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A day trip from Sharm El Sheikh to Mount Sinai, also known as Mount Moses, and St. Catherine’s Monastery is a popular and spiritually significant excursion that combines natural beauty with historical importance. This journey typically begins late in the evening, with most tour operators collecting participants from their hotels in Sharm El Sheikh between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM. The drive to the base of Mount Sinai takes approximately 3-4 hours in an air-conditioned vehicle, often including a short rest stop along the way.
Arriving at the foot of Mount Moses around midnight, visitors begin their ascent to the summit, which stands at 2,285 meters (7,497 feet) above sea level. The hike usually takes between 2-3 hours, depending on the group’s pace and fitness levels. Most tour companies provide flashlights for the nighttime climb, but it’s advisable to bring your own as well. The trail offers several rest stops where hikers can purchase snacks and hot drinks. For those finding the initial part of the climb challenging, camel rides are sometimes available for an additional fee, though these typically only cover the first part of the ascent.
The primary goal of this overnight hike is to reach the summit of Mount Moses in time for sunrise. Once at the top, visitors are treated to a breathtaking view as the sun rises over the Sinai mountains, illuminating the surrounding landscape. After spending about an hour at the summit, the group begins the descent, which generally takes around 2 hours.
Following the Mount Sinai experience, most tours include a visit to the nearby St. Catherine’s Monastery, one of the oldest continuously operating Christian monasteries in the world. Here, visitors can explore religious artifacts, ancient manuscripts, and significant sites such as the Chapel of the Burning Bush. The monastery visit usually lasts between 1-2 hours.
These day trips typically conclude with a return journey to Sharm El Sheikh, arriving back at hotels in the early afternoon, usually between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. The entire excursion lasts approximately 10-17 hours from start to finish.
It’s essential to be well-prepared for this trip. Warm clothing is crucial, as temperatures can be quite cold at night and early morning, especially at higher altitudes. Comfortable hiking shoes, water, snacks, and cash for purchases along the way are also recommended. Some tours provide breakfast, but it’s worth confirming this in advance.
The price range for these Mount Moses day trips typically falls between $45 to $60 per person, varying based on the specific tour operator and included services. Most packages offer hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, a guide, and sometimes breakfast.
While this day trip offers an unforgettable experience, it’s important to note that it’s not suitable for everyone. Young children, pregnant women, and individuals with mobility issues or certain health conditions may find the trip challenging. It’s always advisable to check the specific requirements and recommendations of your chosen tour operator before booking.
Mount Sinai, also known as Mount Moses or Jebel Musa in Arabic, is a revered mountain located in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt. Standing at 2,285 meters (7,497 feet) above sea level, it holds immense religious significance for Christians, Muslims, and Jews alike. According to biblical tradition, this is where God revealed the Ten Commandments to Moses, making it one of the most important religious sites in the world.
The mountain has two main routes to the summit: the more gradual but longer path of St. Catherine, which consists of about 4,000 steps, and the shorter but steeper Path of the Penitents. Both routes converge for the final 750 steps to the summit, known as the Steps of Repentance. At the top, visitors find a small chapel dedicated to the Holy Trinity and a mosque, reflecting the mountain’s importance to multiple faiths.
The summit of Mount Sinai offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding rugged landscape. Many visitors choose to ascend the mountain at night to witness the spectacular sunrise from the peak, a tradition that has become a popular pilgrimage and tourist activity. The play of light and shadow as the sun rises over the barren, rocky terrain creates an unforgettable spectacle that many describe as a spiritual experience.
At the foot of Mount Sinai lies St. Catherine’s Monastery, one of the oldest continuously operating Christian monasteries in the world. Founded in the 6th century CE under the order of Emperor Justinian I, the monastery is officially called the Sacred Monastery of the God-Trodden Mount Sinai. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is renowned for its significant religious and historical value.
The monastery is named after St. Catherine of Alexandria, whose relics are said to have been miraculously transported here by angels. It’s built around what is believed to be the biblical Burning Bush, from which God first spoke to Moses. This bush, or its descendant, still grows within the monastery walls and is a focal point for pilgrims and visitors.
St. Catherine’s Monastery houses an exceptional collection of Christian artwork, including ancient manuscripts, icons, and religious objects. Its library is considered one of the most important in the world, second only to the Vatican, containing over 4,500 manuscripts in Greek, Arabic, Armenian, Coptic, Hebrew, Slavic, Syriac, Georgian, and other languages. The most famous of these is the Codex Sinaiticus, one of the oldest known copies of the Bible, although the original is now housed in the British Library.
The monastery’s architecture is a blend of Byzantine and Islamic influences, reflecting its long history and location. Its walls, built in the 6th century, were designed to protect the monastery from Bedouin raids and have remained largely unchanged since their construction. Inside, visitors can explore various chapels, including the Basilica of the Transfiguration, which dates back to the 6th century and contains beautiful mosaics and marble columns.
One of the most striking features of St. Catherine’s is the Mosque of the Sultan Selim, built within the monastery walls in the 16th century. This unique juxtaposition of Christian and Islamic places of worship in one complex symbolizes the monastery’s history of relative peace and coexistence with its Muslim neighbors.
The monastery and Mount Sinai continue to attract thousands of visitors each year, drawn by the site’s profound religious significance, rich history, and natural beauty. Whether climbing the mountain at dawn, exploring the ancient manuscripts in the monastery library, or simply soaking in the austere beauty of the Sinai desert, visitors to this area often describe their experience as deeply moving and unforgettable.
For many, a visit to Mount Sinai and St. Catherine’s Monastery is not just a tourist excursion, but a pilgrimage that connects them to thousands of years of religious history and tradition. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the human spirit in one of the world’s most striking and challenging environments.
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