In the northern part of Egypt is one of the holy places for Jews and Christians - Sinai (mountain of the prophet Moses). This peak is revered by believers of most world faiths. She is mentioned in the biblical story, according to which it was there that God gave Moses the 10 commandments, talking to him from the burning bush (burning thorn bush).
The history of the shrine
Jewish culture has no knowledge of the exact position of the mountain. The Biblical Sinai was associated with Mount Har Karkh, located in the Negev desert. There were discovered the remains of ancient shrines. The location of the shrine was lost during the reign of kings. This fact is the reason why the veneration of the holy place among Muslims and Christians has nothing to do with the tradition of the Jews.
Christian hermits have been traveling in the southern part of the peninsula since the beginning of the second century. They tried to find places mentioned in the Bible by the events of the Exodus. Including the point where the holy Mount Sinai is located. According to history, the Byzantine Empress Elena was the first to visit these places. She wantedfind the bush that, according to legend, flared up under Moses. By her order, a chapel was erected here, which, under the emperor Justinian, was transformed into a monastery, named after the Christian martyr Saint Catherine. This monastery is one of the oldest in the whole world.
3750 steps stretch to the top of the mountain, which the monks of antiquity carved into the rocks. Making the ascent to the top, a person carries faith in a miracle and hope for the remission of sins. "Camel Trail" - a path for the weak and the elderly, who can climb to the top on horseback. Since ancient times, believers from all over the world went on a pilgrimage to Sinai. Mount Moses and now does not remain one of the most important objects for pilgrims and tourists.
Description of the excursion object
From the monastery to the top you can climb along two paths, differing in length. These trails merge into one almost at the very top. The short trail is steeper and therefore more difficult to climb. It is usually chosen by pilgrims and monks. The length of the path is about 3100 steps. It is possible to overcome this path only in the daytime and only on foot. The long trail is gentler, it is possible to ride it on a camel. Tourist groups most often rise along it. All along the way there are tents in which there are places to rest. They also sell hot drinks and traditional sweets. Chapels and temples on the mountain are not accessible to the public. Special permission and an accompanying person from the monastery are required. The highest point is located at 2285 meters.
Winter is considered the most favorable season for climbing. But it is wiser to plan the ascent in spring or autumn. However, in any case, you need to take into account the cold nights and take warm clothes with you. It may snow in the mountains. Heavy clothing and cold will make the ascent even more difficult. Mount Sinai on the map is closest to the resorts of Taba, Dahab and Sharm el-Sheikh.
Excursion from Sharm El Sheikh
Tour starts at 21:30, right after dinner. Tourists are taken to the base of the mountain by bus. Detailed instructions are given on site. The tour plan, places of possible stops are told. Each tourist is given a flashlight. Experienced pilgrims take a spare with them in case the first fails. A flashlight is essential for the ascent, the trail is not lit, walking in the dark will be more difficult.
About midnight, the ascent to Sinai begins. The mountain is a difficult test, every kilometer of the way there are short stops for rest. Tourist groups move along the route one after another. If you fall behind your group, join another. Before dawn, the group climbs to the top. At the top, they meet the sunrise, which symbolizes the appearance of God. Tourists are handed out stone tablets on which the Commandments are inscribed, there is an absolution of sins. After a short rest, the group moves back. Do not think that going down the mountain is easier. The walk is long and difficult. At the foot there is an opportunity to sit in a cafe, have breakfast. Butit is better to take dry rations from the hotel with you.
Visit to St. Catherine's Monastery
After the descent from the mountain, as well as for those who could not climb, an excursion to the monastery of St. Catherine is organized. The group is taken to it by bus. In the monastery you will see ancient icons, the relics of St. Catherine. The atmosphere of the place allows you to feel peace and tranquility. The monastery is located at an altitude of 1570 meters. It is surrounded by Mount Safsafa, Mount Moses (Sinai), Mount Catherine. You will then be shown the Burning Bush. In its flame, God first appeared to Moses. The next item on the program of visiting the monastery is the Well of Moses. The Bible mentions an event according to which the prophet Moses met 7 girls, the daughters of the Midian priest Raguel, who gave water to the sheep. The well continues to supply the territory of the monastery with water to this day.
The last item on the program will be a visit to the city of Dahab. This is free time. You can visit the temple, buy souvenirs, take a walk around the city. Around noon, the tour ends and buses take tourists to hotels.
The average cost of an excursion from Sharm El Sheikh is $35 for an adult and $20 for a child.
Proper preparation for climbing Sinai (Mount of Moses)
What things you need to bring with you:
- Clothes and shoes should be comfortable and warm. You should be especially careful when choosing shoes, as the road is rocky and rather slippery.
- To visit the temple you needhave matching outfits. Men and women should wear clothing that covers their legs and arms.
- If you chose winter for climbing, then a hat, gloves and a scarf will come in handy.
- Take breakfast and drinking water from the hotel.
- Be sure to take your camera with you. Your main souvenir that Mount Sinai will give - photo.
- Have a small amount of money with you that you can spend on tea, coffee, buying souvenirs. Also money will be needed for museum tickets and tips for the guide.
- If you're planning on doing a camel ride, it's best to have a few tens of dollars with you.
Excursion from Taba
There are no special differences in the excursion program. You will also be taken to the foot of the mountain by buses. The only difference will be travel time. The drive from Taba to Mount Sinai will take three hours longer. The cost of the tour does not differ from Sharm el-Sheikh.
Excursion from Hurghada
Due to the high cost of the transfer to the place, the excursion is not offered. You can make an individual trip by agreeing with a representative of the tour company.
Some subtleties to remember
It is important to understand that the tour is not for entertainment purposes. This is one of the most difficult programs. True, the specificity of the tour is such that it is precisely those who need healing who seek to get to the shrine. Usually these are elderly, infirm, sick people, small children. To facilitate the journey, local Bedouins will offer them a camel rental (cost about $15).
On the territory of the monastery there is an opportunity to light a candle for free. You can also make donations. In the shop near the church you can buy rings and medallions with the symbols of the monastery, souvenirs. It is not recommended to purchase jewelry made of precious metals. There is a big risk that you will be deceived and sold a fake.
Those who went on such a route as Mount Sinai (in Egypt), if they wish, can buy a video from the guide as a keepsake. The CD will be delivered to your hotel.
When spending your holidays in Egypt, plan to visit a tourist site like Mount Sinai. Photos taken during the sunrise at the top will give you pleasure for a long time.
