Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel is a pair of rock-cut temples built by Ramesses II in the 13th century BC deep in Nubia, close to Egypt’s southern border, about 280 km south of Aswan. They were designed to impress anyone travelling up the Nile with the power of the king and his gods. The site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae.

In the 1960s the rising waters of Lake Nasser, created by the Aswan High Dam, threatened to drown the temples. In one of the largest rescue operations in archaeology, run as part of a UNESCO international campaign, both temples were cut into large blocks between 1964 and 1968 and rebuilt on higher ground above the new waterline, inside artificial hills.

What to see

• The Great Temple: four seated colossi of Ramesses II, each about 20 metres high, guard the entrance. Inside, the halls are carved with the Battle of Kadesh and other scenes, leading to a sanctuary with seated statues of Ptah, Amun-Ra, the deified Ramesses and Ra-Horakhty.
• The Small Temple: dedicated to Hathor and to Ramesses’ queen Nefertari. Its façade has six standing statues, and the queen is shown the same size as the king, which is rare in Egyptian art.
• Sun festival: twice a year, on about 22 February and 22 October, the rising sun shines down the full length of the Great Temple and lights up the statues in the sanctuary. Ptah, a god linked with the underworld, stays in shadow. Expect big crowds, a dawn start and higher ticket prices on these days.
• Sound and light show in the evening, projected onto the temple façades (separate ticket).

Visiting tips

• Most day trips from Aswan leave in the early hours and arrive soon after the site opens at 06:00. Staying overnight in Abu Simbel village lets you see the temples in quieter morning or evening light.
• Allow at least two hours on site.
• Bring a card for tickets, plus water and sun protection. The walk from the gate around the hill to the temples is in full sun.
• Check the current rules on photography inside the temples at the gate.

Getting there

Most visitors come by road from Aswan, a drive of about three and a half hours each way through the desert, by private car, minibus tour or public bus. Short flights from Aswan (and sometimes Cairo) to Abu Simbel’s small airport are another option. Check schedules with the airline. You can also arrive on a Lake Nasser cruise. See the official Abu Simbel page for current prices.

Last checked October 2026. Sources: egymonuments.gov.eg, mota.gov.eg.