Sharm El Sheikh: Mount Sinai & St. Catherine Monastery Tour

Traveling to Egypt often means visiting iconic sites like the pyramids or Luxor’s temples, but for those seeking something truly spiritual and scenic, a tour of Mount Sinai and St. Catherine’s Monastery offers a memorable adventure. This particular experience, offered through FTS Travels, combines an overnight climb with cultural discovery, all at a surprisingly affordable price of $39 per person. As a seasoned travel enthusiast, I can confidently say that the blend of natural beauty, history, and local charm makes this tour a compelling choice—especially if you’re eager for a once-in-a-lifetime view and a touch of spiritual reflection.

What we love about this tour: the chance to witness the stunning sunrise from the summit, the intimate visit to one of the world’s oldest monasteries, and the presence of knowledgeable guides who add value with their stories and support. We also appreciate how the tour is designed to be accessible for most travelers, offering a good balance of adventure, culture, and value.

A possible drawback? The long drive of approximately three hours each way can be tiring, and some reviews mention inconsistent inclusion of snacks or water, so packing extra might be wise. This experience suits travelers who enjoy early mornings, scenic hikes, and cultural visits—especially those with a decent level of fitness, as climbing Mount Sinai is a physical activity, often done in cooler night temperatures.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At just $39, this tour offers great value for a memorable adventure.
• Spectacular Views: Sunrise from Mount Sinai provides one of the most breathtaking vistas you’ll see in Egypt.
• Cultural Significance: Visiting St. Catherine’s Monastery adds a deep spiritual and historical element.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable guides and Bedouin helpers enhance the experience, offering insights and support.
• Long Travel Time: Expect around three hours each way, which makes for an early start and a full day.
• Preparation Matters: Bring warm clothes, comfortable shoes, and essentials like a headlamp or flashlight.

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The Itinerary Breakdown

Hotel Pickup and Transportation

Your adventure begins with hotel pickup, typically in the evening or early night, depending on your hotel’s location. The journey is in a modern, air-conditioned bus—comfortable enough for the approximately three-hour drive to St. Catherine’s. The reviews mention some variability in the pickup times and pickup points, so confirming your collection details beforehand is worth doing. The ride is also an opportunity to get a sense of the Sinai desert landscape and chat with fellow travelers.

Night Climb to Mount Sinai

Once you arrive, the real fun starts. Your group, guided by a Bedouin guide, begins the ascent in the cool of night, usually starting around midnight or early morning. The climb up Mount Sinai (also called Moses Mountain) involves roughly 4 kilometers of hiking, and the last stretch features about 750 uneven steps that test your stamina.

Many reviewers, like Dawid, highlight the challenge of the last section, especially in cold weather. He recommends gloves, warm clothes, and hand warmers—an excellent tip, considering the peak can be extremely cold once you pause in the early dawn hours. The benefit of climbing at night is avoiding the daytime heat and being able to enjoy the stars. Several travelers, such as Jorge, describe the experience as peaceful and almost mystical, guided by the gentle glow of moonlight.

Reaching the Summit for Sunrise

The goal is to arrive at the top just in time for the sunrise, which many describe as breathtaking. The views over the Sinai desert and across the mountains are well worth the effort, with some reviews mentioning seeing the Milky Way or panoramic desert vistas that stretch endlessly. The sense of accomplishment and the beauty of witnessing the first light over Egypt create lifelong memories.

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Descending and Visit to St. Catherine’s Monastery

After sunrise, you descend back down the mountain, usually taking a different trail that offers a different perspective of the landscape. The descent can be quicker but just as scenic. The journey then continues with a short drive to the famous St. Catherine’s Monastery, established in AD 565. This ancient site, dedicated to Saint Catherine, offers a glimpse into early Christian history and architecture.

Visitors can explore the monastery, see revered icons, and learn about the significance of this religious site. Reviews mention paying a small fee ($2) to access the museum, which houses some of the oldest Bible manuscripts and religious artifacts. The visit provides a soulful, contemplative end to the day’s journey.

Return to Sharm El Sheikh

The tour concludes with a ride back to your hotel, generally arriving late evening or early night, after a full day of adventure. The long drive can be tiring, but most find the experience enriching enough to justify the time. Some reviewers, like Siobhan, suggest a later pickup time to avoid early morning chaos, which might improve comfort on the journey back.

What’s Included and What to Prepare For

Included in the tour are hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in a modern, air-conditioned bus, entrance fees to the National Park, a tour guide, a Bedouin guide during the climb, bottled water, snacks, and optional travel-inspired scarves. The guides are frequently praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the climb safer and more informative.

On the flip side, some reviews note that snacks and water weren’t always provided, despite being advertised—so packing extra snacks or water just in case is smart. Also, the tour doesn’t include any extras beyond what’s listed, so bringing your own small cash for on-site purchases is recommended.

What to bring: a passport or ID, comfortable shoes suitable for rocky trails, warm clothes for cold mountain temperatures, and a headlamp or flashlight. The last part of the climb is very dark without your own light, and some hikers mention the importance of a good headlamp to avoid dodging camel dung and uneven steps.

Restrictions include no pets, large luggage, or bags, and the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems, or wheelchair users. The early start and physical climb make this more suited to active travelers with a reasonable fitness level.

Genuine Insights from Travelers

Travelers consistently praise the guides for their helpfulness and knowledge, with some calling their guides “incredible” and “the best part of the trip.” Chloe appreciated the informative descriptions provided by the guides, which added depth to her experience. Several reviewers mention the stunning views—both from the mountain top and of the Milky Way—making the effort worthwhile.

The value for money is seen as excellent, especially considering the inclusion of transportation, guide, entrance fees, and some snacks. However, a few noted that the water and snacks advertised were sometimes missing, so travelers recommend bringing their own supplies. The long drive is a common theme, with some describing the journey as a little chaotic but manageable with patience.

The climb is described as challenging but rewarding, with some travelers mentioning the last 750 steps as “hard but worth it.” Kids and older adults have completed the hike, with some suggesting that decent fitness levels or good shoes are necessary.

Final Thoughts

This tour provides an authentic taste of Egypt’s spiritual and natural wonders at a very accessible price point. The combination of the night climb, spectacular sunrise, and visit to the historic monastery offers a well-rounded experience that appeals to adventure lovers, culture enthusiasts, and those looking for a meaningful journey.

The guides’ local knowledge, the stunning views, and the chance to stand on the summit of Mount Sinai make this tour a memorable highlight. While the travel time and occasional inconsistencies in included amenities require some planning, most travelers find the experience enriching and worth the effort.

Best for active travelers craving a unique sunrise experience and culture. It’s also suitable for those on a budget who want to make the most of their trip without sacrificing quality or meaningful moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While many travelers, including families with kids aged 6 and 9, have completed the climb, the early start, physical exertion, and last section’s uneven steps mean children should be of average fitness or better. Always check with the tour provider about specific age restrictions.

What should I wear for the climb?
Bring comfortable shoes suitable for rocky terrain, warm clothes for mountain temperatures, and a headlamp or flashlight. The temperature can be very cold at the peak, especially if you stop for photos or rest.

How long does the entire tour last?
Expect a full day, with the drive taking around 3 hours each way, the climb and sunrise experience, and the monastery visit. Reviews mention a total of approximately 17 hours from pickup to return.

Are snacks and water always included?
Not always, despite what some descriptions say. Many travelers recommend bringing extra snacks and water, as some reviews found these weren’t provided consistently.

Can I just do the climb without visiting the monastery?
Yes, it’s possible to skip the monastery visit after the sunrise, but most find the combination of both highlights makes the trip more meaningful.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No, the climb involves uneven steps and rough terrain, making it unsuitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues.

This tour is a fantastic way to tick off a bucket-list experience, offering scenic views, cultural insights, and a sense of achievement. With proper preparation, you’ll find it to be one of the most memorable parts of your Egyptian adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: