Egypt Discovery
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Attraction Aswan

Abu Simbel Temples, Aswan

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

Abu Simbel Temples Entry Ticket is a 1-day admission covering the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Nefertari in Aswan, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.

Snapshot

Good to know

Destinations
Aswan

Best time to go

The best time to visit Abu Simbel is usually from October to April, when daytime temperatures in southern Egypt are milder and outdoor walking is more comfortable. Summer months can be very hot, and seasonal opening hours or last admission times may change, so checking before travel is recommended. The solar alignment dates in February and October attract larger crowds than normal days.

02 Overview

A first look

The Abu Simbel Temples comprise the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Small Temple of Nefertari. They were dismantled and rebuilt on higher ground between 1964 and 1968 to avoid inundation from the Aswan High Dam.

Background

The facts

Abu Simbel is the pair of rock-cut temples built in the 13th century BCE on the western bank of Lake Nasser, south of Aswan. The complex consists of the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the smaller Temple of Nefertari, both carved into the cliff face and aligned with the sun. In the Great Temple, the sanctuary is famous for the solar phenomenon that occurs around 19 February and 21 October, when sunlight reaches the inner chamber.

The site was relocated during the 1960s as part of the UNESCO-led salvage project carried out before the filling of Lake Nasser after construction of the Aswan High Dam. The temples were cut into large blocks and reassembled on higher ground to preserve the monuments from inundation. This relocation is one of the best-known archaeological engineering projects of the 20th century.

An entry ticket grants access to the temple precinct, forecourts, and the interior spaces open to visitors, including the hypostyle halls and decorated passageways where colossal statues and reliefs survive. It does not include transport, commentary services, or any optional add-ons. Opening hours and last admission can vary by season, so visitors should check current site information before travel and arrive early when possible.

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This is suitable for independent travelers who already have their own transport arrangements and want direct entry to the monument. It also suits history-focused visitors, photographers, and adults or older children who can manage walking on uneven stone surfaces and desert heat.

What lingers

  • 01 Located approximately 280 km south of Aswan (3.5–4 hour drive); transfer by private car or short domestic flight.
  • 02 Two temples – Ramses II and Nefertari – carved into the cliff face; sunrise alignment occurs 22 February and 22 October.
  • 03 Standard site entrance fee included; any premium services or private guiding are extra.
  • 04 We avoid crowded coach itineraries; our Abu Simbel transfers depart early and use private vehicles.
  • 05 Visiting requires an early start or overnight stay in Abu Simbel; expect limited shade and hot midday sun.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Abu Simbel Temples entry ticket, valid for the selected date

Not included

  • Transport to and from Abu Simbel
  • Professional Egyptologist or live commentary, bookable separately
  • Audio guide, unless selected as a separate option
  • Photography permit where required; check on arrival
  • Printed ticket (tickets are emailed as a PDF, print if the venue requires a hard copy)

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01 How far is Abu Simbel from Aswan and how long does it take to get there?
    Abu Simbel is approximately 280 km south of Aswan, about 3.5–4 hours by road. A domestic flight takes roughly 35–45 minutes. Road transfers are long; compared with cruise-ship shore calls, overland visits require more travel time. We usually recommend an overnight stay near Abu Simbel if you prefer not to return the same day.
  2. 02 Can I visit Abu Simbel from Aswan as a day trip?
    Yes – you can visit Abu Simbel from Aswan as a long day trip, but expect an early start and long transfers. The road option is 3.5–4 hours each way; flights shorten transfer time but need advance seats. The site has limited shade and strong sun at midday, so many clients prefer an overnight option to avoid a rushed return.
  3. 03 Are entry tickets and fees included for Abu Simbel?
    Standard site entrance tickets for Abu Simbel are normally included with attraction-ticket bookings. Special events, premium guided access, gratuities and optional transfers are typically extra. Bring the passport used at booking – Egyptian sites commonly issue tickets against ID, and peak dates sell out early so book in advance.
  4. 04 What should I wear and bring for a visit to Abu Simbel?
    Wear light, modest clothing covering shoulders and knees, and bring sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF sunscreen). Sturdy shoes help on uneven ancient stone and short steps; carry at least one litre of water per person and a small shade umbrella if you use one. Early-morning visits reduce heat exposure; there is limited shelter at the site.
  5. 05 When is the solar alignment at Abu Simbel and what happens then?
    The solar alignment occurs around 22 February and 22 October each year, lighting the Great Temple’s inner sanctuary. The sunlight reaches statues of Ramses II, Amun and Ra‑Horakhty; the statue of Ptah remains in shadow. Dates are approximate, attract larger crowds and often require advance booking; we can advise on exact timings for your travel dates.
  6. 06 Is Abu Simbel accessible for visitors with limited mobility?
    Abu Simbel has uneven stone surfaces, temple steps and limited shade; full access can be challenging for some mobility impairments. Vehicle parking and drop-off points may still require a short walk on compacted sand. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and can arrange closer drop-offs, additional assistance or quieter visiting times where logistically possible, but complete step-free access is not guaranteed.

Last updated 18 May 2026 Product ID: TKT-ASW-572651

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