Mount Sinai Climb And St Catherine Monastery From Sharm El Sheikh

Sunrise makes the hard miles worthwhile. This overnight trip from Sharm el Sheikh combines a predawn climb of Mount Sinai with a visit to St Catherine Monastery, giving you two major Sinai sights in one long day. You leave your hotel late in the evening, ride for roughly three hours, hike through the darkness, then return to Sharm around early afternoon.

I like the powerful setting and the chance to watch first light from the mountain linked with Moses and the Ten Commandments. I also like the Bedouin mountain guides, who help keep the group together and offer rest stops along the route. The main drawback is simple: this is a demanding, sleep-starved outing, and the advertised 12-hour duration can become closer to 17 or 18 hours once hotel pickup and the return drive are included.

Key points before you book

• Sunrise from 2,285 metres: The view over the Sinai peaks is the main prize, with a small chapel and mosque near the summit.
• A real night hike: You begin around 2:00 am, using a handheld flashlight while following a mountain path in the dark.
• About 700 steps, then more: The route includes a long gradual section and a final staircase of roughly 700 to 750 steps.
• Camel rides are optional: A camel can carry you for much of the route, but you still must walk the final steps to the summit.
• St Catherine Monastery follows the climb: You visit the Transfiguration Church, Burning Bush, and the well associated with Moses.
• Expect a large group: Although the advertised maximum is 15 people, some departures have included groups of around 60.

The long night from Sharm el Sheikh

Pickup usually begins between 7:30 and 9:00 pm, with a stated start time of 9:30 pm. Exact pickup depends on your hotel, and one reported departure began as early as 7:20 pm. That makes this more than a neat 12-hour excursion. You may leave before sunset and arrive back at your hotel around 1:30 or 2:00 pm the following day.

The road journey to the Mount Sinai area takes about three hours, though some accounts describe a longer ride of three and a half hours. An air-conditioned vehicle is provided, and the route normally includes stops for toilets. Bring toilet paper, since facilities along the road and mountain are basic.

This bus ride is useful sleeping time, but comfort can vary. One particularly serious complaint described a hot vehicle and aggressive driving, while many other accounts praised the transport and organization. That mixed picture is worth noting. The operator says an air-conditioned vehicle is included, but vehicle condition may not feel identical on every departure.

A practical nuisance is the collection of the 10 euro mountain entrance fee in cash. The fee is stated in advance, but a slow collection on the bus reportedly caused a 20 to 30 minute delay. Bring the exact amount if possible, and keep small snacks and water close at hand.

Starting the Mount Sinai climb at 2:00 am

You normally begin walking around 1:00 or 2:00 am, depending on arrival and local arrangements. A Bedouin guide leads the mountain section, while an Egyptologist guide handles the historical explanation and the monastery visit.

The climb is not a technical mountaineering trip. It is a long uphill walk, usually described as roughly 7 kilometres each way, though total walking estimates range from about 14 kilometres to 20 kilometres. The difference may come from the exact route, waiting areas, and movement around the summit and monastery. I would prepare for the longer version rather than count on the shorter one.

The first part follows a broad, gradual path. The final approach becomes more tiring, with a staircase of approximately 700 to 750 steps. In the dark, your pace depends on the group, weather, and fitness. Some departures have taken about three hours to reach the top, while others took three and a half to four and a half hours.

Guides set a steady pace and stop at coffee tents or rest points so you can catch your breath. This support matters. Several accounts describe guides who watched the back of the group, helped tired climbers, and waited when someone struggled. Mahmoud was singled out for his care on the mountain, while Saeed received praise for his explanation of St Catherine Monastery.

Still, do not confuse a guided hike with an easy hike. You need good general fitness, sturdy shoes, and enough stamina for a long ascent after very little sleep. The path can be uneven, and camel droppings are common. Keep your flashlight aimed at the ground, not only at the stars.

Camels help, but they do not remove the challenge

You can hire a camel at your own expense for much of the climb. This can reduce the strain on the longer lower section, but it does not turn the trip into a sightseeing ride. The final staircase must be walked, and that is the part many people find hardest.

Camel sellers may approach you along the route, and prices on the mountain are described as tourist prices. Ask the cost clearly before agreeing, and carry cash. If you want the full walking experience, you can simply continue with the group on foot.

The camel option may suit someone who can manage stairs but worries about several hours of uphill walking. It is less suitable if you expect a quiet, private ride, since the mountain route can be busy and the camel traffic adds another thing to watch.

Waiting for dawn beside the chapel and mosque

The summit is cold because you arrive before sunrise, after climbing at night and then sitting still. Reports describe temperatures near freezing, with one account recording 24 Fahrenheit, about minus 4 Celsius. Even if your Sharm hotel feels warm, pack winter clothing.

You need a proper jacket, hat, gloves, and several layers. A fleece or sweater under a windproof outer layer is more useful than one bulky garment. Bring a thermos with a hot drink if you have one, along with high-energy snacks. Food and drinks are sold at mountain rest stops, but prices are higher than in town.

A shelter near the top rents blankets, with reported prices of about 3 to 5 dollars. Their cleanliness cannot be guaranteed, so I would treat a rented blanket as backup rather than your main plan.

The summit itself gives the climb its emotional force. As darkness fades, the surrounding Sinai peaks begin to separate from the sky. First light reaches the small Christian chapel and nearby mosque, a striking reminder of the mountain’s shared religious importance. The sunrise is brief, so settle in quickly, keep warm, and avoid spending the whole time trying to photograph it.

The summit can be crowded, especially at popular times. Yet the open mountain setting still gives you space to look outward and enjoy the silence between announcements, movement, and camera clicks. The night sky is part of the experience too. Constellations and the moon can be as memorable as the sunrise.

Descending in daylight

The return route feels different from the ascent. In the dark, you concentrate on each step and the small circle of light ahead. In daylight, you see the rocky slopes, rest tents, camels, and the full scale of the mountain route.

Descending is not automatically easy. Your legs may be tired, and the steps can punish knees and ankles. Use the handrails where available, take your time, and do not let a faster section of the group force your pace.

One account described the entire trek as a major physical challenge, while another found the pace quick but manageable because of regular stops. That is a fair way to view it. You do not need elite fitness, but you should be comfortable with a long hike and a substantial staircase.

The handheld flashlight is included, but one complaint said not everyone received one. I would still bring a small personal headlamp or flashlight if you have one. It leaves your hands free and gives you a backup if the supplied torch fails or gets lost.

St Catherine Monastery after the mountain

After the climb, you meet the guide at the monastery gate. The visit includes the Transfiguration Church, the Burning Bush, and the well associated with the prophet Moses. The monastery is traditionally linked with the place where Moses saw the Burning Bush and is described as the oldest continually operating monastery in the world.

This stop gives the day a needed change of pace. Instead of open mountain and cold air, you move into a sacred compound filled with Christian art, relics, and centuries of religious memory. The site has value even if you are not religious, because it connects the physical setting with stories that shaped Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Allow about an hour for the visit. That is enough for an introduction, but not enough for a slow, detailed exploration of every part of the complex. Some sections may be closed, and one account wished for more time inside. Access can also depend on local conditions and opening arrangements.

The Egyptologist guide adds useful context here. Saeed was praised for explaining the monastery and its stories, while another account found some explanations difficult to follow. If the group is large, stay close to the guide and ask questions during the visit, since it may be harder to hear at the back.

Group size, guides, and the human side of the trip

The advertised maximum is 15 people, but that number should not be treated as guaranteed. At least two accounts describe groups much larger than 15, including one group of around 60. A larger group can mean slower movement, more waiting, and less personal contact with the guide.

The upside is that the mountain guides often help create a supportive mood. One tired climber described fellow participants delaying their progress and helping after a lost flashlight. Another account praised the Bedouin guides for ensuring nobody was left behind. That kind of care is important during a night climb.

The experience is not polished in a Western resort sense. Mountain toilets are primitive, the path has camel waste, and queues or delays can occur. You are visiting a working religious and mountain environment, not a theme park. I find that authenticity part of the appeal, but you should know what you are signing up for.

Bring respect for the religious setting. Alcohol is not permitted at the holy sites, and arguments with guides will only make a tiring day worse. Dress for the cold and for visiting a monastery, with clothing that covers shoulders and knees.

Is the 35 dollar price good value?

At about 35 dollars per person, the tour is inexpensive for a full-day outing that includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, a qualified Egyptologist, a Bedouin mountain guide, and a flashlight. You also get both Mount Sinai and St Catherine Monastery without arranging separate transport across the Sinai.

The important catch is the additional 10 euro cash entrance charge for Mount Sinai. Camel hire, blankets, snacks, drinks, and tips are also extra. The low advertised price is therefore a starting cost, not the final amount you should carry.

I consider it good value if you want the simplest way to reach the mountain from Sharm and you accept a basic group operation. It is less appealing if you want a small group, carefully controlled departure times, long monastery access, or guaranteed vehicle comfort.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted, and poor weather may lead to a different date or a full refund.

Who should book this Mount Sinai tour?

I would recommend it to fit adults who want a memorable physical challenge and who value the religious setting as much as the scenery. It also suits anyone with limited time in Egypt, since one overnight departure covers two major sites.

I would not choose it for young children, older people with limited mobility, or anyone who dislikes long bus rides and basic facilities. It is also a poor match if you need a full night’s sleep before an important activity the next day.

Before booking, check the weather and plan your clothing first. Then set aside money for the entry fee and optional camel, and prepare to be awake for most of the night. If that sounds exciting rather than exhausting, the sunrise can repay the effort many times over.

FAQ

How long does the Mount Sinai tour from Sharm el Sheikh last?

The stated duration is approximately 12 hours, but actual timing can be longer. Pickup may begin between 7:30 and 9:00 pm, with return to Sharm around 1:30 or 2:00 pm the next day.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 9:30 pm. Hotel pickup may take place earlier, depending on your location in Sharm el Sheikh.

How long is the drive to Mount Sinai?

The drive from Sharm el Sheikh to the Mount Sinai area is about three hours, although some departures have taken three and a half hours.

What time does the hike begin?

The climb generally begins around 2:00 am. Some schedules describe the start as approximately 1:00 am.

How difficult is the Mount Sinai climb?

The tour requires a strong physical fitness level. It includes several hours of uphill walking, a long route of roughly 7 kilometres each way, and a final staircase of about 700 to 750 steps.

Can I ride a camel instead of walking?

You can hire a camel for much of the route at your own expense. You must still walk the final steps to the summit.

What should I wear and bring?

Bring a warm jacket, layers, gloves, and a hat because the summit can be near freezing. Sturdy shoes, water, snacks, and a personal flashlight are also useful. Toilet paper is recommended for basic facilities.

Is the Mount Sinai entrance fee included?

No. A 10 euro entrance fee is listed as payable in cash per person. Optional camel rides, blankets, food, drinks, and tips are also not included.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

No. The operator requires good physical fitness, and the long night hike is not recommended for people who are not fit enough for sustained uphill walking and stairs. It operates in all weather conditions, so appropriate clothing is essential.