Hotels near Mount Sinai

Mount Sinai (Jebel Musa, 'Mountain of Moses') stands at 2,285 m and is traditionally identified as the peak where Moses received the Ten Commandments. The classic experience is the night climb to catch sunrise from the summit. Two routes lead up: the easier Camel Path (3 hours, 7 km of switchbacks) and the steep Steps of Repentance (3,750 stone steps cut by a single monk in the 6th century).

Most tours leave Sharm El Sheikh at 11:00 PM, reach the trailhead at 1:30 AM, and start climbing at 2:00 AM to summit before sunrise around 5:30 AM. The summit chapel is small and packed at dawn - bring a windproof jacket and a torch. Camels can carry you up the easier route for around USD 25 each way if you'd rather not walk.

Pro Tip: Wear three layers - the summit can drop to 5°C even in summer, but you'll be sweating during the climb. Walking poles help on both routes, especially on the descent down the 3,750 steps of repentance.