Summary
Where To Stay
History Of Hatshepsut Temple
The mortuary temple of Hatshepsut, one of ancient Egypt’s first female pharaohs, was commissioned in 1473 BC.
Construction lasted about 15 years, resulting in a complex that once featured gardens, trees, vines, and reflecting pools, though little remains today.
Interestingly, Queen Hatshepsut was not buried in this temple; her tomb is situated in the Valley of the Kings.
Many images and statues of Hatshepsut were tragically destroyed by her stepson Thutmose III, likely due to jealousy, while natural disasters have also taken their toll over centuries. The temple remained buried until the 1890s, when restoration efforts revived its exquisite architecture.
Visiting Hatshepsut Temple
The Queen Hatshepsut Temple consists of three stories adorned with remarkable statues, columns, and hieroglyphics. Nestled at the back of a majestic 300-meter (1,000-foot) canyon, it is undeniably one of the most photogenic locations in Egypt.
Its beauty and symmetry are striking, featuring inscriptions depicting scarab beetles and telling the story of the queen’s life and reign. A visit can be comfortably done in around 60 minutes, allowing ample time to appreciate its intricate details.
To enhance your experience, consider visiting early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds, as many tourists tend to head to the Valley of the Kings first.
Hours & Entrance Fees
- Hours: 6 AM – 5 PM
- Entrance Fee:* 140 EGP
- Students: 70 EGP with ID
- Bus: 2 EGP**
- Photos: Free**
*The Luxor Pass includes Hatshepsut Temple among other attractions, which can add value to your visit.
**A small shuttle is available to transport visitors closer to the temple entrance, making it convenient especially during hot weather.
**Photography is permitted without flash inside the temple, enhancing your opportunity to capture memories.
How To Get There
Hatshepsut Temple is conveniently located on the west bank of the Nile River, just outside Luxor, Egypt. For travelers coming from Cairo International Airport (CAI), direct flights to Luxor airport (LXR) take approximately one hour and cost around $90 USD or less. Alternatively, a day train journey of about 9 hours is available for around $10.
Upon arriving in Luxor, finding a driver to take you to Hatshepsut Temple is easy. Hotel arrangements can also typically facilitate transportation.
For a more affordable option, you can ask for a ride at the west bank of the Nile River ferry, where drivers often wait for tourists. However, be prepared for persistent touts in the area.
Best Hatshepsut Temple Tours
For those preferring a guided experience, vetted tour companies provide comprehensive tours to Hatshepsut Temple and additional Luxor sites.
Consider checking out this Luxor day tour package for access to multiple iconic places such as the Colossi of Memnon, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings and Queens, and Karnak Temple.
This company comes highly recommended, as we’ve utilized their services across various tours globally with great success!
More Egypt Travel Tips
Thank you for exploring this guide! I hope these travel tips for visiting the Queen Hatshepsut Temple in Luxor, Egypt, prove helpful.
Be sure to explore the comprehensive Egypt Travel Guide and discover more of the best things to do in Egypt!
