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[Perl]

Hey there All.

I'll be going to Egypt again, this time to the Sinai Peninsula and have loads of questions. Well, answers I have from relevant research but I would put my trust on you guys anytime. So.
I'm going on September, I think that's a nice season, do you agree?
What kind of clothes should I pack?? I hear anything from a bikini to a blanket and from sandals to hiking boots! I love to travel light so surely there must be a way to avoid packing a mountain of gear...
Has anyone been to Mount Sinai on his own? A tour would cost around 65euro and I am not to big either on tours or their costs. Can I go independently and if so, how do I go about it?? I would love to see the sunrise so I don't mind getting up early but how long does each step take, how do I get from sharm to wherever the trek begins etc etc...

Thanks in advance everyone!!

[starlagurl]

Did you check the blogs yet? Apparently the best way is to go up the "steps of repentance" instead of the path.

Here are some good TravelPod blogs:
http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entri...97100/tpod.html

This person didn't like it so much, he probably went the front way:
http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entri...67840/tpod.html

And here's some people who did like it:
http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entri...09780/tpod.html

[Perl]

Did you check the blogs yet? Apparently the best way is to go up the "steps of repentance" instead of the path.

Here are some good TravelPod blogs:
http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entri...97100/tpod.html

This person didn't like it so much, he probably went the front way:
http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entri...67840/tpod.html

And here's some people who did like it:
http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entri...09780/tpod.html

Thanks a lot starlagurl.

They are not being particularly detailed ie helpful, but at least I am convinced this is worth the try. For the rest... I'd buy Lonely Planet guide anyways.

Again, Many thanks

[technotrekker]

Depends if you're visiting during the day or overnight. Most people go on the overnight expedition to see the dawn from the top of the mountain. Sounds cold and damn dangerous to me, so I went during the day.

Either during the day or night, I wouldn't recommend taking the Stairs of Repentance going up, especially coming out of summer (if you're going in September). Take the normal route up (is enough of a mission without going vertical) and then take the Stairs of Repentance down (if you're going during the day).

Unless the laws on tourist movement have changed radically in the last couple of years it will be easier to go on a loose tour, especially at night. Hiring a car and getting past army checkpoints might be taking the independent travel thing a bit too far. There are a few diving and backpacking style places in Dahab where you can organise a cheap/basic tour which is basically a minivan to/from St Katherines. They let you roam free once you're there, as long as you're back in time to get the ride back.

Definitely get a tour and take some warm clothes if you're going overnight. It is cold up there due to the wind even in the afternoon. It must be arctic at the summit at 3am.

It is well worth it however. Pics and full description here:

http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entri...tml#ENTRY_START

Good luck,
tt

[Perl]

technotrekker'

Thanks for your reply.

I am now out of the dark.