Last updated on November 6th, 2026 at 12:35 pm
Karnak is the largest ancient temple complex in Egypt, on Luxor’s East Bank. It grew over about 2,000 years and is best seen in the morning, when it opens at 6 AM. Allow 2–3 hours; foreign adults paid about EGP 600 on our last check (2026), so check egymonuments.gov.eg.
Karnak is a vast complex of temples, chapels and pylons dedicated mainly to Amun-Re, with precincts for Mut and Montu. Almost every great pharaoh from the Middle Kingdom to the Ptolemies added something.
Building began in the Middle Kingdom and continued for roughly 2,000 years under about 30 pharaohs, including Hatshepsut, Thutmose III, Seti I and Ramesses II. It was the religious centre of Thebes.
The Great Hypostyle Hall, with 134 giant columns, the towering obelisks and the sheer scale of the site.
It is the best place in Egypt to feel the size of Egyptian religion, and a good start to a Luxor visit.
Yes – it is Luxor’s most impressive site and easily half a day.
Arrive at 6 AM for cool air and few crowds. In summer avoid midday.
Taxi or Uber from anywhere in Luxor (a few minutes). Many tours combine it with Luxor Temple.
Two to three hours; more if you love detail.
Light clothes, a hat, sunscreen and comfortable shoes – there is little shade.
Yes. The site has tourist police. Ignore unofficial guides at the gate.
A guide helps a lot: the site is huge and confusing. Book a tour or hire a licensed guide.
Parts date to about 2000 BC; the main building spans roughly 2,000 years.
It is the largest ancient Egyptian temple complex; Angkor Wat in Cambodia is larger in total area.
Foreign adults paid about EGP 600 and students about half on our last check (2026). Check egymonuments.gov.eg.
Open daily from 6 AM; last entry about 5 PM in summer and 4 PM in winter.
Karnak is the one Luxor monument not to miss. Go early, walk the Great Hypostyle Hall slowly, and finish with the Sacred Lake.
Book this experience: Luxor East Bank tour: Karnak and Luxor Temple – from $25.
Karnak Temple – 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 detailed guides to take A Day Trip to Luxor from Cairo
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.
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