Abu Simbel Temples, Nubia Travel Guide

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Discover the majestic Abu Simbel temples, a testament to ancient Egyptian power and architectural genius, relocated to preserve history.

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Abu Simbel Temples

Abu Simbel is home to two massive rock-cut temples built by Ramses II in the 13th century BC. Saved from the rising waters of the Aswan Dam project, these iconic temples stand as a testament to ancient Egyptian power and architectural prowess.

A brief summary to Abu Simbel Temples

Abu Simbel, Aswan Governorate, EG
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Monday 5 am-6 pm
Tuesday 5 am-6 pm
Wednesday 5 am-6 pm
Thursday 5 am-6 pm
Friday 5 am-6 pm
Saturday 5 am-6 pm
Sunday 5 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Abu Simbel Temples.

Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the midday heat.
Purchase tickets with a credit card at the Visitor Center.
Wear sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes for walking in the desert environment.
Photography with a mobile phone is free; however, a photography ticket is required for cameras inside the temple.
Consider staying overnight in Abu Simbel to experience the temples at sunrise or attend the sound and light show.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Nubian Museum

Nubian Eco Village

Temple of Amada

Karnak

Wadi es-Sebua

Explore Abu Simbel Temples on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Abu Simbel Temples, mapped for you.

Getting There

Flight

The fastest way to reach Abu Simbel is by flying from Aswan International Airport (ASW) to Abu Simbel Airport (ABS). EgyptAir operates flights, with a flight time of approximately 45 minutes. From Abu Simbel Airport, a complimentary bus service is typically provided by the airline to the temple complex, a short 5 km trip. Alternatively, taxis are available.
Taxi

Taxis are available from Aswan to Abu Simbel. The journey takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, covering a distance of around 290 km. Agree on a price with the driver before starting the trip. The cost for a taxi from Aswan to Abu Simbel typically starts from 4000 EGP. Note that taxi drivers may not accept card payments, so it's advisable to bring local currency.
Tour Bus

Many tour operators offer bus trips from Aswan to Abu Simbel. These tours usually include hotel pick-up and drop-off, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and an Egyptologist guide. The bus trip takes around 3.5 to 4 hours. Tour prices vary, typically starting from 200 EGP to 1000 EGP, excluding the entrance fee to the temples.

Discover more about Abu Simbel Temples

The Abu Simbel temples, located in Nubia, southern Egypt, near the border with Sudan, are among the most awe-inspiring monuments. Carved into a solid rock cliff during the reign of Ramses II (c. 1279 - c. 1213 BCE), construction of the temple complex started in c. 1264 BC and lasted for about 20 years, until 1244 BC. The Great Temple is dedicated to the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah, as well as to the deified Ramesses himself. It is known for its four imposing seated colossal statues of Ramses II that dominate its façade. One of these statues collapsed due to an ancient earthquake, and its fragments remain on the ground. Inside, colossal standing statues of the king line the main hall, leading to the sanctuary where the four deities are seated. The walls of the temple showcase mural reliefs depicting scenes from Ramses II's military campaigns, including the Battle of Kadesh.To the north of the Great Temple lies the Small Temple, dedicated to the goddess Hathor and Ramses II's chief consort, Queen Nefertari. The facade of the Small Temple features statues of the king and his queen, a rare instance where a queen's statues are the same size as the pharaoh's.In the 1960s, the temples faced submersion under Lake Nasser due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam. An international UNESCO team dismantled the entire complex and relocated it to higher ground in a remarkable feat of engineering. Today, Abu Simbel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist destination.