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Abu Simbel Temples

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Abu Simbel Temples (Egypt)

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The Abu Simbel Temples are two massive rock-cut monuments located in southern Egypt, near the border with Sudan. Built by Ramses II in the 13th century BC, they were designed to project the power of the Egyptian Empire into Nubia and commemorate the Pharaoh's victory at the Battle of Kadesh. The Great Temple features four 20-meter-tall seated statues of Ramses II guarding the entrance, while the Small Temple is dedicated to Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor. A remarkable solar alignment allows sunlight to penetrate 60 meters into the inner sanctuary twice a year, illuminating statues of the gods. In the 1960s, the construction of the Aswan High Dam threatened to submerge the site under Lake Nasser. Through a historic UNESCO-led international effort, the temples were meticulously dismantled into over 2,000 blocks and relocated to a plateau 65 meters higher to preserve them for future generations. Today, they remain a symbol of both ancient engineering and modern heritage preservation.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151722273133343432282116
Rain mm000000000000

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Abu Simbel temples are open to visitors for an entry fee, comprising the main temple of Ramesses II and the smaller temple of Hathor for Nefertari. The interiors are accessible.
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Typical hours
The temples are typically open daily from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry at 4:00 PM. In winter, they often open at 7:00 AM. Evening sound and light shows are held.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the site, but without flash inside to protect the wall reliefs. Tripods are only permitted in outdoor areas.
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Time needed
Allow at least 2 hours for both temples. If you also visit the small museum and the surroundings, 3 hours is realistic.
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Combine with
Abu Simbel is remote; you can combine it with a visit to the Aswan High Dam or the Philae Temple on the way back. Organized bus or flight tours from Aswan are common.
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Getting there
The temples are about 280 km south of Aswan; you can reach them by bus (about 3.5 hours) or by plane (30 minutes) from Aswan. Many visitors book an organized tour with transfer.
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Insider tip
Book an early morning tour to see the temples before the heat and crowds. The sunrise behind the colossi is an unforgettable experience.

Geography

Coordinates
22.33700, 31.62580

Facts

  • Construction took approximately 20 years, ending in 1244 BC
  • The four seated statues of Ramses II are 20 meters high
  • The site was rediscovered in 1813 by Jean-Louis Burckhardt
  • Relocation involved cutting the temples into over 2,000 blocks
  • Solar illumination occurs on February 22 and October 22
  • The Great Temple is carved 60 meters deep into the sandstone cliff

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Island near Abu SimbelIsland near Abu Simbel5 km · SWExplore →
Faras RuinsFaras Ruins25 km · SWExplore →
BuhenBuhen56 km · SWExplore →
Wadi Halfa ReachWadi Halfa Reach58 km · SWExplore →
Wadi Halfa River PortWadi Halfa River Port60 km · SWExplore →
MirgissaMirgissa71 km · SWExplore →
AskutAskut87 km · SWExplore →
ShalfakShalfak100 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Abu Simbel Temples (2)

Abu Simbel Temples salvage documentation center🏛 museum

This museum meticulously documents the incredible 1960s UNESCO engineering project that cut and relocated the massive Abu Simbel temples to save them from flooding.

Abu Simbel Temples📍 landmark

These two colossal rock-cut temples were completely disassembled and moved to higher ground in a historic effort to preserve them from the rising Nile waters.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How do you get to Abu Simbel?
Usually by plane or bus convoy (approx. 3 hours) from Aswan.
When does the solar miracle occur?
On February 22 and October 22, the sun illuminates the inner sanctum.
Were the temples moved?
Yes, they were completely dismantled and rebuilt on higher ground in the 1960s.
Are there hotels there?
Yes, there are a few hotels for guests wishing to stay overnight.
Is photography allowed inside?
Only with a special photo permit; flash is strictly prohibited.
Abu Simbel Temples: where is it located?
Abu Simbel Temples is located in Egypt.
Abu Simbel Temples: what is there to see?
Highlights include Abu Simbel Temples salvage documentation center, Abu Simbel Temples.
Abu Simbel Temples: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.
Abu Simbel Temples: why is it worth visiting?
The Abu Simbel Temples are two massive rock-cut monuments located in southern Egypt, near the border with Sudan.
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Nearby cities

Aswan — Abu Simbel Temples (Egypt)
Aswan
The sunniest city in southern Egypt, rich in Nubian culture.
Idfu — Abu Simbel Temples (Egypt)
Idfu
An Upper Egyptian city famous for its exceptionally well-preserved temple.
Lake Nasser — Abu Simbel Temples (Egypt)
Lake Nasser
Lake Nasser is one of the world's largest artificial lakes, created by the Aswan High Dam and surrounded by relocated ancient Nubian monu…

History & landmarks

Aswan High Dam — Abu Simbel Temples (Egypt)
Aswan High Dam
A monumental rock-fill dam built across the Nile in Aswan, creating Lake Nasser and controlling the river's annual flooding.
Nubian Museum — Abu Simbel Temples (Egypt)
Nubian Museum
An archaeological museum located in Aswan dedicated to the history and culture of the Nubian people.

Nature

Lake Nasser — Abu Simbel Temples (Egypt)
Lake Nasser
A massive reservoir in southern Egypt.

More places

Island near Abu Simbel — Abu Simbel Temples (Egypt)
Island near Abu Simbel
An island in Lake Nasser.
Temple of Kalabsha — Abu Simbel Temples (Egypt)
Temple of Kalabsha
An ancient Egyptian temple that was originally located at Bab al-Kalabsha and moved due to the dam.
Aswan Dam Hydroelectric Plant — Abu Simbel Temples (Egypt)
Aswan Dam Hydroelectric Plant
A massive hydroelectric plant at the Aswan Dam generating a large portion of Egypt's electricity.
Philae Temple — Abu Simbel Temples (Egypt)
Philae Temple
A temple complex on an island in the reservoir of the Aswan Low Dam, dedicated to the goddess Isis.
Kitchener's Island Botanical Garden — Abu Simbel Temples (Egypt)
Kitchener's Island Botanical Garden
A lush garden on a Nile island in Aswan.
Elephantine Island Park — Abu Simbel Temples (Egypt)
Elephantine Island Park
A peaceful park on a historic Nile island.
Benban Solar Park — Abu Simbel Temples (Egypt)
Benban Solar Park
One of the largest solar parks in the world, located near Aswan.
Kom Ombo Temple — Abu Simbel Temples (Egypt)
Kom Ombo Temple
An unusual double temple dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris.