For those who want to escape the traditional hiking routes and steep grades in the high mountains for a few days yet still want the challenge of an ascent and stunning view of the South Sinai Peninsula, Mt. Umm Shomar is the right choice. Along the way the hiker will encounter many gardens, Byzantine ruins, colorful desert rock formations and top the experience off with an ascent of Egypt’s second highest peak. The hiker will then relive all the adventure of the past 3 days during an hour and a half jeep ride back to the town of St. Catherine’s.

Setting out from the heart of the high mountains, this trek offers a variety of stunning views with a moderate level of difficulty. The hiker leaves the notorious peaks behind, and aims for Mt. Umm Shomar, the second highest peak in Egypt and one South Sinai’s hidden jewels.  Walk through the colorful mix of red, purple, brown, beige and gray rocks on the way to the wide and imposing desert valley of Wadi Rahaba and its Byzantine ruins. The beautiful El Breka gorge gives a preview of the grade the hiker can expect the following day on the ascent up Umm Shomar. Once on top of this peak it is difficult to find the will to leave the stunning views it offers behind to regain the campsite in one of Wadi Rumhan’s numerous oases. The following days walk is worth the return however as the low lying greener valleys afford the opportunity to see a seasonal waterfall, an ancient leopard trap, a Bedouin cemetery, date palms and a spring on the way to Sheikh Ramadan’s ecocamp. Day five is open to relaxation at the camp or those up for more challenge can tailor a day-hike with one of the Bedouin guides.

Starting in the sandy escarpment of Wadi Rahaba, a short Jeep ride from St. Catherine's, this trek leads all the way down to the coastal sandy plains at El Tur city.

Highlights: The wide escasrpment of Wadi Rahaba; long, wide sandy wadis with boulders and palms; Byzantine Noamis on hilltop; a seasonal waterfall; Bedouin gardens and the ancient Monastery of Rumhan; spectacular views of the plains at El Tur city and the Gulf of Suez; narrow canyon with a creek, ponds and lush vegetation; the sandy plains at El Tur.

Starting in the heart of the rugged high mountains of Sinai, this trek leads all the way down to the coastal sandy plains at El Tur city.

Highlights: Specatcular views of the Blue Desert from mountain passes above; long, wide sandy wadis which get narrow at times, runing through granite walls and seasonal granite waterpools; Byzantine Noamises on hilltops and passes; the mighty Mt. Abu Masaud with magnificent views to the main mountains and wadis; Bedouin gardens and date palms among massive boulders; narrow canyon with a creek, ponds and lush vegetation; the sandy plains at El Tur and the view of the Gulf of Suez.

Starting in the heart of the rugged high mountaina of Sinai, this trek takes you to the second tallest peak of Egypt to see the the coastal sandy plains at El Tur city which you will reach a couple of days later, then turns back to the high mountains to climb another challenging peak before finally finishing in the surreal Blue Desert close to the starting point.

Highlights: colourful valleys and Bedouin gardens; Byzantine monastic settlement; Mt. Umm Shomar with spectacular views of the sandy plains at El Tur and the Gulf of Suez; Wadi Isla with narrow canyons, creek and lush vegetation; reaching the plains at El Tur; Bedouin gardens and date palms among massive boulders; the mighty Mt. Abu Masaud with magnificent views to the central mountain range and wadis; Byzantine Noamises on hilltops and passes; seasonal granite waterpools; views of the Blue Desert from mountain passes above and from ground level.