For many, many years, the striking peaks of Mount Sinai have risen against the desert sky, a quiet observer of history and faith. Tradition says it's on these slopes that Moses received the Ten Commandments, a key moment that shaped the beliefs of billions. This mountain calls to those who want to connect with that old story, to touch a place held sacred for ages. At its foot stands St. Catherine's Monastery, a steadfast guardian protecting the history of this holy ground. My own trip up this famous mountain was memorable, but something truly unexpected happened on the way down. It was an encounter so strange, it felt like a scene from the mountain's distant past, something I still can't quite make sense of.
The Journey to the Mountain
My adventure started late one evening with a car ride from Sharm El-Sheikh. For about three hours, the view outside was just darkness as we drove towards the Sinai Peninsula. A feeling of anticipation grew, a quiet excitement for the climb I was about to begin. When we arrived at the base of Mount Sinai, the mood was calm but focused. We went through a quick security check, a needed step before starting a journey into such an important place. There, I met my local guide, a friendly face in the night. He briefly explained the route and what to expect on our way to the top. With a nod, we began our climb.
Climbing Through the Night
The first part of the hike was easier than I thought. The path was clear and easy to follow in the dark with our headlamps. My light showed the path right in front of me, and in the distance, I could see other lights – the headlamps of fellow climbers already on their way up. Many people were making the hike, a mix of pilgrims and adventurers, all sharing this unique experience. Adding to the scene were local Bedouins with their camels, offering rides to those who wanted an easier way down. It was quite a sight, these impressive animals moving slowly up the mountain under the starry sky. Along the track, we’d sometimes pass small coffee houses run by Bedouins, where people could get a warm drink and a short rest.
After a few hours of steady hiking, the clear path suddenly changed. We reached the bottom of the well-known 750 steps. This was a completely different kind of challenge. The steps were narrow, often just loose stones piled up, with a big drop to one side, making you watch your step very carefully. There was a line of people here, moving slowly as some needed to pause, which slowed everyone down. This part required concentration and some courage, especially when climbing those rough stairs in the dark.
After what seemed like a very long time on the 750 steps, we finally came to a flatter area. A small, local coffee house there offered a welcome break. It was a chance to catch our breath, get a warm drink, and get ready for the last part of the climb to the summit. The air was noticeably colder now, and all the hikers shared a sense of excitement, knowing the sunrise was not far off. With about 40 minutes before the sun was expected, I decided to make the final, fairly short climb. Getting there a bit early would hopefully let me find a good spot to see the show.
Sunrise at the Summit
Finally, after many hours of hiking in the dark, the ground started to level out more as I reached the top. A feeling of achievement came over me, a sense of reaching an important goal. As the first light of dawn began to color the eastern sky, the wide views started to appear. Even in the dim light, I could feel the great size of the land stretching out below. Then came the moment everyone was waiting for: the sunrise. Slowly, grandly, the sun appeared over the horizon, spreading a warm, golden light across the rough peaks. It was a truly stunning and unforgettable sight, a reward that made every step of the climb worth it.
Standing on top of Mount Sinai, as the warm sunlight covered the area, it was amazing to see symbols of different faiths existing peacefully together. Side by side stood a small church and a mosque, both used as places of worship on this respected mountain. This special harmony says a lot about the shared history and importance of this site. Just to the side of the church, hidden among the rocks, was the cave believed to be where Moses found shelter and received more divine inspiration after bringing down the Ten Commandments. It's a small, simple place, but it holds great spiritual meaning for many who make the hike. Looking at the wide views from this height, you can really appreciate the stark beauty and the feeling of isolation that must have been felt by those who came here looking for a connection with something bigger than themselves.
A Mysterious Encounter on the Way Down
After watching the sunrise and exploring the summit, it was time to start going down. As I began to make my way back down the steps, I immediately noticed something odd. The mountain, which had been busy with climbers just hours before, now felt strangely empty. The continuous line of people had disappeared, leaving me unexpectedly alone on those old paths.
Concentrating on the steps under my feet, I was carefully moving down. Then, I looked up, and there he was. About 50 meters ahead was a figure different from anyone I had seen during the climb up. He was wearing a long, brown coat that looked quite old, and his head was covered by a hood that was part of the coat. It wasn't the usual clothing of a tourist, nor did it look like the clothes of the local guides I had met. He was simply walking down. As I continued down, a strange feeling came over me. It was as if this figure was guiding me, leading the way down the mountain. It wasn't a feeling of fear, but a deep curiosity about who he was. I tried to catch up, walking faster, but he seemed to match my speed. When I slowed down to be more careful on the steps, he too would slow down, always staying about the same distance ahead. It was a very odd feeling, like he was showing me the path.
As we neared the bottom of the steps, he stopped just as I had to look down to handle some loose stones. When I looked up again, he was gone. It was as sudden as his appearance. I reached the spot where I had last seen him and looked all around, but there was no sign of him anywhere. For several minutes, I stood there, trying to understand what had just happened, before continuing my way down. The encounter left me with a lasting sense of wonder.
Daylight Views and St. Catherine's Monastery
As I kept going down, the rising sun finally gave me the chance to truly appreciate the amazing views around Mount Sinai. The rough mountains, colored in shades of orange and brown, stretched out as far as I could see. It was a stunning wide view, a big change from the limited sight during the night climb. Every turn showed a new scene, a reminder of the raw beauty of this ancient area.
Reaching the bottom of Mount Sinai, the old walls of St. Catherine's Monastery came into sight. After the hard work of the hike and the puzzling encounter on the way down, the peacefulness of the monastery grounds was a sharp contrast. I took a short break at the small coffee shop inside the monastery grounds, a moment to rest and think before joining a group of tourists with a new guide for a short but interesting tour of St. Catherine's Monastery. This amazing monastery is one of the oldest continuously working Christian monasteries in the world, with a history going back to the sixth century. Its strong walls have protected a great amount of religious icons, old manuscripts, and beautiful artwork for over 1,500 years. It's a place full of history and spirituality, a testament to the lasting faith in this region.
Reflections on an Amazing Journey
After the short but meaningful tour of the monastery, I went back to the car for the drive back to my hotel in Sharm El-Sheikh. Though I was very tired from the night's hike, I couldn't sleep. My mind was still racing, replaying the events of the journey.
My trip to Mount Sinai was much more than just a physical test. It was a journey through history, a chance to see amazing natural beauty, and an encounter with something that still has no clear explanation. Standing on the summit at sunrise, exploring the ancient St. Catherine's Monastery, and experiencing the deep silence of those mountain paths left a strong impression on me.