Travel about 280 km south from Aswan to the Abu Simbel Temples, where two mammoth temples rise from the Nubian landscape. Carved into Nubian rock during the reign of Ramses II, the site features colossal royal statues, sacred chambers, vivid battle reliefs, and the elegant Temple of Hathor dedicated to Queen Nefertari. Explore both temples and learn about their relocation and how an international UNESCO campaign saved them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser after the Aswan High Dam was built. With a private Egyptologist by your side, you’ll also discover the famous Sun Festival and the remarkable solar phenomenon that illuminates the inner sanctuary twice a year.
Ramses II's monumental temples, carved into the mountainside.
A temple dedicated to Ramses II's beloved wife.
Start with the giant. As you approach the Great Temple of Ramses II, four colossal statues of Ramses II, each about 20 metres high (66 feet), rise from the Nubian rock. The pharaoh wears the Pschent, the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt, with smaller royal figures carved around his feet.
Step inside the Great Hypostyle Hall, where past towering pillars and dramatic reliefs bring Ramses II’s reign to life, including scenes of the Battle of Kadesh against the Hittites.
Go deeper into the mountain, past towering pillars and battle scenes, until the light fades and the sacred sanctuary comes into view. Here, four figures sit in eternal silence: Amun-Ra, Ra-Horakhty, Ptah, and the deified Ramses II.
💡 Insider Reveal - The Sun Festival: Twice a year, on February 22 and October 22, sunlight travels deep through the temple to illuminate three of the four figures, while Ptah, associated with the underworld, remains in darkness. This remarkable solar phenomenon reflects the temple’s precise astronomical alignment.
📌 Planning to See the Sun Festival? Plan your Egypt travel dates around February 22 or October 22 to witness the remarkable solar phenomenon at Abu Simbel. Whether you’re staying in Aswan, Cairo, Luxor or anywhere else in Egypt, we can arrange your journey to Abu Simbel, from a day tour to a complete Egypt tour package. Contact us to plan the route around this extraordinary event.
Just steps from Ramses II’s colossal temple, discover a monument with a different kind of grandeur. The smaller Temple of Queen Nefertari, also known as the Temple of Hathor, was commissioned by Ramses II for his royal wife and dedicated to both Nefertari and Hathor, the goddess of love, motherhood, music, and fertility.
Six colossal statues emerge from the rock face: four of Ramses II and two of Nefertari. Step inside to find elegant Hathor-headed columns and beautifully carved reliefs showing Nefertari making offerings to the gods.
💡 Insider Reveal: Notice something unusual on the façade: Nefertari’s statues stand almost as tall as those of Ramses II. Rather than being shown as a much smaller royal figure, she commands an extraordinary presence beside the pharaoh, a striking reflection of her status as his Great Royal Wife.
Discover the awe-inspiring temples of Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Egypt's most iconic landmarks. This tour offers the flexibil...
US$ 80 per personDiscover the awe-inspiring temples of Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Egypt's most iconic landmarks. This tour offers the flexibil...
US$ 370 per personWe’ll pick you up from your hotel in the morning in a private vehicle. Simply let us know your preferred pickup time when you book. The evening before your trip, we’ll send you your guide’s name and contact number, so you know exactly who to expect.
Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes: the site involves walking over uneven ground.
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen: the Nubian sun can be strong, especially around the temples.
Water bottle: stay hydrated during the journey and while exploring the site.
Cash for tips: if you’d like to tip your guide or driver.
Camera or phone: you’ll want to capture the colossal façades and Nubian landscape.
Photography with your phone or camera is free at both Abu Simbel temples
Both temples are accessible by vehicle, with some walking along stone pathways and uneven surfaces inside the site.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup. No prepayment is taken to reserve the date; you settle with your guide on the day.
The Abu Simbel Temples were relocated between 1964 and 1968 to save them from being submerged by the rising waters of Lake Nasser following the construction of the Aswan High Dam. An international campaign led by UNESCO carefully cut the temples into large blocks and reconstructed them on higher ground nearby, preserving the monuments for future generations.
Queen Nefertari died around 1255 BCE, during the 24th or 25th year of Ramses II’s reign. Ramses II continued to rule Egypt for several decades and died around 1213 BCE, after a reign of roughly 66 years. Nefertari’s tomb, QV66 in the Valley of the Queens, is one of the most beautifully decorated royal tombs in ancient Egypt.
Yes. We can arrange a private journey to Abu Simbel from Aswan or coordinate the visit as part of a longer Egypt itinerary, including travel from Cairo, Luxor, and other destinations. We can also build Abu Simbel into a tailor-made Egypt tour.
Yes, Abu Simbel is suitable for children. The colossal statues, temples and ancient stories can be especially engaging for younger travelers. The journey from Aswan is long, so comfortable clothing, water, and sun protection are recommended.
Some walking is required, mainly along stone pathways between the parking area and the temples and while exploring the temple interiors. Comfortable closed-toe shoes are recommended.
Yes. Both Abu Simbel temples can be reached by vehicle, with walking required once you arrive at the site.
Yes. Photography with a phone or camera is free at both temples. You can capture the colossal statues, detailed reliefs, and temple interiors without paying a separate photography fee.
The Abu Simbel Temples are famous for their colossal statues of Ramses II, two massive rock-cut temples for King Ramses II and his wife, Queen Nefertari, about 230 km southwest of Aswan. Abu Simbel is also known for its Sun Festival, when sunlight reaches the sanctuary twice a year, and its extraordinary relocation in the 1960s to save the temples from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.
Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from any hotel in Aswan, at no extra cost.
Yes. Entrance fees to both Abu Simbel temples are included in the tour price, so there are no extra admission costs on the day.
The drive to the Abu Simbel Temple from Aswan takes about 3.5 to 4 hours each way, totaling around 7 to 8 hours for the round trip.
Wear light, breathable clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, along with comfortable closed-toe walking shoes. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also useful for the strong Nubian sun.
There are two main temples at Abu Simbel: the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Queen Nefertari, also known as the Temple of Hathor. Ramses II commissioned the Great Temple for himself and the smaller temple for his Great Royal Wife, Nefertari.
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