Saint Catherine & Mount Sinai
Prophet Moses Mountain · Sunrise Trek · Ancient Monastery
About this tour
Overnight journey to Mount Sinai for a pre-dawn summit climb to catch the sunrise, then visit St. Catherine's Monastery — one of the oldest in the world.
What you'll see
Mount Sinai, known locally as Jebel Musa, rises about 2,285 meters in the mountains of southern Sinai and is revered by Jews, Christians and Muslims as the place where Moses received the Law. Climbing before dawn lets you reach the summit for sunrise over a sea of jagged granite peaks. At its foot stands St. Catherine's Monastery, built on the orders of the Byzantine emperor Justinian in the sixth century and one of the oldest continuously inhabited Christian monasteries in the world. It guards a plant traditionally identified with the Burning Bush, and the wider St. Catherine area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How the trip runs
This is an overnight excursion of one night and two days. You leave Cairo in the evening by night transport for a drive of roughly six to seven hours across the Suez Canal and into the Sinai mountains. The climb usually starts in the early hours, following the Camel Path with a local guide, and takes about two and a half to three hours to reach the summit for sunrise. After descending, you visit St. Catherine's Monastery during its morning visiting hours before the drive back to Cairo. Expect little sleep; much of the night is spent traveling and climbing.
Good to know
The summit is cold before dawn in every season, and in winter temperatures can drop below freezing with occasional snow, so bring warm layers, a hat, gloves and a flashlight or headlamp. Sturdy walking shoes are essential. The final section to the summit is a steep flight of rough stone steps. Camels can be hired for part of the ascent at your own cost. The monastery keeps limited visiting hours and closes on some days and on religious holidays, so we plan the date around its schedule. Carry your passport for the checkpoints on the way to Sinai.
Who this trip suits
The climb is a sustained uphill walk rather than technical mountaineering, so reasonably fit travelers of most ages can manage it at a steady pace with rests. It is less suitable for anyone with heart or breathing conditions, serious knee problems, or a strong dislike of cold and darkness. Pilgrims, hikers and photographers tend to get the most from it. Because the trip involves a long overnight drive and an early climb, plan an easy day afterward. Pricing depends on your group and dates, so message us on WhatsApp for a quote.
What's Included
- Night transport to Mount Sinai
- Guided mountain trek
- Visit to St. Catherine's Monastery
Not Included
- Entry fees
- Meals
Pricing
Quoted per group — message us with your dates and party size.
Message us on WhatsApp for pricing & bookings
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the trip cost?
We price this trip individually, because the cost depends on your group size, dates and travel arrangements. Message us on WhatsApp with your dates and the number of travelers, and we will send you a quote. Entry fees and meals are not included.
How difficult is the climb up Mount Sinai?
It is a moderate hike in the dark: about two and a half to three hours uphill on a wide path, followed by a final stretch of steep stone steps. You need reasonable fitness and good shoes. Camels can carry you for much of the way at your own cost, but not up the final steps.
What is included?
Night transport to Mount Sinai, the guided mountain trek and a visit to St. Catherine's Monastery are included. Entry fees and meals are excluded, so bring cash for snacks, breakfast and any fees on the day.
Is the monastery open every day?
No. St. Catherine's Monastery has limited visiting hours and closes on certain days and on Orthodox religious holidays. We check the schedule before confirming your date so that the visit fits into the trip.
Other Day Tours
- Giza Pyramids, from USD 70
- Saqqara, Memphis & Dahshour, from USD 70
- Cairo City Tour, from USD 70
- Bike Tour to the Pyramids, from USD 30 per person