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Mount Sinai and St. Catherine’s Monastery Day Trip by Bus

This full-day (and night) trip takes you deep into the Sinai Peninsula. It’s your chance to experience one of Egypt’s most sacred and breathtaking locations: Mount Sinai (Jabal Musa).

The Midnight Ascent

Your journey begins late evening with a comfortable transfer from your hotel. The drive takes about three hours. You arrive at the base of the mountain well after midnight. Here, you meet your local Bedouin guide.

The goal is the Sunrise at the Summit. The climb is challenging but deeply rewarding. You’ll follow the ancient path, often called the Camel Path.

The final section involves climbing 750 stone steps. Reaching the top before dawn is unforgettable.

Summit and Monastery

Watching the sun rise over the rugged Sinai mountains is a powerful, panoramic experience. You stand where tradition holds Moses received the Ten Commandments. The summit features both a small mosque and a chapel.

After the descent, the tour continues. You visit the historic St. Catherine’s Monastery. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the world’s oldest continuously operating Christian monastery.

Then, you will see the legendary Burning Bush and the ancient chapel. This trip seamlessly blends physical challenge with deep biblical history. It is a true highlight of any trip from Sharm El Sheikh.

Tour Details

Duration: 16 hours
Tour Location: Sharm El Sheikh / Sinai / Sharm
Tour Availability: Sunday, Wednesday & Friday
Pickup & Drop Off: Sharm El Sheikh hotels
Tour Type: Private
Language: English
Suitable for: Couples, Family, solo traveler & people older than 70
Wheel chair: Accessible

Tour Highlights

Mount Sinai hiking
St. Catherine’s Monastery

Inclusions

Round transfer with A/C vehicle
Entrance fees
Egyptologist tour guide speaks fluent English
Bedouin guide

Exclusions

Entrance fees to St. Catherine National Park 10 € per person
Tipping

What to Pack

Comfortable shoes and suitable clothes for hiking
Heavy clothe in winter
Sunglasses. Hat or Scarf
Sun cream in summer

Itinerary

The Ultimate Sinai Experience: Mount Sinai Sunrise and St. Catherine’s Tour

Prepare for an unforgettable journey from the shores of Sharm El Sheikh to the sacred peak of Mount Sinai (Jabal Musa).

This itinerary combines a challenging, spiritual ascent with a profound visit to the ancient St. Catherine’s Monastery, providing an experience rich in history and breathtaking natural beauty.

Evening Pick-up and Midnight Trek Initiation

Your adventure begins with a comfortable, air-conditioned transfer directly from your Sharm El Sheikh hotel around 22:00 PM.

The drive to the base of the mountain is a peaceful 2.5 to 3-hour transit through the quiet desert night.

Upon arrival, you’ll be introduced to your local Bedouin guide, whose expertise is essential for navigating the mountain safely in the dark.

The Midnight Ascent of Mount Sinai begins around 2:30 AM. You’ll follow the manageable Camel Path, a traditional, wide trail that is popular with hikers.

Along the route, small, welcoming cafes offer hot tea, coffee, and snacks—perfect for brief rest stops and staying energized during the climb.

The final, decisive stage of the ascent is the most demanding: 750 challenging stone steps. Once you conquer these, you’ll reach a final waiting area just below the peak.

Given the high altitude and pre-dawn chill, we highly recommend taking a moment here to rent a blanket and purchase a hot drink to stay warm and comfortable before the final push to the summit.

Sunrise at the Summit: A Spiritual Climax

The absolute climax of this journey is witnessing the Sunrise at the Summit of Moses Mountain. As the first rays of light crest the horizon, they dramatically illuminate the rugged, red-hued Sinai landscape, treating you to an unparalleled panoramic view.

The summit itself is a place of shared reverence, featuring a small, active mosque and a chapel. The view, finally revealed by the sun, is incredible.

The panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges, including the imposing peaks of Mount Catherine, glow with vibrant hues of red and orange. You can also discreetly seek out the remnants of Justinian’s Basilica and the two small caves of Moses near the chapel, adding to the spiritual significance of the site.

Morning Descent and St. Catherine’s Monastery Exploration

After this unforgettable spectacle, the descent offers a new perspective, revealing the vast beauty of the desert mountains in full daylight. At the base of the mountain, your expert guide will be waiting to take you to the magnificent St. Catherine’s Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This is the oldest Christian monastery in the world in continuous operation since the 6th century AD. Within its ancient walls, your guide will lead you to several key biblical sites:

The Burning Bush

The incredibly sacred spot where God is said to have spoken to Moses. The bush, referenced in the Torah and the Bible, is protected and visible behind a stone wall.

The Chapel

The monastery’s main church, dedicated to St. Catherine, where you can admire stunning religious icons and mosaics (Note: photography is not permitted inside).

The Well of Moses

Believed to be the spot where Moses encountered his future wife, Zipporah.

This visit provides a quiet and reflective conclusion to your Sharm El Sheikh Day trip, allowing you to connect with the deep historical and spiritual roots of the Sinai Peninsula before your transfer back to your hotel.