Egypt Discovery
From per person£4
AttractionLuxor

Ramesseum – Mortuary Temple of Ramses II (Luxor West Bank)

Admission to Ramses II’s mortuary temple on Luxor’s West Bank, with access to its courtyards, ruined colonnades and temple remains.

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

The Ramesseum Entry Ticket grants admission to the Mortuary Temple of Ramses II on Luxor’s West Bank, 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
Ramesseum, Luxor West Bank
Includes
Entry ticket to the Ramesseum · Access to the open archaeological area · Access to the temple remains · Access to the ruined colonnades and courtyards · Access to visible wall reliefs and the fallen statue
Best for
Ancient Egyptian history enthusiasts · Independent visitors · Architecture and archaeology enthusiasts · Photography enthusiasts

Best time to go

October to April is generally more comfortable for walking around this exposed site; summer temperatures can exceed 40°C, so an early visit is preferable. Check current opening hours before travelling, especially during Ramadan and major public holidays, when timings and visitor numbers may change.

  • Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
  • The ticket is booked and arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, not by the site operator.
  • The stated ticket inclusion is admission to the Ramesseum archaeological area and temple remains.
  • The ticket is delivered by email as a PDF after booking confirmation.
  • The product information identifies transport and professional guiding as exclusions.

02Overview

A first look

On Luxor's West Bank, the Ramesseum is Ramses II's mortuary temple and part of the Theban necropolis, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979. We normally schedule a 45–60 minute visit from Luxor city centre, roughly 5 km (15–20 minutes' drive).

Background

The facts

The Ramesseum is the mortuary temple of Ramses II on Luxor’s West Bank. Construction began in the 13th century BCE, during Egypt’s New Kingdom, for royal cult rituals and state ceremonies.

The archaeological site contains the remains of a pylon, courtyards, colonnades and pillared halls. Its best-known feature is a fallen seated statue attributed to Ramses II, originally about 17 metres high. Wall reliefs include scenes of the Battle of Kadesh.

The temple belongs to the archaeological landscape of ancient Thebes, a UNESCO World Heritage property. The Kadesh reliefs record Ramses II’s campaign against the Hittites in the 13th century BCE and are a major example of royal military imagery in ancient Egyptian art.

The entry ticket grants access to the open archaeological area and surviving temple remains. Opening hours and last admission vary seasonally, so check the current schedule before visiting. Photography rules can vary; check at the entrance. The ticket is sent by email as a PDF; print it if unsure whether screen display is accepted.

Named in this entry

Ramesseum·Mortuary Temple of Ramses II·Ramses II·The Battle of Kadesh·Luxor·Luxor West Bank·Ancient Thebes·Hittites·New Kingdom·UNESCO World Heritage

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This ticket suits independent visitors, history enthusiasts and photographers who want to examine the New Kingdom remains at their own pace. It is a good fit for adults and older teenagers comfortable walking on uneven ground in warm, open-air conditions.

Maybe not, if

  • Choose another site if you need step-free access or dependable shade and seating. The Ramesseum is also less convenient for visitors with pushchairs because the ground can be sandy, broken or uneven.

What lingers

  • 01Mortuary temple of Ramesses II on the Luxor West Bank, noted for its fallen colossus and pylons.
  • 02We recommend a guided visit with our Egyptologists to interpret Ramesses II reliefs and funerary inscriptions.
  • 03Contains Battle of Kadesh reliefs and procession friezes; photo-friendly morning light in the open courtyards.
  • 043.5 km from the Valley of the Kings (10–12 minute drive); combine both on a West Bank half-day.
  • 05Low shade at midday and uneven ancient stone underfoot; allow mobility time for photography and close inspection.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Most attraction tickets provide admission to a site without transport or a professional guide. This ticket covers entry to the Ramesseum’s open archaeological area and temple remains; transport and a guide are not included.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Entry ticket to the Ramesseum, also known as the Mortuary Temple of Ramses II

Not included

  • Professional guiding, which can be booked separately if required
  • Travel to and from the site
  • Food and personal costs
  • Photography permit, if required by the site
  • Ticket printing; tickets are emailed as a PDF, but some venues may require a printed copy

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Check seasonal opening hours and last admission before setting out, as schedules can change.

  2. 02

    Arrive early to inspect the reliefs before the strongest midday sun.

  3. 03

    Check photography rules at the entrance rather than assuming camera use is unrestricted.

  4. 04

    Print the emailed PDF if you cannot confirm that the entrance accepts tickets shown on a screen.

Tailor it

Make it yours

  • This is a standalone entry ticket, with no guided service or transport included. You can arrange transport or an expert-led visit separately
  • check the ticket details for any available ticket categories before booking.

All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.

Where it fits

– Add the Ramesseum to a Luxor West Bank visit alongside the Valley of the Kings and Medinet Habu. The sites are spread across the West Bank, so plan travel between them rather than relying on walking.

While you're here

Worth pairing

  • Colossi of Memnon2 km
  • Deir el-Bahari and Hatshepsut Temple3 km
  • Medinet Habu4 km
  • The Valley of the Kings5 km

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

  1. 01

    Entry arranged for Ramses II’s mortuary temple

  2. 02

    PDF ticket sent by email after booking confirmation

  3. 03

    Clear advice on seasonal hours and ticket printing

·In summary

The Ramesseum is a New Kingdom mortuary temple on Luxor’s West Bank, built for Ramses II from the 13th century BCE. Its fallen seated colossus was originally about 17 metres high, and surviving reliefs depict the Battle of Kadesh.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01What is the Ramesseum?
    The Ramesseum is the mortuary temple of Ramses II on Luxor's West Bank. It was constructed in the 13th century BCE during Ramses II's reign (1279–1213 BCE) and forms part of the Theban Necropolis UNESCO listing. Key features include the fallen colossus, extensive reliefs such as scenes from the Battle of Kadesh, and the temple's hypostyle elements.
  2. 02How long should I spend at the Ramesseum?
    Allow about one hour to see the main reliefs and the fallen colossus. If you combine it with other West Bank sites (Valley of the Kings, Medinet Habu), plan a half-day visit. We usually recommend a morning visit to avoid the strongest sun and to make time for nearby monuments.
  3. 03Is photography allowed at the Ramesseum?
    Personal photography is generally permitted at the Ramesseum; flash is discouraged. Tripods, commercial shoots and drones require official permits – ask us and our Egyptologists will advise and, where possible, arrange permissions. Always respect signage and avoid climbing on reliefs or statuary when photographing.
  4. 04Is the Ramesseum accessible for guests with limited mobility?
    The Ramesseum has uneven ancient stone, loose sand and steps, so accessibility is limited. There are no formal ramps and some areas are best reached on foot; short distances may be manageable with a strong companion. We can arrange a private car drop-off near the entrance and advise on route options for specific mobility needs.
  5. 05Do I need to hire an Egyptologist guide for the Ramesseum?
    A licensed Egyptologist provides essential context for Ramses II's inscriptions and the temple's layout. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange private Egyptologists rather than running large coach-group commentary. Standard site entrance fees are included in this ticket unless the product page explicitly states otherwise.
  6. 06What should I bring and wear to the Ramesseum?
    Bring water, sun protection and wear sturdy shoes; cover shoulders and knees for modesty. A wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen and a light layer for wind or early-morning chill are useful. Avoid loose sandals on uneven stone and follow site notices – climbing on monuments is not permitted.

Editorial review

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

Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: TKT-LUX-505376

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