Mount Sinai Climb And St Catherine Monastery From Sharm El Sheikh

The reward here comes before breakfast: you climb Mount Sinai in darkness, then watch the first light spread across the Sinai peaks from 2,285 meters. I like the powerful sunrise setting and the chance to pair the mountain with St. Catherine Monastery, rather than making the long trip for only one sight.

I also like the practical help from the Bedouin mountain guides, regular rest stops, and the optional camel ride for much of the route. The main catch is simple: this is a hard overnight outing, not a gentle sightseeing trip. The advertised 12 hours can stretch much longer once hotel pickups, road transfers, waiting, the climb, and the return journey are included.

Key points to know before booking

• Sunrise comes after a demanding climb: Expect roughly three to four and a half hours uphill in darkness, followed by a descent.
• The final section is on foot: A camel can cover much of the route, but you still need to climb about 700 to 750 steps to the summit.
• Cold weather is a real concern: Bring a winter jacket, gloves, hat, and several layers, even if Sharm el Sheikh is warm.
• The monastery visit is brief: You see the Transfiguration Church, Burning Bush, and Moses’ Well, but opening conditions can limit access.
• The price is low, but extra costs remain: The tour costs $35 per person, with a separate 10 EUR mountain entrance charge paid in cash.
• Group size may exceed the stated limit: The advertised maximum is 15 people, but some departures have operated with far larger groups.

The real schedule, from Sharm to the mountain

The night begins with hotel pickup in Sharm el Sheikh. The stated start time is 9:30 p.m., though pickup can happen earlier, sometimes around 7:20 or 8 p.m., depending on your hotel and the route through town.

From Sharm, the drive to the Mount Sinai area takes about three hours, with some departures involving a vehicle change. The bus ride is not glamorous, but it gives you a chance to sleep before the climb. Roadside stops are part of the night, and you should carry toilet paper because facilities along the way can be basic.

The schedule can feel loose. Cash collection for the 10 EUR entrance fee has caused long delays on some departures, with one account describing 20 to 30 minutes spent on the bus while payment was gathered one person at a time. Bring the exact amount if possible, and expect a little waiting before the walking begins.

The return time is also longer than the headline duration suggests. The supplied schedule says the trip ends around 2 p.m., and several departure times range from roughly 7:20 p.m. one evening to 1:30 or 2 p.m. the next day. Plan this as a full overnight and daytime commitment, not a neat 12-hour excursion.

Starting the Mount Sinai climb at 2 a.m.

The climb normally begins around 1 or 2 a.m. You start in the dark, guided by a Bedouin mountain guide and carrying a handheld flashlight supplied by the operator. Since lighting equipment is important on a rocky trail, check that you have a working torch before leaving the start point.

The route is commonly described as about 7 kilometers to the summit, though the complete out-and-back effort can reach 14 to 20 kilometers depending on the route and walking around the site. The lower part follows a long, gradual path. It is not described as relentlessly steep, but the hours and darkness make it tiring.

Near the upper section, the path becomes a long stairway of roughly 700 to 750 steps. Numbers vary in the tour information, but the practical point is the same: the last section is a serious stair climb. A camel can carry you for much of the earlier route at your own expense, yet every climber must walk the final steps to the top.

Rest stops and coffee tents break up the climb. You can buy drinks and snacks on the mountain, but prices are aimed at visitors, so carrying your own water, high-calorie snacks, and a warm drink in a thermos makes sense. Chocolate-covered dates, sandwiches, or other compact food are useful when you are climbing at an odd hour.

The Bedouin guides are one of the strongest parts of this outing. They set the pace, help keep the group together, and watch for people falling behind. Mahmoud was singled out for attentive, caring help during one departure, and guides in general have been praised for assisting tired climbers. Still, pace can feel brisk, so tell your guide early if you need a slower rhythm or a longer pause.

Cold, darkness, and the final wait

Do not judge the mountain temperature by the weather in Sharm. The summit can be close to freezing, and one departure recorded about 24 Fahrenheit, or roughly minus 4 Celsius. November visitors still needed coats, hats, and gloves.

Pack:

• A warm jacket and several light layers
• Gloves and a hat
• Sturdy walking shoes
• Water and snacks
• A thermos with a hot drink
• Toilet paper
• A small bag for personal items

The last rest hut is close to the summit, around 100 steps below according to one account. You may be able to hire a camel-hair blanket there for about $3 to $5, though cleanliness is uncertain. I would treat this as a backup, not a substitute for proper clothing.

Once you reach the top, you wait for sunrise among the small chapel and mosque. The cold can bite while you stand still, but the reward is excellent. The sky brightens over the bare mountain ridges, and the change from night to daylight makes the descent feel completely different from the climb.

This is also the quietest and most spiritual part of the outing. The mountain has meaning for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and the summit’s chapel and mosque make that shared setting visible. You do not need to be religious to appreciate the stillness, the stars, and the sense of standing in a place shaped by centuries of faith.

Taking a camel, and what it does not solve

Camel hire is offered locally and is not included in the $35 tour price. It can make the long lower section easier, especially if your legs are not used to extended uphill walking.

A camel does not turn this into an easy excursion. You still walk the final stairway, and you still need enough strength for the descent. The mountain path may also contain camel droppings, so watch your footing in the dark.

The presence of camel handlers and sellers can make the approach feel hectic. Some people will find this part authentic and memorable; others may find the attention tiring. Keep your expectations practical. This is a working mountain route with basic facilities, not a polished national park trail.

Reaching the summit before sunrise

Timing matters. You need to reach the summit early enough to find a place before the first light, but the guides set the climb so that the group arrives around sunrise. Rest stops help, though the pace may be faster than you expect.

At the top, you will have a short period to enjoy the view before beginning the descent. One account describes about 30 minutes at the summit. That is enough for photographs and quiet reflection, but do not expect a long picnic or leisurely mountain stay.

The view is the central reason to book. Dawn reveals the ridges gradually, and the wide open setting gives you a memorable look at Sinai’s stark mountains. Carry a phone or camera with a charged battery, but keep your hands warm and your attention on the footing.

The descent is easier in terms of visibility, but it still takes energy. Daylight exposes the stairs and uneven trail, while tired legs make every step count. Take care not to rush simply because the hard part appears to be over.

St. Catherine Monastery after the descent

After coming down, you meet the Egyptologist guide at the monastery gate. The visit includes the Transfiguration Church, the Burning Bush, and the Well of the Prophet Moses.

St. Catherine Monastery dates from the sixth century and is described as the oldest continually operating monastery in the world. It was built at the place traditionally linked to Moses and the Burning Bush, giving the visit a strong religious and historical importance.

The monastery is not just an add-on after the hike. It gives meaning to the mountain visit and brings together Christian art, relics, and biblical tradition in one compact site. The guide can explain the stories connected with Moses and the monastery, though the quality and clarity of explanations can vary. Saeed was specifically praised for his work at the monastery.

Allow for limited access. Some parts may be closed on a particular day, so you may see less than expected. The scheduled visit is about one hour, and several people have wanted more time there. If the monastery is your main interest, the tight schedule may disappoint. If Mount Sinai is your priority, the hour provides a useful introduction after the climb.

Wear suitable clothing and behave respectfully. You are visiting an active holy place, not just an archaeological stop. The tour information also warns that the activity operates in all weather, so conditions can affect both the mountain and the monastery visit.

Transport, group size, and service

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle, the qualified Egyptologist guide, a Bedouin mountain guide, and a handheld flashlight. The long road transfer is part of the price, and an air-conditioned coach can make the difference between arriving rested enough to climb and arriving miserable.

Vehicle comfort may vary. Some departures use a large, modern coach after an initial minibus pickup. One serious complaint concerned a hot vehicle and fast driving, while other accounts describe comfortable transport and useful washroom stops. Since conditions can differ by vehicle and departure, confirm the pickup details and speak up promptly if you feel unwell.

The published maximum is 15 people, but at least some departures have been much larger, including one group of around 60. A larger group does not necessarily ruin the climb, especially if the local mountain guides manage the pace well, but it can mean more waiting, less personal attention, and slower organization.

The service seems strongest when guides are actively helping people. Guides have assisted tired climbers, kept groups together, and adapted pickup arrangements when hotel names changed. At the same time, the cash fee collection and group-size mismatch show why you should expect some rough edges.

Is $35 good value?

At $35 per person, this is an inexpensive way to reach Mount Sinai from Sharm el Sheikh. The price covers transport, hotel pickup and return, two guides, the mountain climb, and the monastery visit. Arranging the long-distance transport and local guiding yourself would be difficult, so the package has clear value.

But the advertised price is not the final cost. Add the 10 EUR cash entrance fee for Mount Sinai, plus any camel ride, drinks, snacks, blanket hire, and tips. The total can still be reasonable, but you should carry cash and avoid assuming every service is included.

The best value comes if you want both major sights in one trip and have limited time in Egypt. You pay for convenience and access rather than comfort or a relaxed pace. If you want a small, private group, precise timing, or a long monastery visit, a more expensive private arrangement may suit you better.

Who should book this climb?

You should consider booking if you are physically fit, comfortable walking several hours at night, and happy to trade comfort for a memorable sunrise. Strong shoes and stamina matter more than hiking experience, but this is not suitable for someone who struggles with long walks, steep steps, or a sleepless night.

It is a poor choice for young children, older people with limited mobility, or anyone who needs a gentle sightseeing day. The tour information specifically calls for a strong fitness level, and the climb can take three to four and a half hours before the summit.

Give yourself time to rest and eat before pickup. Booking this on the same day you arrive in Sharm is risky because you may have little chance to recover before the overnight departure. Do not plan another demanding activity immediately afterward.

Solo visitors can find the group setting reassuring, and one solo woman described feeling safe and well supported. Still, safety depends on following the guide, staying with the group, and carrying proper light and clothing.

Practical advice for a smoother night

Call your hotel pickup point carefully, since collection times vary by location. Confirm the name and address of your hotel, especially if it has a confusing or recently changed name.

Eat before leaving, but do not overdo drinks during the climb. Toilets on the mountain are primitive, and the route has limited facilities. Bring water, but pace it sensibly.

Use the supplied flashlight and keep it accessible. Do not assume moonlight or another person’s torch will be enough. If the light does not work, report it before you start.

Keep small notes or the exact 10 EUR entrance payment ready. This will reduce delays when the fee is collected on the bus.

Tip the local mountain guides if they have carried the group through a difficult night. Their support is a central part of the experience, especially when someone needs a slower pace or help on the final steps.

Should you book Mount Sinai from Sharm?

Book it if the idea of a cold, dark mountain climb followed by a sunrise over Sinai sounds exciting rather than exhausting. The sunrise is the clear payoff, and adding St. Catherine Monastery makes the long drive worthwhile.

Skip it if you want comfort, predictable timing, a small group, or a relaxed cultural tour. The outing can run close to 18 hours from pickup to return, group sizes may exceed the stated limit, and the monastery visit may be brief.

For a fit person with warm clothes, sturdy shoes, patience, and realistic expectations, this is a strong-value way to experience two of Sinai’s most important places in one demanding day.

FAQ

How long does the Mount Sinai and monastery tour take?

The listed duration is about 12 hours, but the full schedule can run from evening pickup until around 2 p.m. the following day. Hotel pickup timing, transfers, waiting, and road conditions affect the total.

What time does pickup begin?

The stated meeting time is 9:30 p.m. Hotel pickup may happen earlier, sometimes around 7:20 or 8 p.m., depending on your hotel and the route.

How difficult is the Mount Sinai climb?

You need a strong fitness level. The climb begins around 1 or 2 a.m., takes roughly three hours or more to reach the summit, and includes a final section of about 700 to 750 steps.

Can I ride a camel up Mount Sinai?

A camel can be hired at your own expense for much of the route. You must still walk the final steps to the summit.

What should I wear for the climb?

Bring a warm jacket, gloves, a hat, and several layers. The summit can be close to freezing, even when Sharm el Sheikh is warm.

Is the Mount Sinai entrance fee included?

No. A 10 EUR entrance fee for Mount Sinai is paid in cash. Camel rides, snacks, drinks, and blanket hire are also extra.

What is included in the tour?

The tour includes air-conditioned transport, hotel pickup and drop-off, a qualified Egyptologist guide, a Bedouin mountain guide, a handheld flashlight, the Mount Sinai climb, and the St. Catherine Monastery visit.