Mount Catherine Trekking Routes
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Most walkers choose one of the following routes on Mount Catherine.
1) Ascent via Wadi Matar (5 – 6 hours approx), descent via Wadi El Arbain (2 – 3 hours approx)
This is a varied route that takes in some of the hidden wadis, gardens, streams and daily Bedouin life in the region otherwise overlooked by travellers.
Although this route is slightly longer the rewards are disproportionably greater.
HHighly recommended and actually allows the trekker to get the best of both routes as the descent is via the Wadi El Arbain route.
The Ascent
Heading south west from St Catherine’s village the incline starts pretty quickly as you’ll first need to climb over the Abou Jeefa pass (1823m).
A series of switch back trails will get you there, the views of the town behind becoming more impressive with the increasing height.
Finally at the pass, wave goodbye to the town and descend into Wadi Shekag.
The next hour or two of trekking are relatively easy, following a path that first descends and then undulates its way through Wadi Shekag, Wadi Lahman, and then opens out into the Grand Canyon like Wadi Matar.
The area on route is greener than one might expect from a desert track. The path is dotted with fresh herbs, streams and ancient boulders. There are also several lovingly maintained Bedouin gardens on route.
When the canyon opens up into Wadi Matar you’ll see your first glimpses of Mount Catherine, looking big!
Shortly afterwards you’ll leave the track and follow one instead that inclines about 100m straight up before traversing across for another 30 minutes or so.
Eventually Mount Catherine will come back into view, this time the church at the summit clearly visible and for the first time the switchback trail to the top can be seen.
When you meet this path for the first time it will intersect with the route down via Wadi El Arbain.
Take a break here and enjoy the incredible views of Mount Sinai to the north east and the black mountain to the west.
It’s a 1.5 – 2 hour trudge to the top from here. At the end of the switchback trail is a flat area before the final steep stone steps begin.
The loose steps culminate in the small summit of Mount Catherine. There is a small locked church here but it’s the views that really impressive. 360 degrees across the top of the world!
DDon’t forget to sign the summit book (kept securely in a metal case fixed to the top) before you begin your descent.
The Descent
The descent follows the route down the north face of the mountain from Shagg Musa into Wadi El Arbain.
It’s this route that many take as a more direct albeit less interesting route to the summit.
Begin by retracing your steps to the viewpoint of Mount Sinai. From here you’ll see a natural continuation of the switch back trail heading steeply down the north face of the mountain through Shagg Musa.
The path here is long and loose so take care. At the base of the slope you’ll see a beautiful walled garden.
This is Wadi El Arbain and following it will lead you north west onto a level path.
PPassing Moses Rock on route, this path will lead you 1 – 1.5 hours out of the valley before finally entering St Catherine’s village once more from the south east.
Additional Notes
This route can also be trekked over two days with a night camping in one of the gardens of Wadi Matar.
If you want to watch the sunrise from the summit you can camp just beneath the top in a small room (usually locked so keys must be requested from guide).
WWatching sunset is less advisable as the long descent in the dark would increase risk of injury.
2) Ascent (4.5 – 5.5 hours approx) and Descent via Shagg Musa and Wadi El Arbain (2 – 3 hours approx)
This is the steepest and most direct route to the summit. Both ascent and descent follow the same track.
Ascent
Upon leaving St Catherine’s Village you’ll start by the following the path through Wadi El Arbain, the large canyon located to the south east of the town.
Here you’ll find a relatively flat but good path that leads into the canyon passing the Rock of Moses on route.
After 1hr you’ll arrive at a beautiful walled garden. The path that leads to the top of Mount Catherine begins behind this garden and head steeply upward through the Shagg Musa canyon leading to the South.
TThis steep, switchback trail will effectively lead you all the way to the top of Mount Catherine. After about 2 hours you’ll reach a pass which will then bring the summit into view still very far away.
If you look to the north from here you’ll be treated to spectacular views of Mount Sinai and the region around. It’s here that the alternative Wadi Matar route links to the track.
It’s a 1.5 – 2 hour trudge to the top from here. At the end of the switchback trail is a flat area before the final steep stone steps begin.
The loose steps culminate in the small summit of Mount Catherine. There is a small locked church here but it’s the views that really impressive. 360 degrees across the top of the world!
Don’t forget to sign the summit book (kept securely in a metal case fixed to the top) before you begin your descent.
Descent
The descent is as per the ascent and the same route as the Wadi Matar descent (see description above).
