A 5-Day Umrah Road Trip from Dammam: Love, Faith & Scenic Wonders Across Saudi Arabia

🚗 Day 1: From Dammam to Riyadh to Taif – The Road to Tranquility Begins

Embarking on a spiritual journey always starts with intention, and for us, this 5-day Umrah road trip across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was more than a travel plan—it was a heartfelt adventure. Accompanied by my beloved wife, who was performing her first-ever Umrah, we set off from Dammam in our reliable 4x4 vehicle, fully fueled and excited for the road ahead. At 1.66 SAR per liter, diesel was affordable, making this long trip budget-friendly and convenient.

🕊️ Morning Departure from Dammam

We left Dammam just after Fajr prayers, taking in the soft morning glow that painted the desert landscape. The smooth highways and clear skies made driving a pleasure. There’s something serene about cruising down the road while mentally preparing for a spiritual experience.

Our first major stop was Riyadh, roughly 400 kilometers away. The roads between Dammam and Riyadh are well-maintained, and traffic was light—a perfect start to our journey.

🏙️ Short Stop in Riyadh

By mid-morning, we reached Riyadh, the beating heart of Saudi Arabia. Although we didn’t stay long, the city’s energy was undeniable. We paused for a quick breakfast at a local eatery—hot ful medames, freshly baked tamis, and karak chai. The flavors were comforting and filled us with energy.

After refueling the car and stretching our legs, we resumed the drive towards Taif, located around 750 kilometers from Riyadh. This leg of the journey was longer, but the changing scenery kept us engaged throughout.

🏞️ Drive from Riyadh to Taif – Into the Mountains

As we moved away from the capital, the landscape transformed. The flat desert gradually gave way to rolling hills and eventually to majestic mountain ranges. The roads curved gracefully through the terrain, providing spectacular views of cliffs, valleys, and wild desert flora.

Approaching Taif, we entered cooler altitudes. The air became crisp, and to our delight, we spotted troops of monkeys gathered along the roadside. They were perched on rocks, crossing roads boldly, and in some cases, trying to snatch food from passing cars. My wife, who had never seen monkeys in the wild before, was both thrilled and amused. We laughed, took a few photos from a safe distance, and moved on.

🏨 Night Stay in Taif – Hotel, Food & Comfort

We reached Taif in the evening, pleasantly tired but spiritually energized. We checked into a comfortable mid-range hotel that we had booked online through Booking.com a day earlier. The process was seamless, and we managed to get a good deal for a clean, well-reviewed hotel with free parking and Wi-Fi.

✨ Hotel Rating:

• Cleanliness: ★★★★☆

• Location: ★★★★☆

• Staff Service: ★★★★★

• Comfort: ★★★★☆

• Overall: 4.3/5

The hotel provided everything we needed for a restful night. After a quick shower and some much-needed relaxation, we headed out to find a place to eat.

🍽️ Dinner at a Local Taif Restaurant

Instead of going for a fancy restaurant, we decided to explore local cuisine—and what a treat it was! We found a small, bustling restaurant that served traditional Hijazi dishes. We ordered:

• Mandi with Lamb – perfectly cooked with aromatic spices.

• Yogurt with mint – a refreshing side to the warm rice.

• Fresh Taif grapes and pomegranate juice – locally sourced and incredibly flavorful.

The meal was a perfect end to the day. We returned to the hotel feeling full, relaxed, and grateful.

🌙 Night in Taif – Peace Before Pilgrimage

Taif at night is calm and cool. We opened our hotel window slightly, letting the mountain breeze fill the room. My wife and I sat quietly, discussing the journey so far and how tomorrow would mark the beginning of her spiritual milestone—her first Umrah.

With our Ihram ready and alarms set for Fajr, we drifted to sleep with hearts full of anticipation.

🧭 End of Day 1 Summary:

• Route: Dammam → Riyadh → Taif

• Distance Covered: ~1,150 km

• Total Drive Time: ~12 hours (with stops)

• Hotel in Taif: Booked online, 4.3/5 rating

• Highlights: Monkey sightings, mountain roads, local food

• Expenses: Diesel (~1.66 SAR/liter), hotel stay (~250–350 SAR), dinner (~50 SAR for two)

🌄 Day 2: Taif to Miqat, Umrah in Makkah & Coastal Night in Jeddah

After a peaceful night’s rest in the cool, mountainous city of Taif, we woke up before dawn, hearts full of excitement and reverence. This was the day my wife would step into the sacred state of Ihram for her first-ever Umrah. As someone who had performed Umrah many times before, I felt a mix of joy and gratitude watching her prepare for this beautiful moment.

🛣️ Morning Drive from Taif to Miqat – Entering the State of Ihram

After praying Fajr, we had a light breakfast of dates, laban, and fresh Taif bread, then packed up and left our hotel. From Taif, the route to Miqat (Masjid Al-Sayl / Miqat Qarn Al-Manazil) is a scenic drive of around 50 kilometers.

This Miqat point is where pilgrims coming from the Taif side formally enter Ihram before proceeding to Makkah for Umrah. The masjid is large, clean, and well-maintained with plenty of space for prayer, ablution, and changing into Ihram.

✨ Miqat Experience:

• We both performed ghusl, prayed two rakats of nafl prayer, and made niyyah (intention) for Umrah.

• The atmosphere at the Miqat was incredibly peaceful, with pilgrims from various nationalities preparing to begin their journey.

• As my wife draped her white hijab and niqab, her face lit up with a mix of nervousness and excitement.

🕋 Arrival in Makkah – The Spiritual Heartbeat of Islam

The road from Miqat to Makkah takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. The landscape transitions from green hills to rocky desert mountains—a powerful visual reminder of the Prophet’s ﷺ journey through these lands.

As we approached the Holy City, the radio was softly playing Talbiyah—"Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk"—and it brought tears to our eyes. For me, it was a familiar feeling. But for my wife, it was the start of something transformative.

🏨 Hotel Check-In & Quick Rest

We checked into a hotel close to Masjid al-Haram, about a 10-minute walk. It wasn’t luxurious, but it was clean, quiet, and had AC, clean bedding, and good water pressure—exactly what we needed for rest and prayer.

• Hotel booked online (tip: book at least a day in advance during busy seasons)

• Cost: ~300–400 SAR per night

• Rating: 4/5 for proximity and cleanliness

🕋 Performing Umrah – A Moment of Divine Connection

By early afternoon, we headed toward Masjid al-Haram, hearts pounding with anticipation. The majestic sight of the Kaaba under the golden sunlight was beyond words.

💫 Step-by-Step Umrah:

1. Tawaf (7 rounds around the Kaaba):
   My wife held back tears during the first round. By the last, she was weeping softly. I prayed for her, for us, and for our families.

2. Salah behind Maqam Ibrahim:
   Despite the crowd, we managed to find space to pray. It felt surreal.

3. Sa’i between Safa and Marwah:
   We walked the historic path, recalling the story of Hajar (AS) searching for water. It was physically demanding, but spiritually uplifting.

4. Halq & Taqsir:
   I shaved my head, and my wife cut a small portion of her hair to complete the Umrah.

Alhamdulillah, her first Umrah was complete. I couldn’t have been prouder.

Masjid E Haram, Makkah

 

🍛 Late Lunch in Makkah – A Well-Earned Meal

After finishing Umrah, we returned to our hotel to shower and rest briefly. Hunger soon set in, and we walked to a nearby restaurant to enjoy:

• Makkawi Chicken Mandi

• Shorba soup

• Fresh juice with mint

Simple, delicious, and satisfying after hours of walking and devotion.

🌆 Evening Drive to Jeddah – From Sacred Grounds to the Sea Breeze

In the early evening, we left Makkah for Jeddah, a journey of about 90 km. The roads are smooth, and the route was relatively quiet as we drove westward, leaving behind the mountains and entering the coastal plains.

We reached Jeddah by nightfall, welcomed by the warm sea breeze and the bustling energy of this port city.

🏨 Night Stay in Jeddah – A Cozy Rest Near the Corniche

We stayed in a budget-friendly hotel near the Jeddah Corniche, which offered clean rooms and private parking. Though basic, the hotel provided what we needed—rest and comfort.

• Cost: ~250–300 SAR

• Rating: 3.8/5

• Booking: Made via an app (e.g., Agoda or Booking.com)

After check-in, we took a short walk near the Red Sea, enjoying the fresh air and watching families picnicking, children playing, and fishing boats gently swaying on the water.

🍤 Dinner in Jeddah – Local Seafood Delight

We chose a small, popular local spot for dinner. The grilled fish and shrimp biryani were absolutely delicious, with spices that hinted at African and Indian influences—a reflection of Jeddah’s multicultural heritage.

🌙 End of Day 2 Summary:

• Route: Taif → Miqat → Makkah (Umrah) → Jeddah

• Distance Covered: ~250 km

• Total Drive Time: ~4–5 hours

• Spiritual Highlight: Wife’s first Umrah

• Hotel in Makkah: 4/5 – clean and close to Haram

• Hotel in Jeddah: 3.8/5 – decent for short stay

• Food: Mandi, seafood, local juices

• Memories Made: Unforgettable Umrah and Red Sea evening walk

🐪 Day 3: Jeddah to Madinah – Wild Encounters & Sacred Serenity

After a restful night in Jeddah, we woke up early to prepare for the next leg of our journey—a 420-kilometer drive to Madinah. The sea breeze, the peaceful morning silence, and the calm Red Sea horizon were a gentle farewell from Jeddah.

We filled up our 4x4 with diesel (still at the friendly price of 1.66 SAR/liter) and began the northbound journey. This was one of the most scenic and surprising stretches of our entire 5-day Umrah road trip.

🚗 Jeddah to Madinah – A Road Full of Surprises

The drive from Jeddah to Madinah took approximately 5 to 6 hours, including rest stops and photo breaks. As the cityscape faded, we were enveloped by the raw, untouched beauty of the Hijaz region—vast open plains, rugged rocky mountains, and long, uninterrupted roads stretching toward the horizon.

🐒 Animal Sightings Along the Highway:

This is where the unexpected fun began.

• Monkeys:
  Troops of monkeys were lounging on rocks by the roadside, especially near elevated or hilly patches. Some were bold enough to sit on signboards, others casually crossed the road. My wife was both shocked and delighted, snapping videos and photos from her window.

• Donkeys:
  We also saw groups of wild donkeys grazing in the distance. Their calm presence on the side of the road added a surreal touch to the drive, making us feel like we were driving through a natural wildlife reserve.

It felt like a blend of National Geographic and a spiritual travel documentary. Truly memorable.

We paused at a rest area to stretch, sip some tea, and soak in the natural surroundings. The air was dry but clean, the sky endless. We made dhikr together, reflecting on Allah’s creation and our incredible journey so far.

🕌 Arrival in Madinah – The City of Peace

As the green road signs pointing to Madinah began to appear, our hearts beat faster. My wife’s eyes welled up the moment she saw the first glimpse of the city’s skyline, knowing she was entering the City of the Prophet ﷺ for the first time in her life.

There is something indescribable about entering Madinah. Unlike any other place, it brings instant peace to the soul.

🏨 Hotel Check-In – Close to Masjid An-Nabawi

We reached Madinah in the early afternoon and checked into a hotel located within walking distance of Masjid An-Nabawi. The staff were kind, the check-in was smooth, and the room was clean, quiet, and comfortable—perfect for a spiritual retreat. 

• Cost: ~300–400 SAR per night

• Rating: 4.5/5 for cleanliness, service, and location

• Parking: Available (a plus for road trippers!)

• Tip: Always choose a hotel in the Central Area for easy access to the Haram.

🌟 First Visit to Masjid An-Nabawi – Emotion Overload

We quickly freshened up, made wudhu, and walked together toward Masjid An-Nabawi. As we approached, the massive white umbrellas came into view, shading worshippers in the courtyard. My wife stopped and took a deep breath.

“This is where the Prophet ﷺ is resting?” she whispered, overwhelmed.

We entered, prayed two rakats, and sat in silent awe. I guided her through the etiquettes of visiting the Rawdah, though we had to book a slot for it through the Nusuk app. We decided to visit later at our assigned time.

🕌 Evening in Madinah – Spiritual Recharge

The rest of the evening was spent in and around the mosque. We joined the Maghrib and Isha congregations, read Qur’an, and made heartfelt duas. The calmness in Madinah is incomparable—even the pigeons seem more peaceful here.

We walked through the souks near the mosque, where the soft call of vendors and fragrance of oud filled the air. My wife bought a bottle of rose perfume and some dates as souvenirs for family back home.

🍽️ Dinner in Madinah – Simple & Soulful

We ended the day with dinner at a nearby local restaurant serving:

• Madini Kabsa

• Lentil soup

• Fresh dates and laban

Nothing fancy, but delicious and filling.

🧭 End of Day 3 Summary:

• Route: Jeddah → Madinah

• Distance Covered: ~420 km

• Total Drive Time: ~5–6 hours

• Animal Sightings: Monkeys & wild donkeys

• Spiritual Highlight: First visit to Masjid An-Nabawi

• Hotel in Madinah: 4.5/5 – close to Haram, peaceful

• Food: Madini kabsa, soup, dates

• Vibes: Calm, spiritual, emotional

🚙 Day 4: Madinah to Qassim – Nature’s Show, Then Back to Dammam

We started early in Madinah, deeply refreshed both spiritually and physically. Our hearts were full after visiting Masjid An-Nabawi, and though it was hard to leave, we knew more wonders awaited on the road.

Our route for the day:
Madinah → Qassim → Riyadh → Dammam
A long drive, yes — but with stunning views and great bonding moments with my wife.

🌄 Morning Drive: Madinah to Qassim – Landscapes That Take Your Breath Away

The journey from Madinah to Qassim is around 450 kilometers, and we took our time. Along the way, we witnessed a mix of natural beauty and surprising terrain changes that made the drive feel like a movie.

🌊 Wadis – Valleys of Life

We passed through Wadis (dry riverbeds), some still carrying small pools of water from previous rains. These natural valleys created a sense of depth and timelessness, as if carved by Allah’s own hand.

• We stopped briefly at one of the wadis to walk around and take photos.

• My wife was fascinated by the contrast — dry lands one moment, and green patches of life the next.

⛰️ Straight Mountains – Nature’s Geometric Marvels - Tamya Mountain

One of the most unique sights was the perfectly straight-looking mountains. They rose like natural walls in the middle of nowhere, forming symmetrical silhouettes across the horizon.

“How are they this straight?” my wife asked, wide-eyed.
Truly, a sign of Allah’s creation.

We took multiple pictures and videos from the side of the road—Instagram-worthy, but more importantly, soul-touching.

Jabel al madiha - Tamya Mountain - Tamia Mountain
Google Maps Coordinates: 25.601512,41.993256

🌾 Plain Lands & Date Farms – A Taste of Rural Arabia

As we moved further into Qassim, the scenery turned flat and fertile. This region is known for its date farms, and we saw rows and rows of palm trees stretching across the plains.

• The smell of fresh soil and date trees was surprisingly soothing.

• We stopped at a roadside stall and bought fresh dates—sweet, soft, and naturally juicy.

The weather was pleasant—cool wind with scattered clouds, making the road journey enjoyable instead of tiring.

☕ Lunch Stop in Qassim – Local Flavors, Big Smiles

We stopped in Buraydah (Qassim's capital) for lunch at a small, family-run restaurant.

• Ordered camel meat kabsa, grilled chicken, and mint tea.

• The staff were warm and welcoming, asking about our road trip and even offering free dates as a gift.

This local hospitality added another beautiful memory to our journey.

🛣️ Qassim to Riyadh – The Highway Stretch

After lunch and a short rest, we hit the road again toward Riyadh, a journey of about 330 km. This stretch was mostly flat desert road, but we were entertained by:

• Roadside camels lazily walking by

• Traditional desert Bedouin camps in the distance

• Beautiful sunset painting the skies orange and purple

We reached Riyadh by evening, refueled again (still at 1.66 SAR/liter), and grabbed some quick snacks.

🌙 Final Leg: Riyadh to Dammam – Back to Where It All Began

The last leg was a familiar one — Riyadh to Dammam (~400 km). Though it was nighttime and a bit tiring, the smooth highways and our trusted 4x4 made it manageable.

We listened to nasheeds, talked about the best moments of the trip, and planned our next spiritual journey, inshaAllah.

By late night, we reached Dammam. Home never felt so peaceful.

🧳 End of Day 4 Summary:

• Route: Madinah → Qassim → Riyadh → Dammam

• Distance Covered: ~1,180 km

• Drive Time: ~11–12 hours with stops

• Nature Highlights: Wadis, straight mountains, green plains, date farms

• Food: Camel kabsa, mint tea, fresh dates

• Scenery: A perfect blend of desert, farmland, and highlands

• Fuel: Diesel @ 1.66 SAR/L (cost-effective long trip)

🌟 Final Reflections: A Journey of Love, Faith & Discovery

This 5-day Umrah road trip with my beloved wife was more than a travel story — it was a blend of spiritual renewal, natural beauty, and shared memories. From the cool hills of Taif to the warm plains of Qassim, and from the sacred mosques of Makkah and Madinah to the wild encounters on the highways — it was unforgettable.

💕 Highlights:

• My wife performing her first-ever Umrah

• The peace of Madinah and the awe of the Kaaba

• Local foods, kind strangers, and wild animals

• Witnessing Allah’s creation in landscapes and moments