Egypt Discovery
From per personOn Request
Attraction Luxor

Karnak Temple Sound & Light Show, Luxor

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

Karnak Temple Admission is a 1-day attraction ticket covering the evening Sound & Light presentation at Karnak Temple in Luxor, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.

Snapshot

Good to know

Time of day
Evening departure
Destinations
Luxor

Best time to go

The best time to attend is during cooler months from October to April, when evening temperatures are generally more comfortable. Summer evenings can still be warm, and holiday periods may be busier, so checking the official schedule in advance is recommended. During Ramadan and major Egyptian public holidays, opening times and session availability may differ.

02 Overview

A first look

The Sound & Light Show takes place inside Karnak Temple after sunset. The script highlights Amun‑Ra, Thutmose III and Ramesses II and is presented with recorded narration in multiple languages.

Background

The facts

Karnak Temple in Luxor is one of the largest temple complexes in ancient Egypt and was developed over many centuries, from the Middle Kingdom through the Ptolemaic period. The main sacred precinct is dedicated to Amun-Re, with major components including the Great Hypostyle Hall, obelisks, pylons, courts, and the Avenue of Sphinxes that links Karnak with Luxor Temple.

This product is an admission ticket for the evening Sound & Light presentation at Karnak Temple. It grants entry to the scheduled audiovisual show, which uses lighting and narration to highlight the temple precinct and selected monuments such as the Hypostyle Hall and the Amun-Re precinct. It is not a daytime general admission ticket and does not include transport or meals.

Show times and access rules can change seasonally, so visitors should check the official timetable before arriving. The ticket is delivered as a PDF by email after booking, and some venues may require a printed copy at the entrance gate. Photography rules may vary by event session and should be confirmed on site.

Luxor is the nearest major city and rail hub, and Karnak is located on the East Bank near the modern city center. Visitors should plan to arrive early enough for security screening and ticket checks before the scheduled evening session begins.

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This ticket is suited to travelers who want an evening cultural visit in Luxor and prefer a self-arranged entry rather than a full sightseeing program. It is also a practical option for adults, couples, and history-focused visitors who want to see Karnak in a staged nighttime presentation.

What lingers

  • 01 Karnak Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple, Luxor – starts after sunset; running time approximately 60 minutes.
  • 02 Recorded English commentary explains Amun-Re, Ramses II and Hatshepsut; multiple-language audio tracks often available on site.
  • 03 Seating is on open-air stone terraces; bring a light jacket and torch for steps and uneven surfaces.
  • 04 Located on Luxor East Bank, approximately 2.5 km north of Luxor Temple (around a ten-minute drive).
  • 05 We can arrange private transfer and preferred seating; small-group coach options also available on request.
  • 06 Unlike daytime visits, the evening show uses illumination and narration to explain temple chronology rather than close inspection of reliefs.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Karnak Temple Sound and Light show admission for the booked session
  • PDF ticket delivered by email after booking

Not included

  • Transport to and from Karnak Temple
  • Meals and personal expenses
  • Live, on-site commentary or guided services (book separately if required)
  • Photography permissions or special permits where applicable
  • If the venue requires a printed ticket, printing is not included

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01 What time does the Karnak Sound & Light show start?
    The Karnak Sound & Light show typically starts after sunset; exact start times vary by season. We confirm the evening’s start time when we send your ticket; please arrive 20–30 minutes early for seating. Karnak Temple is dedicated primarily to Amun-Re and forms part of the Ancient Thebes UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike a daytime visit, the night lighting emphasises the pylons and avenues but hides fine relief detail.
  2. 02 How long is the Karnak Sound & Light show?
    The performance lasts roughly sixty to ninety minutes depending on the season and programme. There is no long interval – the narration and light sequence run continuously. Different evening versions (shorter or longer) are scheduled on different nights, and we confirm the exact running time before you book.
  3. 03 Is the Karnak Sound & Light show narrated in English?
    Yes – the evening narration is normally available in English; other language tracks may be scheduled on some nights. The narration is pre-recorded rather than live and follows the temple’s history and major monuments. We check language options for your chosen date and confirm them with your booking.
  4. 04 Can I take photographs or use a tripod during the show?
    Photography is generally permitted, but flash and tripods are often restricted during the performance. Handheld cameras and smartphones are usually fine, though low light will affect image quality. If you require a tripod for professional work, tell us in advance so we can request permission from the site authorities.
  5. 05 Is the Karnak Sound & Light show suitable for people with limited mobility?
    The site has uneven ancient stone and several steps; access for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility is restricted. Seating areas require short walks over rough surfaces and lighting is dim at night, which can make movement harder. We can request closer seating and arrange a private car; please disclose mobility needs when you enquire so we can advise realistically.
  6. 06 Do you include tickets and transfers for the Karnak Sound & Light show?
    We can book tickets and arrange private transfers; tickets are included only with a transfer-inclusive or ticket-inclusive option. We normally recommend keeping a daytime Karnak visit separate from the night show rather than attempting both in one rushed visit. Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we will state exactly what is included in your written quotation.

Last updated 18 May 2026 Product ID: TKT-LXR-583875

You Might Also Like

Abu Simbel Temples, AswanAswan

Abu Simbel Temples, Aswan

Abu Simbel lies about 280 km south of Aswan and is reached by a 40‑minute flight or a 3.5–4 hour road transfer. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange private early flights and timed private‑car arrivals so clients avoid coach crowds and the hottest hours. The twin sites are the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Small Temple of Nefertari, moved to higher ground between 1964 and 1968 during an international relocation campaign and included in the Nubian Monuments UNESCO listing. Trade‑offs: a same‑day return requires an early start and either a long road journey or a small‑plane seat; shade is limited on the forecourt.

Abu Simbel Temples – Sun Festival (22 Feb / 22 Oct)Aswan

Abu Simbel Temples – Sun Festival (22 Feb / 22 Oct)

See the twice-yearly solar alignment at Abu Simbel on 22 February or 22 October when sunlight reaches the inner sanctuary. The twin rock temples were carved for Ramses II and honour Amun‑Re and Ra. They were moved in 1964–1968 and form part of the UNESCO World Heritage 'Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae'. Abu Simbel is approximately 280 km south of Aswan (about 3.5 hours by road). We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and can arrange timed-entry tickets, private road transfers and an Egyptologist briefing when available. Unlike same-day coach runs, we recommend an overnight in Aswan to avoid very early road departures and rushed visits; expect limited shade at the forecourt and large crowds on festival dates.

Al-Moez Street Entry TicketCairo

Al-Moez Street Entry Ticket

Al-Moez Street is a medieval Cairo thoroughfare lined with Fatimid and Mamluk-era monuments, gates and historic façades. This admission grants access to the pedestrianised street and its visible monuments, including views toward Bab Zuweila and the Mosque of Al-Hakim. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange the ticket and send it to you by email as a PDF after booking. Unlike a museum admission, the street is an open historic quarter rather than a single indoor site, so visiting times are flexible but subject to seasonal opening hours and special events.