The sights of Abu Simbel
The Temple of Abu Simbel is one of the most impressive ancient Egyptian temples and is considered one of the most important sites in our Egypt travel packages.
It was built by Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BCE as a monument to himself and his queen, Nefertari. It is located in southern Egypt, on the west bank of the Nile River. The temple is famous for its two huge statues of Ramses II, which flank the entrance to the main temple. The temple was intended to impress visitors with the might and power of the pharaoh. Despite its remote location, the Temple of Abu Simbel is a must-see for all travelers during their Egypt luxury tours. I suggest that you book a day tour to Aswan, including the Abu Simbel temple, in order to discover for yourself this great destination.
It was rediscovered in 1813 CE by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt and has been a popular tourist destination since then. If you are a person interested in temples and historical sites, you should book our special Egypt day tours to Aswan because it is a city rich with Egyptian civilization.
Facts about Abu Simbel
- The Abu Simbel temples are two massive rock temples in southern Egypt.
- They were built by the Egyptian king Ramses II in the 13th century BC to honor himself and his queen Nefertari.
- The temples were carved out of a mountainside and they depict scenes from Egyptian mythology.
- The larger temple is dedicated to Ramses II and has four colossal statues of the king at the entrance.
- The smaller temple is dedicated to Nefertari and has statues of the goddess Hathor.
In 1968, the Abu Simbel temples were moved to higher ground to avoid being submerged by the Aswan Dam reservoir. You can use your time in Aswan and take a beautiful day tour to philae temple, the unfinished obelisk and High dam to discover the most important tourist sites in Aswan, and enjoy the great Egyptian civilizations.
Location of Abu Simbel
The Abu Simbel temples are located in Nubia, southern Egypt, on the west bank of Lake Nasser, about 290 kilometers southwest of Aswan. Our Egypt classic tours are an excellent way to discover the splendor of ancient Egypt.
Abu Simbel today
Today, Abu Simbel is a popular tourist destination in Egypt. Every year, thousands of people visit the temple complex to see the magnificent statues of Ramses II and his queen, Nefertari. The temple is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How to Visit Abu Simbel
The second step in this amazing Egypt tours, visiting Abu Simbel, is a special experience. The temple complex was built by Ramses II, one of Egypt's most famous pharaohs. It is located in the Nubian Desert, about 300 kilometers from Aswan.
There is only one way to visit Abu Simbel, and that is to choose from our unique Egypt classic trips, which include a visit to the Abu Simbel temple, as well as other temples such as Karnak temple and the Valley of the Kings.
Once you arrive in Abu Simbel, you will need to take a bus or taxi to the temple complex. The temples are located about 3 kilometers from the airport. Admission to the site is $25 for adults and $15 for children (ages 6–12). Children under 6 years old are free.
The best time to visit Abu Simbel is in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is not too hot. During peak season (November-February), it is advisable to book your tickets.
Things to do in Abu Simbel
There are plenty of things to do in Abu Simbel! For starters, you can explore the ancient temples of Ramses II and Nefertari. Or, take a camel ride through the desert. You can visit the Nubian Museum during your Aswan day tours, which have exhibits on the culture and history of the Nubian people. If you're looking for something more adrenaline-pumping, you can go hot air ballooning or quad biking in the nearby desert. Read more about Egypt online tour blogs to explore the best attractions you can visit in Egypt.
