Mount Sinai Sunrise Hike & Saint Catherine Monastery Trip from Sharm El Sheikh

Mount Sinai (Mount Moses) at sunrise

Mount Sinai, known in Arabic as Jebel Musa, rises to about 2,285 metres above sea level and is sacred to Christians, Muslims and Jews as the place traditionally linked to Moses receiving the Ten Commandments. The classic Mount Sinai sunrise hike starts in the night so you reach the summit before dawn, then watch the first light spread over a sea of red granite peaks.

Most visitors climb by the long path that winds up from the monastery, walking in the dark with torches and stopping to rest at tea houses. The climb takes around two to three hours for a fit walker. It is cold at the top even in summer, so wear warm layers. The Bedouin guide leads the group, keeps a steady pace and helps anyone who slows down.

Saint Catherine Monastery

Saint Catherine Monastery lies at the foot of Mount Sinai and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited Christian monasteries in the world. It was built in the sixth century under the Byzantine emperor Justinian, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Inside are a famous collection of icons, a library of ancient manuscripts and the chapel of the Burning Bush, which pilgrims and travellers come to see.

Visiting hours are limited to part of the morning and the monastery closes on certain days, so we schedule the trip around it. If you are planning a Saint Catherine Monastery tour from Sharm El Sheikh, dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, and keep your voice low inside. Your Egyptologist guide explains the history of the site.

The drive from Sharm El Sheikh through Sinai

Getting to Mount Sinai from Sharm El Sheikh takes around three to four hours each way by road through the mountains of South Sinai. The vehicle is air-conditioned, so you can rest on the way to the mountain and after the climb. The route passes desert plains, checkpoints and small settlements before reaching the valley near the monastery.

This is a shared trip, so you travel with other guests from various Sharm hotels; the guide speaks the languages the group needs. It is a very long day of about seventeen hours, and many guests sleep during the transfers. Keep your passport or ID with you for checkpoints.

Preparing for the climb: what to wear and expect

The best time to visit Mount Sinai is spring or autumn, when nights are cool and the walk is comfortable. Winter nights can be freezing, and snow occasionally falls at the top; summer mornings are warmer but still chilly before dawn. In every season you need a warm jacket, a hat, gloves in winter and sturdy walking shoes.

Bring a torch or headlamp, water, snacks and a small amount of cash for tea along the way. Water is provided in the vehicle. If you are unsure whether the climb suits your fitness or an older relative, ask us before booking, and we will explain how the path and the group pace work.