Path to the Cave of Hira (start)

The only way up: the paved path from the Hira Cultural District up Jabal al-Nour to the Cave of Hira — open 24 hours and free.

• Where: about 5.9 km from Masjid al-Haram in a straight line, on its north-east side (21.45750, 39.86872)
• City: Makkah

History

Before the district opened, pilgrims climbed by informal tracks and steps from the south-west side of the mountain. The district built a paved route with services along the way, starting beside the Visitor Center on the east side. The older tracks are now closed: this path is the only way up to the Cave of Hira.

What to do there

• Open Jabal al-Nour and tap "Climb to the top" for the route, the height gain and the time from your hotel.
• Go before Fajr or after Asr, when it is cooler.

Tips for pilgrims

• Carry water, wear shoes with grip and go slowly; the path is steep in places and the last stretch to the cave is over rock.
• People with heart, breathing or knee problems should visit the Revelation Exhibition instead.
• Entry is free; at busy times a slot may need to be booked on Hi Hala.

Nearby places

• Revelation Exhibition — 60 m away
• Hira Cultural District — 100 m away
• Holy Quran Museum — 150 m away
• Cave of Hira — 980 m away

Sources

• Hira Cultural District: the ascent path
• Hi Hala: Trail to Hira Cave
• OpenStreetMap (path geometry, ODbL)

Open Path to the Cave of Hira (start) on the UmrahMap 3D map for walking or driving directions, or see all Ziyarah places in Makkah.

Text by the UmrahMap content team from the sources listed; updated 2026-09-26. This text is still being reviewed by scholars. Visiting rules and opening hours can change — check locally.

UmrahMap is made by UmrahCore, Umrah and Hajj management software for travel agencies.

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