Climbing Mount Sinai FAQs - Jabal al-Lawz & Maqla

If you plan on climbing, please be prepared, it is climbing, not hiking. The climb can take from 6 ½ to 10 hours depending on your level of fitness. While we like to have a general idea in advance of who would like to climb, you may make your final decision anytime up to the point of starting your hike. If you know for sure you do not plan to climb, please let us know. We will discuss the climb at length the night before. On average, 95% of travelers choose to camp, but not everyone climbs. If you wish to climb, you must camp. Please be aware, our “climbing guides” are local goat herders who grew up on the mountain. Tourism is in its infancy. There are no signs, or trails, and no emergency services. There will be one local guide for every 3-5 climbers. Please take specific instruction. If your guide says that you cannot climb, you cannot climb. You will stay with your guide and group, if one turns back, everyone turns back, no exceptions. Each guide will be going at different paces, you will be able to choose the group that best fits your goals and fitness/ability level. Your guide may not speak English, and each guide may take a different route. Be attentive and aware of your surroundings. This is a dangerous activity.

Below is a list of items you will want to be sure to bring with you:

1. A Camelback or other comfortable backpack to carry your supplies.
2. A large water bladder for your pack. We recommend a minimum of 2.5-liter capacity. This can be filled at camp prior to your climb.
3. Food/Snacks and Electrolytes. Dense protein bars, etc. are a good idea, please make sure to pack enough to sustain yourself for a minimum of 10 hours.
4. A headlamp, you will be departing camp before dawn.
5. A very lightweight warm jacket, preferably something that will stow in a very small space when not needed.
6. Leather climbing gloves. You may want handwarmers for the early morning.
7. Sturdy pants, long sleeve shirt, and a brimmed hat.
8. Well broken-in boots or hiking shoes for vertical ascent.
9. Collapsible hiking stick
10. A compass (and the knowledge to use it)
11. Sunscreen and first aid kit *emergency personnel will not be readily available, you will want to be prepared.

• Learn how to lay “pins” on your cell phone GPS. Also, look for “pins” that others have dropped.
• You may not have cell service in all places on the mountain, and accidents sometimes happen with cell phones, downloaded maps or screenshots, as well as a printed map may be helpful in those instances.
• Familiarize yourself with your maps prior to your trip.

Early breakfast, then departure around 5:30-6:00AM. Once you reach the Plateau of the Elders, you will have 3 choices:

a) Return to Camp
b) Continue to Elijah’s Cave
c) Continue to the top or blackened top

If Elijah’s Cave is your choice destination, the Plateau can be bypassed, shortening the amount of time needed for your round-trip. There are narrow walkways as you arrive at Elijah’s Cave, please be prepared if you have any issues with heights. It is possible to ascend both peaks, but it is a large undertaking and will likely take at least 9 hours.

• Secretly climbing the real Mount Sinai in Arabia! The forbidden mountain. - YouTube
• Keith Chancey: 5 Things You Need to Know Before Climbing Mt. Sinai - YouTube
• https://doubtingthomasresearch.com/maps-mount-sinai-egypt-midian/ (created by Ryan Mauro and team)
• Search Results for “hagar” – Living Passages
• Living Passages - YouTube Our main You Tube Channel with many testimonials