Moses climbed which mountain

This shrine is not visible, however, as it sits directly behind the apse of the church, and is not open for viewing. Justinian also fortified the site, erecting granite walls for protection — it is these walls that still stand around the city to this day.

From the summit, the views of the surrounding mountains and valleys are great! The climb is certainly worth the effort. Further, no matter which route you select, certainly bring a jacket because the wind really blows at the top. Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links; as an Amazon Associate, Approach Guides makes a commission from qualifying purchases. Sinai Peninsula, Egypt. I'm not religious, but the irony of the moment hit me: I'd literally put all my faith in this man I'd just met.

For others on the hike, the expedition had deep religious significance. The Bible says this is where God gave Moses two stone tablets inscribed with the commandments. Moses received these laws after leading the Jews out of slavery in Egypt, a story that is retold during the Jewish holiday of Passover, which begins this year at sundown March But Sinai is an important site for Jews, Christians and Muslims alike, and every night, hundreds of pilgrims make the climb.

There are two routes for the 4. For me, the camel route was challenging enough. I could feel my heart pounding through layers of clothes, and the sweat trickling on my forehead felt like a fever chill. The sanctity of the hike was disrupted by scores of other hikers vying to reach the top quickly to mark their spot to watch the sunrise, and the constant calls of, "Camel ride, camel ride" from Egyptian entrepreneurs.

But I preferred following the guide on foot rather than trusting a camel on the messy, pebbly trail. The hours rolled into each other. At about 5 a. Our guide stopped short of the final ascent; we were to lead ourselves up the last rocky steps to the summit. As we climbed the last bit, stone silhouettes began to form in the distance. For me, the camel route was challenging enough.

I could feel my heart pounding through layers of clothes, and the sweat trickling on my forehead felt like a fever chill. But I preferred following the guide on foot rather than trusting a camel on the messy, pebbly trail.

The hours rolled into each other. At about 5 a. Our guide stopped short of the final ascent; we were to lead ourselves up the last rocky steps to the summit. As we climbed the last bit, stone silhouettes began to form in the distance. The summit appeared to be blanketed with mummified people tucked in sleeping bags and camel blankets.

The wind was treacherous; my fingers were too frozen to unzip my sleeping bag. I took my spot on a jagged piece of rock face, too cold to do much except pray for the warmth of the sun.