Mount Sinai Sunrise Hike | Climb Egypt’s Most Sacred Mountain from St Catherine’s

Overview

Distance: 11.6 km
Average Duration: 2–4 hours
Difficulty Level: Easy
Total Elevation Gain: 724 m
Summit Height: 2,285 m
Start/Finish: Base of Mount Sinai – close to St Catherine’s Monastery

At 2,285 metres, Mount Sinai is one of the most significant peaks in the Middle East. Revered in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, it’s believed to be the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments. The Mount Sinai sunrise hike is both a physical challenge and a spiritual journey, with panoramic desert views waiting at the summit.

Planning Your Mount Sinai Sunrise Hike

Getting There

I booked the hike through a local guide in Sharm El-Sheikh. A bus transfer and guide were included in the package, making the process very easy.

Season

I visited in early spring, which I’d highly recommend — spring or autumn are ideal, with cooler nighttime temperatures compared to the extreme summer heat or chilly winter nights.

Permits & Fees

I paid around £30 for the bus and £10 for entry, which had to be paid in cash on arrival.

Water

I carried 2 litres. There are small vendors near the mountain base selling water and soft drinks.

Food

I brought a small breakfast and snacks, which I enjoyed at the summit during sunrise.

Accommodation

Most visitors return to Sharm El-Sheikh or nearby towns after the hike. However, there are lodges and small hotels in the St Catherine area for those wishing to rest or explore more of the Sinai Desert.

The Hike | Climbing Mount Sinai for Sunrise

During a family holiday in Sharm El-Sheikh, I decided to add some adventure to our trip. Booking through our resort was easy — the guide simply asked me to wait at the front gate at 02:00 for collection.

At 01:50, I was ready and waiting. A small minibus arrived, and the driver confirmed my name. Then he asked, “Do you have your passport?” I didn’t — it hadn’t been mentioned. He assured me it wasn’t a problem, so I boarded.

After a short transfer, we switched to a larger bus, already packed with mostly Russian school students. I had planned to sleep but that wasn’t happening. Hours later, the guide stood up and announced, “Please hand me your passports.” That’s when I realised Mount Sinai isn’t technically in Sharm El-Sheikh — and I was now crossing into another Egyptian region without ID.

When the guide reached me, I apologised. He simply said, “Okay, you stay with me.”

Arrival at Mount Sinai

Once we arrived, a security checkpoint required passport checks. My guide gestured for me to stay close and quietly ushered me through without issue. I met another traveller from the UK, and together we joined the group.

The night sky was spectacular, filled with stars and the visible Milky Way. The hike began wide and gentle, with a steady flow of people heading toward the summit. After only a kilometre, we stopped at a coffee stand. It felt too soon, but I used the time to admire the stars and take a few photos.

As we continued, the Romanian man from our group warned we might miss the sunrise on Mount Sinai if we didn’t move faster. He surged ahead, and the man from the UK and I followed, quickening our pace.

The Final Push to the Summit

The trail grew steeper, and in several places, we had to pause for groups coming down or rest our legs. With dawn approaching, we could see the sky turning light behind the desert peaks. Determined not to miss it, we pushed ourselves — at times almost running uphill.

We arrived at the Mount Sinai summit just before sunrise. A small crowd from all over the world had gathered, singing softly and waiting for the first light. The atmosphere was peaceful and moving.

We found a flat rock with a panoramic view, opened our snacks, and watched the sun rise over the Sinai Mountains. It was one of those moments where the fatigue disappears, replaced by awe.

The Descent & St Catherine’s Monastery

Descending revealed the full beauty of the landscape — rugged sandstone cliffs, winding paths, and endless desert stretching to the horizon.

As we neared the bottom, I noticed several armed guards standing off the main trail. It was a little unsettling at first, but they were simply part of local security — common in the area and nothing to worry about.

At the base, we learned it would be a while before our bus returned. The sun was strong, and shade was limited, so we decided to explore St Catherine’s Monastery, famous for its burning bush — believed to be the site where God spoke to Moses. The monastery was fascinating and worth the detour.

After a long day, I slept deeply on the return journey to Sharm El-Sheikh, exhausted but grateful. The Mount Sinai sunrise hike was far more than just a climb — it was a mix of adventure, history, and spirituality that I’ll never forget.

Notes & Recommendations

• Historical Significance: Mount Sinai is traditionally recognised as the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments.

• Religious Importance: The site holds deep meaning for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike.

• Camel Rides: Available for those who find the ascent too steep — you can ride partway and hike the final stretch.

• Travel Tip: Bring a passport even if your guide doesn’t mention it, and carry some cash for entry and snacks.

• Best Time: Spring and autumn for cooler, more comfortable climbs.