Abu Simbel Temple, Egypt – Complete Guide

I had Abu Simbel Temple on my bucket list for so long and I have seen so many videos and pictures from this place that I thought nothing will surprise me, but I was so wrong! This place is truly an ancient marvel that will take your breath away! 

Abu Simbel is a UNESCO World Heritage site an is home to two massive rock temples built during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BCE. These temples are dedicated to Ramses II himself and his queen, Nefertari, and they serve as a grand celebration of the pharaoh’s rule and Egypt’s ancient history.

How to get here:

Abu Simbel Temple is located in the southern part of Egypt, near the border with Sudan. It lies on the western bank of Lake Nasser, about 280 kilometers southwest of Aswan.

There are several ways to reach Abu Simbel Temple. You can get here by air: Aswan has an airport with daily flights to Abu Simbel, which take approximately 40 minutes. This makes more sense if you want to spend the night here.
Alternatively, you can take the bus or better, you can join an organized tour from Aswan, which typically involves an early morning departure and a scenic journey through the desert.

In my opinion, taking a tour is the best and most convinient way to visit the temple, because the tour takes you from your accommodation and back in the same day and the time you spend at the temple is more than enough.

When to Visit:

Abu Simbel is located in a remote region with a scorching climate. To avoid the sweltering heat and the crowds, the best time to visit is during the cooler months, from November to February. We visited the temple in the shoulder season, in May, and we got really lucky because we arrived early and beat the crowds. The tours usually arrive at around the same time, so you need to be lucky to take pictures without crowds when joining a tour. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the temple, I’m sure sunset is magical and peaceful here, but you would need to spend the night in the area to do this and I’m not sure it’s worth the hassle.

Entrance cost:

Visiting Abu Simbel Temple requires purchasing an entrance ticket. The price for international visitors is higher than for Egyptians and residents (as always) and it’s around 280EGP.
Make sure you bring your card as it’s almost impossible paying by cash.

What to Visit:

The main temple, known as the Great Temple of Abu Simbel, features four colossal statues of Ramses II seated on thrones, each measuring over 20 meters in height. The carvings on the temple’s facade depict scenes from Ramses II’s military victories and religious rituals.

There’s also a smaller temple dedicated to Ramses II’s beloved wife, Queen Nefertari. This temple is equally impressive, with six statues guarding the entrance, including two of the queen herself. The interior walls are adorned with vibrant murals illustrating the queen’s life and the deities she worshipped.

Other Important Details:

• Dress modestly out of respect for the local culture.
• There are cafes and souvenir shops nearby for refreshments and mementos.
• Photography is generally allowed, but check for any specific restrictions or guidelines on-site.
• Be prepared for a breathtaking sight as the massive statues and intricate carvings come to life under the sun’s golden embrace.

Hope you will enjoy Abu Simbel as much as I did!

PS: If this is your first trip to Egypt, I wrote a complete guide with What you should know before you travel to Egypt.

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