Mount Sinai climb- the challenge of the mountain
On top of Mount Sinai just after sunrise
I have done the Mount Sinai climb three times, and every time it was magical!
There is generally only a handful of experiences in your life that truly take you breath away. The Mount Sinai climb in Egypt is one of those moments. This full guide to hiking Sinai Mountain is full of exciting challenges, peaceful reflections and momentous achievements. Whether you are contemplating doing this as a religious pilgrimage, a personal goal or to experience the majestic Sinai Mountains, it is sure to be incredibly wonderful.
One of the big highlights for many is the surreal sunrise you will encounter from the summit. It is without doubt the most incredible sunrise I have ever witnessed.
Join our Ultimate Egypt Tour and join me as we take on the mountain.
Having done the Mount Sinai hike three times, I am already excited for the next opportunity in a few short months to take on the mountain again. For context, climbing Mount Sinai has long been in my top three world wide experiences and is one of Egypt’s best attractions.
So while millions visit the iconic Pyramids of Giza each year and cruise the Nile River, Mount Sinai sees very few visitors, making it even more special and unique.
You can put this down to the location deep in the Sinai Mountains and the fact that most tour companies follow the usual tourist trail which is in the opposite direction. But an attraction like this is too incredibly epic to ignore and so we provide this optional experience in our 20 day Ultimate Egypt Tour and our Extended 16 day Highlights Tour.
This guide to climb Mount Sinai covers what to expect, the level of fitness needed and what you will see and experience along the way. Plus I’ll give you all my best tips to help you plan your epic trip.
About Sinai Mountain-historical & religious contexts
Mount Sinai is a sacred symbol of Egypt and holds immense importance in the country’s cultural and religious narrative.
In religious context, Mount Sinai is known as the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. For this reason, hundreds of people embark on a pilgrimage each and every night to the summit in order to gain a closer spiritual connection.
Mount Sinai's historic relevance involves trade routes that were an essential crossroad and meeting point of ancient civilizations.
Furthermore, the awe-inspiring natural beauty and rugged terrain of Mount Sinai have made it an enduring symbol of strength and endurance for the Egyptian people. Its towering presence serves as a reminder of resilience and faith, reflecting the collective spirit of the nation.
Mount Sinai, Eygpt Tourism facts
Some interesting facts about Mount Sinai, Egypt.
Located in the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, Mount Sinai is also known as Jebel Musa or Mount Moses.
Renowned for its religious significance, as it is believed to be the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments.
Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding desert and neighboring peaks, making it a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The mountain is often ascended in the early morning hours (overnight) to witness the stunning sunrise from its summit.
Visitors can explore the historic St. Catherine's Monastery situated at the mountain's base, which dates back to the 6th century and houses a collection of religious artifacts and manuscripts.
Mount Sinai is a year-round tourist attraction, but the best time to visit is during the cooler months from October to April to avoid the scorching desert heat. For overnight treks, it is a year round destination.
The trek to the summit typically takes around 2-3 hours, and there are options for both guided tours and independent hikes for travellers of varying fitness levels.
For those interested in experiencing the mountain's spiritual significance, there are often organized pilgrimages and religious tours led by local guides.
My August visit still required a jacket even during the height of summer.
How to get to Mount Sinai
The best way to get to Mount Sinai is via a tour.
The Red Sea Resort areas of Sharm El Sheikh and Dahab provide a great base in which to start your transfer to the base of the mountain. The tour generally starts late evening with hotel pick ups before making the drive through the Sinai Peninsula. As you will be travelling in the dark along remote roads, a tour is by far the best way to get there.
The road is windy and long so it’s a good chance to grab a nap along the way, helping you to arrive fresh and ready to go.
Arriving at the Saint Catherine Monastery car park, visitors can prepare for the hike with access to toilets and drinks & snacks.
Tour options include:
16 day Egypt Highlights with Red Sea Stay - this tour incorporates all the big attractions and is a full comprehensive tour of Egypt. it includes 6 nights in Sharm El Sheikh with Mount Sinai as an option, so if not everyone in your party wants to go, they can stay back at the hotel and enjoy the beach and pool.
20 Day Ultimate Egypt Tour: This is our most comprehensive tour covering East to West and North to South. We start the tour with 3 nights four wheel driving through the Western Desert and Al Fayoum Oasis, heading north to the Mediterranean city of Alexandria. Then its onto Cairo where the iconic Pyramids and much more and waiting. From here we head south to Aswan, taking in felucca rides, Abu Simbel and after two nights jumping aboard our Nile Cruise, heading for Luxor. Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Kom Ombo and several other sights conclude before transferring to the Red Sea for 6 nights. Here we snorkel, swim, dine out., hit the markets and of course climb Mount Sinai. It’s epic all the way!
Alternately, you can request a Tailor Made Tour to include Mount Sinai.
Distance from Sharm El Sheikh: 200 km
Tour duration: average 15 to 18 hours (overnight)
Distance from Dahab: 128 km
Tour Duration: average 14 to 16 hours hours OR up to 18 if including St Catherine Monastery
Layers of landscape
Best time to visit Mount Sinai
The best time to hike Mount Sinai in Egypt is considered to be during the cooler months of October to April. During this time, the temperatures are more bearable, ranging from 10°C to 20°C, making the strenuous ascent more comfortable. The downside is the waiting around at the top for sunrise, after you have sweated and then cooled off. It can be extremely cold during this time.
The winter months from December to February will be the coolest. In fact, Mount Sinai is known to produce snow on occasions.
I have personally hiked during the months of August (1) and September (2). Though August is the hottest time of year, i found the trek bearable. The summit was pleasant at 5 am. The month of September was pleasant to hike also but I was cold at the top and I needed a good jacket. My husband hiked during October and March and I remember him telling me how cold he was at the top. I guess it really depends on where you originate from and how well you handle heat and cold.
For this particular Egypt attraction, I think most months are very reasonable with the right gear. Alternately April, May, October and November would be ideal.
What is the “camel route” versus alternate route
The camel route is the main path that everyone follows to the summit.
It one of a couple of routes you can take. I have done both, but the majority of people do the standard camel route. This is much more forgiving as it slowly winds up on a set path.
The trail is compact gravel for most the hike and generally very well maintained. There is also some concreted staircases in certain sections but for the first six kilometres, it’s mainly gravel.
The alternate route involves ascending in a more direct line, which means straight up. This way is much shorter but much harder, requiring intense physicality.
I DO NOT recommend doing the alternate route if you have minimal fitness.
I have done both routes and while I loved the solitude of the second option, it was very intense. The guide was on a mission and I was at his mercy. It was also pitch black and I spent most of the time looking down to see where I was going. As we inched closer and closer my Bedouin guide did something unexpected. He grabbed my hand and in an all mighty last surge started running up the final steps with me in tow. Regardless of my fitness, this was overwhelming on my lungs at this altitude.
I do have to say that I loved the isolation of this particular path and it really helped capture the mood of the mountains, but I still prefer the simpler Camel Route.
FULL GUIDE TO CLIMBING MOUNT SINAI
The following account is based on the our ascent in 2024. This was my first time taking a group up the mountain so its worth describing what the overall experience was like for others as well as myself.
For reference - the youngest participant was 11 and the oldest was 74 years.
Total distance & altitude of the Camel Route
Total distance following the standard “camel route” is approximately 7 km in length with an altitude of 2285 metres.
Mount Sinai and the surrounding mountains are incredibly majestic -me on one of my earleir hikes
We arrive to the base of the mountain around 1 am.
By the time we meet our local guide who will escort us to the summit, use the bathroom and grab any last minute supplies, the trek finally begins by 2 am.
It’s pitch black but most of the group remembered their head torches. This will light the way for the duration of the climb and guide us into the “heavens” above.
The twinkling light procession from others is quite stunning as there is no other light pollution in the area.
The first couple of kilometres
The first kilometre or so is nice and easy as you edge closer to the mountain from the carpark. It then begins to steadily rise in a gentle zigzag fashion. At first it doesn’t feel too difficult as we move slowly and steadily. The altitude is not a factor at present either so everyone is still in excitement mode and exchanges a few short words as we go.
The next few kilometres to the gateway
The altitude is starting to kick in and I can hear heavy breathing and a lot less talking. Everyone is saving their breath and conserving their energy, myself included.
Our local guide is a champ, making sure we are stopping regularly and getting plenty of fluids. He’s not going to let anyone fall behind. I love this comradery that we are a team and will finish as a team.
Around the half way mark is a small makeshift cafe where a hot cup of chocolate or tea and even some chocolatey snacks are downed for additional energy. We have young Gracey at 11 years old and she is killing it. Sure she wants to go back to the resort in Sharm El Sheikh and jump in the pool of course, but she’s a soldier on a mission just like all of us. So we push on.
It’s not long now till we meet those “golden gates’ where camels can no longer go due to the upcoming rocky terrain.
It’s the last stage to victory.
Assisting the young Gracey
The camel route is winding, allowing a gradual ascent and making it easier on the legs. You’ll also find comfort stops like this on the way.
In the footsteps of Moses
The final 750 steps are following in the footsteps of Moses and soon we will be at the sight where he received the 10 commandments. It’s a rocky and uneven staircase that requires additional leg support and steady balance. Without daylight you’ll never know just how incredible this stage actually is until you see i the way down in daylight.
The group are tired but the thought of reaching the top is within our grasp and nothing is going to stand in our way. From here I lead the pack which for me was an extreme privilege, and also I’m keen to get some footage as they take those final steps.
With an all out final push and lungs of steel, each person reaches the summit. I can see it’s been a challenge for everyone in some way, but we all did it.
It’s incredible moving and historically significant knowing you are walking the same path as Moses himself.
My own fitness surpassed my expectations
I’m so pleased with myself as well as I trained for months leading into this climb, particularly as I hadn’t done it in 5 years and I needed to be sure I was fitter than many others in order to lead the tour.
Special Note: there are sometimes independent guides ready to help those who need it in the final stages but no guarantee.
I met a guide who told me he did this very trek every night for months on end before returning back to his family hundreds of miles away. I had a profound amount of respect for him in knowing that he did this every night to make a living without any guarantee he would get paid for the effort.
Waiting for sunrise
We have allowed ample time to reach the summit, though the dawn light is evident out on the horizon, meaning sunrise is inevitable. Many can be seen taking up positions on the rocks, taking time to catch their breaths and quietly talk about the exhilaration they just experienced.
Everyone gets front row seats
And then at exactly 6.38 am the sun poked it head above the distance mountain ridge. It is magnificent and spellbinding. Everyone had front row seats.
The surrounding mountains slowly light up and you get a good look at the magnitude of what you just tackled. Every second the light changes, from a pinkish purple horizon that transforms to an orange & yellow skyline. WOW!
I can’t stress enough how magical this moment is. That feeling of pure isolation also feels like you are at the end of the earth. It is such a privilege knowing that you got to experience this.
Further reading: Great Egypt sunrise and sunset locations with spectacular pictures
Church of Saint Catherine
The Church of St. Catherine sits atop Mount Sinai and is considered a very unique and historic site. Once you have taken in the sunrise, be sure to take some time checking out the church.
This ancient Orthodox Christian monastery dates back to the 6th century and is dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a Christian martyr. The monastery complex includes the church, a mosque, a library, and a collection of precious religious artifacts and manuscripts.
Church of Saint Catherine
Travellers take up prime position next to the church. The climb is a religious and spiritual journey for many.
Our group that took on Mount Sinai in September 2024.
The trail coming down - an equally challenging descent
I don’t remember the trail being this difficult last time I did it. But this time it was hard going on us all.
Remember those last 750 steps we had to do going up? Well, they are even harder going down, even though we can actually see the trail now. It’s the tiredness in the legs for sure causing me to feel wobbly. Every step is thoughtfully executed. We have someone using poles who declared it helped immensely. Also, our older traveller is holding onto the guide for balance.
A few decide once we are back on the trail where camels are (those camel handlers were waiting patiently for us to show signs of defeat) to grab a ride. It’s not that they can’t go on, it’s just a cheap taxi back to base. Unfortunately, they ended up only doing a brief ride as the camels were too uncomfortable. At least they had the option.
Expect to pay up to USD 20 each way. This price is negotiable.
Everyone is tired, the sun is beating down on us even at 8 am and no one is saying much. We have also parted ways, as now it is every man for himself. I have stayed back to escort the final few. We see others way up ahead and wish we were them. But after a couple of hours we make it.
My goodness. It looks like the end of the earth.
Visiting Saint Catherine’s Monastery
Nestled at the foot of Mount Sinai is Saint Catherine's Monastery. As one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world, it offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Egypt's religious heritage. When visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site, there are several must-see highlights.
Firstly, the Burning Bush is believed to be the actual site where Moses witnessed the biblical miracle and includes the Chapel of the Burning Bush, adorned with stunning Byzantine artwork.
The precious collection of religious art and manuscripts within the monastery showcases centuries of Christian history and culture. The stunning basilica features intricate mosaics and ornate architecture and is well worth the visit, even for those without a religious background.
Important things to know before you go
Here is an important list of things and travel tips to know before you head off on your climb to Mount Sinai.
Consider your fitness level - this is a moderate to difficult hike. Allow yourself plenty of time to reach the summit and take it steady. Rest when necessary. Alternately, hire a camel to take you up if you are eager to go but not eager to tackle the mountain.
Consider using a guide: most tours will provide a local guide while the driver gets some shut eye before driving you back to civilization.
Include a visit to Saint Catherine Monastery: this significant holy site is well worth a visit once you have descended the mountain.
Take a jacket - Don’t underestimate how cold it can get at the top of the mountain. There are usually people hiring out blankets if you get caught out. The winter months of December, January and February can be close o freezing so dress appropriately in layers.
Take a torch: you’ll be needing some light but if with a guide they should also have one on hand. If there is a full moon you’ll have extra light to see the way.
Bring water & snacks: All that climbing requires extra water and maybe some energy inducing snacks. You’d be surprised how much your appetite increases from all that hard work. Consider an energy drink if needed.
Bring tissues or toilet paper: There are makeshift toilets along the way, and yes, you will pay and you will need toilet paper.
Wear appropriate shoes: Enclosed shoes with good grip such as sneakers work wonders on the gravel trail and make it much more comfortable.
Bring cash: you may need to pay to use a toilet, for extra water and snacks, or for tipping guides and drivers.
Bring sunscreen: Once that sun comes up, it can heat up quickly and there is no shade all the way back down.
Bring a camera: you’ll want to take lots of photos because the view is mind blowing.
Use a small back pack: it’s easier to go hands free so you can carry all your needs.
Conclusion
A trip to Sinai Mountain is not only a bucket list adventure, it is a spiritual and breath taking event. If you are considering a trip to Egypt, consider a tour with Absolute Egypt Tours - an Aussie owned Tour company with strong roots in Egypt.
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