Abu Simbel Temple Complex
Abu Simbel Temple Complex
Abu Simbel Temple Complex
5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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- Craig HHarvest, Alabama266 contributionsClearly a top siteI was here when the dawn light ran down the temple hall to illuminate three statues as it does each October and February -- said to be Ramses birthday and coronation date. The crowding is incredible so in addition to being there on that date, I was also there a day early when the visitors were fewer. (On the big day I got up at 0100 to get in line to be about the fifth person in line.)Visited October 2022Written 17 December 2022
- Naomi MOttawa County, Michigan6 contributionsAmazing site, hard to get toDefinitely the highlight of a tour in Egypt. The pyramids are amazing but everyone should see Abu simbel. We suggest a more private tour if you can do it, as tour operators just herd crowds of people in. You are on the road for AT LEAST 6 hours and will only have max 2 hours onsite.Visited December 2022Written 31 December 2022
- WalesStar85 contributionsWOWAn incredible experience that will take your breath away. Definitely worth the 6 hr round trip. We went on a Tuesday when the cruise had left Aswan and arrived 10.30am. We near had the luxury of the temples to ourselves compared to those on the main tours off cruises. BEWARE the cafe st exit. He tried to charge us 400EGP for 1 x coffee, 1 x tea and 1 x crisps. Said we should have asked price before buying!Visited January 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 January 2023
- ashrafi85Bengaluru, India73 contributionsA massive collosal breathtaking structure. The sheer size of it takes your breath awayAbu Simbel is a massive and collosol temple complex built by Rameses II. There is another temple there devoted to his beloved wife Nefertari. The sheer size of the structure takes your breath away...from the four massive imposing statues of Pharoah Ramses II at the entrance to the collosal statues lining the passage on either side as you step foot into this behemoth architectural structure, to the heiroglypics and murals etched on the walls of its numerous inner chambers. It is simply stunning and a must see. A true marvel of the ancient Egyptian civilization. About 4 hours drive by road from Aswan though I felt it could have been done a bit quicker as our driver didn't go over 100kmph. The roads are excellent. Abu Simbel was moved from its original location and reconstructed stone by stone like a jigsaw puzzle besides the Al Nasser Dam. The location is very scenic with the blue waters of the dam. I think some of the Nile cruises stop there as well if you prefer to sail as I spied many river boats there. Guides are not allowed inside the temple complex so they explain what you can expect to see outside and then you can go in and explore on your own and take photographs to your hearts content. It is advisable to go as early in the morning as possible because the sun does get very hot.wear a hat and sunscreen. The smaller temple of Nefertari too is quite impressive. I liked the Abu Simbel temple complex the most in my entire tour of Egypt.Visited December 2022Travelled with familyWritten 10 January 2023
- James VBrentwood, California448 contributionsAbu SimbelAbu Simbel is comprised of two temples carved into the mountainside. The largest temple is dedicated to Ramses II and contains four colossal statues at the entrance . Each 69 ft tall . Built in 1301-1213 BC to intimidate his enemies and place him amongst the Gods. There is so much history here it is recommended that you have an Egyptologist as a tour guide . The entire complex had to be moved to higher ground when a dam was built and formed Lake Nasser in the 1960’s . The project took 4 years to complete. The smaller temple is the temple of Hathor and Nefertari (Ramses II favorite wife ) . This site is a must when visiting Egypt , it’s importance and significance makes it a World Heritage Site . You will be amazed at the breadth of this amazing place .Visited January 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 5 February 2023
- h2opolodadChino Hills, California113 contributionsWOW!!What an incredible experience. To know that this complex has been moved made the trip even better. And the site, while small, is definitely worth the time to visit. The complex nd the status are incredible to see, and the fact that even the inside has been re-created to be at the exact angles as the original was beyond spectacular.Visited March 2022Written 5 February 2023
- Petr SuchánekPrague, Czech Republic9 contributionsunforgettable Memoriesi have been to this wonderful place several times . i do really love it its a magnificent temple and very well preserved paintings on the walls ! i can't imagine that the temple was built 3 thousands years ago ! i really recommend every visitor of Egypt to visit Abu Simbel it's a great experience !Visited February 2023Written 11 February 2023
- Robert P NLos Angeles, California2,414 contributionsReally amazing to see with your eyes.Abu simbel is exactly what you think from seeing it used in many movies and shows. The amazing part is that they actually moved it and recarved it into the stone hundreds of yards to protect it from the rising tide. It is very well preserved and worth the visit. We had to take a private flight and a bus just to get there.Visited February 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 12 February 2023
- Xave EdisonSingapore, Singapore760 contributionsMain highlight in EgyptAbu Simbel Temple is a must-see when in Egypt, though it takes about a 3.5h drive from Aswan. The Ramesses II statues on the exterior and interior are huge and nicely carved. The temple is quite small and can easily explore within 20 min. The Temple of Nefertari beside Abu Simbel Temple is equally impressive. The interior is also quite small. A cafe and gift shop are available beside the viewing platform where you can sit down and enjoy Ramesses II's masterpiece dating back to the 13th Century BC. The price for 2023 has increased to 275 LE but it is totally worth it. If you don't like haggling, try to avoid buying any souvenirs from the stretch of gift shops along the exit. They are overcharging all the items.Visited February 2023Written 14 February 2023
- the10ftysShobdon, United Kingdom16 contributionsHoliday highlight!We flew from Aswan to Abu Simbel to avoid making the long journey by road (3.5hrs minimum each way). This meant we arrived later and so missed the worst of the crowds, but close to midday it was extremely hot (36c that day, and really not much shade at all). There is a short downhill walk of maybe 200m, which takes you to the temples, and there’s a golf buggy option if you don’t fancy the return uphill hime to the car park.Visited March 2023Written 10 March 2023
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Pravi M
Durban, South Africa39 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
A stunning mathematical & engineering endeavor by Rameses II. Extremely breathtaking & sophisticated as well
Written 10 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jimmy
Rome, Italy4 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
Just came back from a fabulous visit to Abul simbel, highly recommended, only tip I can give is maybe fly from Aswan rather than the 10 hour journey we had :( I didn't know you could fly from Aswan directly there... Mea culpa for not checking. The place is amazing truly a master piece
Written 8 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FionnPhelan
Kildare, Ireland30 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
It takes 3 hours to get to Abu Simbel from Aswan. In my opinion it's not worth it if you have already seen Luxor, Giza and Philae. Abu Simbel is beautiful but a long drive and there is not much other than the two temples and considering it takes a day from your itinerary it is only for the true Egypt history buff.
When you are there, you have to pay more than other temples (410 EDP) and then you are stuck in the middle of nowhere and if you didn't pack a lunch you are in for a nasty suprise. Coke can was 100EDP or €3 whereas in Aswan you would pay €0.20 or less. We didn't ask how much for food but can guess we'd have been equally shocked. The guides of course will say it is beautiful but philae is just as good. Then we had to pay 10 pound to use the toilet when they let a 'policeman' use it for free, the policeman was our driver. Nonsense!
Seriously folks, I'd give this one a miss if you're thinking about a day tour.
When you are there, you have to pay more than other temples (410 EDP) and then you are stuck in the middle of nowhere and if you didn't pack a lunch you are in for a nasty suprise. Coke can was 100EDP or €3 whereas in Aswan you would pay €0.20 or less. We didn't ask how much for food but can guess we'd have been equally shocked. The guides of course will say it is beautiful but philae is just as good. Then we had to pay 10 pound to use the toilet when they let a 'policeman' use it for free, the policeman was our driver. Nonsense!
Seriously folks, I'd give this one a miss if you're thinking about a day tour.
Written 26 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
active8_10
Windsor, UK18 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
This "transported" temple is completely amazing but unfortunately you need to consider if it's really worth the extra trip from Aswan - if offered as a day bus trip.
Our experience was unfortunately not good, as with all us tourists being funnelled into the similar time frame it meant the loo facilities were completely crushed both at the "comfort" (!) stops on the way out and back and at the temple itself.
We talked to another 4 people on our return who'd hired their own car and went later in the day and had a great visit, so maybe worth checking that as an option?
Our experience was unfortunately not good, as with all us tourists being funnelled into the similar time frame it meant the loo facilities were completely crushed both at the "comfort" (!) stops on the way out and back and at the temple itself.
We talked to another 4 people on our return who'd hired their own car and went later in the day and had a great visit, so maybe worth checking that as an option?
Written 25 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arthur M
Hamilton, Canada1,038 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
In our visit to Abu Simbel, we had to leave Aswan extremely early and witness the sunrise over the Sahara and it was a nice sight to see.
As for the temple itself, turns out every tour leaves early in the morning too, and so the lineups to the entrance are massive. But close to the end of the alloted time in the temples, the lines thin out, and it is the best time to take a look at the temples.
But I would recommend going to the smaller one first before the big one. Because most of the crowds the day of our visit went to the big one first, then to the small one. Luckily we stayed long enough to see the crowds thin out and was able to get decent pictures.
Hard to believe all of these were relocated piece by piece, it just looks pretty much like the original!
As for the temple itself, turns out every tour leaves early in the morning too, and so the lineups to the entrance are massive. But close to the end of the alloted time in the temples, the lines thin out, and it is the best time to take a look at the temples.
But I would recommend going to the smaller one first before the big one. Because most of the crowds the day of our visit went to the big one first, then to the small one. Luckily we stayed long enough to see the crowds thin out and was able to get decent pictures.
Hard to believe all of these were relocated piece by piece, it just looks pretty much like the original!
Written 24 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Teresa C
Metro Manila, Philippines1,520 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
What a place! And what an ego to have this incredible site to remind future generations of who you are! A long but worthwhile trip.
Written 21 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christian M
Copenhagen, Denmark3,874 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
We had to get up at 3:45 in the morning and then drive for 4 hours to reach the mega-hit Abu Simbel.
Here, we paid a sky-high entrance fee to wander around for about an hour in a relatively small area in scorching heat along with thousands of other tourists.
Afterwards, we faced a 4-hour drive back to the cruise ship. Were we tired afterward? Zzzz.
Was the visit worth all the effort and money? Both yes and no.
No doubt, especially the temple of the king with its 4 giant statues is fascinating and truly unique in world history. Did you know, by the way, that all 4 statues represent Ramses II - at different ages? That can be called self-promotion to a degree even Trump can't surpass.
The entire Abu Simbel was relocated to its current location due to the construction of the Aswan Dam and the subsequent flooding. Unfortunately, the reconstruction is not 100% successful - in my opinion, the whole area seems a bit artificial.
We had been looking forward TREMENDOUSLY to the visit to Abu Simbel, but honestly, we were a bit disappointed afterward. We are very unsure whether the site deserves our recommendation...?! Sorry.
Here, we paid a sky-high entrance fee to wander around for about an hour in a relatively small area in scorching heat along with thousands of other tourists.
Afterwards, we faced a 4-hour drive back to the cruise ship. Were we tired afterward? Zzzz.
Was the visit worth all the effort and money? Both yes and no.
No doubt, especially the temple of the king with its 4 giant statues is fascinating and truly unique in world history. Did you know, by the way, that all 4 statues represent Ramses II - at different ages? That can be called self-promotion to a degree even Trump can't surpass.
The entire Abu Simbel was relocated to its current location due to the construction of the Aswan Dam and the subsequent flooding. Unfortunately, the reconstruction is not 100% successful - in my opinion, the whole area seems a bit artificial.
We had been looking forward TREMENDOUSLY to the visit to Abu Simbel, but honestly, we were a bit disappointed afterward. We are very unsure whether the site deserves our recommendation...?! Sorry.
Written 11 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Razorfish
Little Rock, AR3,813 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
My wife and I flew from Aswan to Abu Simbel as part of our two week Egypt tour thus past December. It is mind blowing how Abu Simbel was originally built, but also how it was so precisely moved in the 1960s to avoid being flooded by the Aswan Dam. I remember seeing the photos in Life magazine when the move was taking place. What I didn’t realize was that the tunnels were built into the hillside at the same angles as the original. This temple complex was one of the highlights of our Egypt tour. Our tour operator was genius in flying us into the site as the early tour buses (which started their bus drives at 4:00 a.m.) were completing their tours. Do not engage any of the vendors as you walk through the “Valley of the Vultures” or they will follow you back to your tour bus trying to sell you something.
Written 10 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rajesh K K
Bengaluru, India1,128 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
The Abu Simbel temple was constructed during Ramses II's reign and is approximately 3000+ years old. There are 2 temples here and both are rock-cut. Like many other temples in Egypt, this is not the original location of the temple. It was moved to its present location because of the threat of flooding after the construction of the Aswan Dam.
It is not easy to reach the Abu Simbel temple. This is located about 230 km from Aswan, close to the Sudan border. Not sure why, but our tour operator insisted that we leave Aswan at 4 am. We saw lots of other tour buses also leaving at the same time. IT was a 4-hour drive one-way, through the desert mainly.
There is a short walk to reach the temples from the main entrance. You have the choice of paying for and taking a buggy. Lots of souvenir shops. Be careful here - if you even show the slightest interest in an item, the shopkeeper will hound you until you buy something! Good thing is that you can negotiate hard.
The temples are lovely. Massive statues of Ramses II and his Queen, Nefertari, at the entrances. Inside, there are a lot of carvings on the wall and also statues. However, the place was packed with tourists and hot inside.
If you are leaving early morning, remember to pack breakfast/lunch. There are hardly any food joints on the way. And carry water and wear a hat. Can get pretty hot during the day.
It is not easy to reach the Abu Simbel temple. This is located about 230 km from Aswan, close to the Sudan border. Not sure why, but our tour operator insisted that we leave Aswan at 4 am. We saw lots of other tour buses also leaving at the same time. IT was a 4-hour drive one-way, through the desert mainly.
There is a short walk to reach the temples from the main entrance. You have the choice of paying for and taking a buggy. Lots of souvenir shops. Be careful here - if you even show the slightest interest in an item, the shopkeeper will hound you until you buy something! Good thing is that you can negotiate hard.
The temples are lovely. Massive statues of Ramses II and his Queen, Nefertari, at the entrances. Inside, there are a lot of carvings on the wall and also statues. However, the place was packed with tourists and hot inside.
If you are leaving early morning, remember to pack breakfast/lunch. There are hardly any food joints on the way. And carry water and wear a hat. Can get pretty hot during the day.
Written 6 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MF018
The Woodlands, TX401 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Abu Simbel for me is the 2nd best in Egypt, after the Gizé pyramids. All very well preserved, a masterpiece of the Egyptian civilization. Also an incredible work to relocate the temple. We took a bus from Aswan to Abu Simbel. 3hs each way. Later I discovered there flights from Aswan that took 30 min.
Written 28 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PDXmilespoints
Portland, OR490 contributions
Good day- flying into abu simbal and see egypt air runs a shuttle. But then to get a guide are they just at the temple enterance ? if so - does anyone know the cost for two people? thank you!
yd0325
London, UK20 contributions
Hi does the entrance ticket allow multi entry? I plan to stay over night. If I buy a ticket on the first day afternoon, can I use it again on second day morning?
Or do I need a ticket at all on the second day morning? If I just want to take some outside photos of the temples with morning light?
advcards
Reno, NV3,515 contributions
Just guessing but would imagine you would need a second ticket based on how we entered
Graciela V
6 contributions
Hola. ¿No es posible llegar en barco a los templos de Abu Simbel desde Asuán sin tomar un crucero por el lago Nasser?
No me interesa todo el recorrido del lago y no tengo tiempo para hacerlo pero me gustaría ver los templos desde el lago....
NikosItalia
Brussels, Belgium341 contributions
Is Abu Sibel site open?
If so, are buses running from Aswan daily?
XI MO
London, UK261 contributions
It was when I went in January 2020.. I believe now they reopened and running as “normal”
I will be traveling from Luxor on Train# 86 arriving @ 9:13 am to Aswan. Do you pick up at train statation. We are a grop of 6 and interested on Privite Tour
wilfredo f
Los Angeles, CA96 contributions
They always pick up at the Hotel or Cruise ships ,maybe you can call a Tour company that will accommodate you guys.
ZermattExp
Zurich, Switzerland22 contributions
Hi - what time does the tour depart and return to Aswan? We need to be at our cruise ship around noon (12pm). It would be for the morning of April 18th, 2020. Thank you.
가드너송
143 contributions
Hi.
Depart around 4-5 am and arrive at 1 pm maybe.
It took 2:30~3 hours one way. So a total of 6hours in a car and you can look around there 2hours.
I am sorry, I don't remember exactly.
louannfrediani
Cranford, NJ3 contributions
Hi, Some friends and I are taking a Viking River Cruise in February down the Nile. The Viking excursion to the temples is sold out so we booked through Viator. We are flying there. Did you do your excursion to the temples through Viking?
PJG49
Voorhees, NJ44 contributions
Arranged our excursion through Viking, stopped Aswan Dam and then to the airport for flight tp Abu Simbel.
map33
2 contributions
Hi, we are staying overnight. Do you hire a guide to take you to the light and sound show and then back to your hotel?
Ratna N
Dallas, TX1,696 contributions
Lots of answers I agree with. I wouldn’t go anywhere at night without an escort. Yes.
Why will you hire a guide when there's sounds telling the story about Abu Simbel. You just need to buy a ticket at the ticket counter and go in. True
It is not far from the hotels so get a taxi to take you there. Usually the hotel will arrange a transport to see Lights and Sounds.
You dont need a guide for the S&L Show. Honestly. you do need transport to get there from your hotel. Usually the hotel will provide that and a person / driver / guide to take you there and make sure you get back safe. Talk to whoever you are booking it with!
Have fun!
Hi I would like to know if is possible to pick up in the aswan train station and return at aswan airport ? And at what time we return to aswan?
Brian D
Asheville, NC1,887 contributions
If you do Abu Simbel through a tour they will set everything up for you. If you want to get to the airport it is best to take a taxi. You can get cheap rates if you bargain with the driver. However if you take the train I have heard it is reliable. Hope this helps. Enjoy!
Nabrab
Brussels, Belgium103 contributions
As I plan to self drive from Aswan to Abu Simbel, where can I get the police permit to Abu Simbel ?
Thank you for a reliable answer.
Nab
Nabrab
Brussels, Belgium103 contributions
Hi Hans. Thank you for your answer. My plan is to leave early from Aswan, send the whole day in Abu Simbel and come back the day after. I do not need any guide. I organize my hotel stay. I just need transport but I do not want a 1-day visit as the majority of tourists do.
For me it would be perfect if I can leave at 4 AM on day 1 and return with the bus of 10 or 11 AM on day 2.
Who can I contact to organize the transport ?
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Frequently Asked Questions about Abu Simbel Temple Complex
- Hotels near Abu Simbel Temple Complex:
- (0.05 km) Abu Simbe
- (1.34 km) Eskaleh Nubian Ecolodge
- (1.24 km) Seti Abu Simbel Hotel
- (0.92 km) Tuya hotel
- (0.67 km) Nefertari Hotel Abu Simble