Mount Sinai Sunrise Experience & St Catherine Monastery
Climb a mountain steeped in history, witness dawn break over the Sinai wilderness, and walk through one of the world's oldest monasteries.
The Mount Sinai sunrise hike is one of the most spiritually charged and visually rewarding adventures in the Middle East, combining a challenging overnight climb with a visit to the ancient St Catherine Monastery at the foot of the mountain.
Departing Sharm el Sheikh in the late evening, you travel through the Sinai Peninsula under a canopy of stars before beginning your ascent in the cool silence of the night. A professional guide accompanies the group at every stage, maintaining a steady pace along the well-worn path that generations of pilgrims have followed before you.
At the summit, standing at 2,285 metres above sea level, the first light of dawn gradually illuminates a vast panorama of jagged desert peaks. The moment is quiet, vast, and unlike anything found on a standard sightseeing itinerary.
After descending, the tour continues to St Catherine Monastery, where visitors can explore the Transfiguration Church, the site of the Burning Bush, and the Well of the Prophet Moses. The monastery is one of the oldest continuously inhabited Christian monasteries in the world, and its walls hold centuries of religious art and manuscript history.
Tour Highlights
Watch the sun rise over the Sinai mountain range from the sacred summit of Mount Sinai at 2,285 metres.
Hike through the night in the cool desert air along a path used by pilgrims and travellers for centuries.
Travel with a professional guide who navigates the route and provides historical and spiritual context throughout.
Visit St Catherine Monastery, one of the oldest functioning monasteries in the world, including the Transfiguration Church and the Burning Bush site.
Optional camel rides are available for part of the ascent, offering an alternative for those who find the lower trail demanding.
Round-trip comfortable transfers from your hotel in Sharm el Sheikh are included throughout the journey.
Itinerary
Your guide collects you from your hotel in the late evening for a three-hour drive across the Sinai Peninsula toward the base of Moses Mountain. The journey itself passes through dramatic desert landscape best experienced at night.
Starting at approximately 02:00 AM, the group begins the three-hour climb up Mount Sinai under the guidance of a local expert. The route follows a long path that converges with the final 700 Steps to the Summit.
Reaching the 2,285-metre peak in time for first light, you are rewarded with a sweeping panoramic view across the Sinai mountains as the sky transitions from deep blue to gold. This is the centrepiece of the entire experience.
After spending time at the summit, the group descends the mountain and boards the vehicle for the return leg. A brief stop is made at the gate of St Catherine Monastery before the final drive back to Sharm el Sheikh.
Your guide meets you at the monastery entrance for a tour of the Transfiguration Church, the revered site of the Burning Bush, and the Well of the Prophet Moses. Opening hours are limited, so the visit is timed accordingly.
Following the monastery visit, you board the vehicle for the final transfer back to your hotel in Sharm el Sheikh, completing the full 15-hour journey.
What Is Included
Included
- Round-trip hotel transfers from Sharm el Sheikh
- Professional English-speaking guide throughout
- Guided ascent of Mount Sinai
- Guided visit to St Catherine Monastery
- Visit to the Transfiguration Church and Burning Bush site
Not Included
- Optional camel ride (available at extra cost)
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities for guide and driver
- Food and beverages during the tour
Important Information
Ready to Climb Mount Sinai?
Secure your place on this iconic overnight hike and experience one of the most memorable sunrises in the world. Spaces are limited and fill quickly during peak season.
Book Now
