Abu Simbel is one of Egypt’s most breathtaking archaeological sites, located near the southern border with Sudan along the banks of Lake Nasser.
Abu Simbel
Our ship was moored in Aswan after a wonderful day at Kom Ombo. From there we took a flight to Abu Simbel straight south over the desert and Lake Nasser for about 40 minutes. Once there a 10-minute shuttle ride to the temples.
It is best known for its two massive rock-cut temples built during the reign of the pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BCE. These temples were designed not only as places of worship but also as powerful political statements meant to showcase the strength and divine authority of Egypt’s New Kingdom rulers.
The larger of the two temples, often called the Great Temple, is dedicated to the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah, as well as to Ramses II himself, who is depicted in colossal statues seated at the entrance.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Abu Simbel is its alignment with the sun. Twice a year, around February 22 and October 22, sunlight penetrates the inner sanctuary of the Great Temple and illuminates the statues of the gods seated within. This solar phenomenon is believed to mark Ramses II’s coronation and birthday, demonstrating the advanced astronomical and architectural knowledge of ancient Egyptian builders.
In the 20th century, Abu Simbel faced a serious threat due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam Construction and Lake Nasser Formation. Rising waters from Lake Nasser would have submerged the temples permanently. In response, UNESCO led an extraordinary international rescue mission between 1964 and 1968, during which the entire complex was carefully cut into massive blocks, lifted, and reassembled on higher ground. This engineering feat remains one of the greatest preservation efforts in archaeological history.
Today, Abu Simbel stands not only as a symbol of ancient Egyptian grandeur but also as a testament to modern global cooperation in preserving human heritage. It continues to attract visitors from around the world who come to witness its monumental statues, intricate carvings, and the awe-inspiring harmony between architecture and astronomy.
Temple of Nefertari
The smaller temple was built in honor of Ramses II’s favorite wife Nefertari, the goddess Hathor. The fact that Nefertari is given equal architectural prominence in the smaller temple is remarkable, reflecting her importance in the royal court.
The temple is carved directly into the sandstone cliff, about 100 meters northeast of the Great Temple. Its facade features six standing statues, each around 33–35 feet tall: four of Ramesses II, two of Nefertari
It’s unusual for a queen to be shown at nearly the same scale as the king. This reflects Nefertari’s exceptional status and the temple’s role in presenting her as divinely favored.
The interior follows a classic New Kingdom plan adapted to rock-cut construction:
- Hypostyle hall: A pillared hall with hathoric capitals—columns topped with the face of Hathor—reinforcing the goddess’s presence throughout.
- Sanctuary and reliefs: Inner chambers show Ramesses II and Nefertari making offerings to Hathor and other deities. Among the most poetic scenes are reliefs of the royal couple presenting papyrus to Hathor depicted as a cow on a boat among papyrus thickets.
- Deification theme: Nefertari is portrayed not just as a royal consort but as a deified figure, aligning her with Hathor’s attributes.
- Historical value: The inscriptions and reliefs provide some of the best evidence for Nefertari’s life and status, complementing what’s known from her tomb in the Valley of the Queens.
- Artistic highlight: The equal-scale statues and refined reliefs make it a standout example of Ramesside art and royal propaganda.
- Engineering landmark: The relocation is a landmark case in heritage conservation, often cited in archaeology and engineering courses.
On the way back to Aswan there was a call to prayer.
Visitor Information
Address: Abu Simbel, Aswan Governorate, Egypt — approximately 280 km (174 miles) south of Aswan, near the Sudanese border on the western shore of Lake Nasser. Hours: Open daily approximately 5:00 AM–6:00 PM; early morning arrival is strongly recommended. Admission: Separate tickets are required for the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Nefertari; prices are set in Egyptian Pounds and subject to change — verify current rates at egypt.travel before visiting. Photography is not permitted inside either temple. Getting there: The fastest option is to fly from Aswan Airport (approximately 40 minutes); flights typically depart early morning. Driving takes approximately 3–3.5 hours through the desert. Most visitors on Nile cruises book an organized day trip through their ship.
Frequently Asked Questions — Abu Simbel
What are the two temples at Abu Simbel? The site contains two rock-cut temples built by Ramesses II around 1264 BCE. The larger Great Temple is dedicated to the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah — and to Ramesses II himself as a deified pharaoh — and is famous for its four 20-meter colossal seated statues at the entrance. The smaller Temple of Nefertari is dedicated to Ramesses II’s beloved chief queen and to the goddess Hathor, and is notable for giving Nefertari equal monumental stature to the pharaoh — an extraordinary honor in ancient Egypt.
What is the solar alignment at Abu Simbel and when does it happen? Twice a year — around February 22 and October 22 — the rising sun aligns precisely with the temple axis and sends a shaft of light 60 meters deep into the inner sanctuary, illuminating three of the four seated statues. The statue of Ptah, god of the underworld, remains in shadow. These dates are believed to mark Ramesses II’s coronation and birthday. When UNESCO relocated the temples in the 1960s, engineers successfully preserved the solar alignment to within a single day’s offset — a remarkable achievement in its own right.
How was Abu Simbel relocated by UNESCO? When the Aswan High Dam was completed in 1970, the rising waters of Lake Nasser threatened to submerge the temples permanently. UNESCO coordinated an international salvage operation between 1964 and 1968: the temples were cut into approximately 1,050 massive blocks weighing up to 30 tons each, transported up the cliff, and reassembled 65 meters higher and 200 meters back from the original site. An artificial dome was built over each temple to recreate the cliff environment. It remains one of the most ambitious archaeological preservation projects ever completed.
Can you take photographs inside Abu Simbel? Photography inside both temples is not permitted and guards enforce this strictly — flash photography in particular would damage the fragile ancient pigments. Photography outside both temples is entirely unrestricted, and the facades with the colossal statues make extraordinary photographs, especially in the low light of early morning. Outside the temples, take all the photos you want.
How do you get to Abu Simbel from Aswan? The easiest option by far is to fly — about 40 minutes from Aswan Airport, with early morning departures timed for day trips. Driving takes approximately 3–3.5 hours along a well-maintained desert road; independent drivers may need a convoy escort, so check current requirements. Most visitors on Nile cruises book an organized day trip through their ship, which handles all logistics including the flight.
How long do you need at Abu Simbel? Plan at least two to three hours at the site — roughly 45 minutes to an hour inside the Great Temple, 30 minutes at the Temple of Nefertari, and additional time at the exterior facades. Day trippers flying from Aswan typically have about three hours on the ground before the return flight, which is comfortably sufficient for a thorough visit.
What is the best time of year to visit Abu Simbel? October through March offers the most comfortable temperatures — Abu Simbel is close to the Tropic of Cancer and summer temperatures regularly exceed 115°F (46°C). For the solar alignment, target February 22 or October 22 (large festivals are held on these dates), or the days immediately surrounding them for nearly the same effect with smaller crowds. Regardless of season, early morning is always the best time of day — the light on the colossal statues at dawn is extraordinary.
Practical Tips for Visiting Abu Simbel
Fly from Aswan — it is worth it: The drive from Aswan is 280 km through open desert and takes the better part of a day round-trip. Flying takes 40 minutes each way and gives you the same time at the site with a fraction of the travel fatigue. The aerial view of Lake Nasser and the Sahara Desert stretching to the Sudanese border is a bonus you won’t get any other way.
Arrive early: The site opens at 5:00 AM. Day-trip flights from Aswan tend to land around 8:30–9:00 AM, bringing the main crowds with them. If you are staying overnight near Abu Simbel or your ship arrives the evening before, being at the Great Temple facade at dawn — before the crowds — is one of the great travel experiences in Egypt.
No photography inside: Guards enforce this in both temples. Spend the time looking rather than trying to photograph — the Osiride pillars, the inner sanctuary, and the Hathor reliefs in the Nefertari temple are best absorbed slowly and in person.
Bring water and sun protection: Abu Simbel is extremely hot and exposed. Even in winter, midday temperatures can be intense. The walk between the two temples is short but in direct sun. Water is available on site but is easier and cheaper to bring from Aswan.
Solar alignment dates are crowded but spectacular: If you visit on February 22 or October 22, expect very large crowds — these are major national festivals and the site fills well before dawn. Coming the day before or after gives you nearly the same solar effect with a fraction of the crowd, which may be the better trade-off depending on your priorities.
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