Abu Simbel is one of the most jaw-dropping sights on Earth. Two massive temples carved directly into a sandstone cliff by Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BC — standing in the Nubian desert, 280km south of Aswan, on the shores of Lake Nasser. Even if you've seen a thousand photos, nothing prepares you for the real thing.

The Two Temples

The Great Temple of Ramses II is the main attraction — four colossal statues of the seated pharaoh guard the entrance, each standing 20 metres tall. Inside, an enormous hypostyle hall leads to the inner sanctuary where four gods sit in eternal darkness: Ptah, Amun-Ra, Ramses II himself, and Ra-Horakhty. Twice a year, on February 22 and October 22, the rising sun penetrates 65 metres into the temple and illuminates three of the four figures.

The Temple of Nefertari sits just to the right — smaller but equally beautiful. Dedicated to Hathor and Ramses' beloved Great Wife Nefertari, it is one of the only temples in Egypt built to honour a queen. The reliefs inside are among the finest in all of Egypt.

When to Go: The Early Morning Secret

The single best piece of advice we give every Abu Simbel visitor: leave Aswan at 4:00am. Here's why:

  • You arrive before the tour buses from Aswan (which leave at 8am).
  • The morning light on the temple facade is golden and perfect for photography.
  • The temperature is cooler — critical from May to September.
  • You get the temples almost entirely to yourself for 30–45 minutes.

TUT Tip: Book our Abu Simbel tour with a 4:00am departure. It means an early alarm, but the reward is one of the most magical experiences in Egypt — standing alone in front of these colossal statues as the sun rises.

Practical Information

  • Distance from Aswan: ~280km south (approx. 3 hours by private car)
  • Opening hours: Daily, 5:00am – 6:00pm
  • Entry ticket: 300 EGP (included in all TUT tours)
  • Time to allow: 1.5 – 2 hours at the temples
  • Photography: Allowed outside. Flash photography prohibited inside.

What to Bring

  • Passport copy (required for entry to the convoy)
  • Plenty of water (1.5L minimum in summer)
  • Sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • A good camera — the facade at sunrise is extraordinary

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