Mount Sinai
The most stunning locations within the Sinai Region of Egypt are undoubtedly Mount Sinai and Saint Catherine’s Monastery. Sitting majestically within this diverse location, it is simply magical with endless views and intense sunsets and sunrises
The traditional Mount Sinai is the name of a collection of peaks, sometimes called the Holy Mountains. At its southern end is Mount Musa (the mountain of Moses), traditionally believed to be the place where Moses communicated with God and received the Ten Commandments.
Mount Musa (Moses Mountain) is not the highest peak in Sinai. That honour belongs to nearby Mount Catherine which, at over 2500 meters high, is also the highest mountain in Egypt.
- ClimbingIf you wish to climb to these lofty positions, there are several routes available.
If you are planning to do this, be sure that you are in a reasonable state of fitness – the climbs are long and tiring.- The shortest route (but the steepest), known as Siket Syidna Musa, stairway consisting of 3,750 steps, known as the Steps of Penitence. These were cut out of the rock by the monks of St Catherine’s Monastery, located at the northeastern foot of the mountain.
Many people prefer to climb during darkness; it’s partly to avoid the heat of the day, but mainly to be at the summit in time to see the glorious sunrise beneath them.
- The longer route (El Bashait) may be climbed at night, either on foot or on the back of a camel. It takes about two and a half hours to make the climb, and there are little stalls along the way where climbers can buy food and water
- The shortest route (but the steepest), known as Siket Syidna Musa, stairway consisting of 3,750 steps, known as the Steps of Penitence. These were cut out of the rock by the monks of St Catherine’s Monastery, located at the northeastern foot of the mountain.
Good to Know
Country
Egypt, Saint Catherine
Languages spoken
Arabic - English
