How much do you walk in Hajj? Distances and a simple fitness plan

How much walking is there?

Nobody can give one exact number: it depends on your tent’s location in Mina, your group’s plan, the routes open on the day and whether you use the train or buses between the holy sites. But it is fair to say Hajj asks more of the legs than almost any trip.

As a rough guide, many pilgrims walk 5 to 15 km a day over the days of Hajj, with the longest day usually the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, when the stoning, the sacrifice, cutting the hair and tawaf al-ifadah all come together.

• Mina to Arafat and back: usually by bus or train, with walking to and from the stops
• Muzdalifah: walking from the bus or train and finding a place to rest, often on the ground
• The Jamarat: a walk from your Mina tent to the Jamarat bridge and back, which can be a few kilometres each way
• Tawaf and sa’i: about 3 km of sa’i, plus seven rounds of tawaf that can be long on the busy floors

A simple 8 to 12 week walking plan

This is a general plan, not medical advice. Walk at a pace where you can still talk, and stop if you feel chest pain, dizziness or breathlessness. Check with your doctor first.

Shoes and feet

• Take two pairs of comfortable footwear that you have already worn for weeks, including sandals that do not cover the top of the foot for ihram
• Keep toenails short, and carry blister plasters and a small foot cream
• Change wet socks quickly; sweat and heat cause rashes and blisters
• Keep a cloth bag for your shoes in the mosque, so you never have to walk back barefoot to find them

Heat, water and medicines

• Hajj 2027 falls in May, when it is very hot in Makkah, Mina and Arafat. Use an umbrella, walk in the cooler hours when you can, and rest in the shade
• Drink water often, little by little, even if you do not feel thirsty. Oral rehydration salts help after a long walk
• Carry your regular medicines, a copy of the prescription and enough for the whole trip, in your hand bag
• If you have diabetes, a heart condition or high blood pressure, plan with your doctor how to manage long walks, heat and meal times

Elderly pilgrims and bad knees

Many elderly pilgrims complete Hajj with care and planning. Walk in India within their comfort, use a walking stick if it helps, and think about knee supports.

Wheelchairs are available at Masjid al-Haram, and electric carts on some floors, at a cost. During the days of Hajj, ask your group in advance how they help pilgrims who cannot walk far, and whether someone from the family should be assigned to stay with them.