From Sharm: Mount Moses Trekking, Sunrise & Monastery Visit

Sunrise makes every hard step worthwhile. This overnight trip from Sharm El Sheikh combines a challenging Mount Sinai hike with a visit to St. Catherine’s Monastery, giving you scenery, religious history, and a real sense of place in one long day.

I like the patient Bedouin guides, regular rest stops, and the chance to watch dawn spread across the Sinai mountains from 2,285 meters. I also like that the $50 price includes hotel transfers, a guide, water, and the monastery visit. The main drawback is the transport: pickup times can be unclear, buses may be crowded, and the full 16 to 17 hours can leave you worn out before the monastery tour even begins.

Key points before you book

• The climb begins at night: You walk for roughly two to three hours in darkness, usually with rest breaks, before reaching the summit.
• The final 750 steps are the hardest: They are uneven rocks and rough stone steps, not a neat staircase.
• Sunrise can be bitterly cold: Bring several warm layers, gloves, a hat, and sturdy shoes. Blankets can be rented near the top.
• Camels only cover part of the route: You may ride during the first section, but you must walk the final steps.
• St. Catherine’s Monastery adds real depth: The 6th-century church, burning bush site, manuscripts, and icons give the hike a strong historical and religious context.
• Expect a very long day: Hotel pickup is usually between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM, with a return to Sharm the following afternoon or evening depending on delays.

Why Mount Sinai is worth losing a night’s sleep

Mount Sinai, also called Moses Mountain, is one of those places where the setting and the story are tightly joined. According to religious tradition, this is where Moses received the Ten Commandments. You are not simply climbing toward a viewpoint. You are following an old pilgrimage route through a mountain region sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

The night start changes the whole mood. You leave Sharm after dinner, travel through the desert, and arrive at the mountain before dawn. There is little to see at first, but the darkness makes the climb feel focused. Your world shrinks to a flashlight, uneven stone, quiet conversation, and the steady work of putting one foot in front of the other.

I like this more than a standard sightseeing stop because the effort matters. By sunrise, you have earned the view rather than simply stepping off a coach beside it. That said, you should not mistake the tour for an easy walk. Several people who exercise regularly still found the climb harder than expected, especially because it follows a night drive and begins in the early hours.

The overnight pickup and four-hour drive from Sharm

Pickup is scheduled between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM, but you should confirm the exact time. The meeting point is at the main gate of your Sharm El Sheikh hotel along the highway, not necessarily at reception. This small detail matters, especially if your hotel has several entrances or sits inside a large resort complex.

The first vehicle may be a minibus, followed by a larger air-conditioned coach. The drive to Mount Sinai takes around four hours, though the whole journey can run longer because of hotel pickups and security checkpoints. Some departures have been punctual and smooth. Others have involved long waits, crowded seating, or unclear communication before pickup.

I would pack lightly and keep a small bag with you. One recent departure had more people than comfortable seats, with some passengers using folding seats in the aisle. That is not guaranteed, but it shows why comfortable clothing, water, and a travel pillow can help on the road.

Guides commonly speak English, Russian, and Arabic. Previous guides have included Ashrof, Ibrahim, Ali, and Amr, with Jimmy and Mohammad also praised for their care on the mountain. The exact guide varies, but the best part of the setup is the combination of a bus guide for the journey and a local Bedouin guide for the climb.

Climbing Mount Sinai in the dark

At the mountain, the guide explains the route before you set off. The full walk is roughly 7 kilometers each way, although figures vary depending on where the vehicle stops and how the route is measured. The ascent generally takes two to three hours, followed by about two hours down.

The lower trail is a steep, uneven path. In the darkness, you need to watch every step, especially where camels have passed. A headlamp is better than a phone flashlight because it leaves both hands free and gives you a clearer view of the stones.

The guides usually set a steady pace and stop for drinks, toilets, or short rests. Some groups move quickly, while others take a slower rhythm. If you are not used to walking in a group, you may find the pace frustrating. It is sensible to tell the Bedouin guide early if you need more time rather than waiting until you are exhausted.

The route has basic toilets and small stalls selling hot drinks, water, snacks, and extra clothing. Carry Egyptian pounds, euros, or US dollars in small notes. Toilet use has been reported at around 5 to 20 Egyptian pounds, and the stalls can charge high prices for basic supplies.

You can hire a camel for the first section if you are struggling. The camel cannot take you up the final 750 steps, so it is not a way to avoid the hardest part. The operator does not recommend the camel option, but it may help if you have a respiratory problem or find the first section too demanding. One person paid 650 Egyptian pounds for a ride, while another reported about $25 in May 2025, so confirm the cost before accepting.

The final 750 steps require care

The last section is where the climb changes character. The so-called 750 steps are not uniform stairs. They are irregular stones and boulders, with some steep sections that require balance and concentration.

This part is short compared with the full trail, but it can feel harder because your legs are already tired. Good hiking shoes are essential. Running shoes may work for some people, but flip-flops, smooth soles, and loose sandals are poor choices.

The guides often pause to let the group recover. You may see camels moving along the lower trail, but the final ascent is on foot. If you are carrying a large backpack, you will feel every extra item, so bring only water, warm layers, a phone, tissues, and a small amount of cash.

The mountain is not suitable for children under 14, pregnant women, wheelchair users, or anyone with shortness of breath, bone pain, or limited mobility. Even a fit person who rarely hikes may struggle. You do not need to be an athlete, but you do need reasonable fitness, steady footing, and the ability to walk for several hours after traveling overnight.

Sunrise at 2,285 meters

The group often reaches the summit well before sunrise. This is intentional. It gives you time to find a place to sit and reduces the risk of missing the first light if the climb takes longer than expected.

The wait can be cold. In January and February, temperatures near the summit have been reported around minus 2 Celsius, with wind making it feel colder. Other winter accounts describe temperatures between minus 5 and minus 10 Celsius. Even in warmer months, the top can feel sharp and chilly before the sun appears.

Bring a fleece, down or padded jacket, windproof outer layer, warm socks, gloves, and a hat. Several people found a rented blanket useful, especially when waiting for an hour or more. You can also buy hot drinks and rent blankets near the top, but I would not depend on those supplies.

The sunrise itself is the reward. Light slowly reaches the surrounding ridges and valleys, turning dark rock into layers of warm color. You can take photographs, pray, or simply sit quietly. The moment has a strong spiritual quality, even if you are visiting as a sightseer rather than on a formal pilgrimage.

Do not rush away once the sun appears. The view is at its best as the light grows, and the cold begins to ease quickly. At the same time, remember that the group still has a long descent and a monastery visit ahead.

The descent is easier, but not effortless

The return route takes around two hours. Most people find it easier than the climb because daylight improves visibility and the sun warms the stone. Your knees may complain, though, especially on the uneven final steps.

Take your time going down. It is easy to hurry after reaching the summit, but loose stones and tired legs make slips more likely. You may also need to give way to camels and other groups on the narrow sections.

The lower route can be noisy and crowded. Some children may ask for money or try to sell small items. Keep your cash secure and decide in advance how you want to respond. You may also find camel droppings on the trail, which is another good reason to use proper shoes and a headlamp.

After reaching the base, you normally have time to rest and eat breakfast. Breakfast is not supplied as a full meal, so order a breakfast box from your hotel before leaving Sharm and collect it before pickup. This is one of the easiest details to miss.

St. Catherine’s Monastery after the climb

St. Catherine’s Monastery is the second major part of the day. Located at the foot of the mountain, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest functioning Christian monasteries in the world. The monastery dates back to the 6th century and remains an active religious site.

The visit usually includes the church beside the traditional burning bush site. You may also see old manuscripts in the library and icons in the museum, including items described as having been excavated from the Vatican. The exact amount of time inside varies, and tired groups may receive a fairly quick tour.

This stop is valuable because it gives meaning to what you have just climbed. The monastery is not simply a building added to fill the afternoon. It connects the mountain’s religious traditions with living Christian worship and centuries of preserved material.

Still, manage your expectations. After an overnight drive, a three-hour climb, a cold wait, and a descent, you may have little energy left for a detailed museum visit. Some people choose to sit outside instead of entering. If the monastery is a priority, tell the guide early and stay aware of the departure time.

The monastery is closed on Sundays and on listed Christian holidays. Dates can vary, so check before booking if your trip falls near a religious holiday.

Is $50 good value?

At $50 per person, this is a strong price for a 16 to 17-hour trip. The cost includes pickup and drop-off from Sharm El Sheikh, an air-conditioned vehicle, an Egyptologist guide, a Bedouin trekking guide, and water.

You should budget extra for drinks, snacks, toilets, a possible camel ride, and a rented blanket. The trail stalls can be expensive, and there is no free meal included. A breakfast box from your hotel is the practical solution.

The value is best if you want several major sights in one outing and do not have time to arrange transport to South Sinai yourself. The weaker part is comfort. A crowded coach, long waits at hotel pickups, and security delays can make the road portion less pleasant than the mountain itself.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking make the plan easier to change. Still, the important decision is not financial. It is whether you are ready to give up a full night of sleep for a demanding walk.

What to pack for Mount Moses

Keep your bag small, but prepare for two very different temperatures. You may sweat while climbing and freeze while waiting at the summit.

Bring:

• Hiking shoes with a firm sole
• A headlamp or strong flashlight
• Warm layers, including a hat and gloves
• A windproof jacket
• Water and a hotel breakfast box
• Tissues for the basic toilets
• Small Egyptian notes, euros, or US dollars
• A phone and portable battery
• Comfortable clothing for the long coach ride

Do not count on a guide-provided flashlight or warm clothing. Some groups receive lights, but your own headlamp is more useful. Pack layers you can remove and put back on without stopping the group.

Who should book this trip?

I recommend it if you enjoy physical challenges, religious sites, mountain views, and unusual schedules. It suits people who want a memorable Sinai experience rather than a relaxed day beside the pool.

You should think twice if you dislike overnight transport, struggle with steep uneven ground, or need a flexible pace. It is also a poor match for anyone with shortness of breath, bone pain, limited mobility, or a medical condition that makes sustained climbing unsafe.

My advice is simple: book it for the sunrise and the sense of pilgrimage, not for comfort. Confirm your pickup time, bring far more warmth than you expect, pack breakfast, and keep your summit plans realistic. If your legs and lungs are ready, Mount Moses can be the most meaningful day of your Sharm stay.

FAQ

How long does the Mount Moses tour last?

The full tour lasts about 16 to 17 hours, including hotel pickup and return. Security checkpoints and additional pickup delays can make it longer.

What time is pickup from Sharm El Sheikh?

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

How long does the Mount Sinai hike take?

The ascent generally takes two to three hours, depending on the group. The descent takes about two hours.

How high is Mount Sinai?

The summit reaches approximately 2,285 meters.

Are the 750 steps suitable for everyone?

No. The final section is steep and made of uneven stones and boulders. The tour is not suitable for children under 14, pregnant women, wheelchair users, elderly people, or people with shortness of breath or bone pain.

Can I ride a camel to the summit?

No. A camel may be available during the first section of the climb, but you must walk the final 750 steps and return route on foot. The activity provider does not recommend the camel ride.

What should I wear for the sunrise?

Wear warm layers, a jacket, sturdy hiking shoes, gloves, a hat, and comfortable clothes. The summit can be below freezing and windy, particularly in winter.

Is breakfast included?

A breakfast box is not included. You should pre-order one from your hotel and collect it before the tour begins.

Is St. Catherine’s Monastery open every day?

The monastery is closed on Sundays and on certain Christian holidays. Opening dates can vary, so check the schedule before booking.