Plizio Visual Lab

Gabal Um Shomer

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Mountain

Weather…

Standing at 2,586 meters, Gabal Um Shomer is Egypt's second-highest peak, situated in the remote southern granite massif of the Sinai. It is often overshadowed by the more famous Mount Catherine, yet mountaineers consider it a more demanding and wilder challenge. Geologically, the mountain consists of Precambrian red granite that drops steeply into the surrounding wadis. Due to its isolated location, a unique high-mountain flora has been preserved here, including several endemic species. Historically, the region was visited by only a few travelers, contributing to the preservation of its pristine nature. The name Um Shomer is often associated with the 'Mother of Fennel,' referring to the wild herbs growing in its valleys. From its summit, one enjoys an unobstructed view reaching as far as the Gulf of Aqaba to the east and the Gulf of Suez to the west.

Location: Egypt
Nearby: El Tor (21 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	10	12	16	20	24	27	29	29	26	22	17	12
Rain mm	3	3	3	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	3	2

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Reaching the remote trailhead for one of Sinai's absolute highest peaks usually requires a 4x4 journey directly from St. Catherine to the mountain's rocky base. It is highly recommended to arrange the trip with very experienced local Bedouin guides.

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Best season

Late autumn and early spring are considered perfectly optimal; severe winter can bring freezing temperatures and occasional snow, while summer is dangerously hot. Checking the local weather forecast is utterly essential before ever attempting the long ascent.

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Terrain & paths

The trail is exceptionally long, remote, and physically punishing, heavily involving steep switchbacks, entirely loose scree, and a final intense scramble to the summit. It predictably has a significantly more challenging experience than Mount Sinai.

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What to bring

Critical gear firmly includes broken-in hiking boots, strong trekking poles for steep descents, and a strict minimum of 4-5 liters of water per person per day. A warm sleeping bag and layered clothing are necessary as most ascents involve an overnight stay.

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Parking

Transportation usually drops hikers off precisely at a highly remote wadi entrance and entirely waits there or actively returns at a pre-arranged time days later. There are zero parking facilities; vehicles simply wait unattended on the rocky desert floor.

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Safety

The severe extreme isolation directly means that any physical injury or unexpected emergency becomes a highly critical situation very quickly. Excellent fitness, traveling in a large group with a guide, and emergency signaling devices are absolutely paramount.

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Time needed

A typical, fully planned expedition to Gabal Um Shomer strictly requires at least two to three very long days, effectively involving a long approach hike, a demanding summit day, and the return trek. It is a highly major undertaking not to be underestimated.