Abu Simbel
What is Abu Simbel?
Two temples cut into a sandstone cliff above Lake Nasser for Ramesses II in the 13th century BC: the Great Temple, fronted by four seated colossi of the king, and a smaller temple for Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor.
In the 1960s both were cut into blocks and raised to higher ground to save them from the lake created by the High Dam. They lie far south of Aswan, near the border with Sudan.
- Great Temple of Ramesses II
- Temple of Nefertari and Hathor
- Lake Nasser
The Two Temples
A king’s statement of power at the edge of his empire, and a queen honoured beside him.
The Great Temple of Ramesses II
Four colossi of the seated king, each some twenty metres high, guard the entrance. Inside, the halls run deep into the rock to a sanctuary where Ramesses sits among the gods.
The Temple of Nefertari and Hathor
A smaller temple beside it, where the queen stands at the same height as the king on the facade, a rare honour in Egyptian art.
The rescue
Between 1964 and 1968, in an international campaign led by UNESCO, both temples were cut into blocks and rebuilt on higher ground, above the rising water of Lake Nasser. They are part of the Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae, a World Heritage Site.
How to Get There
A journey in itself, best planned around rather than fitted in.
By road from Aswan
About three hours each way across the desert, in a private vehicle. It is the usual way, with a very early start so the temples are seen before the heat.
By air
A short flight from Aswan, when one is scheduled for the dates. It saves the drive but depends on the timetable.
An overnight
Staying a night near the temples allows the evening sound and light show and a quiet early visit before the day trips arrive.
By Lake Nasser
Cruises on Lake Nasser between Aswan and Abu Simbel also begin or end here, for clients who want to arrive by water.
Abu Simbel for the Trade
- Getting there
- From Aswan: about three hours each way by road, or a short flight when scheduled.
- Time needed
- A long day from Aswan, or a night nearby for the sound and light show and an early visit.
- When to go
- October to April for comfort, and always early in the day. Around 22 February and 22 October, the rising sun reaches the statues in the inner sanctuary.
- Is it included?
- Not in a Luxor to Aswan Nile cruise. It is added from Aswan, as in our 10-day journey.
- Pairs with
- Aswan before and after, and a Lake Nasser cruise for clients with more time.
A Journey With Abu Simbel
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Abu Simbel from Aswan?
About three hours each way by road. A short flight is an alternative when one is scheduled for the dates.
Is Abu Simbel worth the journey?
For most clients, yes. The Great Temple is among the most striking monuments in Egypt, and the story of its rescue from Lake Nasser is part of the visit. It is a long day, so it suits clients who do not mind an early start.
Can clients stay overnight at Abu Simbel?
Yes. An overnight near the temples allows the evening sound and light show and a quiet visit early the next morning, before the day trips arrive from Aswan.
When does the sun reach the sanctuary?
Around 22 February and 22 October each year, the rising sun shines along the length of the Great Temple onto the statues in its inner sanctuary. Those mornings are busy and are planned well ahead.
Tell us who is going to Abu Simbel.
Share the travellers, the dates and what they want from Abu Simbel. We will come back with how it fits their journey.
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