The most famous hike in Egypt follows the ancient pilgrimage route to the biblical summit where Moses received the Ten Commandments. The path ascends through desert mountain scenery past St. Catherine's Monastery to the summit chapel.
Mount Sinai, known in Arabic as Jebel Musa (Mountain of Moses), rises to 2,285 metres in the heart of Egypt's South Sinai and draws pilgrims, trekkers, and sunrise-seekers throughout the year. The trail begins at St. Katherine's Monastery, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited Christian monasteries, located at approximately 1,570 metres elevation. Hikers have two route options: the Camel Path, a wide zigzagging track that ascends gradually and allows camel transport for the first two-thirds of the climb, and the Steps of Repentance, a more direct route of approximately 3,750 stone steps carved by a monk in the sixth century. Most guided groups ascend via the Camel Path and descend via the Steps of Repentance.
The terrain is predominantly exposed granite rock and compacted gravel, with scree on the upper sections. Shade is minimal on both routes, and the summit plateau is fully exposed to wind. The round-trip distance is approximately 8 kilometres with 750 metres of elevation gain. The final section above the Camel Path terminus is a steep scramble over large boulders and stone steps, requiring sturdy footwear and careful footing.
Key landmarks along the Camel Path include Elijah's Hollow (also called Elijah's Basin), a small plateau at around 2,100 metres where the two routes converge, and a stone arch marking the transition to the summit steps. The summit holds a small Greek Orthodox chapel and a mosque. Panoramic views from the top extend across the Sinai massif, the Gulf of Aqaba, and into Saudi Arabia on clear days.
Water is not available on the trail itself. Refreshment stalls operate along the Camel Path up to Elijah's Hollow, selling water, hot drinks, and snacks. Hikers should carry a minimum of two litres per person. No permit is required for the trail; entry to St. Katherine's Monastery grounds, where the trailhead is located, is free, though the monastery interior has its own visiting hours. Bedouin guides and camel handlers can be hired at the trailhead and offer valuable route knowledge for summit night ascents.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Saint Catherine, South Sinai
- Best season
- October to April, when daytime and summit temperatures in the Sinai mountains are cooler and more manageable; summer months (June–August) bring extreme heat on the exposed upper slopes that makes the climb genuinely hazardous.
Highlights
- summit sunrise
- St. Catherine's Monastery
- biblical history
- 360-degree desert panorama
Tips for visiting
- Start the ascent at midnight to 2 a.m. to reach the summit before sunrise; the descent is far easier in full daylight.
- Pack warm layers even in autumn and spring — summit temperatures drop sharply at night and wind chill at 2,285 metres can be severe.
- Wear closed-toe shoes with ankle support; the upper boulder section is slippery in the dark.
- Hire a Bedouin guide at the trailhead for night ascents; the path is well-worn but junctions can be confusing in darkness.
- Camels are available for hire along the Camel Path but do not proceed beyond Elijah's Hollow; the final 750 steps must be walked.
- Carry a headlamp and spare batteries; the pre-dawn start leaves the entire lower trail in complete darkness.
When to visit
A pre-dawn start between midnight and 2 a.m. from St. Katherine's Monastery allows hikers to reach the summit by sunrise. Midday ascents in any season should be avoided due to intense heat on the exposed, shadeless upper trail.
Accessibility
The Mount Sinai Summit Trail is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. The entire route involves steep, rocky terrain — granite boulders, loose scree, and stone steps — with no paved or level sections above the monastery grounds.
Frequently asked questions
Is a permit required to hike Mount Sinai?
No permit is needed for the trail. The trailhead is within the grounds of St. Katherine's Monastery, which is open and free to access at any hour for hikers.
Can the hike be done solo without a guide?
The main Camel Path is well-marked and frequently used, making solo hiking feasible. However, Bedouin guides are strongly recommended for night ascents and for the Steps of Repentance route, which has fewer waymarkers.
What is the best time to make the ascent?
The standard approach is a midnight to 2 a.m. start from the monastery to reach the summit by sunrise, typically between 5:30 and 6:30 a.m. depending on the season.
Is there water available on the trail?
Small refreshment stalls along the Camel Path sell water and hot drinks up to Elijah's Hollow at approximately 2,100 metres. No water is available above this point, so carry at least two litres from the start.
What clothing is appropriate for the hike?
Closed-toe shoes with good grip, warm insulating layers for the summit, and comfortable hiking clothes are essential. Summit temperatures can approach freezing even in spring and autumn, particularly in high wind.