Travel
Preparing for climbing Mount Sinai:questions you may ask yourself (Part I)
Vivamost prepared this guide for those going to climb Mount Sinai or thinking about it.
Researching for Mount Sinai:
Researching the climb beforehand is important. Start early asking friends who may have done it and reading accounts on the internet or books. It may take a while to find out what you may look for.
There are not many books just on the Sinai. Most major travel guides have a small section on the Sinai Peninsula and one page on the Saint Catherine.
Monastery of St Catherine, Mt Sinai – credits Vivamost
The Sinai net has very good information and it gives you a list of books.
To organize your trek to the Mount Sinai, you may want to contact bedouins or guides, again check the Sinai website here.
You can also download for free 95 pages about the Sinai mountains, flora, fauna and trek ideas. Click here.
You can watch some You tube videos.
Here is a list of questions, which may help you:
Which company should I use?
Deciding on which company to use is important. Almost all tour operators you fly with to Egypt organize a tour to Mount Sinai. You can also use other ones such as Egyptian companies directly based in the city you land.
You have to see if you would rather go with a big tour group or have a private tour for you and your family. We chose a private tour which we booked through American Express, located in Sharm el Sheikh. We arranged it before our departure. We noticed other companies which looked good such as Sharm Club, Sharm Excursions and, Sinai adventures or Memphis Tours.
How long does it take by car?
It depends where you come from. From Sharm el Sheikh, it takes about 3 hours and from Dahab about 2 hours.
The roads from Sharm are good and not bumpy at all. Our car was a brand new mini-bus. It was very comfortable. Check with the company before booking to make sure you are getting the kind of car you want. If you have back pains you may not want to ride for a long time in a small Jeep for instance.
hiking down Mt Sinai – credits Vivamost
How long does the hike really take?
It depends what path you use and on your condition. To climb up, it takes from 2-3 hours using the camel path and from 1.5 to 2 hours on the Repentence path.
We took the camel path and it took me 3 hours. Without breaks it takes about 2,5 hours if you are in good condition.
To go down via the steps, it takes about 2 hours. You can do it faster if you don’t stop to take pictures and to look at the views.
Count 4.5 to 5 hours for the round-trip hike for a total of about 4.3 miles (7km).
What is the altitude difference?
It is 7497 feet (2,285 m) at the summit and 5249 feet (1600 m) at the bottom. So there is a difference of 2248 feet (685 m).
How high are the temperatures?
It is normally 5 degrees Celcius (41F) cooler at the top. It can be very windy. As soon as the sun rises, it warms up quickly. Blankets are recomended at the top.
a cafe at Mt Sinai – credits Vivamost
Which path should I take?
There are two paths you can take: the camel path and the Repentence Path.
The camel path, also called Siket El Bashait, takes longer but is recommended by bedouins especially at night. The bedouin will always ask you what you want. The last part of the path meets up with the steps of Penitence. You will have to walk on top of 750 steps. This path was built in the 19th century in 1853 by the ruler of Egypt, Ibrahim Abbas Pasha.
The path, called Path of Repentence, is a good alternative on the way down as it is more scenic. If you have knee problems, we would not recommend it. You will have to go down 3750 steps.
Can I physically do it?
If you are in good condition and are used to walk regularly, it should be no problem. You can always take a camel up to the beginning of the 750 steps. You need to be able to climb those steps.
Climbing Mt Sinai – credits Vivamost
How to survive the climb up and down?
In order to make it to the top, we recommend eating on the way small things like dried raisins, nuts or power bars and drinking a bit of water.
What you need to know and remember is to always go at your own pace. Take your time. Even if your bedouin has to wait for you, it is ok. After a while, he will understand and will wait. Otherwise just continue slowly. You can’t get lost!!!
Before going up the 750 steps if you take the camel path, rest well.
Part II will be posted tomorrow.
Hi, I’m going to egypt in March this year and i thought about climbing mt Sinai.
I heard about the possibility to sleep on top of the mountain in a bedouin camp so I would be able to see the sun set and rise. Do you have any experience or do you know anything about this?
i’de like your advise but about senors 60 and above no problem climbing maybe but not in condition walking
Wonderful tips. Really helpful. Thanks!