Essential items include ihram garments (two white unstitched sheets for men), comfortable sandals, a money belt, unscented soap and hygiene products, prescribed medications, a small Quran or dua book, a lightweight umbrella for sun protection, and a refillable water bottle. Women should pack modest, loose clothing and a prayer garment. Avoid scented products after entering ihram.

The main steps are: (1) Ihram — entering the sacred state at the miqat, (2) Tawaf al-Qudum — circling the Kaaba seven times upon arrival, (3) Sa'i — walking between Safa and Marwa seven times, (4) Day of Tarwiyah (8th Dhul Hijjah) — traveling to Mina, (5) Day of Arafah (9th) — standing at Arafat, (6) Muzdalifah — overnight stay collecting pebbles, (7) Rami — stoning the Jamarat on 10th-13th, (8) Sacrifice and shaving, (9) Tawaf al-Ifadah, and (10) Farewell Tawaf before leaving Makkah.

The core rituals of Hajj span 5-6 days (8th to 13th of Dhul Hijjah). However, most pilgrims spend 2-3 weeks total in Saudi Arabia — arriving early to perform Umrah, acclimate, and visit Madinah. The minimum stay for the rituals alone is about 5 days if you leave Mina on the 12th (early departure).

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, obligatory once in a lifetime for those who can afford it, and can only be performed during specific days in Dhul Hijjah. Umrah is a lesser pilgrimage that can be performed any time of year. Hajj includes rituals at Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina that Umrah does not. Umrah consists of ihram, tawaf, sa'i, and shaving/cutting hair.