What Is Abu Simbel?

The Abu Simbel temples were built in 1244 BC and they’re dedicated to Pharaoh Ramses II and Queen Nefertari. There’s a big temple for Ramses and a smaller one for Nefertari.

The purpose of this monument was to celebrate King Ramses II’s victory over the Hittites at the Battle of Kadesh in 1274 BC, regarded as one of the largest chariot battles in history.

Rediscovered by a Swiss explorer in 1813, the temples had been buried under sand, and no one could locate an entrance until excavation work began in 1817.

In 1968, the entire temples were relocated as part of a significant project by UNESCO to save them from being submerged and damaged by Lake Nasser.

Today, they rest on the western bank of the lake, preserving their original appearance from 3,000 years ago.

How To Get To Abu Simbel

Visiting Abu Simbel can be somewhat challenging due to its remote location, yet the experience is undoubtedly rewarding.

Abu Simbel is also the name of a small village in southern Egypt, near the Sudan border, with the temples located just a 15-minute walk away.

Your journey to Abu Simbel begins in Aswan, a different town altogether.

Flights from Cairo International Airport (CAI) to Aswan International Airport (ASW) are operated by EgyptAir and Air Cairo, with fares ranging from $50 to $100 USD, one way. You can check for flights to Aswan through Skyscanner.

Once in Aswan, you have the option to either drive or fly to Abu Simbel, depending on the duration of your stay.

Day Tours To Abu Simbel From Aswan

The most common way to visit Abu Simbel is by taking a day trip from Aswan with a tour group. Numerous companies offer tours for this purpose.

The distance by road is approximately 280 kilometers (175 miles), with a travel time of about 3.5 hours each way, totaling 7-8 hours of driving.

While it may seem inconvenient, visiting Abu Simbel requires some degree of effort and planning.

Flying To Abu Simbel

If you plan to stay overnight in Abu Simbel to attend the night show, flying becomes the most viable option.

Currently, the only airline route to Abu Simbel Airport (ABS) is from Aswan International Airport (ASW), making direct flights from Cairo unavailable.

The flight from Aswan to Abu Simbel takes around 45 minutes with EgyptAir, costing approximately $80 one way. You can view flight options to Abu Simbel on Skyscanner.

If you’re not interested in the night show, consider skipping the flight and opting for the day tour instead.

Visiting Abu Simbel Temple

Upon arriving in Abu Simbel, the temples are just a 5-10 minute walk away from the parking lot or a 15-minute walk from Abu Simbel village.

Make sure to bring water, and strongly avoid the souvenir shops in the area, as the sellers can be quite aggressive.

One seller even followed me for about 100 meters, creating a rather uncomfortable situation.

It’s best to ignore them entirely and continue your walk, as showing interest can lead to unwanted attention.

Ticket Prices

The current ticket price for Abu Simbel is 240 EGP ($5 USD) as of 2024, providing access to both temples.

If you wish to take photos inside the temples with any camera other than a mobile phone, an additional ticket is required. The interiors are magnificent but can be dim and challenging to photograph.

Should you purchase the photo ticket, keep it accessible for when guards check for it, as they will definitely do so.

Temple #1 – The Great Temple Of Ramses II

The main temple stands as the largest and most notable among the two at Abu Simbel, taking nearly 20 years to construct and serving as the highlight of the visit.

This temple is dedicated to King Ramses II, featuring massive 20-meter (70-foot) tall statues situated at its entrance. Notably, one of these statues is headless due to an earthquake.

The scale of these statues is breathtaking, and you truly grasp their enormity only as you approach them.

Inside The Great Temple

You can enter the Great Temple without incurring additional costs, which is definitely recommended.

While there may be a sign at the door stating that photography is prohibited inside, those with a photo pass can freely take pictures. Just remember to have your pass ready when guards request to see it.

Upon entering, you’ll first notice a series of statues with their arms crossed, believed to illustrate either Ramses II as a deity or Osiris, the Egyptian god of the underworld.

Temple # 2 – The Small Temple

Located a mere 100 meters from the main temple, the second temple is dedicated to Queen Nefertari. Although smaller and less imposing than the primary temple, it still holds its unique charm.

The facade of this temple is adorned with six statues of the king and queen, along with smaller representations of their children.

These main statues tower over 10 meters tall, surpassing expectations based on photographs.

Inside The Small Temple

Inside the second temple, six square pillars support the structure, with walls rich in depictions of Egyptian deities and royal figures.

The lighting in the room adds an intriguing effect, allowing for interesting photography opportunities if you possess the photo pass.

The Sound & Light Show

A major highlight of spending a night in Abu Simbel is witnessing the Sound & Light show at the temples after dusk.

Such shows are commonplace at famous Egyptian landmarks, presenting a visual spectacle accompanied by historical narratives.

The performance at Abu Simbel begins at 7 PM and lasts about 45 minutes. Ticket prices generally hover around 150 EGP (~$9) per person; however, the show requires a minimum of 7 tickets to proceed.

Consequently, should attendance fall below 7, you’ll need to cover the deficit in ticket sales.

The narration is provided in the language predominantly spoken by visitors in attendance.

Where To Stay In Abu Simbel

For those contemplating an overnight stay in Abu Simbel, accommodation options are somewhat limited. The most suitable choice is likely Tuya Hotel.

While the facilities may not impress, the WiFi connectivity is reliable, and most importantly, the hotel is conveniently located just 5-10 minutes from the temples.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Abu Simbel?

Egypt boasts an arid climate, characterized by hot and dry conditions throughout the year.

The ideal months for visiting Abu Simbel range from December to March, attracting the highest number of tourists; however, spring and fall are also pleasant options.

I traveled to Egypt in September, encountering occasional heat yet finding it manageable in Abu Simbel, which is considerably milder than other nearby Middle Eastern countries such as Qatar or the United Arab Emirates.