Mount Moses or Mount Sinai and St. Catherine's Monastery from Sharm El Sheikh is an amazing opportunity to greet the sunrise at Mount Moses for spiritual purification and to touch the holy relics in one of the oldest monasteries in the world as described in the Bible.
Depart from Sharm El Sheikh around 8:00 PM. After a two and a half hour drive, Mount Moses will be before you, and you will undertake a pilgrimage ascent. An experienced guide will assist you in reaching the summit of Mount Sinai at an altitude of 2285 meters. Mount Moses and the view from its peak are attractions in themselves. The view is beautiful and definitely worth the effort. The total length of the route is about 7 km. The ascent to the summit will take no more than 3 hours. Numerous groups of pilgrims ascend Mount Moses to witness the sunrise and receive divine blessings and purification.
Path 1: a gentle serpentine road, then you'll need to climb 750 steps. Finally, after a three-hour journey, you can settle at the summit, focus on your thoughts, say a prayer, or simply enjoy the sunrise.
Just imagine – Mount Sinai is the place where God gave the commandments to Moses for the children of Israel (the 10 Commandments). Tradition has it that those who make the arduous journey to Mount Sinai and greet the dawn from its summit will receive absolution of their sins.
2nd way: If you feel like you won't be able to climb the mountain on your own, you can rent a camel from the Bedouins for 15$.
After watching the sunrise, you'll descend the mountain and see Saint Catherine's Monastery. The monastery, located at the foot of Mount Sinai, is named after Saint Catherine, who suffered martyrdom for the Christian faith. You will see and learn the history of the biblical artifacts within the monastery complex: the Burning Bush and the Chapel of the Burning Bush, the Well of Moses, and the Basilica of the Transfiguration, the main church of the monastery. This Greek Orthodox monastery was founded and built between 548 and 565 AD. The monastery has never been destroyed throughout its history. Its heritage has preserved its original appearance, surviving millennia. According to tradition, it is located in the very spot where God appeared to Moses in the Burning Bush, flaming but unconsumed, and called him to lead the «children of Israel» out of Egypt to the Promised Land. This sacred bush was later moved a few meters into the monastery courtyard, and a Chapel of the Annunciation was built in its original location, with a silver star marking where the bush's roots emerged from the ground. Without a doubt, you will be captivated by the beauty and grandeur of these holy sites.
Returning to the hotel around 2:00 PM.
Included:
- Hotel transfers to and from
- All transfers on the route
- English-speaking guide
- Monastery tour
- Flashlight
Not included:
- Breakfast
- Drinks
- Camel rides up and down the mountain are optional.
Take with you:
- Passport (original) and passport copy (1 copy)
- Breakfast to go (order the day before departure at your hotel reception, it's free)
- Warm clothes
- When visiting holy sites, we recommend wearing clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Women visiting
- Trousers are permitted for men. Women are required to wear a head covering or scarf.
- Camera
- Money for: purchasing drinks, buying souvenirs, and personal expenses.
- Athletic shoes
- Drinking water
- Sunglasses
