St Catherine's Monastery and the Summit of Mount Sinai from Sharm
Active
20h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Watch sunrise from the top of Mount Sinai on a hiking trip from Sharm el Sheikh to one of Egypt’s highest mountains. You’ll climb the 7,497-foot (2,285-mt.) peak in the predawn darkness, see first light illuminate the mountaintop chapel and mosque, then descend to the 6th-century Monastery of St. Catherine built where Moses is believed to have seen the Burning Bush.
Available options
St Catherine's Monastery and the Summit of Mount Sinai from Sharm
Pickup included
What's included
Accompanied by a Bedouin guide on the ascent of the mountain.
Skilled Egyptologist Accompanying group.
Pick-up & Drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle.
Visit Mousses Mountain & St. Catherine Monastery.
Detailed itinerary
1
There will be a bus ride to the top of Mount Sinai, where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments. In the evening, you'll be picked up from your Sharm el Sheikh hotel.
2
Stop 2
A three-hour ascent of 2,285 metres up the mountain with one of our guides leading the way. There are 700 steps you can take if you pursue a long journey. A breathtaking sunrise awaits you at the peak of the mountain when you take this route. You can take a camel ride up the mountain to the first set of 700 stairs if you don't feel up to the challenge. It is time to pack up and head back to sharm el Sheikh in your car once the sun has fully risen.
3
Meeting at the monastery's gate once you've descended from Mount Sinai, your guide will take you to the Transfiguration Church, the Burning Bush, and Moses' Well before returning you to your Sharm el-Sheikh hotel. As a result of the covid, the monastery limits the number of days it is open to visitors.
What's not included
Tourist tax fees
Available languages
Guide guide
RU
EN
IT
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.4
14 reviews
5★
9
4★
3
3★
1
2★
1
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.6
19 reviews
5★
15
4★
3
3★
0
2★
0
1★
1
Important information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Kindly bring with you (The original passport, 2 copies of it, Heavy clothes, Shoes for hiking).
About Sharm el Sheikh
Sharm el Sheikh is a vibrant coastal city on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, renowned for its stunning Red Sea coastline, vibrant coral reefs, and luxurious resorts. It's a premier destination for diving, snorkeling, and relaxation, offering a mix of adventure and tranquility.
Top Attractions
Ras Mohammed National Park
A stunning national park known for its pristine coral reefs, diverse marine life, and breathtaking landscapes.
Nature
Full day
EGP 300-500 (including boat trips and entrance fees)
Naama Bay
A lively bay with beautiful beaches, water sports, and a vibrant nightlife scene.
Beach
Half day or evening
Free to explore, activities vary in cost
Sharm Old Market
A bustling market with a mix of traditional and modern shops, offering a variety of goods from spices to souvenirs.
Shopping
1-2 hours
Budget to moderate
Saint Catherine's Monastery
One of the oldest working monasteries in the world, located at the base of Mount Sinai, known for its religious significance and historical artifacts.
Historical
Full day
Free entry, donations welcome
Must-Try Local Dishes
Grilled Seafood
Freshly caught seafood grilled to perfection, often served with garlic sauce and lemon.
Dinner
Contains fish/shellfish
Koshari
A traditional Egyptian dish made with rice, lentils, chickpeas, and pasta, topped with spicy tomato sauce and garlic vinegar.
Lunch
Vegetarian
Falafel
Deep-fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, often served in pita bread with vegetables and tahini sauce.
Snack
Vegetarian, Vegan
Fresh Fruit Juices
Freshly squeezed juices made from local fruits like mango, guava, and pomegranate.
Drink
Vegan, Gluten-free
Popular Activities
Diving
Snorkeling
Windsurfing
Hiking
Beach lounging
Spa treatments
Yoga
Visiting Saint Catherine's Monastery
Best Time to Visit
March to May, October to November
This is the most pleasant time to visit, with warm but not extreme temperatures and ideal conditions for water activities.
20-30°C
68-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Arabic
- Widely spoken: English, Russian, German
- English: Widely spoken in tourist areas
Currency
Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Time Zone
GMT+2
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Sharm el Sheikh is generally safe for tourists, with a strong police presence in tourist areas. However, petty crime and scams can occur, so it's important to stay vigilant.
Important Precautions:
- • Use reputable tour operators
- • Negotiate prices in advance
- • Keep valuables secure
Getting there
By air
- Sharm El Sheikh International Airport • 12 km from city center
By bus
Downtown Terminal, Naama Bay Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Affordable and frequent, but can be crowded. Routes cover most major areas and resorts.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Careem
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Naama Bay
Ras Um El Sid
Sharm Old Market
Day trips
Dahab
80 km • Full day
A laid-back coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, diving spots, and relaxed atmosphere.
Tiran Island
30 km • Full day
A small island known for its incredible coral reefs and diverse marine life, perfect for diving and snorkeling.
Mount Sinai
120 km • Overnight or full day
A sacred mountain known for its religious significance and stunning sunrise views.
Festivals
Sharm El Sheikh International Diving Festival • June
Eid al-Fitr • Varies (Islamic calendar)
Pro tips
- Book diving and snorkeling trips in advance, especially during peak season
- Visit Ras Mohammed National Park for the best diving and snorkeling experiences
- Explore the Old Market for authentic souvenirs and local flavors
- Try traditional Egyptian dishes like koshari and grilled seafood
- Experience a Bedouin village visit for a unique cultural experience
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
