Sinai (mountain). Excursions to the mountain of Moses

In the northern part of Egypt is one of the holy places for Jews and Christians - Sinai (Mount of the Prophet Moses). This vertex is venerated by the faithful of the majority of world confessions. It is mentioned in the biblical story, according to which it was there that God gave Moses 10 commandments, talking with him from the burning bush (burning bush).

History of the origin of the shrine

Jewish culture has no information about the exact position of the mountain. Biblical Sinai was associated with the mountain of Har-Karkh, located in the Negev desert. There were found the remains of ancient sanctuaries. The location of the shrine was lost during the reign of the kings. This fact is the reason that the veneration of the holy place among Muslims and Christians is in no way connected with the tradition of the Jews.

Christian hermits traveled in the southern part of the peninsula from the beginning of the second century. They tried to find the places mentioned in the Bible by the events of the Exodus. Including the point where the holy mountain Sinai is located. According to history, the first in these places was the Empress of Byzantium Elena. She wanted to find that bush, which, according to legend, broke out at Moses. By her order, a chapel was built here, which under Emperor Justinian was transformed into a monastery named after the Christian martyr St. Catherine. This monastery is one of the oldest in the whole world.

At the top of the mountain stretch 3750 steps, which the monks of antiquity cut down in the rocks. Making a climb to the top, a man bears in himself a belief in a miracle and a hope for forgiveness of sins. "Camel Trail" - a path for the weakened and elderly, who can climb to the top on horseback. Long since the faithful from all over the world went on a pilgrimage to Sinai. Mount Moses and now does not remain one of the most important sites for pilgrims and tourists.

Description of the object of the excursion

From the monastery to the top you can climb two paths, differing in length. These paths 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. To overcome this path is possible only in the daytime and only on foot. Long trail more gentle, there is an opportunity to ride it on a camel. Tourist groups most often rise on it. On all the way there are tents, in which there are places for rest. They also offer hot drinks and traditional sweets. Chapels and temples on the mountain are not accessible. A special permit is required and the accompanying person from the monastery. The highest point is at a level of 2285 meters.

The most favorable time of the year for climbing is winter. But it is more reasonable to plan the ascent to spring or autumn. However, in any case, one must take into account the cold nights and take warm clothes with them. In the mountains it can snow. Heavy clothing and cold will make the climb even harder. Mount Sinai on the map is located closest to the resorts of Taba, Dahab and Sharm El Sheikh.

Excursion from Sharm el-Sheikh

The start time of the tour is 21:30, immediately after dinner. To the bottom of the mountain tourists are taken by bus. A detailed briefing is given on site. The excursion plan, places of possible stops are told. Each tourist is given a flashlight. Experienced pilgrims take with them a spare in case of failure of the first. Flashlight - an extremely necessary thing to climb, the path has no light, in the dark movement will be more difficult.

About midnight, the ascent to Sinai begins. The mountain is a heavy test, short stops for rest are made every kilometer of the way. Tourist groups are moving along the route one by one. If you are behind your group, join another. Before the dawn the group rises to the top. At the top meet the sunrise, which symbolizes the appearance of God. Tourists are given the stone tablets, on which the Commandments are laid, there is absolution of sins. After a brief rest the group advances in the way back. Do not think that the descent from the mountain is easier. Going long and hard. At the foot there is an opportunity to sit in a cafe, have breakfast. But it's better to take a dry ration from the hotel.

Visit to St. Catherine's Monastery

After descending from the mountain, as well as for those who could not make the ascent, an excursion to St. Catherine's Monastery is organized. Before him, the group is taken by bus. In the monastery you will see ancient icons, 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 Saffsaf, Mount Moses (Sinai), Mount Catherine. Then you will be shown the Burning Bush. In his flame, God first appeared to Moses. The next point in the program of the monastery survey is the Well of Moses. The Bible mentions an event according to which the Prophet Moses met 7 girls, daughters of the Midian priest Raguel who had eaten the water of the sheep. The well continues to this day supply the territory of the monastery with water.

The last point of the program will be a visit to the city of Dahab. It's 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 the hotels.

The average cost of an excursion from Sharm El Sheikh is $ 35 for an adult and $ 20 for a child.

Proper preparation for the ascent to Sinai (Mount Moses)

What things you need to have with you:

- Clothes and shoes should be comfortable and warm. Particularly worthwhile is to approach the choice of shoes, as the road is rocky and quite slippery.

- To attend the temple you need to have the appropriate outfits. Men and women should wear clothing that covers their legs and arms.

- If you chose the winter for climbing, then the hat, gloves and scarf will not be superfluous.

- Take breakfast and a supply of drinking water in the hotel.

- Be sure to take your camera with you. Your main souvenir, which will present Mount Sinai - photo.

- Have a small amount of money with you, which you can spend on tea, coffee, purchase of souvenirs. Also, money will be needed for tickets to museums and tips for the guide.

- If you are planning to make a climb on a camel, it is better to have a few dozen dollars with you.

Excursion from Taba

There are no special differences in the program of the excursion. You will also be taken to the foot of the mountain by bus. The only difference is time on the road. The journey from Taba to Mount Sinai will last three hours longer. The cost of the tour is no different from Sharm el-Sheikh.

Excursion from Hurghada

Because of the high cost of the transfer to the site, the tour is not offered. You can make an individual trip, having agreed with the representative of the excursion company.

Some subtleties worth remembering

It is important to understand that the tour does not have an entertaining character. This is one of the most complex programs. True, the specificity of the tour is such that those who need healing are eager to get to the shrine. Usually it's elderly, weak, sick people, small children. To facilitate the journey, local Bedouins will offer them a camel ride (cost around $ 15).

On the territory of the monastery there is an opportunity to put a candle free of charge. 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 sell a fake.

Those who went on a route such as Mount Sinai (in Egypt), if they wish, can buy a video from the guide for memory. A disk with a record will bring you to the hotel.

When spending your vacation in Egypt, plan a visit to such a tourist site as Mount Sinai. The photos taken during the dawn on top will give you pleasure for a long time.