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Ways to Experience Mount Sinai
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Reviewed December 10, 2009

I was in a tour group and Mt. Sinai was on the itinery. We were told the the climb up should take about 4 hours and the way down, about 2 hours. Since my spouse has had 4 operations on his knees over the last 20 years and I have had a severely sprained ankle a couple of years ago, I was somewhat anxious about our ability to do the trek. We also average 50 years. We could have opted out, but we didn't. We could have taken the camels, but we didn't. Why? Pure folly.
We made it in 7.5 hours, and thankfully, wasn't the last either in our group. But it was really at the limits of our endurance. But it can be done. First of all, we used knee and ankle guards with our sneakers. Even better if you go up in light trekking boots with excellent grip. Second, you need a walking stick of the correct length. Preferable if it is adjustable as I found I had to adjust mine to a longer length on the way down. Third, go at a pace that is comfortable for you. Trying to keep up with the Bedouin guide can give you a stitch. But at a slower pace, you might have have to start earlier so you can reach the top in time for sunrise. Fourth, as it is pitch dark, you need a torch. A headlamp would be best especially if you are using a walking stick as it frees up a hand. Fifth, dress warmly because it is 0C in December at the top, but in layers that you can peel off as it gets warm when you are climbing down. Bring gloves and a hat. I didn't find bringing my own half bottle of water useful as I could get drinks at the 7 stalls along the way. It only added to the weight in my backpack. Bring tissue as you will find your nose runny from the cold. Other things to beware: the 7km trail to the 750 steps is not even; it is very stony in several sections, which makes it easy to turn an ankle. Also, the Bedouins will come up on the side of the trail often without notice until their camels are almost upon you whereupon they will yell, "Camel!". My spouse got bumped by one. The 750 steps are, in some sections, just a pile of large stones, so you have to maneouver carefully. Close to the top, the wind can occasionally get gusty, and if you are 98 pounds like me, you can't help but fear being blown over the edge! Also, the wind can blow sand into your eyes.
If I were to do it again, I would take the camel up so I would have more energy to savor the experience of sunrise and the otherworldly landscape. I would do it leisurely on my own time, starting a little earlier to catch the sunrise, and coming down a little later taking many breaks of warm drinks in the huts. Having said that, many warm drinks may mean a trip to the toilet which is really a a hole in the ground with a bucket at the bottom, for which the Bedouin charges US$1.

12  Thank lifeduka
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Reviewed October 26, 2009

We have just arrived from a trip to Mount Sinai, and have returned to our hotel with mixed experience.
First of all; the walk up to the mountain top is fairly easy, and should be no problem if you are in an fairly good physical state. It will take you 2 1/2 hours from the St. Cathrine Monastry, but the last 30 minutes is steep and this is were there easily will be crowded. You will probably arrive at the summit around 5.30 am, and there will most likely ba a massive crowd up there waiting for the sunrise to appear. It will be chilly, so be prepared. You would most likely take the easy way up, but we recommend the steep way dom to the monastry. It is less crowded and the view is spectacular!
But - when you arrive at he monastry the caos starts. It is very crowded, and the heat is overwhelming. You are most likely very tired - both from lack of sleep and from the trip. And you are hungry, so an irritation in the crowd may as well appear.
It will take you more or less 3 hours to get to and from Sharm city, but because the tourist have to be picked up/delivered at the hotel - it will take you up to 4 hours.

All i all - this is a nice walk, the view and the sunrise are stunning, but the whole business is stressing. If you just have 7 days in Sharm, I would never done this because it will take a whole night - and most of the next day.

4  Thank Napoleon72
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Reviewed April 29, 2009

I have been there twice. Once as a tourist and once as a tour leader.
Sinai Mountain is a very difficult trip for everyone, fit or not fit (I had a group of 11 people all fit for mountain climbing-but in Europe not in the desert!!). The trip is exhausting (4 hrs climbing)especially because the mountain has nothing but sand and rock, no trees, no clean air!!!
We use to consider it as a pilgrimage target so as any pilgrimage place it is harder than any normal place.
First time was a nightmare for me, we had a guide and we were part of a very large group. The guide was practically running, we had too many breaks , we were afraid to ride the camel in the night but took the camel down and couldn't resist more than 30min on its back. I said I would never ever coem back again, that it was not worth it.
Second time was completely different as I said I was part of a group of mountain climbers but still from 12 as we were, only 4 made it till the top. Here is the tip to resist:
do not run, do not climb with speed, just walk as if you are already very tired or as if you are in a park, do not stop anywhere, just walk slowly and keep constant speed!!! I had only 1 stop in 4 hrs and I was OK. the best climbing guides are the bedouines!!! they climb every night without effort. Look at them carefully, take their walking speed try to imitate them and you will be safe!!! If you do not have a bedouin guide with you, try to join a group that has...guides that come from the travel agencies are running and they "kill" you ..only few know how to deal with the mountain...The sunrise makes all the effort!!!
Dress sport clothes (breathable cotton) in layers(you may need heavy stuff in the night but as you climb you will start to undress)... have comfortable shoes (sand proof if possible). Always have highly concentrated sweets/chocolate bar and water with you, if you give your bottle to someone else to carry, make sure that, in case that person cannot follow you further, you take your water bottle back!!!

9  Thank agera
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Reviewed April 28, 2009

I climbed mount sinai in october 2008 and found that it was one of the best experiences of my life. Im 50 years old and didnt use a camel but it is a hard climb. The guide was friendly but pushed you to make sure you reached the top on time. I sat on the top with a muslim man and when the sun came up a lot of people on the top of that mountain put religious differences aside. If your in sharm WALK up this mountain. It makes you think.

2  Thank oldsilverfox
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Reviewed April 2, 2009

Left the comfort of the Four Seasons in Sharm for a three hour drive at 12 midnight to start the hiking
We hired a guide (a must) unless it is a busy season/
It is warm but gets very cold, we were well prepared with regular sneakers but lots of layers. We used Blankets (we had bought them for the airplane flights) and cut them to ponchos. We packed breakfast and small flashlights (also very very helpful) The hiking was easy and one should NOT take the stairs up in the dark unless you want to risks meeting GOD in person...they are best for the way down! ABout 2 hours of hiking to the steps (750) and then a slower (due to other hikers with varying degrees of fitness)
Once at the top proceed to the upper areas and secure your "spot" for watching the sunrise.Church groups are singing and praying and it is fun....you should take advantage of the heavier blankets offered by the guides for 5 LE (smelly but worth it!)
The sun rises quickly and once it is up the warmth returns for the hike down to St Catherines. Take the STEPS down all the way, a few sites but the views are magnificent and few people take the steps. When you arrive at the monastery it is closed until 9am and only takes about 30 minutes to tour. The burning bush is there but honestly it is a Greek Orthodox Church . For Catholics with bush is neat to see, I took a little piece that fell on the floor for the local priest, If you only wanted to see the monastery it would not seem worth the ride.
On the way home you can stop at the beach, but we just wanted to get back to the hotel as it was so beautiful for a snooze by the pool.

5  Thank mkneoga
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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