Egypt Discovery
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Attraction Aswan

Kalabsha Temple, Aswan

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

Kalabsha Temple entry ticket is a 1-day attraction admission covering Kalabsha Temple and the nearby Kertassi gateway in Aswan, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.

Snapshot

Good to know

Destinations
Aswan

Best time to go

The most comfortable months for visiting Aswan are generally October to April, when daytime temperatures are milder and walking around outdoor sites is easier. In summer, heat can be intense, so early morning is usually the best time to visit. Hours may change during Ramadan and public holidays, so checking the current schedule before arrival is advisable.

02 Overview

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 one of the principal Greco-Roman-period monuments in the Aswan area, set on the west bank of Lake Nasser. The temple originally stood at Bab al-Kalabsha near the southern frontier, but it was dismantled and rebuilt on an island during the rescue campaign that followed construction of the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s. Its relocation makes it an important example of modern archaeological conservation in Egypt.

The monument preserves a largely Roman-period layout while incorporating earlier material and inscriptions, including New Kingdom and Kushite references. Visitors can see the intact pylon façade, courtyard, and sanctuary area, along with reliefs that reflect the temple’s long history of reuse and re-inscription. Nearby stands the relocated Kertassi gateway, another Nubian monument moved as part of the same dam-related salvage effort.

A standard visit is compact and usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how much time is spent reading the inscriptions and photographing the architecture. Because the site is smaller than major Aswan attractions, it is often visited as a focused cultural stop rather than as a long half-day excursion. Opening hours can vary by season, so checking the current schedule before arrival is recommended.

Access is via the entrance gate for the temple complex, where security screening and ticket validation are typically required. Photography rules may differ by area and can change, so visitors should confirm the current policy at the entrance. If a printed copy is required by the venue, the ticket PDF sent by email can be printed before arrival.

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This entry ticket is suitable for independent travelers, archaeology enthusiasts, and visitors who want a short cultural stop in Aswan without a fixed sightseeing schedule. It also works well for travelers who prefer self-guided visits, have moderate mobility, and want to spend a focused amount of time at a compact monument.

What lingers

  • 01 Kalabsha Temple (Temple of Mandulis) – relocated during the 1960s UNESCO Nubia salvage campaign to New Kalabsha.
  • 02 Entrance ticket included; allow 45–60 minutes to study reliefs of Mandulis and later Roman inscriptions.
  • 03 Our Egyptologists recommend morning visits when boat traffic is lowest; ticket valid for the reserved entry slot.
  • 04 Located on Lake Nasser's western shore near New Kalabsha; commonly visited on half-day Aswan excursions.
  • 05 Unlike cruise stopovers that rush the site, our ticket offers flexible entry to avoid peak boat crowds.
  • 06 Limited shade at midday and uneven ancient stone underfoot; bring sun protection and sensible walking shoes.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Kalabsha Temple entry ticket

Not included

  • Professional guide or audio guide, which can be arranged separately if required
  • Transport to or from the site
  • Meals and refreshments
  • Photography permit where applicable, check on arrival
  • PDF ticket is emailed after booking, some venues may require a printed copy so print if in doubt

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01 How 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.
  2. 02 What 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.
  3. 03 Can 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.
  4. 04 Is 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.
  5. 05 Are 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.
  6. 06 How 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 18 May 2026 Product ID: TKT-ASW-467702

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