From Sharm: Mount Moses Trekking, Sunrise & Monastery Visit

The best part of this Mount Sinai sunrise trek is the slow change from black sky to gold over the bare Sinai peaks. You climb by torchlight, rest among small mountain cafés, then wait in the cold for the first light. I like the powerful religious setting and the fact that the trip pairs the mountain with St. Catherine’s Monastery, rather than treating the climb as a stand-alone photo stop.

I also like the steady support from the Bedouin guides, who stop often and help keep the group together. The main drawback is plain: this is a hard, sleepless 16 to 17-hour day, and the transport can be crowded or poorly coordinated during hotel pickups.

Mount Sinai at a glance

• A night climb to 2,285 meters: You walk roughly 7 kilometers up, with the final 750 steps made from uneven rock rather than neat stairways.
• Sunrise is the reward: Arriving early gives you time to find a place near the summit before the sky changes color.
• Bedouin guides lead the mountain section: The Egyptologist guide usually stays with the group until the base camp, then a Bedouin guide takes over.
• St. Catherine’s adds real depth: You visit a sixth-century church beside the traditional Burning Bush and see old manuscripts and religious icons.
• Cold at the top, warm on the way down: Winter summit temperatures can fall below freezing, with strong wind making it feel colder.
• Good value at $50: Hotel transport, guides, water, the climb, and monastery visit are included, but snacks, drinks, toilets, blankets, and camel rides cost extra.

Leaving Sharm after dark

Pickup from Sharm El Sheikh hotels is scheduled between 8:00 and 9:00 PM, though the exact time can change. You must wait at the hotel’s main gate along the highway, not inside reception. That detail matters, especially if your resort has a large grounds or several entrances.

The first part of the night can be messy. Several hotel pickups may be combined, and some departures have involved a small minibus transfer before passengers move to a larger coach. Most of the journey is in an air-conditioned vehicle, but group size and seating comfort can vary. A long ride with limited legroom is possible, so wear loose clothes and keep a sweater within reach.

The drive to Mount Sinai takes about four hours, followed by the return journey after the climb and monastery visit. Security checkpoints can extend the schedule. I would not plan anything important for the evening after you get back to Sharm.

Communication about pickup time deserves attention. Confirm the time with the operator before departure and keep your phone available on the day. The tour has generally been well managed once the group reaches the mountain, but the early hotel collection is the least predictable part.

The night route toward the summit

At the mountain, you begin walking in darkness. The route climbs gradually at first, then becomes steeper and rougher. The full ascent commonly takes two to three hours, depending on the pace of the group and the number of rest stops.

You need a proper torch or headlamp. A phone flashlight can work, but it leaves one hand occupied and gives a narrow beam. The path can be dusty, stony, and marked by camel droppings, so watch every step. Hiking shoes with a firm sole are far better than trainers with smooth soles, and flip-flops are not suitable.

The route is not a polished mountain staircase. The lower section is a steep, uneven track, while the final section has about 750 rough steps. These are not uniform steps cut to a comfortable height. They are irregular rocks and slabs, and the last stretch can feel harder than the earlier walking.

Guides set a steady pace and usually pause for drinks, snacks, toilets, and short rests. That makes the climb possible for many people with reasonable fitness, but it does not make it easy. You are climbing after a night drive, often without sleep, and you must save energy for the descent.

The route can be crowded. Groups move at different speeds, and camels may pass along the path. Give them space and stay alert when the guide asks you to move aside. Small cafés sell hot drinks and snacks, while basic toilets appear along the way. Carry tissues and small Egyptian pound notes, euros, or US dollars for these stops.

Should you ride a camel?

Camel rides are available on the first part of the ascent, up to the start of the 750 steps. You cannot ride a camel to the summit, so the steepest final section still has to be climbed on foot. A camel may help if you have breathing trouble or need to save strength, but it is not a complete alternative to the hike.

Prices vary. One reported fare was around 650 Egyptian pounds, or about $25 at the time, but you should confirm the price before agreeing. The operator does not recommend the camel ride, and the ride itself can be less comfortable than expected.

Do not treat the camel as a solution for a serious medical problem. The tour is not suitable for people with shortness of breath, significant bone pain, or limited mobility. It is also not suitable for children under 14, pregnant women, or wheelchair users.

If you are unsure about your fitness, consider the climb honestly before booking. Regular gym exercise helps, but it does not fully prepare you for several hours of uneven uphill walking. The experience suits people who can manage a sustained climb and then walk downhill after very little sleep.

Waiting in the cold for sunrise

The summit reaches 2,285 meters, and the temperature can be far lower than in Sharm. In winter, the top may fall to around minus 2 to minus 10 degrees Celsius, especially with wind. Even in warmer months, you can sweat during the ascent and then become cold quickly while sitting still.

Pack layers rather than one thick coat. A practical combination is a long-sleeve base layer, fleece, down or padded jacket, windproof outer layer, hat, gloves, and warm socks. A jacket alone may not be enough. A rented blanket can make the wait much easier, with one reported rental price of about 200 Egyptian pounds.

Some groups reach the summit one to two hours before sunrise. That sounds excessive when you are tired, but it gives you a better chance of finding a clear place to sit and settle before the crowd thickens. Bring a snack, water, and something warm to drink if you can.

Then the waiting pays off. The dark valleys slowly pick up shape, the horizon turns orange, and the surrounding ridges emerge in layers. You can take photographs, pray, or simply sit quietly. The religious meaning is central here: this is traditionally identified as the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments.

The summit itself is not a quiet private viewpoint. Expect other groups, wind, uneven ground, and limited room. Still, the combination of darkness, stars, cold air, and sunrise makes this the strongest part of the day.

The descent and the return to base

The way down usually takes about two hours. In daylight, you can finally see the route that was hidden during the climb, including the scale of the rocks and the dry mountain surroundings. Descending is easier for some people, but it can be hard on knees and ankles.

Use the same shoes and take care with loose stones. Do not rush simply because the uphill section is over. A walking pole could help, though one is not listed as part of the included equipment.

You may pass small stalls and local children asking for money or trying to sell items. Carrying small notes is useful, but you should decide in advance how you want to handle these encounters. Toilets remain basic, and tissues are essential.

Once back at the base, you have time to rest and eat breakfast. Breakfast is not supplied as a full meal in the package details, so order a breakfast box from your hotel before leaving Sharm and collect it before pickup. This is one of the most important practical steps. After the climb, you will want food immediately, not a search for an open café.

Water is included, but extra drinks and food are not. Bring more water than you think you need, especially outside the cooler winter months. Mountain stalls charge more than shops in Sharm, and cash is needed.

St. Catherine’s Monastery after the climb

The monastery visit comes after the mountain, when fatigue can be a real problem. Some people manage the tour but have little energy left for a detailed visit. The schedule may also feel tight because the group must leave on time for the return drive and security arrangements.

That said, St. Catherine’s is worth protecting in your schedule. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest functioning Christian monasteries in the world. The site dates to the sixth century and sits beside the traditional Burning Bush, giving the visit a direct connection to the Moses story.

The small museum and library contain old manuscripts and religious icons. The historic materials are the reason this stop adds more than a quick photo opportunity. You get a look at a living religious site, not only a monument built for sightseeing.

The church beside the Burning Bush is another key stop. Access and opening areas can vary, so follow the guide and local instructions. The monastery is closed on Sundays and certain Christian holidays, including several dates in May, June, July, August, September, November, and December. Check the operating date before you pay, especially if your visit falls near a religious holiday.

Guides such as Ashrof, Amr, Ali, and Ibrahim have led different departures, with English, Arabic, and Russian available. Your assigned guide may be different, but you can expect the mountain section to be handled by a Bedouin guide rather than the main Egyptologist guide. That division is normal for this tour.

What the $50 price really covers

At $50 per person, the tour offers strong value if you want transport from Sharm, a guided climb, sunrise, and the monastery in one long outing. Private transfers, a separate mountain guide, and an independent visit would likely require more planning and money.

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transport in a clean air-conditioned vehicle, an Egyptologist guide, a Bedouin trekking guide, water, and the 16 to 17-hour program. It does not include extra drinks, food, personal spending, camel rides, toilet fees, or a summit blanket.

The main tradeoff is comfort. This is a shared group excursion, not a private mountain trip. Pickup delays, crowded vehicles, limited legroom, and a brisk group pace can occur. If you value convenience and a lower price more than personal space, the arrangement makes sense.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking make it easier to fit the trip into a changing holiday schedule. Still, check the monastery opening date and confirm pickup details before you rely on those terms.

Who should book this Mount Sinai trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want a physically demanding religious and cultural experience, not a relaxed sightseeing day. It suits adults who can hike for several hours, tolerate cold, and function after an overnight drive.

It is especially good for:

• People interested in the Moses story and Christian, Jewish, or Islamic traditions
• Hikers who want a sunrise goal rather than a daytime walk
• Visitors who prefer a local Bedouin guide on the mountain
• Anyone seeking a more meaningful alternative to a standard resort excursion
• People comfortable with basic toilets, shared transport, and simple mountain stalls

I would think twice if you dislike cold, crowds, rough ground, long bus rides, or early starts. A medical condition affecting breathing, bones, balance, or endurance is a serious concern. The climb is manageable for many fit people, but it is not a gentle walk.

My practical packing list

Bring your passport, as required for the journey, plus:

• Hiking shoes with a solid grip
• Headlamp or strong flashlight
• Warm layers, including hat, gloves, and a windproof jacket
• Small backpack
• Water and hotel breakfast box
• Tissues and hand sanitizer
• Small cash in Egyptian pounds, euros, or US dollars
• Phone charger or power bank
• Comfortable clothes that allow easy movement

Keep the bag light. You will carry it uphill, and you do not need much beyond warmth, water, food, and personal essentials.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if the thought of climbing through the night, sitting in the cold, and watching sunrise from Mount Sinai sounds worth sore legs and a lost night of sleep. The monastery gives the day a second layer, with its ancient church, Burning Bush tradition, manuscripts, and icons.

Skip it if you want a smooth, restful excursion or if you are not confident on uneven ground. At $50, the value is very good, but the cost is paid in time, sleep, and physical effort. Pack seriously, confirm the pickup, order your breakfast box, and approach the day as a pilgrimage with transport attached, not as a casual tour.

FAQ

How long does the Mount Sinai tour take?

The full experience takes about 16 to 17 hours, including hotel pickup and drop-off. Security checkpoints and group delays can make it longer.

What time is hotel pickup?

Pickup from Sharm El Sheikh hotels is scheduled between 8:00 and 9:00 PM. You must wait at the main gate along the highway, not at the reception area.

How long is the climb to Mount Sinai?

The ascent usually takes about two to three hours, depending on the group’s pace and rest breaks. The route includes a rough uphill track and around 750 final steps.

How cold is Mount Sinai at sunrise?

The summit can be very cold and windy. Winter temperatures may fall below freezing, with reported conditions between about minus 2 and minus 10 degrees Celsius.

Can I rent a blanket at the summit?

Yes. Blankets can be rented near the summit, and they are useful while you wait for sunrise. One reported price was about 200 Egyptian pounds, but prices can change.

Is a camel ride available?

A camel can be used on the first part of the ascent, up to the 750-step section. The final climb and the route back down must be completed on foot.

Is breakfast included?

A breakfast box is not included as a supplied meal. You should pre-order one from your hotel and collect it before the tour begins.

Is St. Catherine’s Monastery open every day?

The monastery is closed on Sundays and certain Christian holidays. Check the opening date before booking because holiday dates can affect the visit.

What languages are available?

Live guides are available in English, Russian, and Arabic. The main guide and the Bedouin mountain guide may handle different parts of the experience.