Abu Simbel Temples

Last updated on November 6th, 2026 at 12:47 pm

Abu Simbel is two rock temples built by Ramesses II in the 13th century BC, about 280 km south of Aswan near the Sudan border. Most visitors come on a day trip by road (about 3 hours each way) or by a short flight. Plan an early start and check tickets and hours before you go.

Abu Simbel is a pair of temples cut into the rock. The Great Temple of Ramesses II has four seated colossi about 20 metres high at the entrance. The smaller temple beside it is dedicated to Nefertari and the goddess Hathor.

Ramesses II had the temples carved around 1264 BC to show Egyptian power in Nubia. They were buried by sand until rediscovered in the early 19th century. When the High Dam created Lake Nasser, both temples were cut into blocks and rebuilt on higher ground in the 1960s in a UNESCO rescue campaign.

The facade announced Egypt power to anyone arriving from the south, and the temples honour Ramesses II with the gods Amun-Re, Ra-Horakhty and Ptah. The small temple honours Queen Nefertari.

The scale of the colossi, the interior reliefs and the rescue story make it one of the great sights of Egypt. It is also remote, so the trip feels like an adventure.

Abu Simbel is on the western shore of Lake Nasser, about 280 km south of Aswan and a few dozen kilometres from the Sudan border.

Yes, if you are in Aswan. The road is long, but the temples are among the most impressive in Egypt. If you cannot manage the early start, the flight option keeps it to a few hours.

• The four colossal statues of Ramesses II on the facade.
• The inner hall with Osiris-style statues and battle reliefs.
• The sanctuary at the back, aligned with the sun twice a year.
• The Temple of Nefertari with the figures of Hathor.
• The view over Lake Nasser from the site.

October to April is more comfortable. The sun alignment takes place around 22 February and 22 October, and the site is very crowded then; see our Abu Simbel Sun Festival guide. In summer go as early as possible.

By road it is about 3 hours each way, usually in a convoy that leaves before dawn. By plane the flight from Aswan takes under an hour, with transfers to the site. A private road tour or the flight day tour handles it for you.

Plan 1.5 to 2 hours at the site. With the road trip the whole day is 9 to 10 hours from Aswan.

Light clothes that cover shoulders and knees, a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses, as there is little shade.

Yes, the road trip is routine for tourists. Travel with a licensed operator and bring water.

• Start early: the road convoy leaves well before sunrise.
• Bring water and snacks for the road.
• Photography inside the temples may be restricted or ticketed: ask at the gate.
• Keep your passport with you for checks on the road.

Not required, but a guide explains the reliefs and the relocation story and handles the convoy timing. It is worth it for a first visit.

Tickets are paid at the gate and the foreign adult price changes, so check the current price at egymonuments.gov.eg or the ticket office. Tour prices usually exclude the ticket, so check what is included.

The site opens early morning and closes in the afternoon, with longer hours in summer. Check the current hours at the gate or on egymonuments.gov.eg.

Abu Simbel is worth the early start. The road day trip is the budget way and the flight saves hours; either way go early, wear a hat and keep the morning light for the facade.

Abu Simbel Temples – A Complete Guide for New Visitors

CAIRO: Read our article Top 10 Best Things to Do in Cairo We also have a 3 day Cairo Itinerary and how to take a day trip Saqqara.

LUXOR: Get on overview on what to do in our article Top 10 Things to do in Luxor , Why you should visit Luxor and We also have A Comprehensive Guide to Explore Luxor Attractions

ASWAN: Read our articles about the top attractions in Aswan and When to visit Aswan and we also have detailed A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Aswan

ALEXANDRIA: Read our article about The top attractions in Alexandria and when you should visit Alexandria and we also have a detailed guide to Alexandria and how to take a day trip from Cairo to Alexandria

Dahab: Read our article about the best things to do in Dahab and when you should visit Dahab and we also have an article about the top attractions in Dahab and how to spend a day in Dahab.

Bahariya Oasis: Read our article about The Best Things to Do in Bahariya Oasis and when you should visit Bahariya Oasis and we also have a detailed guide about how to take 2 Days Trip to Bahariya Oasis from Cairo:

EGYPT ITINERARY: With 8 days in Egypt, visit Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel.

TRAVEL ADVICE: Here is list of important things to know before visit Egypt. the best time to visit Egypt, Advice for first-time travelers in Egypt, and Top 5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Egypt in 2024 – 2025

Aswan Souk | Aswan Botanical Garden | Nubian Village | Elephantine Island | Tombs of the Nobles | Philae Temple | Kom Ombo Temple | Edfu Temple of Horus