Climb the Sacred Peaks for an Unforgettable Sunrise
Hiking up Mount Sinai in the middle of the night to watch the sun rise over the jagged desert peaks is an unforgettable, spiritual experience. We provide a detailed guide on the two main trails, hiring a Bedouin guide, dressing for cold mountain nights, and exploring the ancient St. Catherine's Monastery.
The Two Hiking Trails
There are two main routes to the summit. The Camel Path (Siket El Bashait) is a longer but gentler winding trail, accessible by camel partway up. The Steps of Penitence is a more direct and challenging path with 3,750 stone steps carved by a monk as an act of penance. Both routes merge at Elijah's Hollow for the final ascent.
St. Catherine's Monastery
Nestled at the foot of Mount Sinai, St. Catherine's Monastery is one of the oldest continuously inhabited Christian monasteries in the world, dating to the 6th century AD. It houses an extraordinary collection of early Christian manuscripts and icons. The monastery is open to visitors in the morning and dress code is strictly enforced.
