Abu Simbel
The mighty rock temples of Ramesses the Great - four colossal seated statues carved into a cliff in the far south, saved from the rising Nile in a UNESCO rescue, a wonder of ancient Egypt.
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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
UNESCO World Heritage
Abu Simbel is one of the most awe-inspiring monuments of ancient Egypt, two temples carved into a cliff in the far south by Ramesses the Great, fronted by four colossal seated statues of the pharaoh over twenty metres high. Famously, the entire complex was cut apart and moved to higher ground in the 1960s to save it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, a landmark UNESCO rescue.
What you actually see
- The colossal statues - the four giant seated figures of Ramesses.
- The Great Temple interior - the pillared halls carved deep into the rock.
- The Temple of Nefertari - the smaller temple to Ramesses's queen.
- The Sun Festival - the days when sunlight reaches the inner sanctuary.
When to go
October to April for cooler weather; twice a year, in February and October, the rising sun aligns to light the inner sanctuary, drawing crowds. It is remote, reached by an early flight, a long road convoy or a Lake Nasser cruise from Aswan.
Honest expectations
It is very remote in the far south, so reaching it means an early flight, a long guarded road convoy or a Lake Nasser cruise, making it a long day or overnight from Aswan. It is hot and busy when tour groups arrive. Despite the effort, its scale makes it unforgettable.
Nearby
Aswan, the High Dam and the temple of Philae are to the north; Lake Nasser stretches south.
What to pack for Abu Simbel
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
