I'll be doing the July 6 Egypt and Jordan Caravan tour and have a question about the Sinai climb.
What kind of gear will we need (besides a headlamp/torch)?
How much water will we be carrying?
Are there stops along the way to replenish the water?
I know we leave early in the morning to avoid heat....how cold will it be (ie.considering it is July, do I need to bring a fleece)?
Are trainers/tennis shoes OK, or are hiking boots a must?
Just trying to figure out what to pack ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Can't wait!!!
Re: Sinai climb
There are several responses on this website for the Sinai climb but I will answer your questions:
1. the trail is rocky and uneven
2. the trail has some very steep sections
3. there are "tea" stops set up by the Bedouins on the way; (I only made it to the first tea stop as the trail was so steep that my knees couldn't take it -- and stayed there with another couple along with the Bedouins and their camels)
4. if you want to make it to the "top" and are having difficulty -- take a camel; it will take you near the top and the remainder of steps -- very deep and not the same height you have to make it on your own
5. you will need to take some water as although it is cold and dark at 3:00 a.m. when the sun comes up you start the trek down and hopefully have time to visit St. Catherine's Monastery and by then it is hot;
6. you will have to do the layer, layer thing with clothing
7. as to footwear -- I had water proof sneakers with heavy treads -- you need go tread as you are walking on rocks (basically a camel path) and they slip and skid as you climb up and down; if you are thinking of a tennis shoe -- it won't work!
Have a great time -- the changing colour of the rocks with the sun rise is breathtaking...
Re: Sinai climb
Hey there.
I completed the Sinai climb as part fo the jewels of egypt tour. I didn't even have a head lamp I just brought a small handheld torch. You can carry as much water as you like. there are stops on the way up where you can buy more water or tea. But I would reccommend bring some snack bars or enegry bars to munch on the stops.
I wore long trousers to stop the rock scratching my legs and a long sleeve t-shirt with a fleece tied around my waist for when I got to the top. It is very cold up there. But you soon warm up again when the sun comes out.
A few of the people on the tour did the hike in just trainers. But as I had several pairs of hiking boots I brougnt them with me. it's good when you have the cushion around the ankles when climbing. and if you can you should take the steps of repentance ack down the mountain. it was a great journey down away from most of the large crowds.
I am in no way a religious person but even for me this was one of the best bits of my trip. Was a very special moment watching the sun rise. I think if you feel fit and healthy enough you could carry a small backpack with 2 small bottles of water in it and a few snacks and your camera. But one of the main reasons I used a hand torch was so as not to shine the light in the eyes of the camels coming down the trek as you go up as it can startle them. you don't have much ability to move a headlamp around with the same effect.
But most of all go at your own pace and enjoy it.