Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut (Deir el-Bahari), Luxor
At a glance
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut Entry Ticket is a 1-day attraction ticket covering the terraced temple, chapels, and courtyards at Deir el-Bahari in Luxor, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Luxor
Best time to go
The most comfortable months are October to April, when daytime temperatures in Luxor are generally milder and sightseeing is easier. From May to September, heat can be intense, so an early morning visit is best. Religious holidays and peak winter travel periods can increase crowds, and Ramadan may affect some local services and opening patterns.
02 Overview
A first look
Deir el-Bahari lies beneath the west-bank cliffs directly across from the modern city of Luxor. The temple was commissioned by Queen Hatshepsut and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Thebes with its Necropolis' (1979).
Background
The facts
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari is one of the best-known monuments on Luxor’s West Bank. It was built in the 18th Dynasty for Pharaoh Hatshepsut, who ruled in the 15th century BCE, and its terraced layout was designed against the limestone cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. The complex is important for understanding royal mortuary architecture in New Kingdom Egypt and for its surviving reliefs, chapels, and statuary.
Admission grants access to the temple terraces, inner courts, chapels, and the main visitor areas open to the public. Visitors can see carved scenes associated with Hatshepsut’s reign, including depictions of the expedition to Punt, along with remains set within the original cliffside setting. Some parts of the ancient complex are not open to general admission, and access conditions can change according to conservation work.
Opening hours vary seasonally, so the official site or ticket gate should be checked before visiting. Early morning is usually the most practical time, both for lower temperatures and lighter crowd levels, especially in the hotter months from May to September. The site lies on the West Bank of Luxor, close to other major monuments such as the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Medinet Habu.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This ticket suits independent travelers, history-focused visitors, and photographers who want time to study one of Egypt’s most distinctive New Kingdom monuments. It is also appropriate for families with older children and adults who are comfortable with walking on uneven ground and spending time outdoors in warm conditions.
What lingers
- 01 Terraced Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut (Deir el-Bahari) on Luxor West Bank; part of Theban Necropolis (UNESCO World Heritage).
- 02 Built for Queen Hatshepsut (18th Dynasty, c.1479–1458 BCE) and designed by Senenmut; terraces, ramps and colonnades remain.
- 03 Reliefs portray Hatshepsut’s divine birth and the Punt expedition – key subjects our Egyptologists explain on-site.
- 04 Visit early morning to avoid coach crowds and strong midday sun; limited shade across the terraces.
- 05 Unlike Valley of the Kings visits, our private Hatshepsut tours allow two full hours for detailed relief study.
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Entry ticket to the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut (Deir el-Bahari), delivered by email as a PDF
Not included
- Professional Egyptologist guide (book separately if required)
- Transport to and from the site
- Meals and drinks
- Photography permit where applicable; check rules at the entrance
- Pyramid or tomb interior entrance fees not listed as included
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
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01 How do I get to the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut from Luxor?
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut sits on Luxor's West Bank at Deir el‑Bahari, reachable by road and a short walk from the Nile ferry. We can arrange a private car from your East Bank hotel; drivers usually drop at the West Bank parking area and it's a brief, mostly paved approach to the terraces. Expect some uphill ramps and steps between the parking area and the lower colonnades; we recommend closed shoes and a sun hat for the walk. -
02 How long should I allow to visit Deir el‑Bahari (Hatshepsut temple)?
Allow between 60 and 90 minutes to see Deir el‑Bahari and study the main reliefs. If you pair the visit with the Valley of the Kings or other West Bank sites, plan a half‑day. Unlike typical 30‑minute cruise‑ship stop‑offs, at least an hour permits clearer viewing and time for questions with a guide. -
03 Why is the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut important?
The temple is a 15th‑century BCE mortuary complex built for Queen Hatshepsut and attributed to the architect Senenmut. It stands against the cliffs of Deir el‑Bahari and forms part of the Theban Necropolis UNESCO World Heritage Site; its reliefs depict the Punt expedition and Hatshepsut’s divine birth. The terraces, colonnades and surviving painted scenes provide key evidence for New Kingdom state religion and royal propaganda. -
04 Is the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut accessible for wheelchair users?
Access is limited: there are paved ramps, steep terraces and uneven ancient stone at Deir el‑Bahari. Level access exists around the lower approach and parking area, but reaching upper terraces requires negotiating steps or steep ramps, which many standard wheelchairs find difficult. Contact us in advance – we can arrange closer vehicle drop‑off where permitted and advise on transfer assistance, but the site is not fully wheelchair‑accessible. -
05 Can I take photographs at the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut? Are tripods allowed?
Photography for personal use is generally permitted at Deir el‑Bahari; flash and tripods may be restricted by site guards. Commercial filming, drones or professional equipment typically require permits and fees from the Antiquities authorities – please clear these with us before arrival. Be respectful when photographing people and worship areas, and follow any instructions from on‑site staff. -
06 What is the best time of day to visit Deir el‑Bahari?
Early morning or late afternoon offers cooler temperatures and better light at Deir el‑Bahari. Midday brings strong sun and limited shade on the terraces, which can make detailed viewing and photography harder; during Ramadan opening hours can change, so check in advance. We recommend scheduling early slots where possible to avoid heat and larger mid‑day crowds.
Last updated 18 May 2026 Product ID: TKT-LUX-328369
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