Hi,
We are going on this trip from 29th March to 13th April. We were wondering how cold the weather might get when climbing Mt Sinai - just want to make sure we have the right clothing.
Many thanks
Egypt Jordan Caravan March-April 2009
Hi janandsteve
Thank you for posting on the forums. When you are climbing Mt Sinai you will be starting the walk while it is still dark (the coolest time of day) and also as you climb you will be getting higher and higher so it also gets colder as you ascend.
I'd recommend layering, as you will get warmer as you climb and then cool off at the top, and will also get warm as the sun rises and you climb down. You will definitely need warm clothing as it can be very cold on the mountain.
Plenty of layers and some good walking shoes are a must. You can also hire blankets at the top once you get cooler, to wrap around you when you watch the sunrise.
Best regards,
Kelly
Egypt Jordan Caravan March-April 2009
Thanks very much for your advice - it has been very helpful. Have to start packing - less than a week to go!
Climbing Mt. Sinai
Having done this, the wakeup call was 2:00 a.m. and we departed at 2:30 a.m. for the drive to the base near St. Catherine's monastery. It is dark and you will need a headlamp, a day pack to enable you to layer or remove layers of clothing as it is cold to start out and warms up once the sun is up. Remember you are there to see the sun rise and it is a beautiful sight.
The climb its self is steep -- don't let what you read throw you off. There are camels along the way that will take you further if you can no longer walk for a FEE. I made it to the very first tea stop and could go no further as my knees had given out and didn't want to pay the price of the camels as they didn't go right to the top as you then had to walk several more minutes again climbing over loose rock and boulders of varying height and in the dark which also is an issue.
Spending the night with camels and their drivers at the first tea stop was a delight in that they made three of us who "gave up" hot chocolate and sang for us. They then went to sleep while we crazy, tired tourists waited for sunrise.
Don't miss the Monastery as it is full of history and wonderful artwork!
Happy travels!