Abu Simbel Temples Day Trip
Aswan, Egypt
About This Activity
Abu Simbel is arguably Egypt's most dramatic ancient monument after the Giza Pyramids. Ramesses II cut these two massive temples into the sandstone cliffs of Nubia around 1264 BC — the great temple guarded by four 20-meter seated colossi of himself, the smaller temple dedicated to his wife Nefertari. Like Philae, both temples were meticulously relocated in the 1960s-70s to rescue them from Lake Nasser. The engineering feat of the relocation is as impressive as the temples themselves. The most spectacular event is the solar alignment on February 22 and October 22, when sunlight penetrates 55 meters into the inner sanctum to illuminate four gods. Tours depart Aswan at 3-4am by convoy for the 280km drive. Entry is 600 EGP; guided tours cost $60-100 per person including transport. Flying is also possible (30-minute flight, about $150 round-trip).
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