Abu Simbel from Aswan — How to Visit Egypt's Most Astonishing Temples

Of all the temples in Egypt, Abu Simbel is the one that stops people in their tracks. Four seated statues of Ramses II, each around twenty metres tall, guard the entrance to a temple cut straight into the mountain — and the whole thing was cut into blocks and moved in the 1960s to save it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.

Where it is

Abu Simbel lies far in the south of Egypt, close to the border with Sudan, roughly 280 kilometres from Aswan. That distance shapes the whole trip.

Getting there: road or air

By road — the classic way. Tours leave Aswan very early, often around four in the morning, drive about three and a half hours through the desert, and arrive in time to see the temples in soft morning light. You are usually back in Aswan by early afternoon.

By air — a short flight from Aswan, timed around the temple visit. It costs more but saves the long drive, and suits travellers with little time or small children.

Most visitors combine Abu Simbel with Aswan or a Nile cruise. Many cruises offer it as an optional excursion.

What you see

The Great Temple of Ramses II. Behind the four colossi, a series of halls leads deep into the rock, lined with statues of the king as the god Osiris and reliefs of his battles, including the famous Battle of Kadesh. At the far end, in the sanctuary, sit four gods.

The Temple of Nefertari. Next door, a smaller temple dedicated to Ramses' queen and the goddess Hathor — unusual for showing the queen at the same scale as the king. It is quieter and, for many visitors, just as beautiful.

The sun festival

Twice a year, around 22 February and 22 October, the rising sun shines straight down the length of the Great Temple and lights up the statues in the sanctuary. It is a remarkable piece of ancient engineering, and those mornings draw large crowds, so book early and expect a very early start.

Tips for the trip

• Sleep early. The pickup is in the middle of the night.
• Bring a layer. The desert is cold before sunrise, especially in winter.
• Take water, snacks and small cash. Facilities on the road are limited.
• Go with a guide. The carvings tell stories that are easy to miss on your own.
• Respect the photo rules inside the temples; they can change, and your guide will know.

Is it worth the early start?

Yes. Even people who have seen Karnak and the Valley of the Kings tend to say Abu Simbel was the moment they will remember.

Plan your visit

Compare the best-rated tours from Aswan, including Abu Simbel, all with real traveller reviews. Planning the whole south? Our Nile cruise guide explains how to combine it.