Egypt Discovery
From per person£4
AttractionLuxor

Mortuary Temple of Ramses III, Medinet Habu (Luxor West Bank)

Admission to Medinet Habu’s temple precinct, pillared courtyards and enclosure walls, with access to reliefs of the Sea Peoples and royal campaigns.

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

Mortuary Temple of Ramses III Entry Ticket grants admission to Medinet Habu in Luxor, 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
Mortuary Temple of Ramses III (Medinet Habu)
Includes
Entry to the Medinet Habu temple precinct · Access to the pillared courtyards · Access to the fortified enclosure walls · Self-paced visit
Best for
Independent travellers · Ancient history enthusiasts · Architecture and relief enthusiasts · Visitors already in Luxor

Best time to go

October to April is usually more comfortable for visiting Luxor, with daytime temperatures often around 20–30°C, though conditions vary. Arriving early can reduce exposure to stronger heat. Opening routines and visitor numbers may change during Ramadan and major Egyptian holidays, so check current hours before setting out.

  • Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
  • Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books and arranges the admission ticket; it does not own or operate Medinet Habu.
  • The ticket grants admission to the Mortuary Temple of Ramses III precinct.
  • The ticket is sent by email as a PDF after booking confirmation.
  • The product information identifies commentary and transport as not included.

02Overview

A first look

Located on Luxor's West Bank, Medinet Habu houses the mortuary temple of Ramses III. It is part of the Theban Necropolis UNESCO World Heritage site.

Background

The facts

The Mortuary Temple of Ramses III at Medinet Habu is a New Kingdom funerary complex on Luxor’s West Bank. Built during Ramses III’s reign in the early 12th century BCE, it was dedicated to the king’s funerary cult and formed part of the landscape of ancient Thebes.

The complex contains large forecourts, pillared halls and a temple precinct enclosed by monumental mudbrick walls. Reliefs and inscriptions survive across the site, including scenes of royal ceremonies, offerings and military events. The entry ticket grants access to the temple precinct and its visible reliefs.

Reliefs depicting the Sea Peoples are important records of events associated with the Late Bronze Age collapse. Other carved scenes document temple ritual and royal kingship during the reign of Ramses III.

Opening hours can vary by season, so check current timings with the official site before travelling. Photography rules may vary and should be confirmed at the entrance. Tickets are sent by email as a PDF after booking; check whether a printed copy is required and print it if in doubt.

Named in this entry

Mortuary Temple of Ramses III·Medinet Habu·Ramses III·Luxor·Luxor West Bank·Theban Necropolis·Thebes·Sea Peoples·New Kingdom·Late Bronze Age

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This ticket suits independent visitors, history enthusiasts and photographers who want time to examine Ramses III’s reliefs at their own pace. It is a better fit for adults and older children who can manage uneven stone surfaces and walking in warm weather.

Maybe not, if

  • Choose another option if you need step-free access or included commentary. It may also be a poor fit for visitors who struggle with heat or uneven ground.

What lingers

  • 01Large mortuary temple of Ramses III on Luxor West Bank, noted for the Sea Peoples battle reliefs.
  • 02Well-preserved processional courtyards, pylons and chapels; our Egyptologist explains iconography and royal titulary.
  • 03Late-afternoon visits reduce heat and coach traffic; we schedule stops after 16:00 when groups thin.
  • 04Scenes of funerary rites and merchant lists offer direct comparison with nearby Luxor Temple inscriptions.
  • 05Site has uneven ancient stone and limited shade; expect walking on rough surfaces for 45–60 minutes.
  • 06Standard site entrance fee is included; photography tripod permits or restoration closures may incur extra fees.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Many combined Luxor packages include site visits alongside other services. This is a standalone admission ticket for an independent visit, with no commentary or transport included.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Ticket for entry to the Mortuary Temple of Ramses III at Medinet Habu

Not included

  • Professional Egyptologist or guided commentary, available to book separately
  • Transport to and from the site
  • Food and drinks
  • Photography permit, if required by the venue
  • A printed ticket may be required at the entrance. Check with the venue and print your PDF ticket if unsure

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Check current opening hours with the official site before setting out, as hours can vary seasonally.

  2. 02

    Print the emailed PDF if you cannot confirm that the entrance accepts tickets displayed on a phone.

  3. 03

    Confirm photography rules at the entrance, as the site’s policy has not been specified.

  4. 04

    Plan for sun exposure in the open courtyards and bring water and sun protection.

Tailor it

Make it yours

  • The ticket is for admission only, so you can set your own pace and spend longer at the reliefs that interest you. Audio commentary may be booked separately
  • check availability and current opening details before your visit.

All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.

Where it fits

– Medinet Habu fits into a Luxor West Bank visit alongside the Valley of the Queens and the Ramesseum. Its location makes it a practical addition to a day focused on monuments west of the Nile.

While you're here

Worth pairing

  • Deir el-Medina2 km
  • Valley of the Queens3 km
  • Ramesseum3 km
  • Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut6 km

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

  1. 01

    Visit Ramses III's temple independently and at your own pace

  2. 02

    Admission covers the precinct, courtyards and enclosure walls

  3. 03

    PDF ticket sent by email after booking confirmation

·In summary

Ramses III ruled in the early 12th century BCE, when the Medinet Habu complex was built on Luxor’s West Bank as his mortuary temple. Its reliefs include scenes of the Sea Peoples, royal ceremonies and military events associated with the Late Bronze Age.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01What are the opening hours for Medinet Habu?
    Medinet Habu is usually open daily from 06:00 to 17:00, but hours vary seasonally and on national holidays. The ticket booth often closes 30–45 minutes before official closing, so arrive earlier for a full visit. During Ramadan and certain public events opening times can change; we confirm timings on the day when we organise visits.
  2. 02Can I take photographs inside the Mortuary Temple of Ramses III?
    Yes – casual photography without tripods is normally permitted at Medinet Habu for personal use. Tripods, flash, professional shoots and drones require prior permit from the antiquities authorities; we can advise on permissions and help with applications. Please avoid touching painted reliefs – pigments remain fragile – and be aware shade is limited at midday.
  3. 03Is Medinet Habu suitable for people with mobility issues?
    Access at Medinet Habu involves uneven ancient stone, low steps and sandy surfaces; it is not fully step-free. There are no extensive modern ramps and some courtyards require stepping over thresholds, which limits access for standard wheelchairs. We can arrange a nearby drop-off, a shorter route and extra time, but cannot guarantee full wheelchair access to every area.
  4. 04How long should I allow to visit Medinet Habu?
    Allow 45–90 minutes to visit Medinet Habu, depending on how closely you study the reliefs and inscriptions. We generally pair it with the Ramesseum rather than attempting the Valley of the Kings in the same short half-day. Midday has limited shade; mornings and late afternoons are cooler and easier for detailed viewing.
  5. 05Can I combine Medinet Habu with other West Bank sites in one visit?
    Yes – Medinet Habu combines well with the Ramesseum, Deir el-Medina or the Valley of the Kings on Luxor's West Bank. Expect transfers across the Nile and allow proper time at each site; cruise and ship-run stop-offs often rush these visits. We can plan a private West Bank itinerary with realistic visit durations and staged crossings.
  6. 06Do I need a guide or is an audio guide enough at Medinet Habu?
    A trained Egyptologist adds essential context to Ramses III's inscriptions; an audio guide gives basic orientation. Our Egyptologists explain the Sea Peoples scenes and the temple programme in historical and religious context; we can arrange a specialist for your visit on request. If you prefer a lower-cost option, an audio guide or a good guidebook will cover the main points.

Editorial review

Reviewed by Mohamed Abdel-Aziz, Senior Egyptologist·Last reviewed 8 March 2025

Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: TKT-LUX-861456

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