlike Hajj, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year.

Umrah Package Types

Economy Umrah Packages
Budget-friendly options starting from ₹69,000 using standard hotels (800m-1km from Haram) and economy flights.
Deluxe Umrah Packages
Comfortable stays in 4-star hotels (300m-500m from Haram) with direct flights and upgraded meals.
Premium/Luxury Umrah Packages
VIP experience with 5-star hotels facing the Haram (Clock Tower, etc.), business class flights, and private transfers.

Ramzan Umrah 2025

Perform Umrah in the blessed month of Ramadan. We offer First Ashra (First 10 days), Second Ashra (Middle 10 days), and Full Month Ramzan packages. Special arrangements for Seher and Iftar provided.

Cost of Umrah from India

The price of Umrah packages varies by city of departure and package category. - From Delhi: Starts ~₹69,000 - From Mumbai: Starts ~₹70,000 - From Lucknow: Starts ~₹72,000 - From Hyderabad: Starts ~₹75,000 - From Bangalore: Starts ~₹78,000 Prices include Visa, Flight Tickets, Hotel Accommodation, Food, and Ziyarat.

Hajj 2025 Information

Hajj is a mandatory duty for every financially and physically able Muslim. GoSalam provides Short Hajj (15-20 days) and Long Hajj (35-40 days) packages. Our services include Shifting and Non-Shifting Hajj packages with Maktab categories (A, B, C, D).

Comprehensive Pilgrimage Guides

GoSalam offers detailed, step-by-step guides for every aspect of your spiritual journey.

  • How to Perform Umrah (Step-by-Step)
  • How to Perform Hajj (5 Days Guide)
  • Essential Umrah Duas with Audio
  • Complete Hajj Supplications
  • Miqat Locations & Ihram Rules
  • Guide to Tawaf and Sa'i

Key Rituals Explained

Ihram
The sacred state entered at the Miqat. Involves specific clothing and prohibitions.
Tawaf
Circumambulating the Kaaba 7 times anti-clockwise.
Sa'i
Walking between Safa and Marwah hills 7 times.
Halq/Taqsir
Shaving or trimming hair to exit the state of Ihram.

Essential Duas

We provide audio and text guides for essential duas, including the Talbiyah ("Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk"), which signifies your response to Allah's call.

About GoSalam - Your Trusted Pilgrimage Partner

Umrah is not just a journey — it's a calling. At GoSalam, we transform your dreams into sacred realities with expert planning and spiritual focus.

Our Mission

To be your companion and trusted guide on this sacred journey. With GoSalam, every pilgrim walks with peace, confidence, and clarity.

Why Choose Us?

  • Guarantee Satisfaction: We ensure a smooth, worry-free, fulfilling pilgrimage.
  • Hassle-Free Planning: Leave the logistics to us — focus on your faith.
  • Professional Team: Dedicated professionals who understand the spiritual significance of your journey.
  • On-Ground Support: Guiding pilgrims at every step of their sacred journey in Makkah and Madinah.

Behind The Scenes

We are a real team with physical offices, planning every detail with care.

  • Our Office: Where we meticulously plan your itinerary.
  • Our Team: Experienced guides and travel experts.
  • Guiding Pilgrims: Direct support during rituals.

Ziyarat Locations Guide

Famous Ziyarat in Makkah

  • Jabal al-Nour (Cave of Hira): The mountain where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received the first revelation.
  • Jabal Thawr: The cave where the Prophet and Abu Bakr (RA) took refuge during migration.
  • Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah: Compulsory sites visited during the Hajj pilgrimage.
  • Masjid al-Jinn: A historic mosque located near Jannat al-Mu'alla.

Famous Ziyarat in Madinah

  • Masjid Quba: The first mosque built in Islam. Offering two Rakat nafl here is equal to one Umrah.
  • Masjid al-Qiblatayn: The mosque where the direction of prayer was changed from Jerusalem to Makkah.
  • Jabal Uhud: Site of the Battle of Uhud and burial place of Hamza (RA).
  • Jannat al-Baqi: The cemetery where many family members and companions of the Prophet are buried.

Travel Tips for Indian Pilgrims

  • Currency: Carry Saudi Riyals (SAR) for small expenses. 1 SAR ≈ 22-24 INR. Forex cards like Niyo are also widely accepted.
  • SIM Card: Purchase a local SIM (STC, Mobily, or Zain) at Jeddah airport or use an international roaming pack.
  • Clothing: Wear light cotton clothes as the weather is generally hot. Men must wear Ihram sheets for Umrah.
  • Power: Saudi Arabia uses Type G plugs (British style). Carry a universal adapter.
  • Footwear: Use comfortable walking sandals as you will walk significant distances.

Essential Guide for Indian Pilgrims

Documents Required
Passport (min 6 months validity), PAN Card (for LRS compliance), and Pasport size white background photos.
Flight Options
Direct flights available via IndiGo, Air India Express, Saudi Airlines, and Flynas. Connecting flights via Oman Air, Air Arabia, and Etihad.
Zamzam Water Rules
Pilgrims are allowed to carry one 5-liter bottle of Zamzam water per person, provided they have a valid Umrah/Hajj visa. It must be purchased at the airport authorized counter only.
Vaccinations
Meningitis (ACWY) vaccination is mandatory. Polio drops are administered upon arrival for pilgrims from certain countries.

Umrah Package Pricing 2025

Our transparent pricing tiers for Umrah packages from India:

Package Type Starting Price Hotel Distance (Makkah) Hotel Distance (Madinah) Key Features
Economy ₹69,000 800m - 1km (Shuttle) 500m - 800m Economy Flights, Standard Meals, Group Visa
Classic / Semi-Deluxe ₹85,000 500m - 700m (Walkable) 300m - 500m Direct Flights (Ex-Delhi/Mumbai), Upgraded Buffet
Premium / Deluxe ₹1,10,000 100m - 300m (Zero Distance) 100m - 200m (Markazia) VIP Handling, 5-Star Hotels, Private Transport Option

Frequently Asked Questions

How to book Umrah with GoSalam?

You can book by calling our 24/7 support line +91-9319354785 or enquiring online. We require a valid passport and an initial booking amount.

Is Umrah Visa included?

Yes, all our packages include the Umrah Visa processing fees and mandatory insurance.

How long does Umrah take?

The rituals take 2-4 hours, but packages typically last 15 days to allow for 40 prayers in Madinah and multiple Umrahs.

Is a Mahram required for women?

Women over 45 can travel without a Mahram in a group. Women under 45 typically need a Mahram, though rules are relaxing.

What is the best time for Umrah?

November to February offers the best cool weather. Ramadan offers the highest spiritual rewards (70x). Post-Hajj (Muharram) is the most affordable.

Can I carry Zamzam water?

Yes, 5 Litres per person with a valid Umrah visa, purchased strictly at the airport authorized counter (Nusuk).

Is PAN Card required?

Yes, PAN Card is mandatory for booking as per Indian government tax laws (TCS - Tax Collected at Source).

What is the child policy?

Infants (0-2 years) pay ~₹25,000. Children (2-11 years) without bed pay ~75% of adult cost. Children with bed pay full adult price.

Locations Served & Quick Links

GoSalam offers Umrah departures from all major Indian cities. We serve pilgrims from:

  • Delhi (IGIA) - serving NCR, UP, Haryana
  • Mumbai (CSMIA) - serving Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa
  • Hyderabad (RGIA) - serving Telangana, Andhra Pradesh
  • Bangalore (BLR) - serving Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
  • Lucknow (LKO) - serving Uttar Pradesh (East/Central)
  • Srinagar (SXR) - serving Kashmir Valley
  • Ahmedabad (AMD) - serving Gujarat, Rajasthan
  • Kolkata (CCU) - serving West Bengal, Bihar, Assam
  • Jaipur (JAI) - serving Rajasthan
  • Chennai (MAA) - serving Tamil Nadu, Kerala

Other Cities: Pune, Patna, Kanpur, Nagpur, Indore, Bhopal, Surat, Vadodara.

Contact Us: care@gosalam.com | +91-9319354785

Address: 150 Basement, Pocket-1, Jasola Vihar, New Delhi, 110025