St. Catherine is a little village surrounded by the mountains and hidden on all sides by the desert. The city is a religious centre and is secured by military troops and police. The city has several sectors: campsites, the centre (Monastery part), and the hotel section. You can find whatever you want! The prices will suit everyone, from the camps and hostels with only a bed, to the stylish five-star hotels.

We chose the “Fox” camp with amazing food near a campfire, strong coffee in the morning, and the white-toothed smiles of the Bedouins. Each day was different as we met travellers from all places. Some came to ascend Jebel Mussa (Mountain of Moses) to greet the sunrise; to speak with God and to find the way to their inner thoughts.

On a cold and pale morning, with only the strong coffee to warm and wake us, we went downtown. Early in the morning, you will stand for a while to buy some steaming bread or buy some “falafel”- the vegetarian roasted food that is cooked on a fire. Local kids “attack” travellers, asking for some “bakshish” – money or some candies. The village presents itself with all amenities and traditions, a typical Middle Eastern town. We expected what we saw the first time, but when we came for the second and third time and stayed for a couple of weeks, we became guests of this little town.

When we came to St. Catherine the first time, the new routes that we did were very hard. We climbed carefully, and because of the lack of Beta – where the climbs were, how to get there, what type of gear was needed - finding the best way kept tensions high. However, the routes are very interesting, serious climbs without any bolts. You would be lucky to find any bolts, fixed gear or any rappel anchors on the descents.