Leave Sharm el-Sheikh before dawn and climb the 700-step path to Jebel Musa for a raw sunrise above the Sinai. This full-day tour pairs a challenging night ascent with a visit to the 6th-century Monastery of St. Catherine.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The bus slips away from Sharm el-Sheikh in the late evening and the desert stretches flat and black under a wide Egyptian sky. By 02:00 you step off the minivan at the base of Jebel Musa (Mount Sinai) with a headlamp cutting a cone through the dark. The ascent follows a well-worn path and a flight of roughly 700 stone steps; you move with the steady rhythm of other climbers and the occasional call of a distant Bedouin guide. By sunrise the ridgeline peels open—pale light pooling across barren ridges and the Monastery of St. Catherine tucked below like an outpost of history.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
15–17 hours (includes transfers)
Fitness Level
Moderate cardiovascular fitness and good daily mobility are required; expect 2–3 hours of uphill walking at night.
Wildlife
History
The Monastery of St. Catherine was established in the 6th century under Byzantine emperor Justinian I and remains one of Christianity’s oldest continuously operating monastic communities.
Conservation
The Sinai desert ecosystem is fragile—stay on marked paths, pack out all waste, conserve water, and use established services to limit impact.
Reserve your spot on the Mount Sinai Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring a reliable headlamp
Night ascent requires a bright headlamp plus spare batteries—phone lights are unreliable on loose stone steps.
Hydrate before you start
Carry 1.5–2 L of water and sip steadily; desert air and exertion dehydrate faster than you expect.
Layer for summit chill
Temperatures drop sharply at altitude—pack a windproof layer and hat even if base temps feel warm.
Carry local currency for tips
Small notes for guides, drivers, and site staff are customary—ask your guide for suggested amounts.
Headlamp with spare batteries
Illuminates stairs and uneven sections during pre-dawn ascent.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Grippy soles and ankle support help on rocky steps and loose scree.
Insulating windproof layer
Cold summit conditions after a long night climb make a warm outer layer necessary.
fall
1.5–2 L water reservoir
Adequate hydration for the climb where taps are not available.
summer