Mount Sinai Sunrise and St. Catherine's Monastery Trip from Dahab
Description
Travel through the night to Mount Sinai to climb the mountain at night to see sunrise from atop Moses' Mountain. Descent after dawm to visit one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world, St. Catherine, built around the site of the Burning Bush.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We start at 23:00 in the evening, driving for 2 hours to the monastery and the mountain. We start climbing the mountain at 01:00 with our guide. We can enjoy looking at the stars while waiting for sunrise time to go up the mountain is 2 and half hours each way. Enjoy an amazing early sunrise over the monastery
After sunrise, we go down the mountain to visit the monastery of St. Catherine which is considered one of the most famous monasteries in the world, and also it’s one of the oldest monasteries of Christianity. It’s located in heart of the Sinai Peninsula at a height of 1570 meters in the place where according to the tradition Moses saw the bush on fire which didn’t burn up. The Monastery is Orthodox and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastery dates back to the age of the emperor Justinian 6th century. It was the same time of building an enclosure wall surrounding the monastery right now but the monastery was named Saint Catherine at the beginning of the 11th century in honor of saint Catherine, one of the earliest Alexandria Christian martyrs. It contains several monuments like the burning bush seen by Moses and the remarkable Icons Gallery. Then return back to your hotel in Dahab.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pick up from all hotels in Dahab
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(7)
Everything great . Picked up on time, all very nice and helpful. Catherine Monastery very nice. Must have seen
We took this tour on October 18, 2025, and it was undoubtedly the worst experience of our stay in Egypt. Being athletes, we thought that climbing Mount Sinai would be a beautiful physical challenge and a memorable spiritual experience... it wasn’t the case. The departure takes place at 10:30 p.m., in an air-conditioned minibus with about ten people. So far, everything seemed to be going well. However, the driver collected all the passports without explanation, keeping them for about ten minutes before returning them only at the beginning of the hike — a very unreassuring practice. Upon arrival, before getting out of the vehicle, several people rush to the bus to sell flashlights, gloves and ponchos. Not surprising in Egypt, but it sets the tone for the future: everything is done to make you consume. The walk starts around 12:30 am, with an English-speaking guide. We were well equipped, as recommended. However, the climb is interrupted by stops every ten minutes, not to admire the scenery, but to stop in huts where you are encouraged to buy hot drinks and snacks at exorbitant prices. Hiking is very easy, so these incessant breaks have no point. Another disappointment: no explanation or historical or cultural information was given by the guide, despite this emblematic place. Finally, arrived at what, according to the guide, will be the last stop at a cahute around 4am, they told us to rest for 30 minutes. Sunrise is at 6:40 am, so we had to wait 2:40 am to see the sunrise. After these 30 minutes, the guide specifies that it is time to climb to the top of the mountain, that is 5 minutes of walking. However, warm clothes are not enough to withstand the cold. They were smart to bring us to the top to wait 2h40 motionless in the cold, RENTING us blankets at $4 per person. We also had the possibility to enter a cahute, at the price of 200LE. If you do not want to pay, they will leave you IN THE COLD and WITHOUT cover. I would also like to point out that the toilets are ALL paid for, even for women with periods. On the contrary, they force you to pay. The panorama is beautiful, but the management of the excursion, the abusive commercial practices and the total lack of cultural support completely spoil the experience. We strongly discourage this excursion to anyone wishing to live an authentic and respectful moment of the place.
Driver speaks little English and his driving was a bit reckless. There was a mistake in the booking - We booked the 10.30pm tour, but were expected by tour operator to be picked up at 10pm. They realized the mistake upon correction and were happy to resume picking us up at 10.30pm. They were able to change pick up point last minute when we were running late. Mountain guide doesn’t speak English at all. No explanation to the hike nor monastery. They didn’t tell us how long we could spend in monastery. While we were still wandering inside, the guide went to look for us to tell us it was time to leave. The hike was cold, so wear enough to keep yourself warm. Otherwise you could always get something - buying a poncho before the hike or renting a blanket up in the mountain. Sunrise scene is undoubtably beautiful!
Very poor guide with no almost English and no information at all about the monastery. I had booked on the basis that the guide would have English.
Amazing experience. Well supported by staff. Enjoyed every moment. Beautiful journey with Viator that made it possible for solo traveller to get this experience at reasonable price along with more people coming from several places. Absolutely beautiful place and well organised by Viator. I was skeptical before booking due to bad experience with some local company. But this went perfect by all meansz
Everything is conform to what is said, the experience is really great. It is an easy hiking so no worry for the difficulty!
Dear Guest, Greetings from Tours Package Egypt. On behalf of all the team we thank you so much for taking the time in submitting your review with us and the community. We appreciate your review and hope we are always up to your expectations. Tours Package Egypt Team.
Incredible view from the summit. The hike is long and a bit challenging in the dark. Bring or buy a flashlight.
Dear Guest, Greetings from Tours Package Egypt. On behalf of all the team we thank you so much for taking the time in submitting your review with us and the community. We appreciate your review and hope we are always up to your expectations. Tours Package Egypt Team.
