The summit is not visible from the Monastery, but the stone-step path up the mountain to the summit is visible directly south of the monastery marked with a red dot in the image to the right.
The path was likely constructed in the 6th or 7th century. Summit altitude of 2, meters. Climbing to the summit. You can take two different routes to the top: The camel track ascent takes 2. But I preferred following the guide on foot rather than trusting a camel on the messy, pebbly trail.
The hours rolled into each other. At about 5 a. Our guide stopped short of the final ascent; we were to lead ourselves up the last rocky steps to the summit.
As we climbed the last bit, stone silhouettes began to form in the distance. The summit appeared to be blanketed with mummified people tucked in sleeping bags and camel blankets. The wind was treacherous; my fingers were too frozen to unzip my sleeping bag. I took my spot on a jagged piece of rock face, too cold to do much except pray for the warmth of the sun. My prayers were answered slowly as a dusty orange light filtered through the sky.
As the sun came into view, a group of Romanian pilgrims broke into a hymn. Their booming voices provided an almost eerie soundtrack to the sunrise. Mount Sinai has gained significant popularity as a result of its religious significance.
Whilst the true location of the biblical Mount Sinai is an oft debated subject, Christians generally hold the belief that the mountain is the biblical Mount Sinai, making the mountain a popular destination for pilgrims. According to the book of Exodus, Moses first heard the word of God from a burning bush, who told him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses then returned to Egypt and convinced the Pharaoh to release the Israelites to him.
After months of travel, they arrived together at the foot of Mount Sinai. Upon arrival, there was a loud boom of thunder and lightning, which signalled Gods arrival. Moses was summoned to the mountain top, and stayed there for an impressive 40 days and 40 nights. Upon his return, he delivered to the Israelites 10 Commandments given to him by God.
If you are looking to climb Mount Sinai, there are two route options available. The routes are fairly poorly signposted, so be careful when setting out, particularly if you are beginning the climb in the darkness of night. The first route involves taking the steps of penitence, carved out of the mountain face by monks.
No climbing equipment is required though, just a strong set of legs and good cardiovascular fitness. Most touristic visitors choose this path 'Sikat Al Bashayt' because it less demanding and they descend on the steps of repentance. You walk up in about 2 hours, however it is also possible to go by camel. The path was made in the period from to by Ibrahim Abbas Pasha, who wanted to build a palace on the summit.
He later changed his mind and began to build on the mountain that now bears his name. The camel path joins the steps of repentance at the basin of Elijah. The 70 wise men of Israel who accompanied Moses during his climb, stopped here because only Moses could show himself to God.
The basin is a flat bowl at meter altitude containing an olive tree, six small and one giant cypress of more than years old. At the foot of the trees is a source, which the Bedouin call Bir Sayyidna Moussa The well of the Prophet Moses , of rain and melted snow. Below the well a dam was built during the Byzantine period to protect the monastery against water damage and to fill the monastery wells slowly.
From the pool of Elijah you can only proceed on foot to the summit, along the last rock steps. Many do have a spiritual, mystic experience on the summit of Mount Sinai. At the summit of Mount Sinai you will find a many times rebuilt 7th and 11th century chapel and a mosque 12th century. Both are closed to the public. The chapel would be built around the rock where The Ten Commandments are carved. Below the mosque is a small cave where Moses is said to have spent 40 days as he waited for instructions from God.
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