Mount Sinai & St Catherine: Sunrise Climb with Bedouin Guide

Summary

Climb Mount Sinai before sunrise then walk ancient halls at St Catherine’s Monastery

You’ll climb Mount Sinai before dawn with a Bedouin guide, watch sunrise from over 2,200 meters up, and visit St Catherine’s Monastery nestled in the desert valley. Feel ancient history under your feet, taste cold mountain air at sunrise, and share small moments with locals along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so awake at 2am, honestly. The drive from Dahab was long — I dozed off a bit, woke up to the sound of our guide passing out flashlights and quietly checking if everyone had their jackets. The air outside was sharp and dry, almost metallic. Our Bedouin guide, Ahmed, just grinned and said something about “good walking weather.” He wasn’t wrong, but my hands were freezing even inside my pockets.

The Mount Sinai climb starts slow, winding up a wide path in the dark. You hear footsteps crunching gravel and sometimes a camel snorting in the shadows. I kept thinking about how many people have done this walk for centuries — it’s kind of wild when you look up and see nothing but stars over your head. Ahmed pointed out where the 750 steps start (“the real work,” he joked) and waited while I caught my breath. By the time we reached the top, my legs were jelly but that first orange line on the horizon made me forget it all for a minute. Everyone went quiet — except one guy who tried to unwrap a snack too loudly and got shushed.

After sunrise, heading down felt easier (maybe just relief). We stopped by St Catherine’s Monastery, which sits tucked between rocks like it’s hiding from time itself. Inside, it smells like old wood and candle wax. Our guide told stories about emperors and prophets — apparently even Napoleon cared enough to protect this place? There was a monk selling tiny icons near the entrance; Li laughed when I tried to say thank you in Arabic — probably butchered it. Still think about that silence inside those thick walls.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mount Sinai climb and monastery visit

• Transfer to Mount Sinai
• Climb Mount Sinai with Bedouin guide
• Enjoy sunrise at summit
• Descend from Mount Moses
• Visit St. Catherine's Monastery
• Rest in Dahab city
• Return transfer

Top questions

How long does the Mount Sinai climb take?

The climb itself usually takes several hours each way; transfers from Dahab add about 8 hours round-trip.

Is there hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup is included as part of your day trip to Mount Sinai and St Catherine’s Monastery.

What should I wear for climbing Mount Sinai?

Wear comfortable shoes and bring warm clothes like a jacket or windbreaker; it gets very cold before dawn at high altitude.

Who leads the hike up Mount Sinai?

A local Bedouin guide accompanies you throughout the climb.

Is lunch or food included on this tour?

No lunch is included; bring snacks for energy during the hike.

How much time do we spend at St Catherine’s Monastery?

You’ll have about 30 minutes to visit inside the monastery after descending from Mount Sinai.

Are flashlights provided for the night climb?

Yes, flashlights are provided for lighting during your nighttime ascent of Mount Sinai.

Is this tour suitable for people with health issues?

The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular problems.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle from Dahab, all guiding by a local Bedouin expert on Mount Sinai, flashlights for your night ascent, entry to St Catherine’s Monastery with time to buy holy icons if you wish—and support throughout from your guide until drop-off back at your starting point.