Mount Sinai climb-full guide to Sinai Mountain
On top of Mount Sinai just after sunrise
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.
Having done the Mount Sinai hike twice, 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 much less visitors, making it special and unique.
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 travelers 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.
A guide to the hike up Mount Sinai
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 in 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:
18 day Egypt Highlights with Red Sea Stay - this tour incorporates all the big attractions and is a full comprehensive tour of Egypt. it includes 7 nights in Sharm El Sheikh with Mount Sinai as an option, so if not everyone on your party wants to go, they can stay back at the hotel.
Alternately, you can request a Tailor Made Tour to include Mount Sinai as it is a unique destination and not included in most Egypt Tours.
For those staying in Egypt independently, you can request a private tour or group tour from your Sharm El Sheikh or Dahab hotel.
Distance from Sharm El Sheikh: 200 km
Tour duration: average 15 to 18 hours (overnight)
Distance from Dahab: 128 km
Tour Duration: average 12 hours
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.
I have personally hiked during the months of August and September. 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 but I was cold at the top and I needed a good jacket. My husband has hiked here in 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.
Summiting via the “Camel Trail”
Mount Sinai climb features incredible scenery
There are 2 ways to reach the Mount Sinai summit, but 99% of people take the route known as the camel trail. This particular way is much more forgiving on the legs as it is easier, but also longer. I have done both so will give you both versions below.
The total height of Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai and the surrounding mountains are incredibly majestic
The height of the mountain is 7,500-feet or approx 2,285 meters. Though it may feel still quite warm on the ground, the temperature will fall as you ascend toward the night skies.
Total distance of the Camel Route
The total distance is approximately 7 km in length. 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. Though this means doesn’t feel too difficult, the altitude kicks in gradually but not to make you feel out of breath. It’s more the tiredness on the body, but if you take it steadily you will be fine.
Due to the darkness, visitors will need to carry some sort of light such as a hand held torch or head light. The twinkling light procession from others is quite stunning as there is no other light pollution in the area.
The trail conditions
The trail is well paved but is best done with closed toe shoes for comfort
The trail is compact gravel for most the hike and generally very well maintained. This definitely helps in not having to navigate rocky or uneven surfaces. There is also some concreted staircases in certain sections but for the first six kilometres, it’s mainly gravel. Unless it is a dark night or with cloud cover, you may see the incredible silhouettes of the surrounding mountains. A full moon phase is one of the best times to visit if you are lucky enough to plan it during this time. It also allows an easier path to follow without flash light.
In the footsteps of Moses
The final steps edging closer to the top of the world
The final 750 steps are via a rocky staircase, so once you reach this point you know you are almost there. This portion is certainly the hardest but it’s historically significant knowing you are walking the same path as Moses himself.
How long does the hike take?
Most hikers have departed somewhere around 1 am to 2 am. The total time is estimated at 2 to 3 hours, but that depends on your fitness level and who else is with you that may require longer. I would allow a minimum of three hours as you can take rest stops along the way without worrying about making it to the top before sunrise.
Services along the way
There is a small make shift rest stop around the half way mark offering hot chocolate, drinks and snacks. It’s a good chance to rest and refuel for the next leg of the journey.
For those wondering about toilets, there is indeed a couple of places on the side of the trail with a toilet. They are by no means the cleanest but they are there. You will pay for the privilege and I advise to bring some toilet paper or tissues.
Blankets, snacks and hot and cold drinks for the weary traveller
Assistance for the weary
It’s slow going as mentioned but that’s the best way to tackle it. There are guides waiting to offer anyone needing the assistance of camels to get them up. Hence, why it is called the “camel route”.
The final steps can be pretty tough too and while camels can’t make this section, there are usually independent guides ready to help those who need a helping hand. I’m sure they are checking out each hiker as they come past to see how they are coping. They of course will want to be paid.
A fellow hiker I was with needed such assistance and the gentleman who helped her was very patient in getting her to the top. He later 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.
Alternate route
The alternate route involves ascending in a more direct line, which means straight up. This way is much shorter but much harder. Due to the intense physicality of this path, it is not necessarily any quicker as you will probably stop much more. You will also need a local guide to show you the way.
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. I also DO NOT recommend doing it if you only have minimal fitness.
Reaching the summit for sunrise
Everyone gets front row seats
Hopefully you have allowed ample time to reach the summit and have a moment to sit and relax while waiting out the inevitable sunrise. 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.
Sunrise time is an exact time so if you have been told it is 5.17 am, at exactly this time the sun will hit the horizon. It is magnificent and spellbinding. Everyone has 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 St. Catherine
Church of St. Catherine on top of Mount Sinai
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.
The hike back down
It takes anywhere from 1 to to 2 hours to get back down to St. Catherine’s Monastery, which is for many, the meeting point. If you are visiting during the warmer months I suggest not staying too long at the summit as it heats up very quickly once the sun rises.
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 wholy 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: For those time you really need to go. better safe than sorry.
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.
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 stay in Sharm El Sheikh or Dahab. The Red Sea is an adventurers playground with some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world. It is also perfect for beach side relaxation.
Sharm El Sheikh includes the beautiful Ras Mohammed Marine Park as well an array of divine beaches such as Sharks Bay, Nabq and Naama Bay. For Dahab, you can’t go past the Lagoona and the famous Dahab Blue Hile.
To incorporate Mount Sinai in your next Egypt itinerary, consider a Tailor Made holiday that includes other amazing Egypt highlights.
