Leave Sharm El Sheikh at night to climb Mount Sinai for sunrise and visit the ancient St. Catherine Monastery. This guided overnight transfer and pre‑dawn hike is a demanding but classic Sinai experience.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The van slips away from Sharm El Sheikh under a sky of hard, bright stars—hours before the summit will be lit with gold. The road to Saint Catherine threads through empty desert; headlamps and the hush of the group are your companions as guides time the climb to catch sunrise from Jabal Musa's 2,285‑metre ridge.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
About 17 hours
Fitness Level
Requires good cardiovascular fitness and stamina for a 4–5 hour night ascent and steep stone steps; able to hike continuously on uneven terrain.
Wildlife
History
St. Catherine Monastery dates to the 6th century, built around what was revered as the Burning Bush site and long a pilgrimage hub between Christian and Islamic travelers.
Conservation
The Saint Catherine Protectorate restricts off‑trail travel to protect fragile desert flora and archaeological sites—stick to marked paths and pack out waste.
Reserve your spot on the Mount Sinai Tour from Sharm El Sheikh today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Start with a full dinner and light snack
You’ll sit for a few hours after pickup; eat something substantial before the climb but avoid heavy meals right before hiking.
Bring a headlamp with fresh batteries
The ascent begins at night—hands‑free lighting is essential for navigating the stone steps and uneven trail.
Layer for cold summit temperatures
Even in summer, pre‑dawn temperatures can be sharply cold—pack an insulating midlayer and a wind shell.
Consider the camel option only for steep mobility limits
Camels can carry you to the base of the 700 steps but won’t replace the final climb; negotiate price in advance and be ready for a short, rocky drop‑off.
Headlamp with spare batteries
Keeps your hands free and the trail visible during the midnight ascent.
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and tread are important on uneven, worn stone steps and rocky sections.
Insulating midlayer and wind shell
Blocks summit chill and wind during pre‑dawn exposure.
winter
Hydration system (1.5–2 L)
Desert air and exertion dehydrate quickly—carry more water than you expect to need.