Sharm El Sheikh: Mount Sinai & St. Catherine Monastery Tour

Mount Sinai is at its best before dawn. You climb through the dark beneath the Sinai sky, reach the summit as the light changes, then look across bare mountain ridges and desert from Moses’ Mountain. The visit to St. Catherine’s Monastery adds a powerful historical and religious stop after the physical effort.

I like the strong value at $39, which covers hotel pickup, transport, park entry, guides, and the monastery visit. I also like the human side of the climb: Bedouin guides help set the pace, and guides such as Jamil and Mohammed have been praised for their encouragement. The catch is the length. With several hours on the road, a night hike, waiting for sunrise, and the ride home, this can become a 17-hour day.

Key points to know before booking

• The climb begins around 1 am: You reach the summit near sunrise after several hours on foot.
• The final 750 steps are the hardest: They are uneven, steep, and tiring, especially in the dark.
• Sunrise is the payoff: The view across the Sinai mountains is the most memorable part of the day.
• The descent is rocky: Good shoes matter more on the way down, when tired legs make slips more likely.
• The bus ride can take three to five hours each way: Multiple hotel pickups and a bus change may add time.
• Bring your own water, snacks, warm layers, and light: These supplies are listed as included, but they may not always be handed out.

A midnight start from Sharm El Sheikh

Your tour begins with hotel pickup in Sharm El Sheikh, usually in the evening. The drive to the Mount Sinai area is described as about three hours, but the full ride can take longer when the bus collects people from several hotels. Some departures have taken close to five hours before the climb begins.

Transport is by air-conditioned bus. That is useful in the desert, but do not picture a quick private transfer. The pickup process can feel scattered, with passengers gathered from different hotels and, in some cases, changing vehicles at a garage. One bus change reportedly added about an hour of waiting.

I would treat the transport as part of the price rather than the star of the day. Bring a neck pillow if you have one, keep your passport or ID card easy to reach, and carry your own food and drink. The long ride matters because you need enough energy left for the mountain.

Security checks take place before the trail. Toilet stops are available during the drive, though facilities may be basic. Use them when you can. Once the climb starts, options become limited and the conditions are far less comfortable.

Climbing Moses’ Mountain in the dark

The ascent begins before dawn, often around 1 am. You walk with a Bedouin mountain guide, usually as part of a larger group. Guides help with direction, pace, and encouragement, which is especially useful when the trail becomes dark and uneven.

The first part of the climb is a gradual mountain trail. You may find places to stop for a drink or snack, and camel rides are offered on part of the route at an additional cost. The camel option is not a way to avoid the entire climb, since the final section still requires walking, but it may help people who need to save strength early on.

You need a light. A headlamp is best because it leaves both hands free, though a handheld flashlight works. One supplied torch was described as dim and awkward to use, so I would not rely on the tour light alone. The trail can be hard to see, and you need to watch for loose stones, uneven ground, and camel droppings.

The walk to the upper section may take about three hours, though the pace and group size affect the timing. You do not need to race. The guides can help keep the group together, and the night setting gives the climb a quiet, almost serious mood. Still, this is a real mountain hike, not a short viewpoint walk.

The final 750 steps to the summit

Near the top, the trail changes. The final section has roughly 750 uneven steps, and this is where the climb becomes most demanding. The steps are not uniform, and tired legs make every rise feel higher.

You need at least average fitness for the full route. A family with children aged six and nine completed the climb, but the lack of sleep was harder for them than the walking. Another older person stopped before the summit. That gives you a fair guide: age alone does not decide the matter, but stamina, balance, and comfort with steep steps do.

The climb is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or wheelchair users. If your knees, ankles, or balance are unreliable, think carefully before booking. The Bedouin guides can encourage you, but they cannot turn a strenuous mountain route into an easy outing.

Wear shoes with a firm sole and a good grip. Running shoes may work, but sturdy walking shoes are safer on the rocky descent. Avoid loose sandals. You should also carry a small amount of cash for drinks, snacks, or other purchases along the route.

Waiting for sunrise at Mount Sinai

Most groups reach the upper area before sunrise and wait there for the sky to brighten. This waiting period can be colder than the climb itself. While walking, your body generates heat. Once you stop, the wind and the cold can arrive quickly.

Bring a warm jacket, gloves, and extra layers, even if Sharm El Sheikh feels hot. Hand warmers are useful if you have them. In warmer months, conditions may be milder, but the temperature at the summit can still change sharply before sunrise. If your clothes become damp with sweat, a dry shirt can make the wait much more comfortable.

The reward is broad and simple: first light spreads over the Sinai peaks, and the desert ridges take shape below you. The views are the reason to accept the uncomfortable schedule. On clear nights, you might see a striking star-filled sky before dawn, though cloud, haze, and group lighting can affect what is visible.

Take care with the summit crowd. People gather in a limited space, and everyone wants a good view. Follow your guide’s instructions, keep your belongings close, and allow yourself time to look around rather than spending the whole sunrise taking pictures.

The two-hour descent on tired legs

After sunrise, you walk down toward St. Catherine’s Monastery. The descent can take around two hours, and it may be more tiring than expected. Going downhill puts pressure on your knees, while loose rocks make each step a matter of balance.

This is where proper footwear earns its place. Use the handrail or stable rocks when available, take short steps, and do not hurry to keep up with the fastest person in the group. Your guide can help with direction, but you still need to manage your own pace.

The mountain has no comfortable reset button. You finish the summit section, but you are not finished with the day. Eat and drink when you can, especially if you skipped breakfast before the climb. The supplied water and snacks are intended to help, but several departures did not provide them, so bring your own.

You may also meet local cats and dogs around the route and monastery area. If you want to offer food, pack something suitable before leaving Sharm. Do not count on finding water for them, and use common sense around unfamiliar animals.

St. Catherine’s Monastery after the hike

The monastery visit comes after the mountain, when your legs are tired but your attention has a new focus. St. Catherine’s was established in AD 565 and is one of the world’s oldest Christian monasteries still associated with continuous religious life.

The site is linked to Saint Catherine and to the biblical setting of Mount Sinai. The monastery’s religious importance is central to the visit, so you will get more from it if you are willing to slow down and listen rather than treat it as a quick photo stop.

The guided visit is relatively short. The tour guide explains the site and its religious background, though the level of detail may depend on the guide and the pace of the group. The guides have been praised for being helpful on the mountain and during the monastery visit. The Bedouin guides, including Jamil, Jamil, and Mohammed on one departure, were singled out for kindness and support.

If the museum is open and available, the additional entry fee is about $2. It is worth considering. The collection includes pages associated with one of the oldest known Bibles and an early depiction of Christ. For a small extra cost, the museum can add much more substance to the monastery stop than the courtyard and main church alone.

Dress respectfully. You are entering a sacred place, not simply another sightseeing stop. Comfortable, modest clothing is also practical after a cold mountain morning and a long walk.

What the $39 price really covers

At $39 per person, this is an inexpensive way to reach a remote part of South Sinai. The fee includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, entrance to St. Catherine National Park, a tour guide, a Bedouin mountain guide, and the monastery visit. One bottle of water and snacks are also listed as included.

The price looks especially good because a private transfer to Mount Sinai, park access, and a guided mountain outing would normally require more planning and cost. You are paying for a group operation, though, and that explains some of the rough edges. Pickup routes can be long, vehicle changes may occur, and the day is shaped around the group rather than your preferred schedule.

I would budget for extra drinks and snacks even though they are included in the stated package. Several people did not receive them, while others found places to buy supplies along the climb. Carry US dollars or other accepted cash if you want the flexibility to purchase something on the route.

An optional cultural Egypt scarf from FTS Travels may be added when booking. It is not part of the standard tour unless selected.

Who will enjoy this day most

I recommend this tour to you if you want a demanding outdoor experience tied to religious and cultural history. You should be comfortable walking for several hours, sleeping little, sitting on a bus for much of the day, and accepting simple facilities.

It can work for active families, but I would be cautious with young children. The route was completed by children aged six and nine, yet the overnight timing and lack of sleep were major factors. The uneven final steps are the bigger concern, not just the total distance.

This is a poor match if you need a relaxed day, dislike group transport, or have back, balance, or mobility problems. It is also a bad choice if you expect a light stroll followed by a comfortable coach excursion. The mountain comes first, and it asks a lot from you.

The tour is offered in English, Italian, and Arabic. If the religious meaning of Mount Sinai matters to you, you may find the combination of summit, sunrise, and monastery especially worthwhile. If you mainly want scenic views, the sunrise still delivers, but the long road journey may feel excessive.

Practical packing for a dark mountain

Pack as if you are preparing for two different climates. Sharm El Sheikh may be warm, while the summit before sunrise can be cold.

Bring:

• Passport or ID card
• Firm, comfortable walking shoes
• Warm layers, gloves, and a hat
• Headlamp or reliable flashlight
• Your own water and snacks
• A spare shirt if you expect to sweat
• Small cash for drinks, snacks, camel rides, or the museum
• A small day bag, not a suitcase

Large bags and luggage are not allowed. Keep your belongings light enough to carry during the climb. A small backpack with a waist strap is more useful than a heavy shoulder bag.

Do not forget the walk down. Many people focus on the cold summit and overlook the rocky descent. Good socks, ankle support, and a light you can use on the way back are just as important as a warm coat.

Should you book this Mount Sinai tour?

Book it if sunrise from Mount Sinai is high on your Egypt wish list and you accept that the reward comes with a long, tiring day. The views, the night climb, and St. Catherine’s Monastery create a memorable combination for $39.

Skip it if you need comfort, flexible timing, or easy walking. Before you pay, confirm the pickup point, ask how the transport will work, and plan to carry your own water, snacks, flashlight, and warm clothing. Go in prepared, and this can be one of the strongest-value day trips from Sharm El Sheikh.

FAQ

How long does the Mount Sinai and monastery tour take?

The full outing can last about 17 hours, including the drive from Sharm El Sheikh, the night climb, the monastery visit, and the return journey.

When does the climb begin?

The climb commonly begins around 1 am, after the evening pickup and drive from Sharm El Sheikh.

Is water and food included?

One bottled water and snacks are listed as included. However, supplies may not always be provided, so it is sensible to bring your own water and food.

What should I wear for the climb?

Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy walking shoes. Bring warm layers and gloves for the summit, since it can become cold while you wait for sunrise.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Children aged six and nine have completed the climb, but the route includes many uneven steps and an overnight schedule. You should judge your child’s fitness, stamina, and ability to manage several hours of walking.

Is St. Catherine’s Monastery included?

Yes. The tour includes a guided visit to St. Catherine’s Monastery after the descent from Mount Sinai.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also offers a reserve now and pay later option.