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Mount Catherine

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Mountain
—°2
Mount Catherine (Egypt)

Weather…

Mount Catherine, locally known as Gebel Katherina, is the highest peak in Egypt, standing at an elevation of 2,629 meters on the Sinai Peninsula. It is a central part of the St. Catherine Protectorate, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The mountain is primarily composed of reddish granite and gives panoramic panoramic views of the Sinai high mountains and the Red Sea in the distance. It is named after Saint Catherine of Alexandria, whose remains, according to tradition, were carried to the peak by angels. At the summit, there is a small chapel and a meteorological station. During winter, the peak is frequently covered in snow, a rare phenomenon in the region. The climb is physically demanding and usually takes several hours; hikers often begin their ascent in the pre-dawn hours to witness the sunrise. Nearby lies the historic Saint Catherine's Monastery, one of the oldest functioning Christian monasteries in the world.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C101216202427292926221712
Rain mm333100000132

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Expeditions must originate exclusively from the high-altitude village of St. Catherine in the Sinai. By strict local regulation, no foreigner can ascend the mountain independently; hiring a recognized local Bedouin guide at the village center is mandatory.
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Best season
Late spring and mid-autumn offer the only genuinely safe windows for this grueling undertaking. Winter regularly blankets the treacherous summit in deep, freezing snow, while the brutal summer sun makes the completely exposed ascent fatally dangerous.
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Terrain & paths
This is a fiercely demanding alpine environment featuring violently steep gradients from the very start. The relentless path consists primarily of thousands of uneven, jagged granite boulders and crumbling historic staircases carved directly into the cliff.
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What to bring
Inferior footwear will be shredded here; stiff-soled alpine trekking boots are absolutely necessary. Because ascents often commence before dawn, a powerful headlamp is critical, alongside extreme cold-weather layers to survive the freezing summit winds.
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Parking
Secure, organized parking facilities are readily available near the historic St. Catherine's Monastery, which functions as the primary logistical base. Vehicles are safely left in these guarded designated lots for the entire exhausting duration of the climb.
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Safety
Acute altitude sickness combined with profound physical exhaustion are the paramount medical dangers on this route. Straying from the established stone path is notoriously fatal; closely following your guide's exact pacing and instructions is non-negotiable.
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Time needed
For adequately fit hikers, reaching the peak and safely descending demands roughly five to seven hours of continuous, punishing physical exertion. Less experienced trekkers should realistically budget the entire daylight period to complete the round trip.

Geography

Coordinates
28.60000, 33.90000

Facts

  • At 2,629 meters, it is the highest mountain in Egypt
  • The summit is regularly covered with snow during winter
  • The mountain is composed of Precambrian igneous rocks
  • The chapel on the summit is dedicated to Saint Catherine
  • It is part of a protectorate established in 1988
  • Two monks from the monastery often attend to the summit chapel

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Gabal AbasGabal Abas2 km · NExplore →
Gabal el-DeirGabal el-Deir6 km · SWExplore →
Mount SinaiMount Sinai9 km · WExplore →
Saint Catherine's MonasterySaint Catherine's Monastery9 km · NWExplore →
Sinai MountainsSinai Mountains11 km · NWExplore →
Gabal el-GamilGabal el-Gamil14 km · SEExplore →
Sinai Camel PasturesSinai Camel Pastures14 km · SWExplore →
Gabal el-HaddadGabal el-Haddad19 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Mount Catherine (2)

Al Shaykh Awwad📍 landmark

Al Shaykh Awwad is an Islamic site situated among the rugged mountain landscapes of the region.

Sheikh Ahmed Tomb📍 landmark

The Sheikh Ahmed Tomb is a revered Islamic resting place tucked away in the mountainous terrain.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is Gebel Katherina the highest mountain in Egypt?
Yes, at 2,629 meters, it is the highest peak in the country.
How long does the hike to the summit take?
Round trip takes about 5 to 7 hours, depending on fitness. The path is more challenging than the one to Mount Moses.
Is there anything to see at the summit?
There is a small chapel dedicated to Saint Catherine, a weather station, and a magnificent view.
Can the mountain be climbed in winter?
Yes, but it is very cold and often snow-covered. Crampons or special equipment may be necessary then.
Is Saint Catherine's Monastery at the foot of the mountain?
The monastery is in the valley between Gebel Katherina and Mount Moses and is the usual starting point.
Mount Catherine: where is it located?
Mount Catherine is located in Egypt.
Mount Catherine: what is there to see?
Highlights include Al Shaykh Awwad, Sheikh Ahmed Tomb.
Mount Catherine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Mount Catherine: why is it worth visiting?
Mount Catherine, locally known as Gebel Katherina, is the highest peak in Egypt, standing at an elevation of 2,629 meters on the Sinai Peninsula.
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Nearby cities

Arish — Mount Catherine (Egypt)
Arish
The largest city on the Sinai Peninsula on the Mediterranean coast.
El Tor — Mount Catherine (Egypt)
El Tor
The administrative capital of South Sinai, an important place for Coptic Christians.
Dahab — Mount Catherine (Egypt)
Dahab
A laid-back Bedouin village turned backpacker paradise.
Sharm El Sheikh — Mount Catherine (Egypt)
Sharm El Sheikh
An internationally renowned resort at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula.

History & landmarks

Saint Catherine's Monastery — Mount Catherine (Egypt)
Saint Catherine's Monastery
An Eastern Orthodox monastery situated on the Sinai Peninsula, at the mouth of a gorge at the foot of Mount Sinai.

More places

Mount Sinai — Mount Catherine (Egypt)
Mount Sinai
A mountain of great religious significance.
Sinai Mountains — Mount Catherine (Egypt)
Sinai Mountains
A mountain range on the Sinai Peninsula.
Sinai Camel Pastures — Mount Catherine (Egypt)
Sinai Camel Pastures
Traditional grazing areas of the Bedouin.
Nabq Protected Area — Mount Catherine (Egypt)
Nabq Protected Area
Protected area with mangrove forests on the Red Sea.
Gulf of Aqaba — Mount Catherine (Egypt)
Gulf of Aqaba
An inlet of the Red Sea.
Taba Protected Area — Mount Catherine (Egypt)
Taba Protected Area
Mountainous protected area with rare desert flora.
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Maghara Coal Mine
A significant coal mine on the Sinai Peninsula.
🗺️
Port of Arish
A port on the Mediterranean coast of the Sinai Peninsula.