When British Muslims start looking at Hajj packages, two words come up again and again: shifting and non-shifting. They make a big difference to comfort, convenience and price, yet many first-time pilgrims are not sure what they mean.
This guide explains the difference, shows how prices change from budget to luxury, and sets out what a luxury Hajj package should really include. Hajj 2027 is expected in mid-May, with the Day of Arafah around 15 May, so now is the time to compare.
In a shifting Hajj package, you move between two hotels, usually one in the Aziziyah district near Mina and one closer to the Grand Mosque. In a non-shifting package, you stay in one hotel near the mosque for your whole time in Makkah. Luxury packages are usually non-shifting, with five-star hotels, upgraded tents in Mina and a longer stay.
What does shifting mean?
In a shifting package, pilgrims spend part of their stay in Aziziyah, a district between Makkah and Mina, and part in a hotel closer to the Haram. Aziziyah is further from the mosque but closer to the Hajj sites, and accommodation there is usually apartment-style and more affordable.
Shifting packages are the most popular choice for pilgrims on a budget. The trade-off is that you move hotels during your trip and spend more time travelling to the Grand Mosque.
What does non-shifting mean?
In a non-shifting package, you stay in the same hotel in Makkah, close to the Grand Mosque, before and after the days of Hajj. You do not have to pack up and move, and you can reach the mosque for prayers more easily.
Non-shifting packages cost more, but many pilgrims, especially older travellers and families, feel the extra comfort is worth it.
How prices compare
As a real example, these are the Hajj 2027 packages we currently advertise, per person, based on four people sharing.
| Package | Hotel level | Type | Makkah location | Length | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | 3-star | Shifting | Aziziyah | 20 days | £3,499 |
| Standard | 4-star | Shifting | Aziziyah and Makkah | 25 days | £4,499 |
| Standard | 4-star | Non-shifting | Near the Haram | 25 days | £5,499 |
| Luxury | 5-star | Non-shifting | Closest to the Haram | 30 days | £6,999 |
Prices from other operators will vary. Twin and single rooms cost more, so always ask for the price that matches your room type.
See also: Building a Practical Financial Roadmap for Life After Work
What luxury Hajj packages should include
The word “luxury” can mean very different things. A genuine luxury package should give you clear answers on each of these points:
- Hotel name and distance: a named five-star hotel, with the walking distance to the Grand Mosque in metres
- Non-shifting stay: one hotel in Makkah for your whole stay
- Mina tents: upgraded, air-conditioned tents with proper bedding and catering
- Length of stay: enough time to rest before and after the main days of Hajj
- Scholarly guidance: a qualified scholar travelling with the group, plus a pre-Hajj seminar
- Transport: comfortable transfers between the holy sites
- Financial protection: an ATOL certificate for the flights
If a package is advertised as luxury but cannot name its hotel or tent category, ask why before paying a deposit.
What every Hajj package should include
Whatever your budget, a Hajj package from the UK should normally include return flights, hotels in Makkah and Madinah, transfers, Nusuk registration and visa support, guidance during the rites, transport between the holy sites, and tents in Mina and Arafah.
Check carefully what is not included. Travel insurance, vaccinations, spending money, excess baggage and laundry are often extra.
Booking safely
Hajj places are limited by Saudi quotas, and UK pilgrims book through Saudi Arabia’s official Nusuk Hajj platform with an approved operator. The Council of British Hajjis has urged pilgrims to use only operators approved by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and holding a valid ATOL licence. You can check an ATOL number on the Civil Aviation Authority website.
When comparing luxury Hajj packages from the UK, ask each operator for the same information: hotel names, distances, nights in each city, tent category and exactly what is included. That makes it far easier to compare like with like.
Not ready for Hajj yet? Consider Umrah first
Not everyone is ready for the cost or physical demands of Hajj. Umrah, the shorter pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at almost any time of year, costs a fraction of the price. Many pilgrims choose the lowest price Umrah packages available as a first step, to experience the Grand Mosque before committing to Hajj.
The UK Foreign Office publishes current travel advice for Saudi Arabia, and the NHS-backed TravelHealthPro website has health advice for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, including the required meningitis ACWY vaccine.
Final thoughts
The choice between shifting and non-shifting Hajj comes down to budget, health and how much you value being close to the mosque. Luxury packages offer real comfort, but only if they are clear about hotels, tents and inclusions. Ask the right questions, book with an approved and ATOL-protected operator, and focus on what matters most: a Hajj that is accepted.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between shifting and non-shifting Hajj?
In a shifting package, you move between two hotels, usually one in Aziziyah near Mina and one closer to the Grand Mosque. In a non-shifting package, you stay in one hotel near the mosque for your whole time in Makkah.
How much do luxury Hajj packages from the UK cost?
Prices vary by operator. As an example, Islamic Travel Agency advertises a five-star, non-shifting Hajj 2027 package from £6,999 per person, based on four sharing, for around 30 days.
What should a luxury Hajj package include?
It should name a five-star hotel close to the Grand Mosque, offer a non-shifting stay, include upgraded air-conditioned tents in Mina, scholarly guidance and ATOL-protected flights.
Is non-shifting Hajj worth the extra cost?
For many older pilgrims and families, yes. You avoid moving hotels and can reach the mosque more easily, though shifting packages are a good option on a tighter budget.
When is Hajj 2027?
Hajj 2027 is expected in mid-May, with the Day of Arafah around 15 May. The exact dates depend on the sighting of the moon.
About the author: This article was written by the team at Islamic Travel Agency, a London-based, ATOL-protected Umrah and Hajj specialist. Prices quoted are our own advertised starting prices at the time of writing.
