Tawaf on the Upper Floors: Is It Valid and What Distance Counts?

If you’ve performed Umrah recently—or even watched videos of the crowds during peak seasons—you’ve probably noticed something: the number of pilgrims on the upper floors during Tawaf has increased dramatically. As the Haram expands, many people ask the same questions: Is Tawaf on the upper floors valid? Does the distance still “count”? Will my Umrah be accepted if I couldn’t reach the Mataf?

These are important, practical concerns, especially for anyone planning their pilgrimage, researching Umrah Packages, or coordinating travel through an Umrah Travel Agency. So let’s break this down with clarity, confidence, and real-world insight.

Is Tawaf on the Upper Floors Valid?

Here’s the simple answer: Yes, Tawaf on the upper floors is valid according to the consensus of contemporary scholars.

The core requirement of Tawaf is circumambulating the Kaaba within the boundaries of the Haram and around the Kaaba itself, regardless of vertical height. Leading fiqh councils and scholars consistently affirm that upper-floor Tawaf is permissible because:

• The Kaaba extends upwards in a straight vertical line.

• Pilgrims remain within the designated Mataf boundary.

• The circular route is preserved even at higher levels.

That being said, some scholars mention that the reward may differ because being closer to the Kaaba naturally enhances one’s spiritual connection. But in terms of validity? You’re completely safe and your Tawaf is accepted. For this reason, many reputable guides and every major Umrah Travel Agency support and facilitate upper-level Tawaf, especially during Ramadan Umrah Packages or peak seasons when crowding becomes intense.

What Distance Counts When Doing Tawaf Upstairs?

Here’s the kicker: the distance you walk on the upper floors is longer than the ground-level Mataf.
Does this affect your Tawaf? Not at all.

In fact, the longer distance is simply a practical consequence of walking in a larger circle. Scholars clarify that distance is not a condition of validity—the number of circuits is. Whether your round is 200 meters or 400 meters, one complete revolution counts as one lap of Tawaf.

For instance:

• Ground level: approx. 145 meters per round

• First floor: approx. 280–300 meters

• Roof: approx. 400 meters

As long as you complete seven full circled laps around the Kaaba, your Tawaf is complete—regardless of where you walk. This is especially helpful for pilgrims who book Ramadan Umrah Packages during high-traffic months. It ensures everyone—elderly, disabled, families with children—can complete Tawaf safely without pushing through the crowd at the ground level.

When Should You Prefer the Upper Floors?

On the flip side, while the ground floor offers the closest proximity, the upper levels provide practical advantages. Over the past decade of assisting pilgrims through different Umrah Packages, these are the situations where upper-floor Tawaf truly shines:

• Elderly pilgrims who need wheelchair assistance

• Families with strollers

• People with anxiety around crowds

• Those performing Tawaf during peak Ramadan hours

• Pilgrims arriving with March Umrah Packages when visitor traffic increases before the holy month

The upper levels are smoother, calmer, and often shaded. During the intense Ramadan rush, an Umrah Travel Agency will often recommend upper-floor Tawaf for safety and ease.

Common Misconceptions About Upper-Floor Tawaf

Let’s clear up a few myths I hear every year:

“It doesn’t count because I’m too far from the Kaaba.”

Distance doesn’t invalidate Tawaf. Height doesn’t either. What matters is circling the Kaaba within the designated Haram boundary.

“It has to be on the Mataf where the Prophet (ﷺ) performed it.”

The Prophet (ﷺ) performed Tawaf on the ground because that was the only level available. Scholars agree that modern expansion does not change the ruling, just the logistics.

“Allah won’t accept Tawaf done so far away.”

This fear is understandable, especially for first-time pilgrims. But here’s the truth: acceptance comes from sincerity, not physical distance. And if upper-floor Tawaf weren’t valid, the scholars of all four major madhhabs would have warned the entire Ummah.

Practical Tips for Doing Tawaf on Upper Floors

Because many pilgrims, especially those using March Umrah Packages, end up on the upper floors, here are some practical suggestions to make your Tawaf smoother:

Choose Off-Peak Times When Possible

Late-night hours (after midnight) or early mornings tend to be the calmest—even during Ramadan.

Follow Marked Starting Points

The green light marking the line of the Black Stone is visible from upper levels too.

Stay Hydrated

The upper floors involve longer walking distances. Carry a small Zamzam cup or refillable bottle.

Wheelchair Users

Wheelchairs are permitted both on upper floors and designated pathways. Many Umrah Packages already include wheelchair support.

Keep Your Group Together

Groups—especially those traveling through an Umrah Travel Agency—should agree on a meeting point before starting, just in case someone gets separated.

Why the Upper Floors Were Created in the First Place

People often forget this, but the upper floors weren’t built for convenience; they were built out of necessity. With the expanding Muslim population and millions of pilgrims arriving through various Umrah Packages, the Mataf became overcrowded.
Saudi authorities, supported by global scholars, approved multi-level Tawaf to:

• Prevent crushing during peak seasons

• Allow families, elderly, and disabled pilgrims safer access

• Improve overall flow during Ramadan Umrah Packages

• Prepare for long-term population growth

The system works—and it’s consistently refined year after year.

From my personal experience…

After guiding pilgrims for over 10 years—many of them arriving through tightly structured Umrah Packages—I’ve seen firsthand how upper-floor Tawaf has been a blessing. Frail grandparents who couldn’t physically push through a crowd were able to complete their Tawaf peacefully on the first floor. A mother with twin toddlers in a stroller finished all seven rounds on the roof without a single moment of chaos. These real moments prove the upper levels aren’t just valid; they’re merciful. And mercy is at the heart of Umrah itself.

Conclusion

Tawaf on the upper floors is not only valid—it’s an essential part of the modern pilgrimage experience. Whether you’re visiting through Ramadan Umrah Packages, March Umrah Packages, or general Umrah Packages, you can complete your Tawaf with full confidence, knowing it counts exactly the same.

Just remember the essentials: complete seven rounds, stay within the Haram boundaries, and keep your heart focused. The distance doesn’t reduce your reward; your sincerity increases it. And with the help of a reliable Umrah Travel Agency, you can make the entire journey smoother from beginning to end.

Sources

• Fiqh Council Position Papers on Multi-Level Tawaf

• Contemporary Fatwas by Senior Scholars of the Two Holy Mosques & Ministry of Hajj & Umrah.

• Saudi Haram Expansion Documentation

• Field Notes from 15+ Years of Pilgrimage Consultancy