Mount Sinai Sunrise Hike & Saint Catherine’s Monastery

One of the World’s Great Sunrise Experiences

Standing on the summit of Mount Sinai as the sun rises over the Sinai Desert is one of those travel experiences that stays with you for a lifetime. This is the mountain where, according to the Bible and the Quran, Moses received the Ten Commandments — a place of extraordinary spiritual significance for Jews, Christians and Muslims alike.

The Pure Coastal offers guided Mount Sinai overnight hike and sunrise tours, departing from Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. Here’s your complete guide.

The Hike to the Summit

There are two routes to the top of Mount Sinai (2,285 metres):

The Camel Path — a longer but gentler gradient trail (approximately 7 km), used by most hikers. Takes 2–3 hours to ascend.
The Steps of Penitence — a direct route of 3,750 stone steps carved by monks. Steeper but shorter. The final 750 steps are shared with the Camel Path.

Most visitors hike up through the night to reach the summit for sunrise — one of the most magical experiences in Egypt. The trail is well-marked and guided, and the darkness adds to the atmosphere.

Saint Catherine’s Monastery

At the base of Mount Sinai lies Saint Catherine’s Monastery, the oldest continuously inhabited Christian monastery in the world, founded in 565 AD. It houses one of the world’s most important collections of early Christian manuscripts and icons, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Our tour includes a visit to the monastery (closed Fridays and Sundays), allowing you to explore its ancient library, the famous Burning Bush, and the beautiful mosaic of the Transfiguration in the basilica.

What to Expect on the Night Hike

Depart from your hotel around midnight
Arrive at the base of Mount Sinai around 2–3 AM
Begin the ascent with your guide and a group of fellow hikers
Reach the summit around 30–45 minutes before sunrise
Watch the sun rise over the Sinai mountains — unforgettable
Descend and visit Saint Catherine’s Monastery
Return to Hurghada/Sharm in the afternoon

Combined Tour: Mount Sinai & Dahab

Our popular Mount Sinai Sunrise Hike & Saint Catherine Monastery tour is priced from $65 per person and includes transport, guide, and monastery entry. We also offer a combined Canyon Safari & Dahab Tour that pairs the Sinai landscape with a visit to the famous Blue Hole dive site in Dahab — from $70 per person.

Essential Tips

Wear warm layers — the summit can be freezing at night even in summer (temperatures drop to near zero)
Bring a torch/headlamp — essential for the night hike
Wear good walking shoes — the rocky trail requires grip
Bring snacks and water — there are tea stalls on the way up but bring your own supplies
This is a moderate hike — suitable for reasonably fit adults and teenagers

Book your Mount Sinai sunrise hike with The Pure Coastal and experience one of the most spiritually powerful landscapes on earth.