Mount Sinai (Moses Mountain) Sunrise Tour & St. Catherine’s Monastery

A night excursion to Mount Sinai with a visit to St. Catherine’s Monastery is one of the most iconic and meaningful journeys in Egypt. According to the Bible, it was here that God appeared to Moses and bestowed upon him the Ten Commandments, making this mountain a place of deep spiritual significance for people of many faiths.

At the foot of Mount Sinai lies St. Catherine’s Monastery—one of the oldest continuously operating Christian monasteries in the world, founded in the 4th century. Remarkably, throughout its long history, the monastery has never been destroyed or damaged. Thanks to this, it preserves an extraordinary collection of ancient icons and manuscripts, second in importance only to the Vatican Library. Since 2002, the monastery has been protected by UNESCO and is listed as a World Heritage Site.

The ascent to the summit follows the historic Camel Trail, stretching approximately 8 km. The final section consists of the famous handmade “Staircase of Repentance,” traditionally climbed barefoot by pilgrims. Reaching the summit before dawn and witnessing the sunrise over the Sinai Mountains is considered a moment of spiritual purification. According to legend, anyone who greets the sunrise on Mount Sinai—regardless of faith or nationality—receives forgiveness for all sins.

Important Information:

• The excursion operates Sunday–Monday, Wednesday–Thursday, and Friday–Saturday.

• The climb involves long distances and steep terrain. This tour is not recommended for children or  guests with musculoskeletal conditions or health issues that limit prolonged walking or climbing.

This journey is not just a trip—it is a profound spiritual experience that leaves a lasting impression on every traveler.

Program of the Mount Sinai (Moses Mountain) Sunrise Tour & St. Catherine’s Monastery

- Pick-up from the hotel

Our guide will meet you at the gate of your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh between 20:00 and 21:00, depending on your hotel’s location.
The journey to Mount Sinai covers approximately 218 km and takes around 3.5 hours by air-conditioned transfer.

During the drive, your guide will introduce you to the program, share historical and religious background, and explain the spiritual significance of the sacred places you will visit.

The journey includes two planned stops for comfort and preparation:

• First stop: approximately 1.5 hours after departure, at a shopping/rest area where toilets are available.

• Second stop: at the foot of Mount Sinai, near an icon and souvenir shop, with a break of about 30 minutes before beginning the climb.

- Climbing Mount Sinai (Moses Mountain)

Upon arrival, your pilgrimage begins with a gradual ascent along a winding mountain path leading toward the summit at 2,285 meters above sea level. After the serpentine road, you will climb the final 750 ancient steps, known as the Staircase of Repentance.

• Total walking distance: approximately 7 km

• Average ascent time: about 3 hours

• Climbing period: 02:00 – 05:00

You will be accompanied by an experienced guide throughout the ascent, carefully paced to ensure comfort and safety. Reaching the summit just before dawn allows you to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Sinai Mountains—a deeply moving moment believed to bring spiritual cleansing and blessing to all who experience it.

- Visit to St. Catherine’s Monastery

After witnessing the sunrise on Mount Sinai, we begin our descent from the mountain and proceed to the world-famous St. Catherine’s Monastery.

The monastery is a Greek Orthodox religious complex located at an altitude of 1,570 meters above sea level, in a valley between Mount Sinai (Moses Mountain), Mount Catherine, and Mount Safsaf. Founded in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian I, it is one of the oldest continuously operating Christian monasteries in the world.

St. Catherine was born as Dorothea in 294 AD in Alexandria. She was renowned for her beauty, intelligence, and education, spoke several languages, and later converted to Christianity. After refusing to renounce her faith and attempting to convert Emperor Maximinus, she was sentenced to martyrdom. According to tradition, her body was miraculously transported to Mount Sinai, where it was discovered centuries later by monks following divine visions. The monastery was subsequently named in her honor.

Today, the monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses priceless Christian treasures, including ancient manuscripts and icons second only to the Vatican’s collection.

During the visit, you will see:

• The Chapel of the Burning Bush

• The Burning Bush itself

• The Well of Moses

• The famous Mosaic of the Transfiguration

• Ancient chapels and sacred relics

Opening Hours & Dress Code

The monastery has strict visiting hours:
08:45 – 11:45
Closed on Fridays, Sundays, and Coptic religious holidays.

As this is an active holy site, appropriate clothing is mandatory:

• Men and women must wear long sleeves

• Women must cover their heads

• Women are not allowed to enter wearing trousers

At the entrance, traditional galabeya robes are available for rent if needed.

- Return to the Hotel

After the monastery visit, guests will be offered a light snack, followed by the return journey to Sharm El Sheikh.
Approximate arrival time at the hotel is around 14:00.

Dear guests, we kindly recommend checking the weather forecast before the trip, as mountain temperatures can be significantly cooler, especially at night.

• The climb takes place at night, and temperatures at the summit can feel much colder due to wind.

• Guests who do not feel confident walking the full distance may use camels partway (optional, paid on site around 20-25$).

• Toilets and rest areas are very basic — please plan accordingly.

• The tour involves long walking distances and is not recommended for guests with serious joint, heart, or mobility issues and children.

• Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains — checking the forecast before the trip is strongly recommended.

• Monastery access notice:
  Please note that St. Catherine’s Monastery may be closed on certain Christian religious holidays and special church celebrations. On these days, access inside the monastery may be restricted or limited to the outer courtyard and gardens only.
  👉 If visiting the monastery inside is very important to you, please check availability with us before booking.

• Tour support:
  If you experience any issues with the guide or organization during the trip, please contact us immediately or ask the guide to contact us on your behalf so we can resolve the situation promptly.

• Camel riding advisory:
  Guests may use camels for part of the ascent (approximately halfway). However, based on guest feedback, camel riding often causes back pain and discomfort after the ride.
  👉 For most guests, walking is more comfortable and recommended.

• Blankets at the summit:
  At the top of Mount Sinai, Bedouins offer blankets for rent (approx. $5).
  ⚠️ Blankets are not always clean, so we strongly recommend bringing your own warm clothing instead.

• Toilets & small cash:
  Toilets on the mountain are paid and cost approximately 10–20 Egyptian pounds per visit.
  👉 Please bring small Egyptian banknotes, as change is often unavailable.

• Stops during the journey:

  • First stop occurs after approx. 1.5 hours from departure — near a shopping/rest stop, where toilets are available.

  • The second stop is at the foot of Mount Sinai, near an icon and souvenir shop, lasting about 30 minutes before the climb.

• Lighting & equipment:
  Flashlights are provided for the night climb, so no need to bring your own unless preferred.

• Additional costs (approximate):

  • Camel ride (optional): $20–25

  • Blanket rental at summit: $5

  • Toilets on the mountain: 10–20 EGP

  • Drinks and snacks: not included (bring your own)

• Children & physical difficulty:
  This excursion involves long-distance night climbing and steep paths.
  ❗ Not recommended for small children or guests with back, knee, heart, or mobility problems.

• Winter conditions:
  In winter months, temperatures at the summit can drop below 0°C, with strong winds.
  👉 Warm clothes are essential, including jackets, hats, gloves, and layered clothing.

• Food & drinks:
  Drinks and snacks are not included, so we recommend bringing:

  • Drinking water

  • Light snacks

  • Packed breakfast from your hotel

• General safety & comfort:

  • Wear comfortable closed shoes with good grip

  • Dress in layers

  • Follow the instructions of the mountain guide at all times

  • Weather conditions may affect timing and access