Mount Mousa “Mount Sinai” and Saint Catherine’s Monastery Night Trip from Sharm El Sheikh

A night trip to Mount Mousa (mount Sinai) with a visit to the Saint Catherine’s Monastery is certainly one of the most famous and attractive among the variety of Egyptian tours. But what exactly makes this place so desirable for tourists? And the fact is that it was here, according to the Bible, that God appeared to Mousa, sending him the Ten Commandments. The Saint Catherine’s Monastery itself – one of the oldest Christian monasteries, which has not stopped working since the 4th century – is located in the north, at the foot of the mountain. This is surprising, but throughout the history of its existence, the Saint Catherine’s Monastery has never been destroyed or damaged. And thanks to this, he preserved a huge number of icons, ancient manuscripts, which are second only to the library in the Vatican. Since 2002, the monastery has been protected by UNESCO and is included in the list of World Heritage Sites. Behind the monastery, the Camel Trail, 8 km long, leads to the top. But the last seven steps are handmade and are called the “Staircase of Repentance” and were previously climbed barefoot. Climbing a mountain, watching the sunrise, visiting a monastery – tourists from all over the world come here for spiritual cleansing, for the opportunity to touch the sacred places described in the Bible. After all, according to legend, the one who ascended Mount Mousa (Mount Sinai) at dawn, regardless of his faith or language, will be forgiven by God for all his sins.

Dear tourists, please pay your attention to:                                                                  

– The tour runs from Sunday to Monday, from Wednesday to Thursday, and from Friday to Saturday

– We do not recommend the excursion to people who have been diagnosed with problems with the musculoskeletal system or any other illnesses that do not allow children to walk long and steep distances downhill.

The program of our tour to Mount Mousa (Mount Sinai) and St. Catherine Night trip from Sharm El Sheikh:

– Pick up from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh                                                                    

Our guide will be waiting for you at the gate of your hotel at 20:00. The path from Sharm El Sheikh to Mount Moses itself is 218 km (on average up to 2.5 hours drive). On the way, the guide will give you information about the program and tell you in more detail about the value of the places you will visit.

– Mount Mousa (Mount Sinai)

From the moment of arrival, your pilgrimage will begin along a gentle serpentine road to the top of the mountain, 2285 meters above sea level. After the serpentine, a path of 750 steps awaits you. On average, the walking route to the top is 7 km and takes up to 3 hours (from 02:00 – 05:00). You will overcome this path with our experienced guide, at the most ideal time for this, because upon arrival at the top of the sacred mountain, you will see an incredibly beautiful dawn, the meeting of which, according to God, will cleanse and bless you.

– Saint Catherine’s Monastery

Next, after meeting the dawn, we will descend from the mountain to begin our sightseeing tour at the Monastery of St. Catherine. The monastery is Greek Orthodox and is located at an altitude of 1570 meters above sea level in the valley between Mounts Catherine, Safsaf and Moses. Catherine’s true name was Dorothea, who was born in 294 in the Egyptian city of Alexandria. She was a beautiful, educated girl with wealthy parents who spoke several languages. A Syrian monk told her about Jesus and converted her to Christianity. And when the girl herself tried to convert the Roman Emperor Maximius to Christianity, he exiled her to martyrdom back to Alexandria. But after the execution her body was not found. And only three centuries later, the monks of the monastery built by Justinian, after their visions, were able to climb Mount Moses where they found the remains of Catherine. Since then, the monastery has been named after St. Catherine, operating continuously for 16 centuries, but without services.

– Burning Bush, well of Moses, skeleton of the monk Stephanos

In addition, you will have the opportunity to learn and see such biblical artifacts as: the chapels of the Burning Bush, the mosaic of the Transfiguration, the burning bush and the well of Moses, skeleton of the monk Stephanos.

The Saint Catherine’s Monastery has its own strict opening hours: from 8:45 to 11:45, and weekends: Friday, Sunday and during Coptic religious holidays.

Dear tourists, in connection with visiting a sacred place, we kindly ask you to choose appropriate clothing: both men and women must wear long sleeves, women must cover their heads, and women are NOT allowed to visit the monastery in trousers. At the entrance to the monastery, you can rent galabaya dresses if you wish.

– After visiting the Saint Catherine’s Monastery, you will be offered a snack.

– Transfer back to your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh

Well, after that we will begin returning to your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh around 14:00. Arrival in Sharm El Sheikh will be at approximately 17:00.

• The excursion operates only from Sunday to Monday, Wednesday to Thursday, and Friday to Saturday.

• The climb to Mount Sinai includes approximately 7 km of walking and 750 stone steps, taking around 3 hours to reach the summit.

• This excursion is not recommended for guests with mobility issues, musculoskeletal disorders, or medical conditions that limit prolonged walking and climbing.

• Temperatures on Mount Sinai can be very cold before sunrise, so warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.

• Modest clothing is required for visiting St. Catherine’s Monastery; women should cover their heads, and galabaya dresses can be rented at the entrance if needed.

• St. Catherine’s Monastery has fixed opening hours from 08:45 to 11:45 and remains closed on Fridays, Sundays, and during Coptic religious holidays.