Al Galt al-Azra’ – The Blue Pool of Sinai

Tucked deep in the high mountains of Saint Catherine lies Al Galt al-Azra’, or “The Blue Pool.” Hidden among granite cliffs, this small natural pool glows with shades of turquoise and sapphire, a rare oasis in the heart of the desert. For hikers, it is both a refreshing stop and a reminder of how life thrives in unexpected places.

The Magic of the Blue Pool

Unlike Mount Mousa or Jebel Abbas Basha, the Blue Pool is not about sweeping peaks or ancient ruins. Instead, it is about intimacy with nature—clear water collected in a natural granite basin, surrounded by boulders smoothed by centuries of wind and rain.

For the Bedouins, the pool has always been a place of rest and gathering. Shepherds watered their animals here, travelers paused to refresh, and local guides still bring hikers to share this pocket of coolness amid the desert heat.

Some say the water is blessed, carrying healing properties. Whether or not you believe in legends, sitting by the pool in silence feels restorative.

The Hike

Reaching Al Galt al-Azra’ is usually done as part of a multi-day trek that also includes Jebel Abbas Basha. The routes vary, but they often weave through orchards, wadis, and high passes before dropping into the hidden basin where the pool lies.

• Duration: Typically a 2-day trek if combined with Abbas Pasha; shorter if approached directly from Saint Catherine.
• Difficulty: Moderate; trails can be rocky but not overly steep.
• Highlights: Water shimmering under Sinai’s sun, picnic spots under acacia trees, and the quiet presence of Bedouin history in the landscape.

Why Visit Al Galt al-Azra’?

The Blue Pool is not about conquering peaks or ticking off famous landmarks. It’s about slowing down, listening to silence, and appreciating the rare gift of water in the desert.

For travelers staying at Dar Katrine, visiting Al Galt al-Azra’ is an opportunity to experience Sinai’s gentler side—an oasis of beauty, Bedouin tradition, and stillness that lingers long after you leave.