Mount Sinai

جبل موسى

The sacred mountain believed to be where Moses received the Ten Commandments, standing at 2,285 meters in the Sinai Peninsula. Pilgrims and trekkers climb the ancient paths for spiritual significance and stunning panoramic views at sunrise.

Things to do

• Summit Trek at Sunrise — Climb the 2,285-meter peak via the ancient Camel Path or the 3,750 Steps of Repentance to reach the summit chapel and witness the panoramic desert sunrise over the Sinai Peninsula.
• Moses' Cave Visit — Explore the sacred grotto halfway up the mountain where Islamic and Christian traditions hold that Moses meditated and received divine revelation.
• Saint Catherine's Monastery Tour — Visit the UNESCO World Heritage monastery at the mountain's base, housing ancient biblical manuscripts, icons, and the burning bush shrine.
• Desert Camel Trekking — Experience traditional Bedouin-guided camel rides through the surrounding red granite canyons and valleys around Mount Sinai.
• Colored Canyon Exploration — Hike through the nearby Colored Canyon with its striped rainbow rock formations located approximately 40 kilometers north of Mount Sinai.
• Bedouin Camp Overnight — Stay at a traditional Bedouin camp on the slopes to acclimatize and join guides for the pre-dawn summit climb.

Food to try

• Bedouin Herbal Tea — Strong mint and sage tea served in small glasses, traditionally prepared by Bedouin guides at mountain camps and rest stops during the trek.
• Ful Medames — Slow-cooked fava bean paste seasoned with garlic, lemon, and olive oil, served with pita bread as a hearty breakfast before the climb.
• Zarb (Underground Roasted Lamb) — Tender lamb and vegetables slow-roasted in a Bedouin pit oven, a festive feast offered at desert camps near the mountain base.
• Date and Honey Pastries — Sweet pastries filled with dates and drizzled with local honey, energy-rich snacks sold at the monastery and mountain base.
• Sinai Goat Cheese — Fresh tangy cheese made by local Bedouins from goat milk, often served with olives and bread at guesthouses around Saint Catherine's.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Modestly and Respectfully — Wear long pants and covered shoulders as this is a sacred pilgrimage site for Muslims, Christians, and Jews; remove shoes when entering religious spaces.
• Hire a Local Bedouin Guide — Guides are essential for safety, navigation, and experiencing authentic Bedouin hospitality; they provide historical context and manage the steep terrain.
• Start Trek Very Early — Depart well before dawn (typically 1-2 AM) to summit by sunrise and avoid extreme daytime heat on the exposed mountain paths.
• Respect Prayer Times — Be aware that Muslim staff and guides will pause for prayer times throughout the day; accommodate these sacred moments with patience and quietness.