The rites of Hajj, day by day
Hajj follows a fixed sequence of rites across roughly five days. Below you will find that sequence in plain language, together with what each day asks of you physically.
Last updated: 2026-09-09
Short answer
The Hajj rites run from 8 to 13 Dhul Hijjah: ihram and tawaf in Mecca, the day at Arafat, the night at Muzdalifah, the stoning at the jamarat, the sacrifice and the shaving or trimming of hair, followed by the farewell tawaf.
Planning your vaccination
- Meningococcal ACWY, required for Saudi Arabia
- International vaccination certificate straight away
- Evening and weekend appointments, every day 10:00 to 22:00
Before departure: entering Ihram
As you approach Mecca you enter the state of Ihram. Men wear two unstitched white cloths and women wear ordinary modest clothing. In this state certain rules apply, such as no perfume and no quarrelling.
8 Dhul Hijjah: to Mina
On the first day you travel to the tent city of Mina, where you pray and stay overnight. There is a great deal of walking and waiting, often in hot conditions.
9 Dhul Hijjah: the day of Arafat
The day of Arafat is the heart of Hajj. Pilgrims stand in prayer on the plain of Arafat from midday until sunset. Afterwards you travel on to Muzdalifah, where pilgrims spend the night in the open and collect pebbles.
10 Dhul Hijjah: stoning, sacrifice and Tawaf
- The large pillar in Mina is stoned
- The sacrifice is made, usually through a voucher or the package
- The hair is trimmed or shaved
- In Mecca the Tawaf al-Ifada and the Sa'i follow
11 to 13 Dhul Hijjah: the days of Tashriq
During these days you stay in Mina again and the three pillars are stoned. Finally you perform the farewell circuit around the Kaaba, the Tawaf al-Wada, before leaving Mecca.
What does this ask of you physically?
Expect long days, a lot of walking, heat and dense crowds. If you have a chronic condition, use medication or have difficulty walking, it is best to discuss this with a practitioner well before departure.
Information about registration and packages is based on the official Nusuk Hajj platform of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Registration and payment take place there only; DKliniek provides the medical preparation.
Official sources
- hajj.nusuk.sa — Official registration and packages
- haj.gov.sa — Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
- visa.mofa.gov.sa — Saudi visa information
- lcr.nl — Dutch national travel health centre
- who.int — World Health Organization
Arrange your vaccinations in time
Meningococcal ACWY is required for entry to Saudi Arabia and must be given at least ten days before arrival. We also advise you on DTP, hepatitis A and your certificate.
- Meningococcal ACWY, required for Saudi Arabia
- International vaccination certificate straight away
- Evening and weekend appointments, every day 10:00 to 22:00
- Groups and families vaccinated in one session
Frequently asked questions
Continue reading
What is Hajj (Hadj)?
A clear explanation of Hajj, also written as Hadj: its meaning, who is obliged to perform it and how it differs from Umrah.
Staying healthy during Hajj
Practical advice for Hajj: coping with heat and dehydration, respiratory complaints in crowds, foot care, bringing medication and when to seek help.
Hajj glossary: Ihram, Mashair, Talbiyah and more
Glossary for Hajj and Umrah: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, Mashair, Talbiyah, Mahram, Nusuk and other terms briefly explained.