Mt. Sinai

Mt. Sinai's rocky slopes are steeped in history. Here you can explore St. Catherine’s Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built almost 1,500 years ago against the foot of the mountain; see the Chapel of the Burning Bush and a gallery of ancient icons; ride a camel to the mountain’s summit; or walk the Steps of Repentance—3,750 stone steps leading to Sinai’s peak.

Mt. Sinai tours typically last a full day and include a visit to St. Catherine’s Monastery as well as a hike or camel ride to the mountain’s summit. Sunrise tours leave late at night and allow you to climb the peak before dawn, arriving in time to see the sun rise over the desert and surrounding hills. For a personalized experience, opt for a private tour.

• Mt. Sinai is a must-see for culture lovers and history buffs.

• The hike to the summit can be strenuous; wear sturdy sneakers or hiking boots.

• Dress in layers if you plan to visit during sunrise or sunset, as it can be cold at the top of the mountain. It’s also possible to rent blankets at the summit.

• Multiple huts sell refreshments along the mountain path, so it’s a good idea to bring some spending money.

By road, Mt. Sinai is located roughly one hour from Dahab, 2.5 hours from Taba, three hours from Sharm El-Sheikh and Eilat, and six hours from Cairo. The easiest way to get there is by private vehicle or through an organized tour, although it’s also possible to take a bus from Sharm El-Sheikh and then hire a taxi from the nearby village of Al Milga.

You can visit Mt. Sinai year-round, although Egypt’s weather is most pleasant from October through April. Opt for a sunrise excursion to see the landscape at its most picturesque, as dawn transforms the surrounding mountains with shades of lilac and pink.

Ascending Mt. Sinai via the camel path and descending along the Steps of Repentance (also known as the Path of Our Lord Moses) is a classic way to experience the landmark mountain. According to legend, the 3,750 stone steps were created by a single monk who was repenting for evil deeds.

There are two separate routes to the top of Mt. Sinai. The Steps of Repentance include 3,000 rock-cut steps, and the Camel Trail offers a more gently sloping path. Both trails meet for the 750-step climb to the summit. Most travelers choose the Camel Trail, which takes about two hours.

Yes. There are tours to Mt. Sinai from Dahab, Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada, Cairo, and even Eilat in Israel: Dahab and Sharm el Sheikh are the best bases. Tours normally leave in the evening and drive overnight so you can climb the mountain for sunrise then visit St. Catherine’s Monastery.

The Steps of Repentance are physically challenging, but the Camel Trail is relatively easy. Plenty of families have done it. Assuming you’re reasonably fit, the hardest element of the sunrise hike is the lack of sleep and, particularly in winter, the temperatures at the top. Camels are available if required.

More clothing than you'd think. Mt. Sinai is 7,497 feet (2,285 meters) high, and nighttime winter temperatures drop below freezing. If climbing for sunrise, pack gloves, a hat, jacket, and thick socks in winter, and a layer and socks in summer. Modest dress is essential for the monastery.

Whether you’re doing a sunrise or sunset hike, Tuesday is a great day to visit Mt. Sinai. Most travelers also tour St. Catherine’s Monastery, which shares the mountain’s UNESCO World Heritage listing. This opens in the mornings but is closed to visitors on Friday and Sunday and busiest on Saturday.

Yes, Mt. Sinai is absolutely worth it. It’s a sacred place to followers of all three Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—many of whom believe Moses received the Ten Commandments here. But it’s also a beautiful and atmospheric slice of desert wilderness and not too taxing of a climb.