Seven old Tajiks on five-month trek to Makkah

Seven Tajik men aged over 60 years have set off on a five-month trek to the Saudi town of Makkah to perform Umra (mini pilgrimage) although they say they do not have enough funds for the trip.

The seven have already obtained transit visas from the countries through which they will pass, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, according to newspapers in the Gulf Kingdom.

“They said the money they have is not enough but they will try to manage as they will sleep at mosques instead of hotels or apartments,” Sabq Arabic language daily said, citing Russian reports.

“The seven also said they do not have clear plans for their trip regarding eating and drinking or the cities which they will visit….but they affirmed that they count on God the Almighty that their journey will not be difficult.”

The men, carrying food and clothes in small bags, said they expect to reach Saudi Arabia by the start of October.

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