Trekking to Mount Moses and Monastery from Sharm
Trekking to Mount Moses and Monastery from Sharm
Somewhere in Sharm El Sheikh, while most sensible humans are cuddled up in hotel blankets dreaming of falafel, a strange breed of traveler laces up hiking boots and whispers, “Let’s climb a mountain.” And not just any mountain—Mount Moses, also known as Mount Sinai, the biblical backdrop where Moses allegedly had that Ten Commandments moment. Trekking to Mount Moses and Monastery Visit from Sharm is worth it!
This isn’t your average morning stroll. It’s a soul-stirring, leg-burning, how-is-it-this-cold-in-Egypt kind of adventure that kicks off at an hour when only owls and insomniacs are awake.
The Night Drive and the Camel Sales Pitch
Around midnight, the journey begins with a winding van ride from Sharm. It’s dark. It’s bumpy and It’s quiet—until the guide’s voice booms, “Who wants to ride a camel halfway up?” Cue internal conflict. On one hand: the romance of a camel ride under the stars. On the other: the awkward reality of a lurching camel trot.
Some brave souls go full Bedouin. Others, trying to earn their mountain-hiker merit badge, march on foot. Either way, everyone eventually ends up in the same spot: at the foot of 750 “steps of repentance.” Named for obvious reasons—because after climbing them, you’ll be repenting for every dessert you’ve ever eaten.
Reaching the Summit: Frozen Fingers, Open Hearts
At the summit, it’s suddenly freezing. Yes, freezing in Egypt. Locals rent out scratchy blankets that look like they’ve been to war and back. People wrap themselves up like burritos and wait for the show.
And then it happens.
The sunrise peeks over jagged mountain silhouettes. Pink, orange, and gold spill across the sky like some divine Instagram filter. Phones come out. Silence falls. Even the shivering stops. It’s that good.
Someone whispers, “Wow.” Someone else whispers, “I can’t feel my legs.” Spiritual awakening and muscle cramps, side by side.
Descent to Monastery: Coffee, Icons, and a Bush That’s Kind of a Big Deal
With the sun now fully clocked in, it’s time to head back down—gingerly, like baby giraffes learning to walk. At the base of the mountain sits St. Catherine’s Monastery, one of the oldest working monasteries in the world. There’s ancient art, beautiful chapels, and yes—The Burning Bush. As in that Burning Bush. It’s behind a fence (probably to stop people from trying to set it on fire “just to see”).
There’s also surprisingly decent coffee. Because what’s a holy site without a caffeine fix?
Back to Sharm: Tired Legs, Full Heart, Can’t Nap
By the time everyone’s back in Sharm, they look like survivors of a joyful apocalypse—red-eyed, sore-legged, and spiritually dazzled. The mountain took something out of them, sure—but it gave them something back too. A little peace. A little perspective. And maybe an unbeatable sunrise selfie.
Would they do it again? Probably. After a nap. Or two.
Final Thoughts
Trekking Mount Moses isn’t just about ticking off a bucket-list item—it’s about freezing on a mountain with strangers who slowly become friends, watching the world wake up one sunbeam at a time. It’s exhausting, inspiring, and slightly ridiculous.
Which, let’s face it, is the best kind of travel.
