Summit sunrise
Over a sea of peaks.
Sara Nabih — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Berthold Werner — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Grand Parc - Bordeaux, France from France — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Grand Parc - Bordeaux, France from France — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Gerd Eichmann — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Gerd Eichmann — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Thom Chandler — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Mohammed Moussa — CC BY-SA 3.0
A mountain rising about two thousand two hundred and eighty-five metres in the heart of South Sinai, held by many to be the mountain where God spoke to Moses, peace be upon him, and gave him the tablets; it is known in Islamic tradition as Tur Sinai and is revered by followers of all three faiths. Visitors usually climb at night to reach the summit before dawn and watch the sun rise over a sea of red granite peaks. The ascent starts by Saint Catherine's Monastery on two routes: the longer, easier camel path, and the steeper Steps of Repentance of thousands of stone stairs, which meet near the top. Small Bedouin rest stops along the way sell tea, hot drinks and blankets, and on the summit are a small chapel and a small mosque. The climb up takes about three hours, and part of the way can be ridden by camel. The climb is free, but a local Bedouin guide is required. Bring warm clothes even in summer, as the summit is very cold before dawn, plus a torch and proper walking shoes. Most visitors join a night trip from Sharm el-Sheikh or Dahab that pairs the mountain with the monastery.
Over a sea of peaks.
Thousands of stone stairs.
Hot tea on the way.
Saint Catherine, South Sinai, above Saint Catherine's Monastery
It suits anyone of average fitness; the camel path is easier than the Steps of Repentance, but the last stretch to the summit is stone steps for everyone.
