This unique tour from Sharm El Sheikh offers the profound experience of climbing the sacred mountain to witness a spectacular sunrise, followed by a visit to one of the world's oldest Christian monasteries.
Your Overnight Journey:
- 21:00 (9:00 PM) - Hotel Pickup: Our representative will pick you up from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh by air-conditioned minivan, minibus, or coach (depending on group size).
- Journey to St. Catherine Village: Drive through the captivating Sinai desert for approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, arriving at St. Catherine village in the early hours of the morning (around 00:30 - 01:00 AM).
- Preparation & Ascent (Moses Mountain): Before starting your ascent, you'll have a chance to stop at a local hotel for a quick refreshment (coffee/tea). Then, with your licensed Egyptologist guide and a mandatory local Bedouin guide, begin the approximately 3-hour walk up Moses Mountain. This sacred peak, rising some 7,000ft (approx. 2,133 meters), is believed to be where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments. The ascent typically follows the "Camel Path," which is a less strenuous, longer route. The last 750 steps to the summit are carved stone steps.
- Spectacular Sunrise: Reach the summit just in time to witness an unparalleled, breathtaking sunrise over the Sinai desert mountains – a truly spiritual and unforgettable experience.
- Descent & Breakfast: After soaking in the sunrise, begin your descent (approximately 2-3 hours). Upon reaching the base, you'll enjoy a well-deserved breakfast.
- St. Catherine Monastery Visit: Following breakfast, proceed to visit the biblical site of St. Catherine Monastery. Built around 330 AD at the foot of Mount Moses, this ancient Christian Greek-Orthodox monastery has remained remarkably unchanged for centuries. Explore its historical grounds, see the famous mosaic in the Transfiguration Church, view ancient icons and manuscripts, visit the Burning Bush site, and Moses' Well.
- Approx. 13:00 (1:00 PM) - Return to Sharm: You will be transferred back to your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh, concluding your profound overnight adventure.
Inclusions:
- Return transfers to and from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh.
- Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle (minivan, minibus, or coach).
- Licensed Egyptologist Tour Guide.
- Mandatory Local Bedouin Guide for the mountain ascent.
- Entry fee to St. Catherine Protectorate.
- Breakfast after the mountain descent.
Essential Information:
- Operation Days: Daily, except for Thursdays and Saturdays, and during monastery scheduled festive days (it's recommended to confirm operating days close to your travel date as monastery opening hours can vary).
- Physical Fitness: This tour requires a good level of physical fitness. It involves a strenuous uphill walk in the dark and downhill walk during daylight.
- Not Recommended For: Individuals with walking difficulties, back problems, problems with heights, children (generally not recommended for young children due to the late start and physical demand), or pregnant ladies.
- What to Wear/Bring:
Passports are essential.
Heavy clothes are highly recommended in winter (layers, warm jacket, hat, gloves) as temperatures on the mountain can drop significantly.
Shoulders and legs must be covered to visit the monastery church (for both men and women). No short shorts or sleeveless tops.
Flat, sturdy walking shoes or trainers that grip well are crucial for the mountain terrain.
Light clothes, sun hat, water, sun cream, and sunglasses are advisable for the morning after sunrise and the journey back.
A small backpack with snacks and water is recommended for the hike.
A headlamp or flashlight is very useful for the ascent in the dark. - Group Tour Note: This is a shared tour with other nationalities.
Answer the call of history and faith with a challenging yet rewarding ascent of Moses Mountain followed by a spiritual visit to St. Catherine Monastery. Book your overnight adventure