5 Reasons Why Pilgrims Buy Shifting Packages

Some Hajj operators prefer to retain their accommodation close to the Two Mosques for the entirety of the Hajj tour. This is a non-shifting package.

Many other Hajj operators prefer to retain their accommodation close to the Two Mosques for most of the Hajj tour, but only move to a third location during the Hajj days. The third location is usually Aziziyah (a suburb in Makkah). This is a shifting package.

A shifting package proves advantageous for most pilgrims for the following reasons:

1. Reduced Hajj costs for pilgrims. The prices of hotels close to the Two Mosques during the Hajj days—and immediately before and after it—increase significantly. Subsequently, a package that includes a third location (e.g. Aziziyah) during that overly expensive period means cheaper and more affordable packages for pilgrims.

2. Residence in Mina during Hajj days (8th – 13th Dhul Hijjah) means paid but unused residency. Every pilgrim is required to reside in Mina for 5 or 6 days. That means pilgrims on a non-shifting package during that period will be paying higher rates for hotels whilst not being able to stay there overnight. Therefore, for many pilgrims, it makes sense to pay less for unused hotel residency by choosing a shifting package.