In the heart of the golden desert of Egypt’s South Sinai lies the majestic Mount Sinai. Also known as “Jebel Moussa” in Arabic, the mountain has a holy status that makes the site a must-visit. That, paired with the impeccable views seen throughout the hike, easily qualify Mount Sinai, Egypt to your bucket list.
About Saint Catherine
Saint Catherine, where Mount Sinai is located, is an isolated haven, covered in sky-reaching mountains and vast canyons. It’s also home to the Jebeliya people, a Bedouin tribe that’s been around for more than 1,400 years.
It’s worth mentioning that Mount Sinai is not the only must-visit mountain in the small, Bedouin city; there’s also Mount Catherine (2,637m), the highest mountain in Egypt. There’s also Mount Abbas (2,346m), which might not be as popular as the other two, but the 3-peak challenge is something adventurers might be up to. The challenge is hiking all three mountains in 12, 24, or 72 hours.
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About Mount Sinai, Egypt
Mount Sinai, located in the Bedouin city of Saint Catherine, is where the biblical story of Moses receiving the 10 commandments is believed to have taken place. Considered a holy site by all the Abrahamic religions, Mount Sinai is no usual hike, but rather a spiritual self-discovery journey.
Saint Catherine Monastery is located at the foot of the mountain where the burning bush is believed to have appeared. The Greek Orthodox monastery is one of the most important sites that you must visit when in Sinai. On the summit, there’s an ancient church and a mosque where visitors sometimes like to pray.
About the Hike
In spite of its 2,285 m elevation, the hike up Mount Sinai, Egypt is definitely worth it. There are several trails leading to the summit; I took the one next to the Saint Catherine Monastery. The ascent normally takes place at night so you’d get to witness a phenomenal sunrise up in the clouds. It took me 2.5 hours to get up there and 2 hours for the descent; only because I stopped a lot for pictures on my way down. The hike is relatively easy, up until the 750 steps near the very end; that’s when it gets extra challenging.
The Jebeliya people made the hike easier by providing resting points where you could stop to catch your breath, grab a snack, or have some Bedouin tea. They even built a place near the summit where you can spend the night and borrow a blanket. You can also ask them in advance to prepare a light dinner for you and include it in your package with the entry and guide fees.
Tips for Hiking Mount Sinai, Egypt
- Bring a small headtorch as the hike usually takes place in the evening.
- The hike is suitable for hiking beginners; however, you might want to train for it to help you prepare.
- Don’t forget your camera – the views are incredible from up there.
- Start descending right after sunrise to avoid getting a heat stroke.
- Keep your backpack light and only bring essentials.
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How to Book?
Prices would vary depending on the number of group members; the more, the merrier (and the cheaper). I got my hike organized by Homad Ventures, a Sinai-based adventure travel agency that offers off-the-beaten-path excursions.
Head to Saint Catherine Now!
Saint Catherine’s ideal location makes it the perfect destination for a day trip. The ride takes less than three hours from Sharm El Sheikh and about an hour and a half from Dahab. When in Saint Catherine, don’t forget to bring back olive oil, honey, and almonds; they have the best!
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- St Catherine, Egypt: From Fascinating History to Mindblowing Views
- Unusual Egypt Itinerary: A South Sinai Road Trip
- How Hiking Is Helping Me Overcome Fear of Heights
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Nadine is an Egyptian curly-head who decided to quit the norm because it just doesn’t suit her. She ditched her 9-5 as a magazine editor to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time digital nomad and to inspire aspiring travelers to embark on their own solo adventures.
Nice information
Thanks!