Saint Catherine and Mount Sinai

Saint Catherine and Mount Sinai lie in the high granite mountains of South Sinai, about 220 km north-west of Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. The journey takes three to three and a half hours each way, and the usual way to visit is an overnight air-conditioned bus tour that leaves Sharm hotels around 22:00, costing roughly EGP 1,500-2,500. A private car costs about EGP 5,000-7,000 and allows a more flexible schedule. The trip is classed as hard because of the pre-dawn start, the long road transfers and the summit climb. The climb up Mount Sinai (Jebel Musa) begins around 02:00 from the base near Saint Catherine's Monastery. The main route is the camel path, a gentler but longer track, while the steeper Steps of Repentance, around 3,750 stone steps, lead to the final stretch. The ascent takes roughly two to three hours, and tea stalls on the way offer hot drinks and blankets. Visitors reach the summit before dawn and watch the sunrise between about 05:30 and 06:30, depending on season, before descending. A local guide is typically required, with fees of about EGP 300-500. After the descent, the group visits Saint Catherine's Monastery, a Greek Orthodox foundation of the sixth century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It holds the Chapel of the Burning Bush, an important icon collection and a renowned library of manuscripts. Opening hours are limited, usually a few hours in the morning and closed on Fridays and Sundays and holidays, so timing should be checked in advance. Breakfast is normally taken at a cafeteria or basic restaurant near the monastery, and the return drive reaches Sharm about 15:00. October to April is the best season, since summer heat makes the climb uncomfortable. Winter nights are very cold, with summit temperatures near 0 C, so warm layers, a hat, gloves, a torch and sturdy shoes are needed. Visitors should dress modestly for the monastery, covering shoulders and knees.