Sharm El Sheikh: Mount Sinai St Catherine Monastery Tour
Climb to the top of Mount Sinai overnight, Enjoy the spectacular sunrise. then descend to St. Catherine's Monastery with a guide.
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Mount Sinai and St. Catherine Monastery, two of Egypt’s most iconic landmarks. Combining breathtaking landscapes, deep spirituality, and historical richness, this tour promises an experience that will stay with you forever.
Your adventure begins with a convenient hotel pickup in Sharm El Sheikh. Our friendly representative will greet you before you’re transported in a modern, air-conditioned bus through the scenic Sinai desert. The three-hour drive offers glimpses of golden sands, rugged mountains, and serene valleys.
Upon arrival, the ascent of Moses Mountain begins under the tranquil night sky. Feel the calm of the desert as you climb, and savor the anticipation of reaching the summit before dawn. At the peak, marvel at a stunning sunrise that paints the Sinai desert in golden hues—a view that will take your breath away.
After descending the mountain, your journey continues to St. Catherine Monastery, a site of profound historical and spiritual significance. Built in 565 AD, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the oldest continuously operating Christian monasteries in the world. Dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria, the monastery honors her unwavering faith and ultimate sacrifice.
Explore the monastery’s treasures, including ancient manuscripts, sacred icons, and the legendary “Burning Bush,” believed to be a descendant of the bush through which God spoke to Moses. This sacred site is a place of reflection and inspiration for people of all faiths.
After your tour, enjoy some time to reflect on the day’s experiences before boarding the comfortable bus for your return to Sharm El Sheikh. Relax as you journey back, carrying with you the memories of an extraordinary day.
Whether you’re drawn to the historical, spiritual, or natural beauty of this remarkable region, the Mount Sinai and St. Catherine Monastery tour offers a truly enriching experience.
Reserve your place today and immerse yourself in the magic of the Sinai Peninsula.
Select date, participants and language
Excursion Itinerary
Duration: 2 Hour
Duration: 2 Hour
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
Highlights
- ● Ascend Mount Sinai under a starlit sky for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
- ● Explore the legendary Burning Bush at the sacred St. Catherine Monastery.
- ● Marvel at ancient manuscripts and religious treasures preserved for centuries.
- ● Witness the breathtaking sunrise over the vast Sinai desert from Moses’ Mountain.
- ● Immerse yourself in the rich history and spirituality of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What's Included and What's Not?
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transportation by air-conditioned jeep
- Entrance fees to St. Catherine National Park
- Tour guide
- Bedouin guide during climbing up the mountain
- 1 Bottled water and snacks
- Cultural Egypt Scarves: Travel-Inspired Elegance by FTS (if add-on selected)
Not Included
- Any extras not mentioned in the itinerary
Not Suitable For This Activities
- ●People with back problems
- ●Pregnant women
- ●Wheelchair users
Not Allowed This Activities
- ●Luggage or large bags
- ●Pets
Important Information
What to Bring
Information Before Booking
- ●Mountain climbing requires moderate physical activity.
- ●Participants should be in good health and wear comfortable walking shoes.
- ●The climb starts late at night to ensure you reach the summit in time for sunrise.
- ●Be prepared for cool night temperatures and warm layers.
Know Before You Go
- ●An experienced guide will accompany you throughout the tour to ensure a safe and enriching journey.
- ●Carry a flashlight, water, snacks, and a camera to capture the magnificent views.
- ●St. Catherine's Monastery is a sacred place; please dress modestly and follow all instructions provided during your visit.
- ●The tour lasts approximately 14-15 hours.
- ●Children under 10 and elderly travelers with limited mobility may find the hike challenging.
Highlighted reviews from other travelers
Teodora - United Kingdom
03 January 2025
If you're visiting Sharm El-Sheikh, this trip is a must! It’s an incredible experience, and though the hike up is challenging, it’s absolutely worth it. The sunrise over the mountain is stunning, and the views are breathtaking. Be sure to dress warmly, with layers you can remove on the way back as it warms up. The descent to the monastery is much easier and enjoyable, offering lovely views of the rocky mountains. The monastery itself is fascinating, and if you're an Orthodox Christian, you can pray and submit names of loved ones. The monk in the shop was very friendly, adding a personal touch to the visit. We ended up walking more than 26,000 steps, but every step was worth it. Highly recommended!
Aylin - Türkiye
02 January 2025
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Customer Reviews
All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.
Overall Rating
5.0/5
Based on 12 Reviews
5.0/5
5.0/5
5.0/5
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By Traveler Types
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03 January 2025
If you're visiting Sharm El-Sheikh, this trip is a must! It’s an incredible experience, and though the hike up is challenging, it’s absolutely worth it. The sunrise over the mountain is stunning, and the views are breathtaking. Be sure to dress warmly, with layers you can remove on the way back as it warms up. The descent to the monastery is much easier and enjoyable, offering lovely views of the rocky mountains. The monastery itself is fascinating, and if you're an Orthodox Christian, you can pray and submit names of loved ones. The monk in the shop was very friendly, adding a personal touch to the visit. We ended up walking more than 26,000 steps, but every step was worth it. Highly recommended!
Helpful? Yes
29 December 2024
The trip was great but definitely very strenuous. I couldn’t have made it to the summit without the help of a camel—it’s tough due to the altitude difference, uneven stone steps, and sandy paths. I reached the summit at sunrise on December 28th, 2024, and it was freezing cold, so I highly recommend wearing proper winter clothes, including a hat and gloves. However, the $30 cost for the camel ride felt a bit high, and breakfast at the monastery, priced at $15, was definitely overpriced. Despite these points, it was a wonderful experience overall, and I would happily do it again!
Helpful? Yes
23 December 2024
Great trip! We had three guides for the Mount Sinai climb, and they did an excellent job ensuring the entire group stayed together. The coach drivers were also fantastic, and when there was confusion about our hotel, the guide on the bus stayed in constant communication with me to resolve it smoothly. It was a long trip, but overall, a well-organized and excellent experience!
Helpful? Yes
21 December 2024
The climb to the top was very challenging, especially the final stretch with 750 steps. It’s extremely cold at the peak, but the breathtaking view and the spiritual experience made every bit of the effort worthwhile. Be sure to bring gloves, warm clothes, and if possible, hand warmers. While climbing, you don’t feel the cold, but once you stop to wait for the sunrise, it hits you hard. It’s also a good idea to bring extra clothing to change if you sweat. At the base, you can buy ponchos, gloves, and other essentials, and there’s an option to use a camel for the first part of the climb. Our guides, Jamil, Jamil, and Mohammed, were very kind and helpful throughout the journey. A truly memorable experience!
Helpful? Yes
16 December 2024
The climb to Mount Sinai was the most incredible experience we had in Egypt. Setting out at night, guided by the light of the full moon, and slowly ascending with our group while stopping at cozy tea houses made it truly magical. Our guide was exceptional—he not only provided detailed explanations but also conveyed the deep sacredness of the site, making the experience even more meaningful. We felt deeply cared for by him, and without a doubt, he was the best guide we’ve had in Egypt, if not anywhere else. We’d gladly go back with him a thousand times! The driver also did a fantastic job, ensuring we felt safe throughout the journey. For those used to hiking, the climb was manageable, but there was an option to take a camel up to the steps for those needing assistance. While we generally dislike the use of animals, in this case, we saw that many elderly visitors were helped significantly, and the camels appeared to be in decent condition. Overall, it was a perfect experience—definitely a 10/10!
Helpful? Yes
22 November 2024
The excursion was really great, but the bus transport could be improved. We had a small and old bus for a journey of about 3 hours, which made the ride less comfortable. With better transportation, the experience would have been even more enjoyable!
Helpful? Yes
11 November 2024
It was absolutely AMAZING! The tour guides were fantastic, always ensuring our safety and comfort throughout the trip. They went the extra mile by offering to take photos of me and my boyfriend, capturing stunning moments under the starry night sky and the breathtaking sunrise. The entire experience was unforgettable—I loved every moment! ❤️
Helpful? Yes
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