2025 Abu Simbel Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in April)

In Egypt, the constant hassle of "one dollar" can be tiring, but the expensive gifts are often worth the price—like the millennia-old lapis lazuli pigment flowing in the murals of KV17, or the Abu Simbel light show that seals time with the entire sandstone mountain. 🎯 Abu Simbel: Stay overnight and enjoy the millennia-old light and shadow ◾At Abu Simbel, there's only one right way to visit: stay overnight. ◾The temple guardians are masters of light and shadow magic—they use two clearings to create a twelve-hour amber of time, solidifying Abu Simbel's two most precious moments for true pilgrims. 🧭 6:00 PM: The Temple's Feast of Light and Shadow * At 5:50 PM, the last batch of tourists leaves, and the light show audience hasn't arrived yet. * Enter at this time to enjoy the last rays of sunlight retreating from the grotto and secure the best viewing spot for the light show. ⏰ 6:00 AM the next morning: The Sun God's Dawn Tribute * Be the first pilgrim to enter the temple and witness the morning light slowly spreading across Ramses II's face. * Immerse yourself in a conversation with the pharaoh during the quiet moment before the tourist crowds arrive. 🍬 The Artificial Galaxy's Translated Aesthetic [Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6] ◾Be sure to book the Chinese light show! This is a non-negotiable ticket to Abu Simbel. ◾As the Nile night wind stirs up 3,000-year-old sand, 3,000 LED stars erupt from the base into the Milky Way, and the huge sandstone mountain transforms into a magnificent canvas of the pharaoh's legendary life. ◾The Chinese commentary, with its seven-character quatrain-like rhythm, depicts the trajectory of the pharaoh's arrows and the neighing of Hittite warhorses. The unforced translated narration becomes the highest tribute of Eastern aesthetics to the ancient Egyptian epic. ◾There are no cheap lasers scribbled on the statues' faces, no holographic projections obscuring the original rock paintings. After the light show, the entire audience gives a standing ovation, making it absolutely worth the ticket price. 🛶 The Hittite Fleet's "Lord of the Rings" Moment ◾Before setting foot in Abu Simbel, I always imagined rowing a boat to recreate the thrilling journey of the Hittite fleet: In the 13th century BC, Hittite merchant ships bypassed the rapids of the Second Cataract of the Nile, and the giant face of Amun gradually emerged from behind the cliff—a scene reminiscent of the Fellowship's first glimpse of the Gates of Gondor in "The Lord of the Rings." ◾History always loves to bury reversed Easter eggs. When the Hittites landed and saw the epic "photo deception" in the temple [Figures 1 and 3], they cursed and left. Narrative hegemony has remained unchanged for three thousand years: whoever acquires the sandstone headlines issues the truth. The pharaohs of the Bronze Age had already understood the art of attracting attention. ◾The waters of Abu Simbel today are crossed by an "invisible barrier"—private boats are forbidden to approach the temple waters. The backpack boat can only be moored in the morning mist of a Nubian village. Perhaps this is what history should be like: we can never truly arrive, but we can always salvage the fragments of civilizational collisions in the ripples between reality and illusion. 🎈 [Bonus Guide] ◾Reminder again: Book the Chinese light show! ◾Recommended reading: "Bird's-eye View of Ancient Civilizations"! This book restores the glory of ancient sites from a bird's-eye view, making up for the inability to take aerial photos. ◾Near the Sudanese border ⚠️, backpack boats should pay attention to the red line restricted area. The launch coordinate A is the nearby hotel dock [Figure 17].

🗺️🗺️ Travel Itinerary Day 1: Saladin Citadel → Egyptian Museum Day 2: Hurghada → Desert Adventure Day 3: Hurghada Orange Beach → Red Sea Diving → Hurghada Plaza Hilton Hotel Day 4: Karnak Temple → Luxor Temple Day 5: Luxor Hot Air Balloon → Hatshepsut Temple → Valley of the Kings → Nile River → JJ Jamaica Sailing Boat → Luxor Hilton Resort & Spa Day 6: Kom Ombo Temple Day 7: Abu Simbel Temple → Tolip Aswan Hotel Day 8: Philae Temple → Nubian Village in Aswan Day 9: Giza Pyramids → Grand Egyptian Museum → Khan el-Khalili → El Fishawy Cafe → Cairo Kempinski Nile Hotel 🌄 Must-see attractions: Egyptian Museum: Giza Pyramids: Khan el-Khalili: Saladin Citadel: Luxor Temple 📍 Tips:

7-Day Egypt Tour: Pyramids, Deserts, and the Nile River! Check out this guide to make sure you don't miss anything on your trip to Egypt! -------- 🛫Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Cairo and explore ancient Egyptian civilization Arrive in Cairo in the morning. In the afternoon, you can choose to join a Cairo Old Town tour and stay in a high-star hotel. Day 2: Giza Pyramids > Sphinx > Egyptian Museum > Khan el-Khalili Visit the spectacular Giza Pyramids and experience the mysterious charm of ancient Egypt. Then, head to the Sphinx to admire the unique art of ancient civilization. Visit the Egyptian Museum to trace the footsteps of history. Finally, visit Khan el-Khalili to experience local life. Day 3: Philae Temple > Aswan Nubian Village Visit the historic Philae Temple and experience ancient Egyptian religious culture. Then, head to Aswan Nubian Village to experience the traditional life of the Nubians. Day 4: Abu Simbel Temples Spend the whole day immersed in the grandeur and mystery of the Abu Simbel Temples and experience the shock of ancient Egyptian civilization. Day 5: Karnak Temple > Luxor Temple Visit Karnak Temple and admire the magnificence of ancient Egyptian architecture. Then, head to Luxor Temple to explore the depth of ancient Egyptian religious culture. Day 6: Colossi of Memnon > Valley of the Kings > Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut > Medinet Habu > Nile River Visit the Colossi of Memnon and experience the exquisite art of ancient Egyptian sculpture. Visit the Valley of the Kings and unveil the mystery of the ancient Egyptian royal family. Visit the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut and learn about the legendary story of this great woman. Finally, head to Medinet Habu and the Nile River to experience the unique charm of ancient Egyptian civilization. Day 7: Transfer to Luxor Airport and end your Egypt tour According to your flight time, a dedicated driver will take you to the airport to end this unforgettable trip to Egypt. 🛬 -------- **Notes**: * 💶 The exchange rate between the Egyptian pound and the Chinese yuan fluctuates frequently. We recommend checking the rate in advance and exchanging local currency. * 🍴 Egypt has a wide variety of delicious food. Don't miss the rice sausage and shawarma, as well as the affordable street food kushirui. * 🚌 You can take a bus or taxi from Cairo Airport to the city. Remember to confirm the terminal information to avoid going to the wrong place. * 📇 You need a visa to travel to Egypt. Prepare a passport with at least 6 months of validity and related materials. -------- 🎉We hope you enjoy the mystery and magic of your trip to Egypt!

🌺🇪 Egypt Treasure Hunt Guide ✨Must-visit check-in spots🌈 ✍️Must-listen tips for traveling to Egypt🎈, there are surprises and lessons! For this trip to Egypt, I was full of expectations and a little nervous. After coming back, I felt that this trip was really an unforgettable adventure! Here, I have compiled a super practical guide and a guide to avoid thunder for Egypt travel for everyone, I hope it will be helpful to the sisters who are about to start! 💕 💣Avoid Thunder: 1. Although Egypt is generally safe, there are still scammers and people who take advantage of it. When you encounter those who say "money money" in the scenic area, you know, don't listen to your ears and don't bother. 😌 2. When you need help, you can consider giving them a little tip, usually in the tens of Egyptian pounds, that is, a few yuan. 🔧 3. The price is really super friendly, remember to bargain! There is also the iced little souvenir...😭 The companion may get it at half the price! Tears... 4. For sisters with poor English or lack of free travel experience, it is a good choice to follow the group. It's safe and worry-free, and there are police uncles! 🚓 5. Remember to change the Egyptian pound in Cairo, it may be a bit troublesome to change it elsewhere. Don't bring RMB, just use US dollars to change Egyptian pounds. 💡 6. Some places in Egypt are indeed a bit dilapidated and smelly, but this is its true face, everyone should be prepared. 🌿 🌟Highlights: 1. Pyramid Tour🗿 Don't miss it! The exclusive scenic spot photos will be sent out from the landscape restaurant. It is to stay away from the crowd and feel the shock of the pyramid from the most beautiful perspective. 2. Abu Simbel Temple⛲ The online reviews are not the same but it is definitely worth a visit! The spectacular scenery will make you feel it's all worth it. 3. Egyptian Museum🏛️ Extremely rich collection! The treasures inside are waiting for you to discover. 4. Hot Air Balloon Tour🎈 The group price in the team is super affordable! And it feels safer. 🚂 5. I especially recommend you to go to the Abu Simbel Market🎱 This market full of local characteristics in Egypt is full of local characteristics. A good guide can help you better explore the cultural atmosphere of this city! No matter where you go, the most important thing is to have an expectant mood and an optimistic attitude! This trip to Egypt will definitely become your beautiful memory. May everyone gain a lot on the road to exploring the unknown! ✨

The Abu Simbel Temple is one of Egypt's largest monuments, located near the Nile River in southern Egypt. This temple is considered an excellent example of ancient Egyptian art and architecture, constructed during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II. The most notable features of the Abu Simbel Temple are as follows: - **Monumental Architecture**: The temple's entrance is flanked by four colossal statues of Ramses II, showcasing the intricate details of ancient Egyptian sculpture. These statues symbolize power and strength. - **Interior Statues**: Inside the temple, there are magnificent statues of Egyptian gods, including the statues of Amun-Ra, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah, which are among the most striking in ancient Egyptian art. - **Relocation**: Due to the construction of the Aswan Dam, the entire Abu Simbel Temple was relocated to its current site to protect it from flooding, a remarkable engineering feat witnessed in recent years. - **Astronomical Celebrations**: The temple is known for an astonishing astronomical phenomenon that occurs twice a year, on February 22 and October 22, when sunlight illuminates the main statues inside the temple. These dates mark Ramses II's birthday and the beginning of his reign. - **Historical Significance**: The Abu Simbel Temple is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering unique insights into ancient Egyptian art and architecture. Visiting the Abu Simbel Temple provides a rich cultural and historical experience, making it a unique destination for those who love history and ancient art.

#summerdestinations The temples were carved into the side of a cliff in the 13th century BC by King Ramses Il, and they are considered to be some of the most important and well-preserved monuments of ancient Egypt. In the 1960s, the temples were relocated to a new location to save them from being submerged by the rising waters of Lake Nasser, which was created by the construction of the Aswan Dam. $40 million so much money was paid by UNESCO to relocate the Abu Simbel temple complex (in 1960 it was $40 million; adjusted for inflation in 2023 it's approximately $400 million) The relocation of the Abu Simbel temples was a massive undertaking that involved cutting the temples into large blocks, transporting them to a new location, and then reassembling them. The temples were relocated to a new location about 65 meters higher and 200 meters back from the river. This temple is not only incredibly grand but also has an amazing history of rescue. It's an absolute must-visit! #egypt #abusimbel #ancientegypt #northafrica #history

Walking into the Egyptian temple It's like traveling through a time tunnel The breath of history is within reach The era full of magic and power is within reach Here, time loses its meaning Only endless mystery and beauty remain Figure 1-7: Temple of Philae On Agilkialsland, you need to take a ferry to get there. From a distance, it looks like a mirage floating on the Nile River. The azure blue water surrounds the temple, and every part is as beautiful as a fairy tale. The temple was originally on Philae Island, but due to the Aswan Dam, it was cut into 45,000 large stones and assembled on the current island. Isis, the goddess of love, wisdom and fertility, was worshipped here. She searched all over Egypt just to find the body of her husband Osiris which was separated from his head. The moving stories are presented in the murals and hieroglyphs, connecting with the soul Figure 8-11 Abu Simbel Temple The wise and capable Pharaoh Ramses II carved the temple to publicize his achievements and love for his wife. Ancient craftsmen were able to use the calendar to calculate so that the sun god's beam of light would shine into the temple on the pharaoh's birthday and coronation day. The temple was moved in later generations, and scientists can no longer accurately present the miracle of light of the sun god. In the mural, Nefertari, the queen of Ramses II, caresses her husband who has returned victoriously, with deep affection. After the queen died, Ramses II wrote an epitaph: "The sun shines for her, my love for her is unique, no one can match her, because she is the most beautiful of all. She has stolen my heart when I passed by her." The beauty of love transcends time and space. Figure 12-13: Karnak Temple It is part of Thebes (now Luxor), the capital of Egypt during the Middle Kingdom and the New Kingdom, and the center of worship of the sun god Amun. The Ram Avenue at the entrance connects all the way to the Luxor Temple. The extraordinary buildings such as the pylon, sanctuary, hall, and obelisk all demonstrate the achievements of the pharaoh. The grandeur and magnificence of the 134 pillars in the Hypostyle Hall and the awe-inspiring feeling that shakes the soul are difficult to describe in words. I didn’t take many photos, not because it wasn’t beautiful, on the contrary, it was too beautiful, and I just wanted to remember the awe of the ruins in light and dark, and just wanted to appreciate the patterns and hieroglyphs. There are fierce wars, pastoral life, pharaohs and gods supporting each other, and tender love... This is a magnificent historical picture scroll Figure 14-16: Medinet Habu Temple of Ramses III It is relatively small, but the relief murals are extremely exquisite. The pharaoh defeated Libya, marched westward to Syria, made great military achievements, dealt with prisoners, and sacrificed to the god Amun. However, the building collapsed. This was the last golden age of ancient Egypt. Figure 18: Hatshepsut Temple (Hatshepsut) is another kind of shocking view when viewed from a hot air balloon. Time stops, history reappears, and we are still deeply awed

🌅✨ 2024.02.04 Day 4 - Philae Trip & Abu Simbel Miracle ✨🌅 Good morning, Egypt! Today’s itinerary is full of mystery and miracles. Let us explore the cultural treasures of Egypt together! 🇪🇬☀️ 🕗 7am - Temple of Philae Early in the morning, we arrived at the beautiful Nile River in Aswan to visit the Temple of Philae. This temple is regarded as a symbol of love and beauty. It was once faced with flooding due to the construction of the Aswan Reservoir and was later moved to Ajikya Island. This ancient temple is famous for its colorful reliefs and stone columns and is a treasure of Egyptian mythology and religion. We also felt how much Egyptians like taking photos with Asians. Every day when we went to the temple, we were constantly asked to take photos, and when we walked on the street. I even wondered if the Egyptians made bets with their friends on how many Asians they could take photos with every day! 🚗 09:00 - Head to Abu Simbel Next, we set off on our journey to the world-famous Abu Simbel. This magical place was built by the ancient Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses II in memory of himself and his queen. The most unique thing about the Abu Simbel temples is that in order to avoid being flooded by the reservoir, the entire temple was disassembled, moved to higher ground, and reassembled. After a 3.5-hour drive, we arrived at Abu Simbel Temple at 1pm. There were no group tourists when we arrived, and they were all individual tourists who chartered their own cars, so it was easy to take pictures of the empty scenery. We took a leisurely walk to the Abu Simbel Temples. This magnificent complex is known as the "Temple of the Sun", and twice a year the sun's rays shine through the temple halls, illuminating the faces of the deities. This is the pinnacle of ancient Egyptian architectural art. We also met YouTuber NeNe here, but I didn’t know who he was at first, I just knew he was Taiwanese, so we started chatting and strolling around together. We stayed until 3pm before I left. I was super hungry and hadn’t checked in yet, so we went to a nearby restaurant to eat and check in. 🏡 16:00 - Rest at B&B & lunch The homestay we stayed in this time was Abu Simbel Nubian Guest house. When we arrived, the owner's wife prepared a welcome drink, Roselle tea, for me to drink. When I entered the room, I smelled a fragrant scent and felt that the room was very clean. The whole space was very warm! Accommodation near Abu Simbel Temple is very expensive. Ordinary hotels cost about 3,600 to 5,000. If you want one that costs about 2,000, it is quite far from the temple and takes more than 30 minutes to walk. The B&B I booked is about 2,900$95 USD, about 15 minutes to walk from the temple. Although the toilet is not in the room, each room has its own bathroom. There is also a kitchen in the B&B, and the refrigerator is filled with fruits, drinks and water. Of course, they are all free to take. I really recommend it! I highly recommend everyone to stay here In addition to helping me buy tickets for the temple light show, the boss also exchanged currency with us (1:55) and drove us to the temple to watch the light show at night. It was super convenient! The key point is that the boss helped us arrange a chartered boat to watch the sunrise in front of the temple the next morning! This event really put a perfect end to our trip to Abu Simbel! 🍽 18:30 - Light show (about 40 minutes) When night falls, we head to the temple to enjoy the light show of Abu Simbel Temple. Every ray of light is poetic and picturesque, giving new life to this thousand-year-old temple. That’s what they say, but actually it seems like it doesn’t matter if you don’t watch this light show, because the content is a bit boring, plus the sound and light effects and images at the beginning are not very clear, and most importantly, the dubbing is in Chinese and it really distracts us! Because when we went there about half of the people were Chinese, so the film that day was dubbed in Chinese! However, the standard dubbing by Chinese voice actors gave the whole film a very strange atmosphere. I originally wanted to encourage everyone to go see this light show (because I don’t want to be the only one being fooled), but I still want to stop people from wasting their money! It is more practical to save your money and use it to take a boat and watch the sunrise! It was almost eight o'clock when we returned to the hotel in the evening. We ate the instant noodles and canned food we prepared to experience the Taiwanese flavor, hahahaha This day's journey made us deeply feel the profound history and cultural treasures of Egypt. Looking forward to more adventures tomorrow! 🌌✨ #PhilaeTemple #abusimbeltemple #AbuSimbelMagic #EgyptianWonders

I went to Abu Simbel Temple, which is not a world of games or movies, but a real place in Egypt that has existed for 3,000 years🇪🇬 The ancient ruins full of romance that have remained there for ages were simply breathtaking✨ The time when the morning sun shines into the temple was especially mysterious and beautiful☀️ ——————————————Spot information📍Location: Abu Simbel Temple🕘Opening hours: 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Sound and light show starts at 7:00 PM, check beforehand)💰Admission fee: 1,600 yen (separate photography pass required for taking pictures inside, 2,000 yen for sound and light show, check beforehand)Access: 4 hours by car from Aswan👍RecommendationThere are a lot of tourists during the day, so if you arrange an overnight tour from Aswan or other places and visit at night or early in the morning, there will be fewer people and you can enjoy it to your heart's content. 💡Trivia 60 years ago, the entire Abu Simbel temple was moved to the top of a hill to save it from the threat of being submerged. Even after the move, the miracle of the morning sun shining down on the deepest part of the temple, which occurs only twice a year (February 22nd and October 22nd), has been precisely reproduced. It was moving to learn that the now famous World Heritage site system also started here. I was moved by the determination of humanity to protect the ancient heritage that has been passed down from generation to generation. #Egypt #EgyptianTrip #AncientEgyptianCivilization #AbuSimbelTemple #TravelWithMe #OverseasTrip #TravelInspiration #HiddenGemSpotsRecommendedForTravelLovers #MomentsStarted #PhotogenicSpots

🗿Abu Simbel is a must-see attraction for tourists in Egypt. It was built by Ramses II, the 19th pharaoh of ancient Egypt (yes, he is very famous and everyone knows him). The super large background picture allows you to take a photo in just one second, full of science fiction feeling❗️ 🗿The megalithic statues we see today are actually made possible through the efforts of a multinational archaeological team. In the 1960s, in order to build the Aswan Dam, the Abu Simbel Temple was in danger of being submerged by rising water levels, so UNESCO launched the "Nubian Action Plan" to cut the temple into 807 pieces and move them one by one to the current island for reconstruction. 🗿The rebuilt temple faces the entire lake view. The four gods enjoy the unbeatable sea view every day. I was completely shocked the moment I stepped onto the island. The wisdom of the ancient Egyptians is really admirable❤️ #EgyptCheck-in Attractions

Driving from Luxor to Aswan, our main purpose was to visit the most remote temple—Abu Simbel Temple, located at the very end of the Egyptian border. A round trip in a single day requires a 7-hour drive, but this World Heritage Site is truly worth it. The colossal statues of Ramses II are absolutely awe-inspiring. This temple was once buried under the sand, and it took great efforts to reveal it to the world once again. Below is our entire self-drive journey through Egypt over half a month. There are still many places we haven't visited, and to quote an old saying: 'Those who have drunk from the Nile are destined to return to Egypt.' We will be back. day1: Arrive in Cairo—Egyptian Museum—Bab Zuweila Twin Towers—Khan El Khalili Market day2: Pyramids of Giza day3: Drive from Cairo to Luxor day4: Karnak Temple—Luxor Temple day5: Hot air balloon over Luxor—Habu City—Valley of the Kings day6: Drive from Luxor to Aswan—Old Cataract Hotel afternoon tea—Nile sunset day7: Round trip to Abu Simbel from Aswan day8: Drive from Aswan to Hurghada day9-12: Vacation by the Red Sea in Hurghada, staying in an all-inclusive hotel day13: Drive back to Cairo from Hurghada day14: Cairo city walk—Hanging Church—Natural History Museum day15: Homecoming

If there's anything that gives people a headache in their trip to Egypt, Abu Simbel is definitely on the list. 1. Location of Abu Simbel: As the most difficult temple to reach in Egypt, Abu Simbel is located on the border between Egypt and Sudan, very remote. It takes 7 hours to go back and forth from the nearest Aswan, and 'to go or not to go' has become a problem for many people. 2. Is it worth it? There must be a reason why this remote temple is always talked about. Whether it's Ramses II's narcissism or his thousand-year love with Nefertari, whether it's UNESCO's hard rescue or the beautiful lake view, not to mention the spectacle of the sun day, there are too many legendary stories here. 3. There are two temples here, which were discovered by Swiss explorers in 1813 and were able to see the light of day again. They are all carved out of the mountain, which is quite unique. The contrast between light and shadow is great for taking pictures; the inside and outside of the temple are like two worlds, the inside is very dark and there is basically no natural light, and every time you go in and out, your eyes have to adapt for a while. 4. Four main ways to go to Abu Simbel Temple 🔸Bus tour Leave at 4 am and return to Aswan at noon. It's easy and cheap, but the temple is crowded when you visit. I personally don't like this way of getting up early and rushing (mainly because I can't get up) 🔸Bus free travel Go back and forth to the bus station by yourself, one way is about 100 Egyptian pounds, save money and time is free, need some DIY ability 🔸Charter The time of chartering is more casual, just need to do a good job of price research and psychological expectations, overall it will be much more expensive than free travel but save time 🔸Plane free travel Abu Simbel Airport is only 4km away from the temple, and you can see the temple and Lake Nasser on the plane; actually you can also join a group by plane, I met many Europeans and Americans who are very cool, Aswan flies 45 minutes to Abu Simbel Airport, Egypt Airlines has a free bus directly to the temple entrance, this way can also avoid the crowd but it is more expensive 5. Recommended mode of transportation: plane to, minibus back I flew directly from Cairo to Abu Simbel (airport code ABS, stopover in Aswan), arrived at the temple entrance at 11 am, the disadvantage is that with all the luggage to find a place to store, fortunately, a small commodity street at the temple entrance found a place to store, finally bought some things to express thanks (not to buy also line); After a relaxed visit to the temple, I took a tutu for 20 pounds to the city for lunch, then walked to the Public Bus Station and took a mini bus back to Aswan, the bus leaves when it is full, 100 pounds/person, locals only need about 70, initially quoted 150 pounds I was quite firm and bargained to 100 pounds, luggage can be tied to the roof for free, don't worry.

Abu Simbel Temple The ruins that inspired the World Heritage Site. Unesco has moved Abu Simbel Temple to the shores of Lake Nasser, an artificial lake about 280km south of its original location, and other ruins have been relocated to suitable locations to avoid disaster. We recommend taking a tour to Abu Simbel Temple. Leave Aswan early in the morning and return at night. You will have little time to stay, so there is nothing to see. There is only Abu Simbel Temple and the smaller ruins next to it, the Abu Simbel Small Temple. #OverseasTravel#Egypt#AbuSimbelTemple #Aswan #WorldHeritage

This time last year I visited Egypt for the first time and couldn't miss the two Abu Simbel temples. Located in the south near Sudan, you can fly to Aswan then make a long day trip to Abu Simbel. The temples pay homage to Rameses II, often regarded as the greatest pharaoh of them all. The temples were famously moved in the 1960s, and painstakingly reassembled to avoid the rising river Nile. #egypt

Abu Simbel was part of our Nile cruise trip through Egypt. From Aswan it is a multiple hour drive to get to the tempels of Pharao Ramsesses II and his wife Nefertari. Judging from the beautiful decorated tempel of Nefertari it is clear that Ramesses really loved his wife. But he probably loved himself a bit more since he granted himself the larger temple. Definitely worth the visit if you have the time to spare!

Getting There - by flight, train or bus Attractions - With Aswan the closest town to Ramses II's colossal temples of Abu Simbel, the island temple of Philae, and the Nile-side Temple of Kom Ombo, there are plenty of things to do within day-tripping distance. The best way to discover Aswan's charms, and the most relaxing sightseeing experience, is to hop aboard a felucca (traditional sailboat) and view town from the watery highway that once made Aswan an important trading post. If you have time for only one day trip from Aswan, pick a visit to Abu Simbel. Built by Ramses II, and saved from destruction by a remarkable UNESCO rescue project in the 1970s, Abu Simbel is not only a triumph of ancient architecture, but also of modern engineering. Hotels - a lots of hotel but my stay was on the cruise to explore my luxor aswan trip! 😍 Food & Restaurants - should try their local food! Shopping - shops their handmade products by the local in nubian village. #awesomepic

wow…..wow wow, Abu simbel ticks all the boxes, wonderfully preserved and stands proudly in a beautiful place, I waited a long time to visit here and I was in total awe… definitely a place to visit

The Ancient Egyptian Temple Complex is located in Southern Egypt near the border with Sudan, Abu Simbel is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, built by Pharaoh Ramses II (1279–1213 BCE). Key Facts: 1. Two Temples - Great Temple of Ramses II: Dedicated to himself and the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah. - Small Temple of Nefertari: Dedicated to Ramses' favorite wife, Queen Nefertari, and the goddess Hathor. 2. The Famous Sun Alignment (Twice a Year!)☀️ - On February 22 & October 22, sunlight penetrates the inner sanctuary, illuminating statues of Ramses II and the gods (except Ptah, the god of darkness). 3. UNESCO Rescue Mission (1960s) - The temples were cut into blocks and moved 65m higher to save them from flooding caused by the Aswan High Dam.

As the first light of dawn spilled over the Nubian Desert, I found myself face-to-face with Ramses II—or rather, his 66-foot-tall stone likeness. Abu Simbel, Egypt’s monumental love letter to power and devotion, isn’t just a temple; it’s a humbling encounter with humanity’s capacity for both creation and preservation. ### **The Journey: A Desert Odyssey** My day began at 3:30 a.m., joining a convoy from Aswan to traverse the Sahara’s pitch-black expanse. By sunrise, the desert revealed itself—a sea of amber dunes stretching endlessly. Suddenly, the colossal statues emerged, their faces illuminated in golden light. The sheer audacity of carving such grandeur into a cliffside, over 3,200 years ago, left me speechless. ### **Walking with Pharaohs** The Great Temple, dedicated to Ramses II and the gods Amun, Ra, and Ptah, is a masterclass in ancient propaganda. Walls adorned with hieroglyphs depict the pharaoh’s “victory” at the Battle of Kadesh (historians debate the outcome, but Ramses clearly won the PR war). Deeper inside, the inner sanctum holds a secret: twice a year, sunlight pierces the 200-foot corridor to illuminate statues of Ramses and the gods—a celestial alignment preserved even after the temple’s 1960s relocation. Nearby, the smaller Temple of Hathor honors Queen Nefertari, Ramses’ beloved wife. Rarely did queens receive equal stature in art, yet here she stands, radiant and regal. It felt like glimpsing a love story etched in stone. ### **The Modern Miracle** Abu Simbel’s survival is as awe-inspiring as its construction. When Lake Nasser’s rising waters threatened to drown the site, UNESCO orchestrated a four-year feat: cutting the temples into 1,040 blocks and reassembling them 65 meters higher. Today, the artificial mountain hiding the original cliff is a quiet tribute to global cooperation—proof that modernity can honor antiquity. ### **Why Every Traveler Should Go** - **Scale Defies Imagination**: Photos don’t capture the statues’ enormity. Standing at their feet, you grasp why ancient Egyptians viewed pharaohs as gods. - **A Universal Story**: For Asian visitors, echoes of Angkor Wat or the Great Wall resonate here—societies using stone to immortalize power and belief. - **Timeless Engineering**: The relocation effort mirrors Asia’s own preservation triumphs, like relocating China’s Zhangzhou Temple or conserving Bagan’s pagodas. ### **Tips for the Wise Traveler** - **Beat the Heat**: Arrive at opening (6 a.m.) for cooler temps and softer light. - **Guides Matter**: A local expert unravels hieroglyphic tales you’d miss alone. - **Stay Nearby**: Opt for a Lake Nasser cruise; overnight stays offer magical sunset views minus the crowds. ### **A Reflection in Stone** Leaving Abu Simbel, I carried a paradox: the temple celebrates one man’s ego, yet its salvation required collective humility. For Ramses, it was about immortality; for us,

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 The Abu Simbel Temples are located in the Nubia region in southern Egypt, close to the Sudanese border. They are one of the most famous buildings from the New Kingdom period of ancient Egypt. The temple complex was built by Pharaoh Ramses II in his honor and in memory of his wife Nefertari. The Abu Simbel Temples showcase the brilliant achievements of ancient Egyptian architecture and sculpture, and are also an important example of modern archaeology and engineering. Great Temple (Temple of Ramses II) 1. Sculpture and Design: The Great Temple was built by Ramses II for himself. On the front are four giant statues of Ramses II, each 20 meters high, showing his sacred image. Above the main entrance is carved the symbol of the sun god Ra (Ra-Horakhty), symbolizing the union of Ramses II and the god. 2. Internal structure: There are many halls and rooms in the temple, and the walls are carved with the military achievements of Ramses II, especially his victory scene in the Battle of Kadesh. The most sacred place inside is the Sanctuary, dedicated to Ramses II and three important gods: Amun-Ra, Ra-Horakhty and Ptah.

#springwander #abusimbeltemple Visiting the Abu Simbel temple has been a childhood dream of mine. I finally made it come true this spring. This temple has so much history. The details and sheer size of the temple are awe-inspiring. The entrance has massive statues of Ramses 2 and really gives you a grand feeling. It’s situated close to Lake Nasser which brings a nice breeze which is perfect for spring. Do hire a tour guide to get a good background behind the temple. The temple is beautiful beyond words. Beware of scammers at this place. You can take a day trip from Aswan or directly fly to Abu Simbel. Either way, you are in for a great spring outing. Do come.

Visiting Abu Simbel in Aswan, Egypt, was an unforgettable experience. The Great Temple at Abu Simbel, completed around 1265 BC after nearly twenty years of construction, stands as a testament to the grandeur of Ramses the Great. The colossal statues at the entrance are breathtaking, and the intricate carvings inside depict significant historical and religious scenes. The temple’s alignment with the sun, illuminating the inner sanctum twice a year, showcases the advanced knowledge of ancient Egyptian architects. The site’s relocation to protect it from flooding is a remarkable feat. Abu Simbel is truly worth visiting, offering an extraordinary glimpse into Egypt’s rich history and incredible architectural achievements.

Visiting Abu Simbel in Aswan, Egypt, was an unforgettable experience. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is truly amazing and absolutely worth visiting. Built by Pharaoh Ramses II, the two massive rock-cut temples showcase the grandeur of ancient Egyptian architecture. The colossal statues at the entrance are awe-inspiring, and the intricate carvings inside depict significant historical and religious scenes. One of the most fascinating aspects is the temple’s precise alignment with the sun, illuminating the inner sanctum twice a year. The relocation of the entire site to protect it from flooding is a remarkable engineering achievement. Abu Simbel is a must-visit destination, offering a breathtaking glimpse into Egypt’s rich history and culture.

Visiting Abu Simbel in Aswan, Egypt, was an unforgettable experience. This amazing historic site comprises two massive rock-cut temples in the village of Abu Simbel, Aswan Governorate, Upper Egypt, near the Sudanese border. Located on the western bank of Lake Nasser, about 230 km southwest of Aswan (or 300 km by road), the temples were built by Pharaoh Ramses II. The colossal statues at the entrance are breathtaking, and the intricate carvings inside tell fascinating stories of ancient Egypt. The site’s relocation to higher ground to protect it from flooding is a remarkable engineering achievement. Abu Simbel is truly worth visiting, offering a glimpse into Egypt’s incredible history and architectural brilliance.

Visiting Abu Simbel in Aswan, Egypt, was an unforgettable experience. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is truly amazing and absolutely worth visiting. The massive rock-cut temples, built by Pharaoh Ramses II, are breathtaking in both scale and detail. The colossal statues at the entrance are awe-inspiring, and the intricate carvings inside tell fascinating stories of ancient Egypt. The most incredible part is how the entire site was relocated to save it from flooding, a remarkable engineering feat. Standing before these ancient wonders, I felt deep admiration for Egypt’s history and culture. Abu Simbel is a must-see destination, offering an extraordinary glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilization.

#MarchTravelSupportEvent On a nice day, the sky seen from Abu Simbel was truly magnificent. The clear blue sky blended with the temple to create a fantastic landscape. The magnificent stone statues and elaborate reliefs of Abu Simbel stood out even more under the sun, and the blue of the sky made the atmosphere even more mysterious. It was a moving moment to look at the view and feel the history and natural beauty of ancient Egypt at the same time.

#MarchTravelSupportEvent The museum near the Abu Simbel Temple is a great place to gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of ancient Egypt. Since it is located close to the temple, you can go straight to the temple after visiting the museum. The museum has various exhibits related to the relics of the Abu Simbel Temple, and the exhibits showing the temple's previous location and moving process are also impressive. It was an interesting experience to gain a lot of information about the art and architecture of ancient Egypt and the historical value of Abu Simbel.

#March Travel Support Event Abu Simbel Temple is located in the Nubia region, about 280km from Aswan in southern Egypt. The address is "Abu Simbel Rd, Aswan Governorate, Egypt" . It takes about 4 hours by bus from Aswan to get there, and you can travel there through a local tour. Abu Simbel is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and you can better appreciate the beauty of the temple if you visit during sunrise and sunset.