Karbala & Najaf, Iraq 10-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive at Baghdad Airport (BGW)

Arrive at Baghdad International Airport.

Clear customs and immigration. Exchange currency if needed.

Be prepared for potentially longer waits at immigration. Ensure you have your visa ready.

Transfer to Najaf

Take a pre-arranged taxi or shared shuttle from Baghdad Airport directly to Najaf.

This journey typically takes 2-3 hours.

Check-in & Rest in Najaf

Check into your budget-friendly accommodation in Najaf.

Rest and refresh after your overnight journey.

Najaf Orientation & Local Exploration

Take a gentle walk around your hotel area to familiarize yourself with your surroundings.

Locate local shops or a mosque for evening prayers.

Iftar & Evening at Imam Ali Holy Shrine

Break your fast (Iftar) at a local eatery or with community iftar arrangements.

Afterwards, head to the magnificent Imam Ali Holy Shrine for evening prayers and spiritual reflection during Ramadan.

Dress modestly. Be prepared for crowds, especially during Ramadan. Women should wear an abaya and headscarf. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g659510-d6599786-Reviews-Imam_Ali_Holy_Shrine-Najaf_Najaf_Province.html?m=66827

Suhur & Fajr Prayers

Wake up for Suhur (pre-dawn meal) at your accommodation.

Perform Fajr (dawn) prayers. Many hotels offer early morning meals during Ramadan.

Imam Ali Holy Shrine Visit

Spend the morning in quiet contemplation and prayer at the sacred Imam Ali Holy Shrine, one of the holiest sites for Shia Muslims.

Observe the intricate architecture and spiritual atmosphere.

Modest dress required. Photography rules may apply in certain areas. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g659510-d6599786-Reviews-Imam_Ali_Holy_Shrine-Najaf_Najaf_Province.html?m=66827

Wadi-us-Salaam Cemetery

Visit the vast Wadi-us-Salaam Cemetery, one of the largest cemeteries in the world, holding the tombs of several prophets and scholars.

It offers a unique historical and spiritual experience.

Consider hiring a local guide for insights into the historical significance of the tombs and the cemetery itself. Dress respectfully.

Najaf Local Market

Explore the traditional markets (souks) near the shrine, offering religious artifacts, local crafts, and dates – a traditional item for breaking fast.

Iftar & Evening Prayers

Break your fast and join evening prayers at a local mosque or the Imam Ali Holy Shrine.

Experience the communal spirit of Ramadan.

Suhur & Fajr Prayers

Wake up for Suhur and Fajr prayers before preparing for your journey to Karbala.

Transfer to Karbala

Travel from Najaf to Karbala by shared taxi or private car.

The journey is relatively short, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.

Check-in & Rest in Karbala

Check into your budget-friendly accommodation in Karbala.

Take some time to settle in and rest.

The Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain

Visit The Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain, the spiritual heart of Karbala.

Spend time in prayer and reflection at this revered site.

Dress modestly. Be respectful of religious customs and the somber atmosphere. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g659513-d6276848-Reviews-The_Holy_Shrine_of_Imam_Hussain-Karbala_Karbala_Province.html?m=66827

Iftar & Evening at Al Abbas Holy Shrine

Break your fast with a meal in Karbala.

Afterwards, head to the magnificent Al Abbas Holy Shrine, located adjacent to Imam Hussain's shrine, for evening prayers and a spiritual experience during Ramadan.

This shrine is known for its beautiful architecture. Adhere to modesty guidelines. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g659513-d7939961-Reviews-Al_Abbas_Holy_Shrine-Karbala_Karbala_Province.html?m=66827

Suhur & Fajr Prayers

Wake up for Suhur and Fajr prayers at your accommodation.

Al-Mukhayam Shrine Visit

Visit Al-Mukhayam Shrine, believed to be the site of Imam Hussain's camp during the Battle of Karbala.

It offers a serene atmosphere for reflection.

A poignant site for pilgrims. Maintain reverence during your visit. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g659513-d8089833-Reviews-Al_Mukhayam_Shrine-Karbala_Karbala_Province.html?m=66827

Visit جامع المام الحسين عليه السلام

Explore جامع المام الحسين عليه السلام (Jami' al-Imam al-Hussain A.

S.), another significant religious site for prayers and quiet contemplation in Karbala.

Observe local customs and dress codes. This is a Google Places listed location.

Karbala Bazaar & Local Culture

Wander through the bustling traditional markets of Karbala, exploring local goods, religious items, and perhaps finding dates or local sweets for Iftar.

Iftar & Communal Prayers

Enjoy Iftar in Karbala.

Many public and private organizations offer free Iftar meals during Ramadan, providing a strong sense of community and generosity. Afterwards, join evening prayers.

Suhur & Fajr Prayers

Have your Suhur meal and perform Fajr prayers, preparing for your departure from Karbala.

Final Visit to Shrines

Make a final visit to The Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain and Al Abbas Holy Shrine for farewell prayers and spiritual reflection.

Travel from Karbala to Najaf

Take a shared taxi or private car back to Najaf, preparing for your international flight on Day 6.

Check-in to Najaf Accommodation

Check back into a budget hotel in Najaf, ideally one convenient for the airport or your onward journey.

Prepare for Departure & Relaxation

Spend the afternoon relaxing, packing, and preparing for your next leg of the journey to Saudi Arabia. Use this time for personal reflection.

Iftar & Evening Prayers

Enjoy your final Iftar in Najaf.

Perform evening prayers, perhaps a last visit to the Imam Ali Holy Shrine if time permits.

Arrival in Medina

Arrive at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED) in Medina.

Transfer to your accommodation. Given the early arrival during Ramadan, you might perform Fajr prayer at the airport mosque before heading to the hotel.

Check-in & Rest

Check into your budget-friendly hotel in Medina and get some essential rest after your journey.

Prepare for a day of devotion.

Iftar Preparations & Prayer

Prepare for Iftar (breaking the fast).

Perform Asr prayer before heading to the Prophet's Mosque.

Al-Masjid an-Nabawi & Iftar

Head to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (the Prophet's Mosque).

Experience the spiritual atmosphere, perform Maghrib prayer, and break your fast with Iftar within the mosque's vicinity, often with shared community meals.

Dress modestly. Be prepared for large crowds during Ramadan. Women have designated prayer areas. Iftar meals are often provided freely.

Isha & Tarawih Prayers

Perform Isha prayer, followed by Tarawih prayers at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi.

This is a special spiritual experience during Ramadan.

Visit Rawdah (Optional)

Attempt to visit the Rawdah (the area between the Prophet's grave and his pulpit).

Access is strictly managed, especially during Ramadan. Women usually have specific hours.

Be patient and follow guidelines for entering the Rawdah. It can be extremely crowded.

Suhur & Fajr Prayer

Wake up for Suhur, the pre-dawn meal, at your hotel.

Perform Fajr prayer at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi or your hotel's prayer area.

Jannatul Baqi Cemetery

Visit Jannatul Baqi, the historic cemetery where many companions of the Prophet Muhammad and members of his family are buried.

Reflect on the history and legacy.

Entry is free. Men can enter; women usually view from outside. Dress modestly.

Masjid Quba

Visit Masjid Quba, the first mosque ever built in Islam.

Performing two Raka'ahs of Nafl prayer here is highly meritorious.

Taxis or ride-sharing apps are convenient for transport. Entry is free.

Mount Uhud Battlefield

Travel to Mount Uhud, the site of the Battle of Uhud.

Reflect on the historical significance and pay respects at the graves of the martyrs.

Wear comfortable shoes. Taxis are available for transport. Entry is free.

Afternoon Prayers & Devotion

Return to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi for Dhuhr and Asr prayers.

Spend time in personal devotion, Quran recitation, and quiet reflection within the mosque.

Iftar at Hotel/Local Eatery

Break your fast with Iftar at a local budget-friendly eatery or your hotel.

Explore simple, traditional Saudi dishes.

Isha & Tarawih Prayers

Return to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi for Isha and Tarawih prayers, continuing your spiritual observance.

Suhur & Fajr Prayer

Enjoy your final Suhur meal in Medina.

Perform Fajr prayer at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi or your hotel.

Check-out from Hotel

Check out from your hotel in Medina.

Ensure all belongings are packed and ready for your journey to Mecca.

Travel to Mecca & Enter Ihram

Take a bus or private transfer to Mecca.

The journey takes approximately 4-6 hours. You will stop at a Miqat point (e.g., Dhul Hulayfah if travelling by car, or before boarding for a flight) to enter into the state of Ihram for Umrah. Ensure you have performed Ghusl (ritual bath) and changed into Ihram attire.

Check-in & Rest in Mecca

Arrive in Mecca, check into your budget hotel, and settle in.

Given the journey and being in Ihram, take some time to rest before performing Umrah.

Iftar in Mecca

Break your fast in Mecca.

You can find many budget-friendly options near your hotel or simple food stalls. Perform Maghrib prayer.

Perform Umrah (Tawaf & Sa'i)

Head to Al-Masjid al-Haram to perform Umrah.

This includes Tawaf (circumambulating the Kaaba seven times) and Sa'i (walking seven times between Safa and Marwah). Conclude with cutting or shaving hair (Tahalul).

Remain in Ihram until Tahalul. Stay hydrated. Be prepared for very large crowds during Ramadan nights.

Suhur & Fajr Prayer

Have Suhur at your hotel or a nearby eatery.

Perform Fajr prayer at Al-Masjid al-Haram.

Extended Devotion at Grand Mosque

Spend the morning in intense devotion at Al-Masjid al-Haram.

Perform optional Tawaf, recite Quran, make supplications, and absorb the spiritual atmosphere.

Take advantage of the quiet morning hours, relatively less crowded than evenings.

Rest & Personal Reflection

Return to your hotel for rest, personal reflection, and prepare for afternoon prayers.

Iftar & Maghrib Prayer

Enjoy Iftar at a local restaurant or simple food stall near the Grand Mosque.

Perform Maghrib prayer.

Isha & Tarawih Prayers

Perform Isha and Tarawih prayers at Al-Masjid al-Haram, experiencing the vibrant spiritual energy of Ramadan nights.

Late Night Devotion (Optional)

For those with energy, continue with optional prayers, supplications, or Tawaf later into the night.

Suhur & Fajr Prayer

Have your final Suhur meal in Mecca.

Perform Fajr prayer at Al-Masjid al-Haram.

Tawaf al-Wada (Farewell Tawaf)

Perform Tawaf al-Wada, the farewell circumambulation of the Kaaba, which is the final ritual before departing from Mecca.

This is a highly recommended act before leaving Mecca.

Check-out & Breakfast

Return to your hotel, pack your belongings, and check out.

Have a light breakfast if time permits before heading to the airport.

Transfer to Jeddah Airport (JED)

Travel from Mecca to King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah for your departure.

The drive typically takes about 1-1.5 hours.

Airport Check-in & Security

Complete check-in procedures for your flight and proceed through security at Jeddah airport.

Allow ample time, especially during Ramadan.

Departure from Jeddah

Depart from Jeddah on your flight back to Copenhagen, concluding your spiritual journey.