Checklist to find the best Private Hajj Packages in Pakistan

I am writing this checklist for people planning Hajj trip in this year (2013) or next couple of years to help them find the best hajj package they can afford.

1. Distance from Haram in Makkah and Masjid Nabawi (SAW) in Madinah

Lesser the distance, the better, but costs higher. Government packages are usually far away from the Harams of Makkah and Madinah

2. Maktab in Mina

It should be closer to Jamarat for Rami (Stoning the devil). Most preferred Maktab number should be 1 & 2 and subsequently 3, 4 etc. These days some Maktabs are at larger distances, but have the option of commuting through trains.

3. Stay in Aziziah

Aziziah is a neighborhood of Makkah, but distant from the Haram and closer to Mina. Other than the 5-6 hajj days, it provides cheap stay as compared to hotels around the Haram. It might be difficult and expensive to visit Haram while staying at Aziziah. Expensive packages usually offer minimum stay in Azizia

4. Meals

Most Hajj operators will provide all the meals during the 5-6 days of Hajj as part of package. You should try to find the package that offers meals throughout the tour if you want to focus on what are you going to do there.

5. Room sharing

Most Hajj packages arrange for separate bedrooms for ladies and gents to save costs, and one room is usually shared among four persons. If you are going with your spouse, you might want to find a deal with double-bed rooms.

6. Air Travel

Air line carriers (Saudi Airline, PIA, Emirates, Gulf Air etc) and mode of transportation (connected vs direct) also impact the cost of package

7. Payment terms:

Before paying any advance to any tour operator, make sure to understand payment terms and cancellation policies. Most tour operators will take 50% or less of the total payment to initiate the application process