Updated · Saudi Arabia Taxi Services
Why visit the Cave of Hira?
A Cave Hira visit takes you to Jabal al-Nour, the Mountain of Light, on the north-east side of Makkah. Before prophethood, the Prophet ﷺ used to spend days in worship and reflection in the cave, and it was there that the first revelation came to him: the opening verses of Surah al-Alaq, which begin with the word "Read".
Visiting the cave is not part of Umrah or Hajj; it is an optional visit to a place of history. The Hira Cultural District at the foot of the mountain has a museum and visitor facilities, so family members who do not climb still have somewhere to go.
How hard is the climb?
The path up Jabal al-Nour is steep, and the climb takes a long time for many people. How long it takes you depends on your fitness, the heat and how busy the path is, so do not plan it to the minute. Allow plenty of time, rest when you need to, and turn back if you feel unwell.
The cave is near the top of the mountain and space there is limited, so at busy times you may wait your turn. If you have heart, breathing or knee problems, ask your doctor before you climb. Elderly family members can stay at the Hira Cultural District while others go up.
When is the best time to go?
Check the prayer times for the day and plan the climb so you are not rushing back to the Haram for the next prayer.
- After Fajr: the coolest part of the day and the best time to start, so you climb before the sun gets strong.
- Late afternoon: the other good window. Start early enough to come down in daylight.
- Midday: avoid it, above all in summer, when Makkah afternoons are often above 40 °C.
- Winter, from about December to February, is the mildest season, but the climb is still hard work in the sun.
Getting to Jabal al-Nour by car
Jabal al-Nour is about 5 km by road from the Haram. The driver drops you at the foot of the mountain, near the Hira Cultural District, and waits while you climb. When you are on your way down, message him on WhatsApp so he is ready at the agreed point.
Roads around the Haram are slow before prayer times, so allow extra time for the drive back if you want to reach the Haram for a prayer.
A one-way taxi costs from SAR 60, and ride-hailing apps work for short city rides too. The difference with a booked car is that the driver waits, so you are not looking for a ride at the foot of the mountain when you are tired.
What does a Cave Hira visit cost?
Fares are per car and fixed before you set off. The prices below come from our Jabal al-Nour Ziyarat page.
| Option | Price per car | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Return trip, driver waits, economy sedan | From SAR 240 | Up to 3 passengers visiting Jabal al-Nour only |
| Hourly driver, 4 hours, economy sedan | SAR 320 | Adding nearby sites on the way back |
| Family van, 4 hours | SAR 600 | Families and groups of up to 11 |
| Wheelchair-accessible van | SAR 170 per hour | A wheelchair user who waits at the foot of the mountain |
What to bring for the climb
- Plenty of water, more than you think you need.
- Shoes with a good grip, not sandals or slippers.
- A hat or umbrella for the sun.
- A small bag with your phone, some cash and any medicines you need.
- The driver's number saved on WhatsApp, so you can call him when you come down.
- A bag for your rubbish; leave nothing on the mountain.
Combine Jabal al-Nour with other Makkah sites
Jannat al-Mu'alla, the historic cemetery where Khadijah is buried, and Masjid al-Jinn are both about 2 km from the Haram and easy to add on the way back. Visiting hours at Jannat al-Mu'alla can be limited, so check on the day.
Jabal Thawr is a longer and harder climb than Jabal al-Nour, so most families view it from the base. For the classic tour, see Makkah Ziyarat places and our guide to visiting Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat outside Hajj.