Night climb of Mount Sinai: two routes, guide and visa

The night ascent of Mount Sinai begins long before dawn. Thousands of pilgrims walk in the dark up stone steps. They need preparation, warm clothing, and a guide.

Mount Sinai stands in the desert of South Sinai, about 200 km from Sharm el-Sheikh (as of 2026, We Seek Travel). At its foot lies St. Catherine's Monastery, a UNESCO site and the world's oldest continuously operating Christian monastery (as of 2026, UNESCO listing). Below you'll find the history of the shrine, both routes to the summit, and practical details on tickets, guides, and visas.

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History of the mountain and monastery

💡 In short:

• The biblical Mount Sinai is identified with the peak above the town of St. Catherine.
• At its foot stands St. Catherine's Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Researchers do not agree on the exact location of the biblical events. Some scholars look for Mount Sinai in the Negev desert. Church tradition has fixed the shrine to the peak above St. Catherine.

From the 2nd century, Christian hermits settled this part of the peninsula. In the 4th century, they began to venerate this height as the place of the Exodus. Later, Empress Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, came here.

According to tradition, Helena ordered a small chapel to be built at the Burning Bush. Under Emperor Justinian, it was turned into a monastery. Construction is dated to 548-565 (as of 2026, UNESCO).

The monastery was consecrated in honor of St. Catherine, who died a martyr's death. Today it is a center of Orthodox monasticism in Sinai. The monastery and the surrounding mountain area are listed as a World Heritage site (as of 2026, UNESCO).

© Berthold Werner · CC BY-SAPhoto: Berthold Werner, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Visitors are allowed inside only during morning hours; the rest of the time is devoted to prayer. Organized groups are not led around the grounds, and photography is not allowed. The route is short: the gate at the north wall, the courtyard with Moses' Well, the katholikon, the Chapel of the Burning Bush, the sacristy, and the exit (as of 2026, monastery website).

Moses' Well still functions and supplies the monastery with water. Within the enclosure, ancient icons and the relics of St. Catherine are displayed. For many pilgrims, visiting the monastery is the main purpose of the trip.

Two routes to the summit

Two routes lead to the summit, converging near the very top. The Steps Path is shorter but follows steep stone steps. The Camel Path is longer and gentler, and part of the way can be ridden on camelback.

© Gerd Eichmann · CC BY-SAPhoto: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The steps of the Steps Path were carved into the rock by hermit monks. The final section to the summit can only be done on foot and consists of about 750 steps (as of 2026, We Seek Travel). The ascent and descent together take from 5 to 7 hours (as of 2026, monastery website).

Camels are offered near the monastery walls. A ride to the Chapel of Elijah costs about €20 one way (as of 2025, We Seek Travel). The Camel Trail is tied to a legend about the Prophet Muhammad, whom the monks at the foot of the mountain welcomed as a guest.

The Steps of Repentance lead to the Chapel of Elijah and the old Chapel of the Virgin Mary. In winter it is cold at the top and snow is possible. In summer the climb in the heat is harder, so people start it at night.

Tours from Sharm el-Sheikh and Dahab

From the mountain to the nearest tourist towns it is several hours by road. Sharm el-Sheikh is about 200 km away, Dahab is noticeably closer (as of 2026, We Seek Travel). The starting points are Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, and Taba.

From Sharm el-Sheikh, groups leave in the evening after dinner. The road goes through the desert and military checkpoints where documents are checked. Keep your passport with a valid visa close at hand.

The climb starts at night, usually between 1 and 3 a.m. The guide hands out a flashlight, but a spare one of your own is also useful. Every half hour the group makes a short stop.

Hiking without a guide is prohibited. The guide from the Jabaliya tribe is checked at the visitor center, as required by local authorities (as of 2025, We Seek Travel). In a group tour, the guide is already included in the price.

By sunrise, groups reach the summit. From here you get a panorama of the entire southern Sinai. After sunrise, you descend to the monastery.

Tours to Mount Moses are best booked in advance: Mount Sinai tours on GetYourGuide.

© Tanya Dedyukhina · CC BYPhoto: Tanya Dedyukhina, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

At the foot of the mountain there is a cafe where you can have breakfast. Tourists are usually given a packed meal at the hotel. Some companies film a video of the climb and sell the movie.

Many programs end in Dahab, whose name is translated as "golden." Here you will find old streets, temples, and souvenir shops.

Opening hours, guide, and visa

St. Catherine's Monastery welcomes pilgrims on most days from 9:00 to 11:30. On Fridays, Sundays, and major Orthodox holidays, entry is closed (as of 2026, monastery website).

Dress modestly: covered shoulders and knees are mandatory. Shorts, short skirts, and sleeveless tops will not be allowed in.

The southern Sinai, including Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, and the St. Catherine area, is considered calm for tourists. The U.S. State Department allows its employees to visit Mount Sinai and the monastery (as of 2026, We Seek Travel). Travel to North and Central Sinai is not allowed.

Check your visa in advance. The free "Sinai only" stamp on arrival in Sharm el-Sheikh is valid only in the resort areas of the southern Sinai. It usually also covers the St. Catherine area with Mount Sinai (as of 2026, We Seek Travel). For travel beyond these areas, a full visa is required.

Visa on arrival costs about 30 dollars in cash (as of 09/2026, Egypt's official e-Visa portal). Since August 2026, Cairo airport has added card payment via machines (as of 2026, We Seek Travel).

At the foot of the mountain, the "Great Transfiguration" project is underway. It will add hotels, a bazaar, and new roads, but work was paused in September 2025 for a UNESCO review (as of 2026, We Seek Travel).

Pilgrim tips

The ascent happens at night, so clothing should be warm and footwear comfortable. At the summit, temperatures can be just a few degrees above freezing. Bring a hat and gloves even in summer.

Bring a supply of water and food. There is a cafe at the foot of the mountain, but you shouldn't rely on it. A flashlight and a camera are also on the list.

Keep cash in small bills. It is customary to leave donations at holy sites. Souvenirs and a camel ride are easier to pay for in cash.

If you are traveling with children or elderly relatives, choose the Camel Trail. It is longer, but the ascent is gentler. That way you can reach the summit without extra strain.

Mount Sinai on the map

Mark the location on the map in advance so you can plan the route from your hotel. That way you'll know how long the night transfer will take.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to climb to the summit?

The full route takes 5 to 7 hours up and down. Most groups go at night to make it in time for sunrise (as of 2026, monastery website). Set a pace that leaves you enough energy for the descent.

Is a guide required on Mount Sinai?

Yes, climbing without a guide is prohibited by the authorities. The guide can only be a Bedouin from the Jabaliya tribe (as of 2025, We Seek Travel). The cost of a group tour already includes the guide, so you don't need to pay separately.

Can you go up on a camel?

Part of the Camel Trail is done on camelback. The last 750 steps to the summit are walked (as of 2026, We Seek Travel). Camels are offered near the monastery, which is a convenient option for elderly people.

When is the best time to go to Mount Sinai?

The most comfortable time is from October to April, when nights are cool. In winter, snow is possible at the summit (as of 2026, We Seek Travel). In summer, the ascent starts at night because of the heat.

What to see at St. Catherine's Monastery?

Inside, they show ancient icons, the relics of Saint Catherine, and the Chapel of the Burning Bush. Visits follow a short route and are only available in the morning (as of 2026, monastery website). Photography is prohibited on the grounds.

In short: what to book

Mount Sinai suits both pilgrims and trekking enthusiasts. If you want to catch the sunrise at the summit, book a night tour in advance. For accommodation nearby, check out hotels in Sharm El Sheikh on Trip.com. The climb itself is easier to do as part of a tour: see Mount Sinai tours.