Umrah Tips for Elderly Pilgrims and Families

Choose a hotel close to the Haram

For elderly pilgrims and families with small children, the distance between your hotel and the mosque matters more than anything else. A hotel within a short walk lets you return to rest between prayers, take naps and change children without a long journey. It also makes it easier to attend Fajr and late-night prayers.

When you request a quote from Lumarah, tell us who is travelling and any mobility needs. We can suggest hotels close to the Haram in Makkah and Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah, and ask about features such as lifts, accessible rooms and family rooms.

Wheelchairs and carts at Masjid al-Haram

Masjid al-Haram offers support for pilgrims with limited mobility. Wheelchairs are usually available to borrow or hire near certain gates, and paid wheelchair-pushing services are available for Tawaf and Sa’i. Electric carts (often called golf carts) also operate on designated upper levels for Tawaf and Sa’i, for a fee.

Locations, prices and procedures change, so ask at the information points or your hotel reception on arrival. Bringing a lightweight folding wheelchair from home is another option; check with your airline in advance.

Pacing Tawaf and Sa’i

• Choose quieter times, such as mid-morning or late at night, for a calmer Tawaf.
• The ground floor is closest to the Kaaba but busiest; upper floors are less crowded but involve a longer distance per circuit.
• It is permitted to rest between circuits of Tawaf and laps of Sa’i if needed.
• Wheelchair users can perform Tawaf and Sa’i on the designated routes.
• Do not feel pressure to rush the whole Umrah at once; rest after Tawaf before starting Sa’i if you need to.

Health, hydration and the heat

Makkah can be very hot for much of the year, and even in winter the crowds and walking are tiring. Drink water and Zamzam regularly, use an umbrella for shade, and avoid long walks in the middle of the day during the hotter months.

Bring enough of any regular medication for your whole trip plus a few extra days, in original packaging with a copy of the prescription. Make sure travel insurance covers existing medical conditions. If an elderly relative has a heart, breathing or mobility condition, speak to their GP before booking.

Children and Ihram

Children can perform Umrah, and their Umrah is valid and rewarded, though it does not replace the Umrah they may perform as adults. A parent may make the intention on behalf of a young child who cannot do so themselves. Boys wear the Ihram garments, and girls wear modest clothing. If a young child cannot complete the rites, many scholars are lenient, so speak to a scholar about your situation.

Parents can carry young children during Tawaf and Sa’i. Plan for nappy changes and snacks before you begin, as the rites can take a few hours.

Prams and pushchairs

Prams and pushchairs may not be permitted in all areas of Masjid al-Haram, particularly the mataf around the Kaaba at busy times. A lightweight baby carrier or sling is often more practical for Tawaf. A compact folding pushchair is still useful for getting around the hotels and city.

Staying together

• Agree a clear meeting point, such as a numbered gate, before entering the mosque.
• Give children and elderly relatives a card or wristband with your phone number and hotel name.
• Make sure everyone has a charged phone with WhatsApp, and share live locations within the family.
• Take a photo of each child each morning so you know what they are wearing.
• Keep the group to a size that can move together comfortably in crowds.

Plan your Umrah with Lumarah

We regularly tailor Umrah packages for families and elderly pilgrims, choosing hotels close to the Haram and building in the pace you need. Every package includes flights, hotels in Makkah and Madinah with breakfast, and the Saudi e-visa. For a smoother journey, you can add all three transfers (£180) and an Umrah guide (£140) as optional extras.

Message our UK team on WhatsApp at +44 7950 739581 or email lumarahtravelagency@gmail.com. Tell us your dates, departure airport and who is travelling, and we will send you a tailored Umrah quote in writing. Nothing is paid on our website: once you are happy with the quote, you pay by UK bank transfer and we confirm everything in writing.

Frequently asked questions