In the southern part of the Sinai Peninsula there is a unique place, which for many centuries has been considered the most revered place for believing Christians and Jews. It was here, according to the biblical story, that Moses received the ten commandments from God. The deserted dry desert, which still holds many proofs of the reality of the events of those times, annually receives pilgrims from all over the world. Indeed, in this place is Mount Sinai.
History
Today it is difficult to talk about the exact location of this shrine. The culture of the Jewish people did not retain reliable information about exactly where in the desert Moses spoke to God. Biblical Mount Sinai began to be identified with Haar-Karh, a mountain in the Negev desert. Artifacts have been discovered here, which make it possible to assume that the very place - Mount Sinai - is located here.
From the 2nd century A.D. this part of Sinai was inhabited by hermits who professed Christianity. Even then, they did not have accurate data about the place where the events called in the Old Testament the Exodus took place. It is in this part of the biblical account that Mount Sinai is mentioned. In the 4th century A.D. Christians began to venerate this place, considering it faithful.
The first pilgrims to these holy places can be considered the Empress of Byzantium Helen. She visited the mountain to look at the bush, which, according to the biblical parable, burned under the prophet Moses. After the trip, Empress Helen gave the order to build a small chapel on the holy site. After some time, the chapel turned into a large beautiful monastery thanks to the Emperor Justinian. The monastery was named after St. Catherine. She was a Christian martyred. Modern travelers, going here, can personally see the most ancient monastery on earth. But you can get into the monastery itself only in the early morning, all the rest of the time is given to the monks who pray here.
Endless lines of pilgrims climb to the very top of the Sinai, overcoming 3,750 steps. Each step was cut by the hands of ancient monks. But for those who are not able to overcome such a difficult climb, there is a trail, which local people call the "Camel trail". The way up the mountain along it is simple - you can get to the top of the mountain on horseback on a camel. There is a legend that the well-known prophet Mohammed visited this place, and was well received by the Christian monks who then lived at the very foot of Sinai. Every year, travelers from all over the world overcome this difficult path - a hiking climb to Mount Moses.
Excursions to Sinai
You can get to the top of the mountain in two ways - one is long, wide and gentle, and the other is short, with stone steps. They join together near the summit. The short path is very difficult, the ascent here is carried out by steep steps. Therefore, this path is chosen by religious tourists and monks. The length of this road is almost 3,100 steps. It will be possible to overcome the path only during daylight hours and exclusively on foot. But, having chosen this difficult path, pilgrims have a wonderful opportunity to see the chapel of the Virgin of the Church of Elijah the Prophet.
The long trail is for those who cannot climb the many steep steps. This category of pilgrims can use camels. The cost of renting an animal is $ 15. This pilgrimage tour has a special specificity. People who need healing from serious ailments strive to get to Mount Moses. This category also includes pilgrims with small children and elderly people.
Also, this trail is chosen by tourists who set up tents along the way to rest. For them, this is a kind of journey full of adventure. You can buy drinks on the way. There are chapels and temples on the mountain, but they are closed to visitors. To get there, you need to secure a special agreement, moreover, for this you need a guide from the monastery. In terms of weather conditions, the most favorable time to travel to Mount Sinai is winter. However, it is best to plan your trip in the spring-fall.
Paths leading to Sinai
An excursion to Mount Sinai (Mount Moses) is a long and difficult climb up the mountain. They start the hike at night - no later than 3 hours. You need to know that at the very top of the mountain at this time of day it is very cool, and, despite the fact that it is a desert, it can snow. Tourists need to have warm clothes with them. During such periods, climbing becomes especially difficult, because bulky clothing makes it difficult to move. But how can you be afraid of these, in fact, insignificant difficulties, when ahead of you awaits the indescribable beauty of the view of the sunrise.
Mount Sinai is located relatively close to three settlements. These are Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab and Taba. If your trip starts from Sharm el-Sheikh, then the collection will begin in the evening, after dinner. You can get to the foot of the mountain by bus. During the trip, tourists must be instructed. It will also tell in detail about the stages of the journey, stops. Each pilgrim will be given a flashlight by the guide, but when going up the mountain it is better to have your own, in case the first one breaks. The road is long, and it will pass in the dark, so a flashlight will become an essential thing.
Stops on the way are made at intervals of half an hour, just for a few minutes. It turns out stops 7-8. As a rule, several groups climb the mountain at once, they go in a row one after another. If suddenly one of the pilgrims fought off his group, he can simply nestle on the stranger, and return to his own already at the top. By the beginning of sunrise, all pilgrims find themselves at the very top, ready to meet the dawn.
To see the sunrise on Mount Moses is to see the appearance of God. After all, the dawn here is considered proof of its existence. The pilgrims are given stone tablets with the outlines of the commandments. This process is considered absolution. Don't miss the opportunity to take unique photos. They will be a wonderful memory of this extraordinary journey. Almost every excursion is accompanied by video filming, and travelers have the opportunity to buy a film about their ascent of Mount Sinai.
Having met the sunrise, and having rested a little, the travelers begin to descend from the mountain. Contrary to popular belief, going down is no easier than going up. There is a cafe downstairs specially for tourists. Where can I have breakfast. Tourists who come on an excursion usually have dry rations, which are given to them at the hotel. Almost every trip to Mount Sinai has several parts. One such point is a visit to the shrine - the monastery of St. Catherine.
Visitors to the monastery will be able to admire the ancient icons, approach the relics of the saint, whose name the monastery bears. Everyone who enters here experiences feelings beyond description. The atmosphere that prevails here gives peace of mind. Today the monastery is considered the center of Orthodox monasticism. On the territory of the monastery there is a chapel of the Burning Bush. This is the name of the biblical bush, in the flame of which the face of God was seen by Moses. The chapel has another name - "Chapel of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary". Many connoisseurs of the Old Testament associate this bush with thorns; it is present in one of the parables about Moses. Believing pilgrims honor this place with special trepidation.
The sights of the monastery do not end there. The well of Moses is another holy place. He is protected, because he is active and provides water to all the inhabitants of the monastery.The final point where tourists are brought is the city of Dahab, whose name translates as "golden". This is a unique place where you can see ancient temples, wander the old streets and look into the souvenir shop.
Memo to pilgrims of Sinai
The journey to Mount Sinai is not easy. Everything happens at night, in the dark, possibly in the cold. Therefore, to make it as comfortable as possible, you need to properly prepare.
Clothes should be warm and shoes comfortable. Visitors to the temple should be dressed appropriately - closed clothing (shorts, short skirts and open T-shirts are not allowed). Every tourist should bring food and water with them. There is a cafe at the foot of the mountain, but you shouldn't hope for it.
Be sure to take a photo or video camera. If you are planning to buy souvenirs, do not forget to take change money, preferably in dollars. In addition, it is customary to make donations in holy places. While walking around Dahab, you may want to go to the museum.
A trip to Mount Sinai remains one of the main events in the lives of many people. But even if you do not put your special meaning into it, this place is worth a visit. Even if it is just an interesting excursion for you.
