Plan around prayer times. Roads close around the Haram before each prayer, and a five-minute taxi can turn into forty. Walk where you can.
Checked against official sources: November 2026
Makkah The Grand Mosque around the Kaaba, the direction of prayer for Muslims worldwide and the place where Tawaf and Sa'i are performed.
Field tip Note the gate number you entered by and photograph it. Most lost pilgrims are simply looking for the wrong gate.
Open in Google Maps (21.4225, 39.82611)
Makkah The mountain holding Cave Hira, where the first revelation came. The climb is steep, with about 1,000 uneven steps. The Hira Cultural District sits at its foot.
Field tip Start after Fajr and carry water. By 10am the rock holds the heat and the path gets narrow with people coming down.
Open in Google Maps (21.45806, 39.86139)
Makkah South of the Haram, the mountain where the Prophet and Abu Bakr sheltered during the Hijrah. A harder and longer climb than Jabal al-Nour.
Field tip Most visitors see it from the road. Only attempt the climb if you are fit, and never alone in the heat.
Open in Google Maps (21.3775, 39.85083)
Makkah The closest point outside the Haram boundary, used by people already in Makkah who want to enter ihram for another Umrah.
Field tip Shuttle buses and taxis run from around the Haram. Agree the taxi fare first, or use a ride-hailing app.
Open in Google Maps (21.46833, 39.80048)
Makkah The plain where pilgrims stand on the Day of Arafah, the central rite of Hajj. Outside Hajj it is quiet and open to visitors.
Field tip Combine Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina in one Ziyarah drive. A car for three hours is far easier than separate taxis.
Open in Google Maps (21.35472, 39.98389)
Makkah The valley of white tents where pilgrims stay during Hajj and stone the Jamarat, about 7 km from the Haram.
Field tip Outside Hajj you drive past most of it. The Jamarat Bridge is the part worth slowing down for.
Open in Google Maps (21.41333, 39.89333)
