Non‑Shifting vs Shifting Hajj Packages from the UK

If you’ve started looking at Hajj offers from UK travel agents, you’ve probably seen two phrases again and again: non‑shifting Hajj packages and shifting Hajj packages. For many first‑time pilgrims this is one of the most confusing parts of booking Hajj.

Understanding non‑shifting vs shifting Hajj packages from the UK is essential because this choice affects:

Where you stay in Makkah before and after the core Hajj days
How close you are to Masjid al‑Haram
How much you pay overall
How tiring or comfortable your Hajj experience will be

In this guide, we’ll explain in clear, UK‑friendly language:

What “shifting” and “non‑shifting” actually mean
The main differences between them
The pros and cons of both types of packages
Typical price differences and who each option suits best
Smart questions you should ask any UK Hajj agent before paying a deposit

Hajj rules, hotel arrangements and package structures can change from year to year. Always confirm the latest details with a licensed Hajj agent and check the official Saudi and UK government guidance before you book.

What Does “Shifting” Mean in Hajj Packages?

When people talk about shifting Hajj packages, they’re referring to the way your accommodation in Makkah changes during the trip.

Basic Idea of Shifting Hajj Packages

In a shifting Hajj package:

You do not stay in one hotel in Makkah for your entire stay.
For part of the journey, you stay in buildings or apartments further away from the Haram, usually in areas like Aziziyah or similar residential districts.
Close to the Hajj days, some packages move you to a hotel nearer the Haram for a limited number of nights.
You then move again to Mina, Arafah and Muzdalifah tents for the Hajj rites, and sometimes back to different accommodation afterwards.

So your base in Makkah “shifts” several times:

From UK to a residential area such as Aziziyah
Possibly to a central Makkah hotel near Masjid al‑Haram
To Mina, Arafah and Muzdalifah during the main Hajj days
Back to a building or hotel before you finally leave Saudi Arabia

Because of these changes, these packages are called shifting.

What Is a Non‑Shifting Hajj Package?

In a non‑shifting Hajj package, the idea is to reduce how many times you move accommodation in Makkah.

How Non‑Shifting Packages Work

Typically, a non‑shifting package means:

You stay in one main hotel base in central Makkah (close to the Haram) for most or all of your Makkah stay.
You still leave this hotel to go to Mina, Arafah and Muzdalifah for the core Hajj days, just like everyone else.
After those days are complete, you return to the same Makkah hotel until it’s time to travel home or on to Madinah.

So the “non‑shifting” part refers to your main Makkah base remaining the same; you’re not being moved between distant apartments and multiple hotels in different neighbourhoods.

Non‑Shifting vs Shifting Hajj Packages from the UK: Key Differences

Now that we know what the terms mean, we can compare non‑shifting vs shifting Hajj packages from the UK across a few important areas.

1. Location of Your Accommodation

Shifting Hajj Packages

Part of your stay is in areas like Aziziyah or similar suburbs, which are usually a bus journey away from Masjid al‑Haram.
For some days you might be in a central Makkah hotel within walking distance, but not for your entire stay.
Daily prayers in the Haram during the Aziziyah period often depend on coach transfers and traffic conditions.

Non‑Shifting Hajj Packages

Your main hotel is usually in central Makkah, within walking distance of the Haram (though exact distance varies).
You spend more of your Hajj trip physically close to the mosque, before and after the days in Mina and Arafah.
You are less dependent on buses for normal daily prayers in Makkah.

For UK pilgrims who really want to maximise time near the Haram, this difference in location is often the main reason they lean towards non‑shifting packages.

2. Number of Times You Move

Shifting:

You should expect more moves, for example:

UK → residential area (Aziziyah) → central Makkah hotel → Mina/Arafah/Muzdalifah → back to residential area or another building → UK

Non‑Shifting:

There are usually fewer changes in Makkah:

UK → central Makkah hotel → Mina/Arafah/Muzdalifah → same central Makkah hotel → UK

Less moving generally means less packing and unpacking, less time waiting for transport, and less stress.

3. Comfort and Convenience

Shifting Packages

More changes of accommodation can be physically tiring, especially around the already demanding Hajj days.
When you’re staying further from the Haram, access for extra prayers and tawaf is more difficult.
On the other hand, some pilgrims like the quieter, less crowded environment of residential districts away from the hotel zone.

Non‑Shifting Packages

Having one base in central Makkah often feels more stable and comfortable, particularly for elderly pilgrims, families and those with health issues.
Being within walking distance of the Haram makes it easier to attend more prayers, do voluntary tawaf and rest between acts of worship.
Less reliance on coach transfers can reduce stress, especially when roads are busy and diversions are in place.

4. Price Differences

When comparing non‑shifting vs shifting Hajj packages from the UK, cost is usually a major factor.

Shifting packages are generally cheaper because:
- Residential areas like Aziziyah cost less than hotels right next to the Haram.
- Agents reduce their costs by mixing different types of accommodation.
Non‑shifting packages are usually more expensive because:
- You spend more nights in central Makkah hotels during peak Hajj season.
- Proximity to the Haram always carries a premium.

Exact price gaps change year by year, but as a rule, many UK pilgrims see shifting packages in the “budget to mid‑range” bracket, and non‑shifting options more in the “premium” range.

5. What Type of Pilgrim They Suit

Shifting Packages May Suit:

Younger, fitter pilgrims who can handle more moving, coach travel and walking.
Those on a tighter budget who still want to perform Hajj with a licensed UK agent.
Pilgrims who don’t mind being further from the Haram for a portion of the stay.

Non‑Shifting Packages May Suit:

Elderly pilgrims or anyone with mobility or medical issues.
Families with children who want simpler logistics and less disruption.
Pilgrims who strongly value comfort and easy access to Masjid al‑Haram.

Pros and Cons of Shifting Hajj Packages

Advantages of Shifting Packages

Lower Cost Compared to Most Non‑Shifting Options
Shifting packages are often the most affordable way to perform Hajj with an authorised UK agent. Many people who could not otherwise afford central Makkah hotels find that a shifting package puts Hajj within reach.
Can Include Some Nights Near the Haram
Depending on the package, you may still get several nights in a central hotel. This gives you at least a limited window of time with easy access to the Haram.
Quieter Residential Environment (At Times)
Some pilgrims find residential districts less intense and noisy than the hotel area right next to the Haram, particularly before the main Hajj days begin.

Disadvantages of Shifting Packages

More Movement and Tiredness
Packing, unpacking, coach transfers and moving between multiple buildings take energy and time, which can add to the physical strain of Hajj.
Less Time Within Walking Distance of the Haram
During the days in residential buildings, attending most prayers in the Haram can be difficult, especially when time is limited or buses are delayed.
Challenging for Elderly or Unwell Pilgrims
Anyone with health or mobility challenges is likely to find the extra travelling and multiple moves harder to cope with.

Pros and Cons of Non‑Shifting Hajj Packages

Advantages of Non‑Shifting Packages

Stable Makkah Base
Staying in one main hotel in central Makkah offers a sense of stability. You can unpack once, know your surroundings, and return to the same place after the days in Mina and Arafah.
Closer and Easier Access to the Haram
Being able to walk to the Haram for Fajr, Isha and Jumu’ah without long bus rides is a huge advantage for many pilgrims. It allows more flexibility in your worship routine.
Better for Elderly and Families
Non‑shifting packages are often recommended for older pilgrims, people with chronic health conditions and families with children, because less moving means less physical and mental strain.

Disadvantages of Non‑Shifting Packages

Higher Price
Extra nights in central Makkah hotels during peak Hajj time push prices up. This can put non‑shifting packages out of reach for some UK households.
Limited Availability and Fast Sell‑Outs
Central hotels have limited capacity, and non‑shifting packages are very popular. They often sell out quickly, particularly with reputable agents.
Still Some Movement Needed
Even with non‑shifting packages, you still leave your hotel to stay in tents in Mina, go to Arafah and spend the night in Muzdalifah. So it doesn’t remove movement completely, but it reduces extra moves within Makkah.

Cost Considerations for UK Pilgrims

Because Hajj pricing changes with exchange rates, demand and regulations, you should always check up‑to‑date figures. But when looking at non‑shifting vs shifting Hajj packages from the UK, it’s helpful to:

Compare total package price, not just the headline “from” number.
Factor in extras such as:
- Qurbani (if not included)
- Additional nights in Madinah (if you plan to visit Madinah as well)
- Travel insurance and any extra services

It’s also wise to look at what is included in the hotel arrangement:

Is breakfast or half‑board provided?
How many people share each room?
Are airport transfers and internal transport all covered?

Authority guidance and up‑to‑date travel advice from the UK government can be found on the official foreign travel advice website:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/saudi-arabia

This page is updated regularly and is a useful reference for any UK pilgrim, regardless of which package type they choose.

How to Decide Between Non‑Shifting and Shifting Packages

To make a realistic decision about non‑shifting vs shifting Hajj packages from the UK, consider the following:

1. Your Health and Age

If you are elderly, have mobility problems, or are managing a chronic health condition, the extra comfort and stability of a non‑shifting package can make a big difference.
If you are young, fit and used to travelling, you may be able to manage the extra movement involved in a shifting package more easily.

2. Who You Are Travelling With

Travelling with elderly parents? Minimising moves and staying nearer to the Haram usually makes their Hajj safer and less stressful.
Travelling with small children? Constant packing, long bus rides and late‑night moves can be tough on them, so a more stable base often helps.

3. Your Budget and Priorities

Ask yourself honestly:

Can I realistically afford a non‑shifting package without putting my household under serious financial pressure?
If I choose a shifting package, am I comfortable with more movement and being further from the Haram for part of the trip?

There is no single “right” answer that suits everyone; it’s about balancing worship goals, physical ability and financial reality.

4. Your Tolerance for Crowds and Travel

Some people don’t mind extra bus journeys, waiting times and moving between buildings. Others find it very draining. Think about how you usually cope with travel – this will give you a good indication of what may work best for you at Hajj time.

Questions to Ask UK Hajj Agents About Their Packages

When you speak to UK Hajj agencies, don’t be shy about asking detailed questions. This is a major once‑in‑a‑lifetime journey, and clear information is your right.

Helpful questions include:

For shifting packages:
- How many different places will we stay in Makkah, and on which days?
- Which areas will we be in (e.g. Aziziyah), and roughly how long does it take by bus to reach the Haram?
- How often do coaches run for prayers, and is there any limit on use?
For non‑shifting packages:
- What is the exact name and address of the hotel near the Haram?
- Roughly how many minutes’ walk is it to the mosque at a normal pace?
- Do we stay in this same hotel both before and after Mina/Arafah?
For all packages:
- Are you officially authorised to arrange Hajj packages for UK pilgrims this year?
- What exactly is included in the price – meals, ziyarah, internal flights, Qurbani, laundry?
- How many people per room, and are upgrades to fewer people per room possible?
- What support is available if I fall ill or have mobility problems during Hajj?

Always ask for these details in writing (email or contract) so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Hajj Package for You

The discussion about non‑shifting vs shifting Hajj packages from the UK really comes down to a trade‑off:

Non‑shifting packages normally offer more comfort, stability and time near the Haram, but at a higher cost.
Shifting packages are usually more affordable, but involve more movement and less time within walking distance of Masjid al‑Haram.

Think carefully about your health, your companions, your budget and your personal tolerance for travel stress. Take your time, research multiple licensed UK agents, and make sure you fully understand what each package offers before you commit.

With sincere intention, wise planning and trust in Allah, both types of packages can be a means to an accepted Hajj and a life‑changing journey, in sha Allah.