Kalabsha Temple, Aswan
Admission to Kalabsha Temple on an island in Lake Nasser, with Roman-period reliefs and inscriptions; check seasonal opening hours before visiting.
At a glance
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
Kalabsha Temple Entry Ticket grants admission to Kalabsha Temple and the nearby Kertassi gateway in Aswan, booked and arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Time to allow
- Self-paced
- Travel style
- Self-Guided Entry
- Arranged by
- Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt
- Destinations
- Kalabsha Temple
- Includes
- Entry to Kalabsha Temple
- Best for
- Ancient history enthusiasts · Nubian heritage visitors · Independent travellers · Photography enthusiasts
Best time to go
October to April is generally more comfortable for outdoor sightseeing in Aswan, with typical daytime temperatures around 24 to 35°C; summer days can exceed 40°C. Arrive early in warmer months, and check current opening hours before visiting, especially during Ramadan and public holidays.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- The ticket is arranged separately from transport and any audio guide.
- The ticket is emailed as a PDF after booking confirmation.
- The ticket information advises checking whether the venue requires a printed copy.
02Overview
A first look
Kalabsha honours the Nubian sun god Mandulis and preserves Roman-period reliefs alongside later pharaonic additions. Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator and includes the site entrance on private Aswan itineraries; expect uneven stone and little shade at midday.
Background
The facts
Kalabsha Temple is a monument on an island in Lake Nasser, near Aswan. It is one of the principal Greco-Roman-period monuments in the Aswan area and was moved from its original site at Bab al-Kalabsha during the archaeological rescue campaign that followed construction of the Aswan High Dam.
The temple complex includes a pylon façade, courtyard and sanctuary area. The relocated Kertassi gateway stands nearby. A focused visit usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on time spent examining the inscriptions and architecture.
The temple’s layout is largely Roman-period, with earlier material and inscriptions referring to the New Kingdom and Kushite periods. Its relocation in the 1960s is an example of archaeological conservation carried out in response to the rising waters of Lake Nasser.
Opening hours can vary by season, so check current official information before visiting or arrive early. Photography rules may vary; check at the entrance. The entry ticket is arranged separately from transport and any audio guide. Tickets are emailed as a PDF; check whether a printed copy is required and print it if in doubt.
Named in this entry
Kalabsha Temple·Lake Nasser·Aswan·Bab al-Kalabsha·The High Dam at Aswan·Kertassi gateway·New Kingdom·Kushite period·Roman period
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This entry ticket suits independent travellers, archaeology enthusiasts and visitors wanting a short cultural stop in Aswan without a fixed sightseeing schedule. It is a good fit for couples, solo travellers and families with school-age children who are comfortable exploring at their own pace.
Maybe not, if
- Choose another Aswan visit if you need step-free access or substantial shade. Kalabsha is an outdoor site, and surfaces may be uneven.
What lingers
- 01Kalabsha Temple (Temple of Mandulis) – relocated during the 1960s UNESCO Nubia salvage campaign to New Kalabsha.
- 02Entrance ticket included; allow 45–60 minutes to study reliefs of Mandulis and later Roman inscriptions.
- 03Our Egyptologists recommend morning visits when boat traffic is lowest; ticket valid for the reserved entry slot.
- 04Located on Lake Nasser's western shore near New Kalabsha; commonly visited on half-day Aswan excursions.
- 05Unlike cruise stopovers that rush the site, our ticket offers flexible entry to avoid peak boat crowds.
- 06Limited shade at midday and uneven ancient stone underfoot; bring sun protection and sensible walking shoes.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Many fixed Aswan itineraries bundle site visits together. We arrange this entry ticket separately, so access to Kalabsha Temple is not tied to a set itinerary. Unlike visits to larger Aswan sites, a focused visit here usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Entry ticket to Kalabsha Temple
Not included
- Professional guide or audio guide, available to arrange separately if required
- Transport to and from the site
- Food and drinks
- Photography permit, if required; check the rules at the entrance
- The ticket is sent by email as a PDF after booking. Some venues require a printed copy, so print it if unsure
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Morning light is noted as useful for photography; check the current rules at the entrance before taking pictures.
- 02
Allow time to look closely at the inscriptions, which reflect New Kingdom, Kushite and Roman-period use.
- 03
Check current opening hours before travelling, as they can vary by season.
- 04
Print the emailed PDF if you are unsure whether the entrance accepts a screen display.
Tailor it
Make it yours
- The ticket is arranged separately, so you can fit the visit around your own plans. An audio guide can be arranged separately if required
- transport is not included.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Where it fits
– Kalabsha Temple fits as a short visit while staying in Aswan, especially alongside the Aswan High Dam and Philae Temple. It is separate from the main island sites, so allow time to reach the west bank of Lake Nasser.
While you're here
Worth pairing
- Kertassi Kiosk0.0 km
- The High Dam at Aswan0.0 km
- Philae Temple0.0 km
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Book a standalone ticket without a fixed itinerary
02
Visit a relocated Nubian monument near Aswan
03
Plan a focused visit around your own interests
·In summary
Kalabsha Temple was relocated to an island in Lake Nasser during the 1960s archaeological rescue campaign linked to the Aswan High Dam. A visit typically takes 30 to 60 minutes and includes the temple complex, with the Kertassi gateway nearby.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How far is Kalabsha Temple from Aswan and how long is the drive?
Kalabsha Temple is roughly 25 km south of Aswan, about a 30–40 minute drive by private car. Road time varies with traffic and with cruise-tender schedules; the final approach is well surfaced. We can collect you from Aswan hotels or the cruise terminal and advise the best route for your timing.02What is the best time of day to visit Kalabsha Temple?
Early morning or late afternoon are best to avoid heat and strong midday light. The temple has limited shade and exposed sandstone reliefs that suffer harsh sun; summer temperatures commonly exceed 35–40°C. We schedule visits to avoid the hottest hours and to improve photographic light – bring sun protection and a water bottle.03Can I book a guide for Kalabsha Temple?
Yes – you can book a licensed Egyptologist with us or hire a local guide at the gate. Our Egyptologists point out the Roman-period additions and explain the temple’s dedication to the Nubian god Mandulis. Standard site entry is covered by a ticket; private guiding is an extra service we can arrange in advance.04Is Kalabsha Temple accessible for wheelchair users?
Access is partial: there are paved approaches but the inner temple has stone steps and uneven thresholds. Independent wheelchair users will find some areas difficult; the courtyard surfaces are compacted sand and stone. Contact us before booking so we can arrange vehicle drop-off, porters or bespoke assistance where possible and advise on the exact limitations.05Are photography, tripods or drones allowed at Kalabsha Temple?
Casual photography for personal use is normally allowed; tripods and drones usually require permits. Flash is often discouraged near painted surfaces and sensitive reliefs. We can advise current site rules before travel and arrange commercial-photography permits if needed.06How much time should I allow to visit Kalabsha Temple?
Plan 45–75 minutes for a thorough visit, or 30 minutes for a quick walk-around. A one-hour guided visit covers architectural phases, Roman inscriptions and the history of the temple’s relocation during the Nubian salvage. Unlike hurried cruise-ship stops, a standalone visit lets you study reliefs without a strict time cut-off.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: TKT-ASW-467702
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