Major city · Egypt
Mount Sinaiجبل موسى
Go for one night: climb Gebel Musa by night for sunrise, see St. Catherine's Monastery at 9:00, then leave. Two nights only if you add Mount Catherine.Go for one night: climb Gebel Musa by night for sunrise, see St. Catherine's Monastery at 9:00 AM, then leave. Two nights only if you add Mount Catherine.
Mount Sinai (Gebel Musa, 2,285 m) is a pilgrimage mountain, not a town. Almost everyone arrives on a night tour from Dahab or Sharm el-Sheikh, climbs two to three hours in the dark and watches sunrise from the summit, then visits the UNESCO-listed Monastery of St. Catherine at the foot before driving back. One night covers it; the village of el-Milga has the beds, and the nearest airport is Sharm el-Sheikh.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EGP
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Nov
- avoid Jul–Aug (desert heat), Jan–Feb nights (subzero at the summit)
- Airport
- SSH
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 8Nine African countries on this site have no trip line bec…
- Africa ↗When a route touches a yellow-fever country — even a transit of 12 hours or more — keep the original yellow card (ICVP) in your hand luggage; health desks and airlines can refuse boarding or entry without it.
- Africa ↗Nine African countries on this site have no trip line because governments advise against travel; several others have no-go regions. Read your government's advice for every country on the route before paying deposits.
- North Africa ↗Plan links between North African countries by air or by ferry via Europe; the only regularly usable land borders for visitors are Tunisia–Algeria and Morocco–Mauritania via Western Sahara.
- North Africa ↗Book Saharan nights (dunes, desert camps, oasis tours) between October and April; from May to September desert day temperatures regularly exceed 40 °C and many tours stop.
- Egypt ↗Check visa rules for your passport on the official Egypt e-visa portal before flying; visa on arrival availability depends on nationality and can change.
- Egypt ↗Drones need prior permission and are routinely confiscated on arrival; leave them at home.
- Egypt ↗Do not photograph military sites, police, bridges or government buildings; some museums and tombs charge for or ban photography.
- Egypt ↗During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public in daylight; hotels and tourist restaurants still serve.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Mount Sinai122 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Mount Sinai, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP, also written LE or £E).Egypt-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckVodafone, Orange, Etisalat (e&) and WE sell tourist SIMs at Cairo airport with passport; about EGP 500–1,000 for 20–40 GB — check.Egypt-wide
- Tap waterTap water is chlorinated in cities but most visitors drink bottled; do not drink Nile water.Egypt-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 10% even when service is added (it rarely reaches staff).Egypt-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Egypt-wide
- SafetyThe mountain itself is a walking risk, not a crime risk: cold, dark, uneven rock and camels.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in hotels and restaurants; attendants at sites expect EGP 10–20.Egypt-wide
- Emergency numbers122 police · 123 ambulance · 126 tourist police (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysFriday is the weekend day (with Saturday for offices); sites open daily, some close earlier in Ramadan.Egypt-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportSSH Sharm el-Sheikh International (About 230 km (143 mi) and 3 h by road; the closest airport with passenger traffic.).SSH Sharm el-Sheikh International (About 143 mi (230 km) and 3 h by road; the closest airport with passenger traffic.).
- Getting aroundOn foot or by camel.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Museum or sight ticketMonastery museum donationEGP 25
- Budget bedBedouin camp, simple double, a night, per roomEGP 400
- Mid-range bedBedouin camp, simple double, a night, per roomEGP 700
- High-end bedBedouin camp, simple double, a night, per roomEGP 1,200
A day, not counting the bed: Budget EGP 700 · Mid EGP 1,500 · High EGP 3,500
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- SSH Sharm el-Sheikh International (About 230 km (143 mi) and 3 h by road; the closest airport with passenger traffic.)SSH Sharm el-Sheikh International (About 143 mi (230 km) and 3 h by road; the closest airport with passenger traffic.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Feb
Avoid
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Mar
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Apr
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
May
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jun
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Sep
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Oct
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Nov
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Dec
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Best: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Avoid: Jan–Feb, Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Mar (4 rain days), driest May (0). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Mount Sinai: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
3 rd
Feb
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
2 rd
Mar
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
4 rd
Apr
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4 rd
May
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
0 rd
Jun
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
0 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
0 rd
Aug
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
0 rd
Sep
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
0 rd
Oct
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
1 rd
Nov
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3 rd
Dec
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
4 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
On foot or by camel. Two routes leave the monastery valley: the steep Steps of Penitence (about 3,750 steps, 45 min to 3 h) and the wider Camel Path (about 2.5 h on foot). Both meet at Elijah's Hollow, then a final 750 steps to the top. A local guide is required; the trails are poorly signposted at night. Cars and minibuses stay in the village.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Dahab
goDoor to door: About 2 h
Minibus or shared car over the mountains
Most night climbs are booked from Dahab; the coast is the natural place to sleep before and after.
Nuweiba
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h
Road via the coast
The direct minibus from Nuweiba is not running; go via Dahab instead.
Sharm el-Sheikh
goDoor to door: About 3 h
Road, 230 km (143 mi)Road, 143 mi (230 km)
Airport and resort base; tours leave at night to reach the trailhead around 1:00.Airport and resort base; tours leave at night to reach the trailhead around 1:00 AM.
Mount Catherine
overnightDoor to door: 5–6 h up
Trek from the monastery via the monastery of the 40 Martyrs
Egypt's highest peak at 2,637 m; a guide is required and only one was working as of 2025 — arrange it in the village.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
el-Milga / St. Catherine village
Guesthouses, camps and the two- and three-star hotels, 2–5 km (1.2–3.1 mi) from the monastery gate; the practical base for a night climb.Guesthouses, camps and the two- and three-star hotels, 1.2–3.1 mi (2–5 km) from the monastery gate; the practical base for a night climb.
Monastery guesthouse
Rooms outside the monastery walls, breakfast and dinner included; book ahead, it is small.
On the mountain
Mattresses and blankets can be rented near the summit for a few pounds; cleanliness varies. Not a substitute for a bed in winter.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- EGP 700–1,200 excl. bed
- Mid
- EGP 1,200–2,500 excl. bed
- High
- EGP 2,500+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Guesthouse double with bathroom1 × 1 night × EGP 1,400 | EGP 1,400 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × EGP 1,500 | EGP 3,000 |
| Night tour from Dahab: minibus both ways plus guide2 × EGP 700 | EGP 1,400 |
| Local guide at the trailhead2 × EGP 250 | EGP 500 |
| Mattress and blanket on the summit2 × EGP 50 | EGP 100 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | EGP 640 |
| Trip total≈ EGP 3,520 per person per day, bed included | EGP 7,040 |
2026 estimate in Egyptian pounds; transport from Dahab or Sharm is usually sold as a package. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Tea at the Elijah's Hollow teahouse | EGP 20–50 |
| Simple meal in el-Milga | EGP 100–250 |
| Monastery museum donation | EGP 25 |
| Protected-area entry fee | EGP 17 adults / EGP 10 students |
| Camel ride on the Camel PathAgree the price first. | EGP 200–400 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- A local guide is required for the climb; agree the price before you start.
- The monastery opens to visitors 9:00–12:00 only, and closes Fridays, Sundays and Greek Orthodox holidays — plan the climb so you come down in time.The monastery opens to visitors 9:00 AM–12:00 PM only, and closes Fridays, Sundays and Greek Orthodox holidays — plan the climb so you come down in time.
- Summit nights are near freezing in winter, with snow possible; bring layers and a torch.
- The Sinai interior has had security incidents and checkpoints; access can be cut off without notice. Check your government's advisory and go with a tour or a known driver.
- Cash only in the village: bring Egyptian pounds, ATMs are unreliable.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 122
- Ambulance
- 123
- Tourist police
- 126
- Fire
- 180
Pocket card
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Mount Sinaiجبل موسى
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
—
إلى قرية سانت كاترين، لو سمحتTo St. Catherine village, please
Emergency
- Police122
- Ambulance123
- Tourist police126
Embassy
No embassies in the Sinai interior; the US, UK and most others run embassies in Cairo and a consulate in Sharm el-Sheikh (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Dahab → trailhead minibus, one way: about US$5
- Taxi Dahab or Nuweiba → St. Catherine: from about EGP 200
- Night tour from Dahab, minibus plus guide: about US$15–30 per person
Say or show
- شكراً — Thank you (shukran)
- بكام؟ — How much is it? (bekam)
- فين الطريق؟ — Where is the path? (fein el-tari'?)
- أحتاج مرشد — I need a guide (ahtag murshid)
- مياه، لو سمحت — Water, please (mayya, law samaht)
- لا شكراً — No, thank you (la shukran)
Carry your passport: checkpoints on the road in and out ask for it.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Mount Sinai. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Sep–Nov · avoid Jul–Aug (desert heat), Jan–Feb nights (subzero at the summit) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-trailhead contract for SSH: night departure times, checkpoint delays, driver fallback.
- Two route pages with verified cutoffs: Steps of Penitence and Camel Path, plus the Elijah's Hollow teahouse.
- Monastery page with confirmed opening window, holiday closures and museum donation.
- Security fixture so the Sinai interior can be flagged red or green per advisory.