First Ashra or Last Ten Nights, Choosing the Right Ramadan Umrah from the UK
With Ramadan 2027 expected to begin around 8 February, thousands of British Muslims are now deciding when to travel for Umrah. For many, the biggest question is not whether to go in Ramadan, but which part of the month to choose.
Ramadan is traditionally divided into three ten-day periods, each called an ashra. Each one offers a different experience in Makkah and Madinah, with different crowds, prices and opportunities for worship. Here is how they compare for pilgrims travelling from the UK.
The first ashra is usually the calmest and best value. The second ashra suits families travelling in February half-term. The last ten nights offer the greatest spiritual reward, including the chance of Laylat al-Qadr, but they are the busiest and most expensive time of the year.
Why Ramadan Umrah matters so much
Umrah in Ramadan holds a special place in Islam. In a hadith recorded by Bukhari and Muslim, the Prophet Muhammad said that performing Umrah in Ramadan is equal in reward to Hajj. That is one reason Makkah sees some of its largest crowds of the year during the holy month.
Expected dates for Ramadan 2027
All dates depend on the sighting of the moon, but current estimates are:
| Period | Expected dates | Main features |
| First ashra | around 8 to 17 February | Quietest period, lower prices |
| Second ashra | around 18 to 27 February | Busier, overlaps with UK half-term |
| Last ten nights | around 28 February to 9 March | Busiest period, highest prices, Laylat al-Qadr |
Eid al-Fitr is expected around 9 March 2027.
The first ashra, calm and better value
The opening days of Ramadan are often the most peaceful time to be in the Haram. Crowds build gradually, hotels are easier to book, and there is more space during taraweeh prayers.
This period is a strong choice for first-time pilgrims, older relatives and anyone on a tighter budget. You still experience fasting beside the Kaaba, iftar in the Haram and the unique atmosphere of Ramadan, without the intense crowds of the final days.
The second ashra, a good fit for families
The middle of Ramadan sees numbers rise steadily. For UK families, it has one big advantage: February half-term in many parts of England falls around this time, so children can travel without missing school.
Prices are higher than the first ashra but usually well below the last ten nights. Book early, as half-term week is popular with British families.
The last ten nights, the spiritual peak
The final ten nights are the most sought-after time of the Islamic year. The Quran describes Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree, as better than a thousand months (97:3), and it is sought in the odd nights of the last ten. The 27th night is expected around 6 March 2027.
According to a hadith in Bukhari and Muslim, the Prophet increased his worship in these nights more than at any other time. Many pilgrims spend them in prayer, Quran recitation and i’tikaf.
The trade-off is significant. The Haram is at its fullest, prayer spaces fill hours in advance, and hotels near the mosque reach their highest prices of the year. This period suits pilgrims who are fit, patient with crowds, and prepared to pay more.
What it costs
Prices rise steadily through the month. As an example, our own 10-night Ramadan Umrah packages start from around £975 per person in the first ashra, rising to around £1,075 in the second and close to £1,700 for the last ten days. Shorter seven-night packages in three-star hotels start from under £700. Prices depend on the hotel, its distance from the Haram and your departure airport.
How to choose
A few simple questions can help you decide:
- Is this your first Umrah? The first ashra is gentler and easier to manage.
- Are you travelling with children? The second ashra may fit school half-term.
- Is spiritual reward your main priority? The last ten nights offer the chance of Laylat al-Qadr.
- Is budget your main concern? Travel early in the month, and compare cheap Umrah packages UK operators offer outside Ramadan as well.
- Are you travelling with older relatives? The calmer first ashra, with a hotel close to the Haram, is often the safest option.
Rules to know before you book
Saudi Arabia manages Ramadan crowds carefully. Every pilgrim needs an Umrah permit through the official Nusuk app, and in recent years pilgrims have been limited to one Umrah permit during Ramadan.
The Umrah visa season also has a cut-off. Saudi Arabia’s published calendar shows the last Umrah visa issue date as 9 March 2027, so anyone travelling late in Ramadan should arrange their visa well in advance.
Always check that a package with flights is ATOL-protected. You can check an operator’s ATOL number on the Civil Aviation Authority website. The NHS-backed TravelHealthPro website has health advice for Umrah pilgrims, and the UK Foreign Office publishes current travel advice for Saudi Arabia.
Final thoughts
There is no wrong time to perform Umrah in Ramadan. The first ashra offers calm and value, the second suits families, and the last ten nights offer the greatest reward for those who can manage the crowds. With Ramadan 2027 just three months away, the best hotels are already filling up, so pilgrims who have chosen their ashra should book soon.
Frequently asked questions
When is Ramadan 2027?
Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin around 8 February and end with Eid al-Fitr around 9 March. The exact dates depend on the sighting of the moon.
What is an ashra in Ramadan?
An ashra is one of the three ten-day periods of Ramadan. Pilgrims often choose their Umrah dates by ashra, as crowds and prices change through the month.
Which part of Ramadan is best for Umrah?
It depends on your priorities. The first ashra is calmer and better value, the second can fit UK half-term, and the last ten nights offer the chance of Laylat al-Qadr but are the busiest and most expensive.
How much do Ramadan Umrah packages from the UK cost?
Prices vary by hotel and dates. Seven-night three-star packages can start from under £700 per person, while 10-night packages in the last ten nights can cost around £1,700 or more.
Is Umrah in Ramadan equal to Hajj?
In a hadith recorded by Bukhari and Muslim, the Prophet said that Umrah in Ramadan is equal to Hajj in reward. It does not replace the obligation of Hajj for those who are able.
Can I perform more than one Umrah in Ramadan?
In recent years, the Nusuk app has limited pilgrims to one Umrah permit during Ramadan to manage crowds. Check the current rules on Nusuk before you travel.
About the author: This article was written by the team at Qiblatain, a London-based Umrah and Hajj specialist that has helped UK pilgrims plan Ramadan Umrah since 2010.