Over the last 12+ years of helping thousands of pilgrims from Sylhet, Chittagong, Dhaka, and beyond Bangladesh, one of the most common questions I get is, “Brother, should I go for Umrah alone or join a group?” And the honest answer is it depends on your intention, personality, and preparation.
Umrah is not just a trip! It’s a journey of the heart. You may plan a solo Umrah during a quiet month or a group Umrah during Ramadan or school holidays. But the thing is, choosing the right style can make a huge difference in your experience.
So in this blog, I’ll share everything I’ve learned from real clients. Starting from students doing solo Umrah with limited budgets to families booking VIP Hajj-style Umrah in groups. Let’s explore both options side by side.
1. What Is Group Umrah and Solo Umrah?
In simple words, group Umrah means you’re traveling with others under a fixed package. We, as the agency, arrange everything from flights to hotels to transportation. You get a full team supporting you.
On the other hand, solo Umrah is when you take charge of your entire journey.
- Book your own tickets
- Manage your hotel
- Sort your transport and
- Create your own itinerary
Clients from Chittagong and Sylhet often choose group packages because of language barriers or the desire for company. But younger travelers or tech-savvy pilgrims sometimes go solo using apps and online bookings. Both have their beauty, as long as your Niyyah (intention) is pure.
2. Cost Comparison: Budgeting for Both Options
One of the biggest deciding factors is budget. Group Umrah packages are often more cost-effective because we negotiate bulk deals with hotels, airlines, and transport providers. For example, my agency once arranged a 14-day package with direct flights and Madinah hotel for only ৳135,000 during the off-peak season.
In Solo Umrah, you might get cheaper air tickets if you’re flexible. But hotel costs in Makkah and Madinah can shoot up quickly. This is especially during Ramadan Umrah or school vacations. Besides, you’ll need to pay separately for your
- Umrah Visa From Bangladesh
- Transport
- Meals and
- Ziyarah trips
A gentle reminder: Be mindful of exchange rates and international payment issues if you plan to use bKash or Nagad to pay hotel deposits online.
3. Flexibility and Freedom: Who Likes to Travel Their Own Way?
When you go solo, you have full freedom! Want to spend extra time in the Rawdah of the Prophet (SM)? No one will bind you. Want to stay near Masjid al-Haram for Qiyam during the last ten nights of Ramadan? You decide.
But with group Umrah, you follow a schedule. You might have limited time in each ziyarah location or be asked to leave the mosque area early to keep up with the group’s plan.
Still, many of my clients enjoy the group structure. Especially those traveling with kids, elderly parents, or for the first time. One family from Sylhet once told me, “If we came alone, we’d have missed so much. We didn’t know where to go!”
4. Support System: Who Has Your Back?
If you join a group, you’re never alone. We provide an experienced guide, help with immigration, hotel check-ins, and even spiritual reminders. If someone feels sick or confused, we’re right there.
During Solo Umrah, you’re on your own. If your luggage is delayed at Jeddah airport or you can’t find your hotel entrance, it may get stressful especially for first-timers.
That’s why, for elderly travelers or ladies traveling for the first time, I often recommend group Umrah. You get the support, peace of mind, and guidance from start to finish.
5. Logistics & Planning: Who’s Doing the Heavy Lifting?
In group Umrah, we handle everything:
- Visa application
- Flight booking
- Hotel confirmation
- Ziyarah in both cities
- Transfers between the airport, Makkah, and Madinah
You just bring your passport, vaccination card, and intentions.
In solo Umrah, you’ll need to plan every detail yourself, including airport transfers in Saudi Arabia. Some of our younger clients do it well using Google Maps and ride apps, but others get overwhelmed.
Also, note that if you’re entering via Dubai or Qatar stopovers, visa policies may vary. Don’t book randomly. Always verify transit rules.
6. Spiritual Experience: Alone with Allah or United in Ibadah?
There’s something beautiful about doing Umrah alone.
- Walking quietly toward the Kaaba
- Whispering your duas and
- Feeling completely present with Allah
But I’ve also witnessed powerful moments in group Umrah. For example, when 40 people from different cities cry together during Tawaf or break fast in Masjid al-Haram in Ramadan.
One sister from a women’s group once told me, “I felt like I found a second family here.” So it really depends on your spiritual goals. Is it solitude or companionship?
7. Safety & Comfort: Especially for Elderly or Women Travelers
I’ve had elderly clients from villages in Sylhet or Barisal who’ve never boarded a plane. For them, group Umrah is the safest and smoothest path. We assign caretakers, provide wheelchairs, arrange early boarding, and help them every step.
For women doing solo Umrah, it’s allowed now under certain conditions, but not recommended unless they’re experienced travelers. The holy cities are safe, but local knowledge is important.
With group Umrah, we ensure shared rooms with mahrams, secure hotels near Haram, and constant guidance.
8. Ziyarah & Local Exploration: Guided or Self-Directed?
When you go in a group, we take you on guided tours to:
- Jabal Uhud
- Masjid Quba
- The Prophet (SM)’s grave
- Historical sites like the Battle of Khandaq area
We share stories, hadiths, and significance. You won’t miss a thing.
In solo Umrah, you can explore at your own pace, but you may miss out on the deeper meanings. A brother once messaged me after returning from solo Umrah: “I saw a beautiful mountain in Madinah; was that Uhud?” Sadly, yes, but no one told him.
9. Social & Cultural Experience: Meet Fellow Pilgrims or Seek Solitude?
With group Umrah, you meet fellow Muslims from Sylhet, Dhaka, and Narayanganj, even overseas Bangladeshis from the UK or the Middle East. You share meals, duas, and bus rides. It’s a wonderful bonding experience.
In solo Umrah, it’s just you and Allah. No distractions. Some pilgrims prefer this, especially during spiritual retreats in Ramadan.
I’ve seen both types succeed beautifully. It just depends on your mood and mindset.
10. Decision-Making Factors: Which One Fits You Best?
Here’s a quick way to decide:
- Are you a first-timer? → Group
- Want full control of your time? → Solo
- Tight budget? → Group might save more
- Traveling with parents? → Group
- Already done Umrah before? → Try solo for a different feeling
You can also consult with us directly. We offer both affordable and VIP Umrah packages, including custom trips that balance both options.
11. Can You Get the Best of Both Worlds?
Yes! You can.
Some pilgrims go with a group but extend their stay for a few extra days to explore or pray alone. Others join us for Madinah but travel to Makkah at their own pace. We also arrange custom hybrid Umrah trips, especially for honeymooners or small families.
In fact, one couple from Chittagong traveled with us as a group but stayed an extra 5 nights in Madinah in a private suite near Masjid Nabawi. They loved the mix of structure and serenity.
There’s No “One Right Way”—Only Your Way
At the end of the day, both group and solo Umrah are blessed. The real success lies in your Niyyah (intention) and preparation. You may join our group from Dhaka or plan your journey alone from abroad. Just remember: Allah sees your heart.
If you’re still unsure, feel free to contact UmrahLovers. My expert team will guide you without pressure. Because your journey deserves to be peaceful, purposeful, and perfect. We offer affordable and VIP Umrah packages from Sylhet, Chittagong, and Dhaka and can assist with visa processing, bKash payments, group travel, and even Dubai stopovers. Let us take care of the details so you can focus on your ibadah. May Allah accept your Umrah and reward every step you take toward His house. Amen.
