GUNUNG · Mesir

Mount Catherine

Jabal Katrīna / Gunung Katarina

Information

Elevation: 2.629 m
Country: Mesir (EG)
Location / Range: Sinai Mountains (Santa Katarina massif), Sinai Peninsula
Mountain type: Granite mountain (highest peak in Egypt)
Volcanic?: No (non-volcanic)
Coordinates: 28.5108, 33.9553
Difficulty: Moderate–challenging (about 5 hours up; rock trail and stairs, good fitness required)
Best Season: Spring (Mar–May) & autumn (Sep–Nov); summer is very hot, and winter can bring snow to the summit
Permits & Rules: A local Bedouin guide is mandatory; it lies within the Saint Catherine protected area, near Saint Catherine's Monastery (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Hazards: Scorching heat & dehydration, extreme cold and snow in winter, navigation at trail junctions, altitude

Description

Mount Catherine (~2,629 m) is the highest peak in Egypt, rising in the Saint Catherine massif of the Sinai Peninsula, above Saint Catherine's Monastery (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Its name is linked to Saint Catherine of Alexandria, whose body, by tradition, was carried by angels to this summit. The standard route begins near the monastery, passes through Wadi el-Arbain (Valley of the Forty Martyrs), then climbs roughly 4–5 hours over granite ridges and monk-built stone staircases to a summit topped by a small chapel. On a clear day the summit offers views of the Gulf of Suez, the Sinai mountains, and even the lights of Sharm el-Sheikh at night. Unlike nearby Mount Sinai (Jabal Musa), which draws far more pilgrims, Catherine is higher, quieter and more demanding, and is usually climbed with a local Jebeliya Bedouin guide.

Gallery

Foto bersumber dari Wikimedia Commons — klik untuk memperbesar & lihat sumbernya.

Routes

Jalur Wadi el-Arbain (jalur standar dari Biara Santa Katarina)

Sedang–menantang (jalur batu panjang & anak tangga; butuh kebugaran baik)

±4–5 jam naik, ±4 jam turun (bisa dibuat PP sehari atau bermalam di puncak)

The most common route begins near Saint Catherine's Monastery, walking about an hour to Wadi el-Arbain (Valley of the Forty Martyrs), then climbing roughly 4 hours over granite ridges and monk-built stone staircases to the chapel-topped summit at ~2,629 m. Many hikers overnight or start before dawn for sunrise/sunset. A local Bedouin guide is recommended. On clear days the summit offers views of the Gulf of Suez and the Sinai mountains.

Route Segments

1

Biara Santa Katarina → Wadi el-Arbain

⏱ ±1 jam

Pendekatan landai menuju lembah pendakian
2

Wadi el-Arbain → puncak Gunung Katarina

⏱ ±4 jam 2.629 mdpl

Punggungan granit & anak tangga batu hingga kapel puncak

Source

Climbing Experiences

Climbing Mount Catherine, Egypt's highest peak (2,629 m), usually starts near Saint Catherine's Monastery and takes about 4–5 hours up through Wadi el-Arbain and monk-built stone staircases. Many hikers set off before dawn or overnight to catch sunrise/sunset from the summit. Recurring themes: dry, hot air by day, biting cold at night (sometimes snow in winter), a long rocky trail, and broad views over the Sinai mountains and the Gulf of Suez from the chapel-topped summit. The climb is typically guided by a local Jebeliya Bedouin.

References

The summary above is compiled from the following sources. Click to explore them yourself.