Mount Sinai Overnight Hike & Sunrise at St. Catherine's Monastery

The hike starts at night and reaches the summit just as the sun rises over the Sinai mountains.

An overnight hike tour at Mount Sinai and St. Catherine's Monastery combines a 5 to 6 hour night ascent to the summit for sunrise views with a descent to explore the 6th-century monastery and its Chapel of the Burning Bush. Private transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle and an English-speaking guide are included. The full experience runs 10 to 12 hours and requires a moderate level of physical fitness and a valid passport.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. St. Catherine's Monastery2h · entry included
2. Mount Sinai6h

Hike Mount Sinai and visit monastery

• Start overnight hike up Moses Mountain
• Reach summit for sunrise views
• Descend to St. Catherine’s Monastery
• Explore Chapel of the Burning Bush

The experience

The tour begins with an overnight hike up Mount Sinai, the peak where tradition holds that Moses received the Ten Commandments. The ascent typically takes 5 to 6 hours in darkness, and you reach the summit timed to watch the sunrise break across the Sinai mountains. After resting and taking in the views, you descend to St. Catherine's Monastery, a working religious community that has stood since the 6th century.

At the monastery, you explore the Chapel of the Burning Bush, the sacred site at the heart of the complex that has endured for over 1,400 years. The guide leads you through the grounds and explains the history woven into the stone. Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle handles the logistics before and after the hike, so you focus on the walk itself.

What’s included

• Private transportation to and from the trailhead.
• air-conditioned vehicle for transfers.
• English-speaking tour guide throughout the hike and monastery visit.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday, Friday and SundayDeparts at 22:00

AgesAdult (18 to 55 years) · Under 18: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 10

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Rafiki Experiences

Is this one for you?The overnight start and 5 to 6 hour night ascent mean you're hiking in darkness and arriving at the summit for sunrise, so this suits travelers with moderate fitness who are comfortable with an early, strenuous pace and can manage the physical demands of a full day on foot.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Mount Sinai and why do people hike it?

Mount Sinai is the peak in the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula where, according to religious tradition, Moses received the Ten Commandments. The overnight hike to the summit is undertaken both for the spiritual significance of the site and for the sunrise views across the surrounding mountains.

How long does the hike up Mount Sinai take?

The ascent typically takes 5 to 6 hours, starting in the evening so you reach the summit at sunrise. The full tour, including the descent and the visit to St. Catherine's Monastery, runs 10 to 12 hours total.

What is the Chapel of the Burning Bush?

The Chapel of the Burning Bush is located within St. Catherine's Monastery and marks the site where, in religious tradition, Moses encountered God in a burning bush. The chapel has been a sacred place for over 1,400 years and is one of the main points of interest during the monastery visit.

What should I bring for an overnight mountain hike?

You'll want warm layers for the night ascent, sturdy hiking boots, a headlamp or flashlight, water and snacks. The guide and private transport are provided, but you should be prepared for a moderate physical effort over several hours in darkness and then daylight.

Is a passport required for this tour?

Yes, a valid passport is required. The tour operates in the Sinai region of Egypt and you will need identification for entry.