Free trail guide · Dahab, South Sinai
What to bring
- At least 2 L of water each
- Closed shoes with grip
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Charged phone + this page saved
- A snack for the top
- Start early; skip midday in summer
Free route guide. Rather go with a local guide? We run El Byda & El Smeera Valleys as a free community hike from Asala.
The entrance is behind Asala, right next to the fire station—check out the photo!
Coordinates: 28.50869, 34.508192
Keep walking until you reach the house in the mountains, home to some lovely people and their friendly dogs.
A dog whistle might come in handy if the dogs are outside, but don’t worry—they’re mostly just enthusiastic barkers! No need to run or panic. Just walk past calmly, slow and steady wins the race (see photo 2).
Coordinates: 28.517327, 34.496981
Begin climbing up the rocks toward the point where the valley narrows (check out photo 3).
The first real obstacle pops up here (photo 4):
Coordinates: 28.520489, 34.494956
Once you reach this spot, look for two possible paths—veering just a bit to the left (see photo 5).
Coordinates: 28.522096, 34.493928
Continue until you spot the cairn on your right, then go up. Before that and while you’re here, take a peek over the cliff for an epic view or snap a quick photo (photos 6 & 7)!
Coordinates: 28.522413, 34.493737
From this point, keep following the cairns as they lead you up, down, up, and down again along the mountain.
When you veer slightly left at this spot, you’ll find the easiest path into the valley. Here’s where you’ll start a gentle descent (photos 8).
Coordinates: 28.52338, 34.49375
From there, (photo 9) continue straight along the valley. You’ll come across some manageable obstacles, but no need to worry—it’s all one clear path, following the valley’s route until you reach the next checkpoint.
At this particular point, you’ll end up facing a cliff (photo 10).
Coordinates: 28.51333, 34.493897
If you see that, don’t worry! That just means you’ve gone a tad too far. The right way is just a few steps back, then choose the path that ascends to the mountain up above (see photo 11).
As you ascend, stick a bit to one side—preferably the left, where the rocks are tougher and less slippery than in the middle. Be mindful of loose stones, especially if you have company (photo 12).
After reaching the top view point, feel free if you want to take a few steps towards the top, take a break, have your snacks for a while, it worth staying a bit (photo 13)
After soaking in the mesmerizing view, begin your descent at the spot shown in photo 14, heading down to the valley, start walking for about 1km, that will bring you right back to the main road.
Thanks for reading
Cadence Seekers
Hike it with us
El Byda & El Smeera Valleys, guided and free
Small group, local guides who know every turn, meeting point in Asala. No need to navigate the obstacles alone.
See dates & reserve a free spotAsk on WhatsApp
Going solo? Tell someone your route and return time, carry at least 2 L of water each, and avoid the midday heat. Want something bigger? See all our trips from Dahab.
