About the tour
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1 Day
Duration
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St Catherine , Egypt
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Intermediate
This overnight adventure to St Catherine’s Monastery combines stunning mountain views with deep historical and spiritual significance. You’ll hike under the stars to the summit of Moses Mountain, catch a breathtaking sunrise over Sinai, and explore the ancient St Catherine’s Monastery, one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world.
Nestled at the foot of Mount Sinai, St Catherine’s Monastery is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also a living spiritual center that continues to attract pilgrims, historians, and adventure seekers alike. While the monastery is named after Saint Catherine of Alexandria, many travelers often confuse it with Saint Catherine of Siena, the Italian mystic and theologian—both revered figures in Christian history. Its remote desert setting and timeless aura make it one of Egypt’s most unique travel experiences.
Book your journey to St Catherine’s Monastery today through the Simsem App and witness the sacred serenity of Sinai like never before.
What to Expect
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Late-Night Departure and Mountain Ascent
Your journey begins late in the evening, with a pickup between 10:00 PM and 10:30 PM from the hostel’s Garden Building reception. After a nighttime drive to the base of Moses Mountain, you’ll start your guided hike under the stars. The goal? To reach the summit by sunrise and witness a spectacular view stretching across the Sinai mountain range.
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Visiting St Catherine’s Monastery and Sacred Sites
After descending, you’ll visit the 6th-century St Catherine’s Monastery and the revered Chapel of the Burning Bush before heading back. The entire experience spans approximately 12–14 hours.
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Spiritual Context and Historical Legacy
St Catherine’s Monastery stands as one of the oldest Christian monasteries in continuous use, attracting pilgrims, historians, and seekers of spiritual depth from around the world. While often confused with Saint Catherine of Siena, the famous Italian mystic, both figures share a legacy of unwavering faith and spiritual devotion, making the visit even more meaningful for those exploring the depth of Christian heritage.
Ready to hike under the stars and witness a legendary sunrise? Book your St Catherine’s Monastery adventure now through the Simsem App and walk where saints once stood.
What’s Included, What’s Not
- Round-trip transportation
- Expert local guide
- Entry tickets to St. Catherine’s Monastery
- Meals or snacks
- Water (available for purchase along the trail)
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
Our Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
10:00 PM–10:30 PM:
Pickup from the hostel
1:00 AM (approx.):
Arrive at the base of Moses Mountain and begin the guided hike
4:30 AM–5:00 AM: Reach the summit in time for sunrise
Moses Mountain (Mount Sinai): Said to be the biblical site where Moses received the Ten Commandments, this 2,285-meter peak offers panoramic views of rugged desert peaks and the spiritual silence of the Sinai wilderness.
6:30 AM–8:00 AM:
Descend the mountain
8:30 AM–10:00 AM: Explore St. Catherine’s Monastery
St. Catherine’s Monastery: Founded in the 6th century, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to ancient manuscripts, religious icons, and the legendary Chapel of the Burning Bush. It’s one of the oldest continually operating monasteries in the world. Chapel of the Burning Bush: Believed to be built at the site where Moses saw the burning bush, this sacred chapel is a powerful place of pilgrimage and reflection.
10:30 AM–12:00 PM:
Return drive to the hostel
From
$23
PER PERSON
YOUR LOCAL GUIDE
YOUR LOCAL GUIDE
Adults
5 years old+
$23 per person
Select Pickup Points
MEETING PLACE
Total Price
$23
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Number Of Person
>10
Price
23/pp
Things to know
What to Bring:
- Passport (required for entry)
- Light jacket or windbreaker (it gets cold at the summit)
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Scarf or pants if wearing shorts (for monastery entry)
- Small change in Egyptian pounds for snacks or drinks along the trail
- Flashlight or headlamp (optional but helpful for the night hike)
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most pleasant hiking temperatures. Winter nights can be cold, and summer heat can be intense during the descent.
Meeting Point and Time:
- Garden Building Reception, Hostel
- Pickup time: Between 10:00 PM and 10:30 PM
Additional Info:
- Your booking will be confirmed immediately after completion.
- This is a private tour; only your group will participate in the experience.
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- Most visitors can participate in the tour.
- The tour is not wheelchair-friendly.
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