Some 3.4 million Muslims from all over the world were participating in the pilgrimage this year, and many are finishing the rites on Thursday.

The pilgrims walked seven times around the Kaaba, in what is known as the "farewell" circumambulation.

Others were in the desert valley of Mina, several miles away, throwing stones at three walls representing Satan in a symbolic rejection of temptation, a ceremony that has been going on since Tuesday.

While many pilgrims complete their hajj on Thursday, some will continue for another day of stoning.