From Sharm: Mount Moses Trekking, Sunrise & Monastery Visit

The best part of this trip happens before dawn. You climb Mount Sinai under a dark sky, with stars overhead and only torchlight on the rocky trail, then watch sunrise spread across the desert valleys from 2,285 meters. It is part mountain hike, part pilgrimage, and part endurance test.

I like the Bedouin mountain guides, who set a steady pace, offer regular rests, and help you through the rough final steps. I also like the chance to pair the sunrise with St. Catherine’s Monastery, home to old manuscripts, icons, and a sixth-century church beside the traditional burning bush.

The drawback is the punishing schedule. You leave Sharm at night, spend about four hours on the road, climb for two to three hours, descend for another two, and still have the monastery visit ahead. Transport can also be crowded, and the summit may be bitterly cold.

Key points to know before booking

• The summit is 2,285 meters high: The climb covers roughly 7 kilometers each way, with about 750 rough steps near the top.
• Sunrise comes after a cold wait: You may reach the summit well before dawn, so bring gloves, a hat, warm layers, and cash to rent a blanket.
• The final 750 steps are the hardest part: They are uneven stone steps and boulders, not a neat staircase.
• Camels are available only for the lower section: You must walk the steep final steps and the descent.
• St. Catherine’s Monastery adds real cultural value: You can see old manuscripts, religious icons, and the church near the burning bush.
• The $50 price covers the essentials: Hotel pickup and drop-off, transport, water, an Egyptologist guide, and a Bedouin trekking guide are included.

A long night from Sharm to Mount Sinai

Pickup is scheduled between 8:00 and 9:00 PM from the main gate of your hotel, along the highway. Do not wait at reception. This detail matters, especially at large resorts where the main entrance may be some distance from the lobby.

The first part of the night is transport. You will ride in an air-conditioned vehicle for about four hours, although the full journey can stretch longer because of hotel pickups, transfers, security checkpoints, and stops. Some departures begin in a small minibus before switching to a larger coach.

This transport stage is the least polished part of the experience. Some departures run on time, while others involve long waits as several hotels are collected. Coaches can be crowded, and one account described passengers sitting on folding seats in the aisle. That is not ideal for a journey of several hours each way.

Still, the air conditioning and the included water help. Guides on the bus may explain the plan in English, Russian, or Arabic, and named guides including Ashrof, Ali, Amr, and Ibrahim have been praised for keeping groups informed and in good spirits. The exact guide depends on the departure.

Starting the Mount Moses night hike

You begin the trek near Mount Sinai, also called Mount Moses. The mountain reaches 2,285 meters, and the route takes about two to three hours uphill, depending on the pace and fitness of the group.

The lower trail is a steep, uneven path. It is not a smooth walking track, and you will need to watch each step in the dark. Camel traffic is part of the setting, so the path can be dusty and dirty in places. A proper torch or headlamp is far better than relying on your phone light.

The guides usually keep the group moving with regular breaks. Small stalls along the route sell hot drinks, water, snacks, and sometimes warm clothing. Toilets are basic and usually cost around 5 to 20 Egyptian pounds. Carry tissues and small notes in Egyptian pounds, euros, or US dollars.

The pace can vary. Some groups move slowly and stop often, while other guides walk faster. If you are a quick hiker, you may move ahead. If you have breathing trouble, bone pain, or limited stamina, this is not the right outing. The activity is also unsuitable for children under 14, pregnant women, wheelchair users, and elderly people.

The final 750 steps to the summit

The last section is short in distance but tough on tired legs. The advertised 750 steps are not uniform stairs. They are irregular stone blocks and boulders, with some sections steep enough to require careful hand and foot placement.

This is where the climb becomes a real physical challenge. Several people who exercise regularly but do little hiking have found the final section harder than expected. Good hiking shoes are essential. Trainers may work for a fit person, but flip-flops and smooth-soled shoes are a poor choice.

A camel can take you through much of the lower approach if you are struggling, but the animal cannot carry you up the final 750 steps. You must complete that part on foot, and you also walk back down unless you arrange otherwise. The operator does not recommend the camel option, though it can help someone with respiratory problems or a medical limitation. Discuss any concern with the Bedouin guide before pushing too far.

Your main trekking guide from the Sharm group will usually remain at the base camp. A local Bedouin guide assists you on the mountain. These guides are one of the strongest parts of the outing. They know the route, keep an eye on the group, and provide encouragement when the climb begins to drag.

Waiting for sunrise in the cold

Reaching the summit early is normal. You may have an hour and a half or even several hours before sunrise, depending on the group speed and the season. This wait is part of the experience, but it is also where poor preparation can spoil the morning.

Mount Sinai can be cold and windy before dawn, even after a warm day in Sharm. Winter temperatures at the summit have been reported around minus 2 degrees Celsius, with some warnings of minus 5 to minus 10 degrees. Conditions vary, but you should prepare for serious cold rather than mild desert weather.

Wear layers you can adjust:

• Thermal or long-sleeved base layer
• Fleece or jumper
• Down or insulated jacket
• Windproof outer layer
• Hat, gloves, and warm socks

You can rent a blanket near the summit, with prices reported around 200 Egyptian pounds. It is worth considering if you expect a long wait. A warm drink also helps, although summit and trail stalls charge more than you might expect.

Once the sky changes, the discomfort earns its reward. First comes a pale band of light over the distant ridges. Then the valleys and rocky folds begin to separate from the darkness. The view is wide, silent, and spare, with no city skyline to compete with it. You can take photographs, pray, or simply sit with the moment.

The summit can be crowded, particularly during popular months. Arriving early gives you a better chance of finding a useful viewing position. Bring a phone or camera, but keep your hands warm enough to operate it.

The descent and the hard return to normal

The descent takes about two hours. It is easier on the lungs than the climb, but it is not effortless. Loose stones, uneven steps, and tired knees demand attention. Take your time, especially on the final 750 steps.

Sunrise changes the trail quickly. The same route that felt mysterious and cold at night becomes bright and warmer in the morning. You will see the rocky slopes, camel traffic, stalls, and other groups much more clearly on the way down.

This is also when the physical cost becomes obvious. You have been awake all night, and the next stage still includes breakfast and a monastery visit. Drink water and eat something before continuing. You should order a breakfast box from your hotel in advance and collect it before departure. Breakfast is not automatically supplied by the excursion.

The trail can include children asking for money or selling items. Carrying small bills lets you decide for yourself, without needing to break a large note at a stall.

St. Catherine’s Monastery after the climb

After the mountain, the group visits St. Catherine’s Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest functioning Christian monasteries in the world. It is associated with the sixth-century church built beside the traditional burning bush.

Inside, the visit can include old manuscripts displayed in the library and religious icons described as having been excavated from the Vatican. The monastery gives the day a different character. After the open mountain and the sunrise, you move into a place shaped by worship, preservation, and centuries of religious travel.

The timing is the main limitation. By this point, you may be exhausted, and the monastery visit can feel rushed. Some people choose to rest outside rather than go in. Guides may also need to keep the group moving so the coach can leave on time and security arrangements do not delay the return.

Check the opening calendar before booking. The monastery is closed every Sunday and on listed Christian holidays, including dates such as May 1 to 4, May 6, May 8, June 13, June 24, July 12, August 19 and 28, September 21 and 27, November 14, and December 4, 6, 7, and 9. The dates can vary, so confirm them for your travel year.

What the $50 price really buys you

At $50 per person, this is strong value if you want the full experience from Sharm without arranging several separate services. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the long air-conditioned transfer, water, an Egyptologist guide, and a Bedouin guide for the mountain.

You are paying for access to a difficult-to-reach site and for help with a route that is not sensible to tackle alone at night. The guide support is especially useful on the rough upper section and during the return descent.

The price does not include extra drinks, food, camel rides, blankets, toilet fees, or personal spending. Breakfast boxes must be ordered through your hotel. Bring cash in small denominations, since stalls and toilets may not accept cards.

The value drops if you dislike long coach rides, crowded transfers, or highly structured group outings. It rises sharply if you want sunrise at Mount Sinai and would otherwise need to organize transport, guides, and the monastery separately.

How to prepare for the 17-hour schedule

Treat this as a demanding overnight expedition, not a casual sightseeing day. You will probably leave Sharm in the evening and return the following afternoon, with little or no proper sleep.

Pack:

• Passport
• Hiking shoes
• Warm layers and a windproof jacket
• Hat, gloves, and thick socks
• Headlamp or strong flashlight
• Water and a breakfast box
• Tissues
• Small cash in Egyptian pounds, euros, or US dollars
• Phone charger or power bank

Your passport is required. Comfortable clothes help on the bus and trail, but avoid carrying a heavy backpack. You need enough warmth, food, and water without adding weight to the climb.

The operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve while paying later. Those policies are useful if your Sharm plans are still changing, but the important decision is your physical readiness and the monastery opening date.

Who should book this Mount Sinai tour?

I would recommend it to a reasonably fit person who wants a memorable mountain challenge, religious context, and a sunrise that requires real effort. It suits hikers, pilgrims, photographers, and anyone who prefers a demanding experience over a simple coach excursion.

I would be cautious if you have shortness of breath, bone pain, or little tolerance for steep, uneven ground. The night timing makes the climb feel harder, and the cold wait at the top can be severe. You should also think twice if a crowded bus or a long day without sleep will leave you miserable.

For the best chance of enjoying it, book during a period when the monastery is open, prepare for winter conditions even outside winter, and accept that the transport may be less comfortable than the mountain itself. The sunrise is the prize, but the guides, the night sky, and the sense of reaching a sacred summit are what make the effort worthwhile.

FAQ

How long does the Mount Sinai and monastery tour last?

The full experience lasts about 16 to 17 hours, including pickup and drop-off from Sharm El Sheikh. Security checkpoints and transport delays can make it longer.

What time is pickup from Sharm El Sheikh?

Pickup is scheduled between 8:00 and 9:00 PM. You should wait at the main gate of your hotel along the highway, not at the reception area.

How long is the drive to Mount Sinai?

The drive takes around four hours in an air-conditioned vehicle, though hotel pickups, transfers, stops, and security checks can extend the journey.

How difficult is the Mount Sinai hike?

The climb takes about two to three hours and reaches 2,285 meters. The final 750 steps are steep, uneven stone steps and boulders, so a reasonable level of fitness is needed.

Can I ride a camel up Mount Sinai?

A camel is available only for the lower section of the climb. You must walk the final 750 steps and generally descend on foot. The operator does not recommend the camel option.

What should I wear for the sunrise?

Bring warm layers, a jacket, hat, gloves, and warm socks. The summit can be very cold and windy before sunrise, even when conditions in Sharm are mild.

Is breakfast included?

Breakfast is not listed as included. You should pre-order a breakfast box from your hotel and collect it before the evening departure.

Is St. Catherine’s Monastery open every day?

The monastery is closed every Sunday and on certain Christian holidays. The exact holiday dates can vary, so check availability before booking.

Which languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in English, Russian, and Arabic. A Bedouin guide assists with the mountain trekking after the main guide reaches base camp.