2025 Abu Simbel Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

In Egypt, the constant hassle of "one dollar" can be tiring, but the expensive gifts are often worth the price—like the millennia-old lapis lazuli pigment flowing in the murals of KV17, or the Abu Simbel light show that seals time with the entire sandstone mountain. 🎯 Abu Simbel: Stay overnight and enjoy the millennia-old light and shadow ◾At Abu Simbel, there's only one right way to visit: stay overnight. ◾The temple guardians are masters of light and shadow magic—they use two clearings to create a twelve-hour amber of time, solidifying Abu Simbel's two most precious moments for true pilgrims. 🧭 6:00 PM: The Temple's Feast of Light and Shadow * At 5:50 PM, the last batch of tourists leaves, and the light show audience hasn't arrived yet. * Enter at this time to enjoy the last rays of sunlight retreating from the grotto and secure the best viewing spot for the light show. ⏰ 6:00 AM the next morning: The Sun God's Dawn Tribute * Be the first pilgrim to enter the temple and witness the morning light slowly spreading across Ramses II's face. * Immerse yourself in a conversation with the pharaoh during the quiet moment before the tourist crowds arrive. 🍬 The Artificial Galaxy's Translated Aesthetic [Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6] ◾Be sure to book the Chinese light show! This is a non-negotiable ticket to Abu Simbel. ◾As the Nile night wind stirs up 3,000-year-old sand, 3,000 LED stars erupt from the base into the Milky Way, and the huge sandstone mountain transforms into a magnificent canvas of the pharaoh's legendary life. ◾The Chinese commentary, with its seven-character quatrain-like rhythm, depicts the trajectory of the pharaoh's arrows and the neighing of Hittite warhorses. The unforced translated narration becomes the highest tribute of Eastern aesthetics to the ancient Egyptian epic. ◾There are no cheap lasers scribbled on the statues' faces, no holographic projections obscuring the original rock paintings. After the light show, the entire audience gives a standing ovation, making it absolutely worth the ticket price. 🛶 The Hittite Fleet's "Lord of the Rings" Moment ◾Before setting foot in Abu Simbel, I always imagined rowing a boat to recreate the thrilling journey of the Hittite fleet: In the 13th century BC, Hittite merchant ships bypassed the rapids of the Second Cataract of the Nile, and the giant face of Amun gradually emerged from behind the cliff—a scene reminiscent of the Fellowship's first glimpse of the Gates of Gondor in "The Lord of the Rings." ◾History always loves to bury reversed Easter eggs. When the Hittites landed and saw the epic "photo deception" in the temple [Figures 1 and 3], they cursed and left. Narrative hegemony has remained unchanged for three thousand years: whoever acquires the sandstone headlines issues the truth. The pharaohs of the Bronze Age had already understood the art of attracting attention. ◾The waters of Abu Simbel today are crossed by an "invisible barrier"—private boats are forbidden to approach the temple waters. The backpack boat can only be moored in the morning mist of a Nubian village. Perhaps this is what history should be like: we can never truly arrive, but we can always salvage the fragments of civilizational collisions in the ripples between reality and illusion. 🎈 [Bonus Guide] ◾Reminder again: Book the Chinese light show! ◾Recommended reading: "Bird's-eye View of Ancient Civilizations"! This book restores the glory of ancient sites from a bird's-eye view, making up for the inability to take aerial photos. ◾Near the Sudanese border ⚠️, backpack boats should pay attention to the red line restricted area. The launch coordinate A is the nearby hotel dock [Figure 17].

🗺️🗺️ Travel Itinerary Day 1: Saladin Citadel → Egyptian Museum Day 2: Hurghada → Desert Adventure Day 3: Hurghada Orange Beach → Red Sea Diving → Hurghada Plaza Hilton Hotel Day 4: Karnak Temple → Luxor Temple Day 5: Luxor Hot Air Balloon → Hatshepsut Temple → Valley of the Kings → Nile River → JJ Jamaica Sailing Boat → Luxor Hilton Resort & Spa Day 6: Kom Ombo Temple Day 7: Abu Simbel Temple → Tolip Aswan Hotel Day 8: Philae Temple → Nubian Village in Aswan Day 9: Giza Pyramids → Grand Egyptian Museum → Khan el-Khalili → El Fishawy Cafe → Cairo Kempinski Nile Hotel 🌄 Must-see attractions: Egyptian Museum: Giza Pyramids: Khan el-Khalili: Saladin Citadel: Luxor Temple 📍 Tips:

Winter break is here! Time to visit Egypt! Explore the pyramids and unlock the secrets of the desert on this 7-day tour. Our handy guide will help you make the most of your Egyptian adventure! -------------------- 🗓 Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive at Cairo Airport and begin your journey into ancient Egyptian civilization! In the afternoon, you can choose to visit Old Cairo to experience the local culture. Then, check in to a comfortable hotel for a good night's rest. Day 2: Explore the mysteries of the Giza Pyramids and get up close to the Great Sphinx. Then, visit the Egyptian Museum to see its many treasures, and finally, head to the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar to soak up the lively atmosphere. Day 3: Visit the Temple of Philae and admire the charm of ancient architecture. Then, head to the Nubian village of Aswan to experience a different side of Egyptian rural life. Day 4: Take a day trip to the Abu Simbel Temples and experience the awe and mystery of ancient Egyptian civilization. Day 5: Follow in the footsteps of ancient Egypt from the Temple of Kom Ombo to the Temple of Edfu and experience thousands of years of history. Day 6: Visit the Colossi of Memnon and explore the legends of the Valley of the Kings. Then, head to the Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple to admire the grandeur and beauty of ancient Egyptian architecture. Day 7: Enjoy 24-hour private car service to Luxor Airport according to your flight time and end your unforgettable Egyptian journey. -------------------- Must-visit attractions: 🌟 Giza Pyramids: One of the Seven Wonders of the World! Stand beneath the Great Pyramid of Giza and feel its ancient, mysterious power. Don't forget to explore the secrets hidden deep within the tombs. 🏛️ Egyptian Museum: Want to see the treasures of ancient Egypt? The museum is home to a wealth of historical artifacts and mummies, so you can see it all in one place! 🌶️ Khan el-Khalili Bazaar: Step into this vibrant Arab market and let the smell of spices transport you to the world of One Thousand and One Nights. -------------------- **Notes**: * Visa information: You need to apply for a visa in advance to visit Egypt. Make sure you have it ready for a smooth trip. 📖 * Food exploration: Egyptian cuisine is rich and varied. Try local specialties such as grilled meats and desserts. 🍽️ * Souvenir shopping: Egypt has many specialties. Compare prices to avoid overspending. 🛍️ * Travel safely: Pay attention to your personal and property safety when traveling in Egypt. 🔒 * Respect the locals: Respect Egyptian culture and customs and be polite to others. 😊 -------------------- That's it for our Egyptian tour. We hope this guide helps you have a great time! 🎉

7-Day Egypt Tour: Pyramids, Deserts, and the Nile River! Check out this guide to make sure you don't miss anything on your trip to Egypt! -------- 🛫Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Cairo and explore ancient Egyptian civilization Arrive in Cairo in the morning. In the afternoon, you can choose to join a Cairo Old Town tour and stay in a high-star hotel. Day 2: Giza Pyramids > Sphinx > Egyptian Museum > Khan el-Khalili Visit the spectacular Giza Pyramids and experience the mysterious charm of ancient Egypt. Then, head to the Sphinx to admire the unique art of ancient civilization. Visit the Egyptian Museum to trace the footsteps of history. Finally, visit Khan el-Khalili to experience local life. Day 3: Philae Temple > Aswan Nubian Village Visit the historic Philae Temple and experience ancient Egyptian religious culture. Then, head to Aswan Nubian Village to experience the traditional life of the Nubians. Day 4: Abu Simbel Temples Spend the whole day immersed in the grandeur and mystery of the Abu Simbel Temples and experience the shock of ancient Egyptian civilization. Day 5: Karnak Temple > Luxor Temple Visit Karnak Temple and admire the magnificence of ancient Egyptian architecture. Then, head to Luxor Temple to explore the depth of ancient Egyptian religious culture. Day 6: Colossi of Memnon > Valley of the Kings > Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut > Medinet Habu > Nile River Visit the Colossi of Memnon and experience the exquisite art of ancient Egyptian sculpture. Visit the Valley of the Kings and unveil the mystery of the ancient Egyptian royal family. Visit the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut and learn about the legendary story of this great woman. Finally, head to Medinet Habu and the Nile River to experience the unique charm of ancient Egyptian civilization. Day 7: Transfer to Luxor Airport and end your Egypt tour According to your flight time, a dedicated driver will take you to the airport to end this unforgettable trip to Egypt. 🛬 -------- **Notes**: * 💶 The exchange rate between the Egyptian pound and the Chinese yuan fluctuates frequently. We recommend checking the rate in advance and exchanging local currency. * 🍴 Egypt has a wide variety of delicious food. Don't miss the rice sausage and shawarma, as well as the affordable street food kushirui. * 🚌 You can take a bus or taxi from Cairo Airport to the city. Remember to confirm the terminal information to avoid going to the wrong place. * 📇 You need a visa to travel to Egypt. Prepare a passport with at least 6 months of validity and related materials. -------- 🎉We hope you enjoy the mystery and magic of your trip to Egypt!

🌺🇪 Egypt Treasure Hunt Guide ✨Must-visit check-in spots🌈 ✍️Must-listen tips for traveling to Egypt🎈, there are surprises and lessons! For this trip to Egypt, I was full of expectations and a little nervous. After coming back, I felt that this trip was really an unforgettable adventure! Here, I have compiled a super practical guide and a guide to avoid thunder for Egypt travel for everyone, I hope it will be helpful to the sisters who are about to start! 💕 💣Avoid Thunder: 1. Although Egypt is generally safe, there are still scammers and people who take advantage of it. When you encounter those who say "money money" in the scenic area, you know, don't listen to your ears and don't bother. 😌 2. When you need help, you can consider giving them a little tip, usually in the tens of Egyptian pounds, that is, a few yuan. 🔧 3. The price is really super friendly, remember to bargain! There is also the iced little souvenir...😭 The companion may get it at half the price! Tears... 4. For sisters with poor English or lack of free travel experience, it is a good choice to follow the group. It's safe and worry-free, and there are police uncles! 🚓 5. Remember to change the Egyptian pound in Cairo, it may be a bit troublesome to change it elsewhere. Don't bring RMB, just use US dollars to change Egyptian pounds. 💡 6. Some places in Egypt are indeed a bit dilapidated and smelly, but this is its true face, everyone should be prepared. 🌿 🌟Highlights: 1. Pyramid Tour🗿 Don't miss it! The exclusive scenic spot photos will be sent out from the landscape restaurant. It is to stay away from the crowd and feel the shock of the pyramid from the most beautiful perspective. 2. Abu Simbel Temple⛲ The online reviews are not the same but it is definitely worth a visit! The spectacular scenery will make you feel it's all worth it. 3. Egyptian Museum🏛️ Extremely rich collection! The treasures inside are waiting for you to discover. 4. Hot Air Balloon Tour🎈 The group price in the team is super affordable! And it feels safer. 🚂 5. I especially recommend you to go to the Abu Simbel Market🎱 This market full of local characteristics in Egypt is full of local characteristics. A good guide can help you better explore the cultural atmosphere of this city! No matter where you go, the most important thing is to have an expectant mood and an optimistic attitude! This trip to Egypt will definitely become your beautiful memory. May everyone gain a lot on the road to exploring the unknown! ✨

The Abu Simbel Temple is one of Egypt's largest monuments, located near the Nile River in southern Egypt. This temple is considered an excellent example of ancient Egyptian art and architecture, constructed during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II. The most notable features of the Abu Simbel Temple are as follows: - **Monumental Architecture**: The temple's entrance is flanked by four colossal statues of Ramses II, showcasing the intricate details of ancient Egyptian sculpture. These statues symbolize power and strength. - **Interior Statues**: Inside the temple, there are magnificent statues of Egyptian gods, including the statues of Amun-Ra, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah, which are among the most striking in ancient Egyptian art. - **Relocation**: Due to the construction of the Aswan Dam, the entire Abu Simbel Temple was relocated to its current site to protect it from flooding, a remarkable engineering feat witnessed in recent years. - **Astronomical Celebrations**: The temple is known for an astonishing astronomical phenomenon that occurs twice a year, on February 22 and October 22, when sunlight illuminates the main statues inside the temple. These dates mark Ramses II's birthday and the beginning of his reign. - **Historical Significance**: The Abu Simbel Temple is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering unique insights into ancient Egyptian art and architecture. Visiting the Abu Simbel Temple provides a rich cultural and historical experience, making it a unique destination for those who love history and ancient art.

It is totally worth it! The Abu Simbel Temple is located 290 kilometers south of Aswan. It was built between 1300 and 1233 BC and has great historical value! This archway gate built on the cliff is extremely magnificent to see with your own eyes! Inside there is a giant statue of Ramses II, a column hall and a temple. Because Egypt was going to build the Aswan Dam earlier, the temple was afraid that Lake Nasser would flood the temple, so the temple is now moved (not the original site) This temple is in the southernmost part of Egypt, but there are no attractions or accommodation nearby So it is recommended that you start from Aswan🙌🏻 📍Abu Simbel Temple #GlobalTravel

#summerdestinations The temples were carved into the side of a cliff in the 13th century BC by King Ramses Il, and they are considered to be some of the most important and well-preserved monuments of ancient Egypt. In the 1960s, the temples were relocated to a new location to save them from being submerged by the rising waters of Lake Nasser, which was created by the construction of the Aswan Dam. $40 million so much money was paid by UNESCO to relocate the Abu Simbel temple complex (in 1960 it was $40 million; adjusted for inflation in 2023 it's approximately $400 million) The relocation of the Abu Simbel temples was a massive undertaking that involved cutting the temples into large blocks, transporting them to a new location, and then reassembling them. The temples were relocated to a new location about 65 meters higher and 200 meters back from the river. This temple is not only incredibly grand but also has an amazing history of rescue. It's an absolute must-visit! #egypt #abusimbel #ancientegypt #northafrica #history

Walking into the Egyptian temple It's like traveling through a time tunnel The breath of history is within reach The era full of magic and power is within reach Here, time loses its meaning Only endless mystery and beauty remain Figure 1-7: Temple of Philae On Agilkialsland, you need to take a ferry to get there. From a distance, it looks like a mirage floating on the Nile River. The azure blue water surrounds the temple, and every part is as beautiful as a fairy tale. The temple was originally on Philae Island, but due to the Aswan Dam, it was cut into 45,000 large stones and assembled on the current island. Isis, the goddess of love, wisdom and fertility, was worshipped here. She searched all over Egypt just to find the body of her husband Osiris which was separated from his head. The moving stories are presented in the murals and hieroglyphs, connecting with the soul Figure 8-11 Abu Simbel Temple The wise and capable Pharaoh Ramses II carved the temple to publicize his achievements and love for his wife. Ancient craftsmen were able to use the calendar to calculate so that the sun god's beam of light would shine into the temple on the pharaoh's birthday and coronation day. The temple was moved in later generations, and scientists can no longer accurately present the miracle of light of the sun god. In the mural, Nefertari, the queen of Ramses II, caresses her husband who has returned victoriously, with deep affection. After the queen died, Ramses II wrote an epitaph: "The sun shines for her, my love for her is unique, no one can match her, because she is the most beautiful of all. She has stolen my heart when I passed by her." The beauty of love transcends time and space. Figure 12-13: Karnak Temple It is part of Thebes (now Luxor), the capital of Egypt during the Middle Kingdom and the New Kingdom, and the center of worship of the sun god Amun. The Ram Avenue at the entrance connects all the way to the Luxor Temple. The extraordinary buildings such as the pylon, sanctuary, hall, and obelisk all demonstrate the achievements of the pharaoh. The grandeur and magnificence of the 134 pillars in the Hypostyle Hall and the awe-inspiring feeling that shakes the soul are difficult to describe in words. I didn’t take many photos, not because it wasn’t beautiful, on the contrary, it was too beautiful, and I just wanted to remember the awe of the ruins in light and dark, and just wanted to appreciate the patterns and hieroglyphs. There are fierce wars, pastoral life, pharaohs and gods supporting each other, and tender love... This is a magnificent historical picture scroll Figure 14-16: Medinet Habu Temple of Ramses III It is relatively small, but the relief murals are extremely exquisite. The pharaoh defeated Libya, marched westward to Syria, made great military achievements, dealt with prisoners, and sacrificed to the god Amun. However, the building collapsed. This was the last golden age of ancient Egypt. Figure 18: Hatshepsut Temple (Hatshepsut) is another kind of shocking view when viewed from a hot air balloon. Time stops, history reappears, and we are still deeply awed

🌅✨ 2024.02.04 Day 4 - Philae Trip & Abu Simbel Miracle ✨🌅 Good morning, Egypt! Today’s itinerary is full of mystery and miracles. Let us explore the cultural treasures of Egypt together! 🇪🇬☀️ 🕗 7am - Temple of Philae Early in the morning, we arrived at the beautiful Nile River in Aswan to visit the Temple of Philae. This temple is regarded as a symbol of love and beauty. It was once faced with flooding due to the construction of the Aswan Reservoir and was later moved to Ajikya Island. This ancient temple is famous for its colorful reliefs and stone columns and is a treasure of Egyptian mythology and religion. We also felt how much Egyptians like taking photos with Asians. Every day when we went to the temple, we were constantly asked to take photos, and when we walked on the street. I even wondered if the Egyptians made bets with their friends on how many Asians they could take photos with every day! 🚗 09:00 - Head to Abu Simbel Next, we set off on our journey to the world-famous Abu Simbel. This magical place was built by the ancient Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses II in memory of himself and his queen. The most unique thing about the Abu Simbel temples is that in order to avoid being flooded by the reservoir, the entire temple was disassembled, moved to higher ground, and reassembled. After a 3.5-hour drive, we arrived at Abu Simbel Temple at 1pm. There were no group tourists when we arrived, and they were all individual tourists who chartered their own cars, so it was easy to take pictures of the empty scenery. We took a leisurely walk to the Abu Simbel Temples. This magnificent complex is known as the "Temple of the Sun", and twice a year the sun's rays shine through the temple halls, illuminating the faces of the deities. This is the pinnacle of ancient Egyptian architectural art. We also met YouTuber NeNe here, but I didn’t know who he was at first, I just knew he was Taiwanese, so we started chatting and strolling around together. We stayed until 3pm before I left. I was super hungry and hadn’t checked in yet, so we went to a nearby restaurant to eat and check in. 🏡 16:00 - Rest at B&B & lunch The homestay we stayed in this time was Abu Simbel Nubian Guest house. When we arrived, the owner's wife prepared a welcome drink, Roselle tea, for me to drink. When I entered the room, I smelled a fragrant scent and felt that the room was very clean. The whole space was very warm! Accommodation near Abu Simbel Temple is very expensive. Ordinary hotels cost about 3,600 to 5,000. If you want one that costs about 2,000, it is quite far from the temple and takes more than 30 minutes to walk. The B&B I booked is about 2,900$95 USD, about 15 minutes to walk from the temple. Although the toilet is not in the room, each room has its own bathroom. There is also a kitchen in the B&B, and the refrigerator is filled with fruits, drinks and water. Of course, they are all free to take. I really recommend it! I highly recommend everyone to stay here In addition to helping me buy tickets for the temple light show, the boss also exchanged currency with us (1:55) and drove us to the temple to watch the light show at night. It was super convenient! The key point is that the boss helped us arrange a chartered boat to watch the sunrise in front of the temple the next morning! This event really put a perfect end to our trip to Abu Simbel! 🍽 18:30 - Light show (about 40 minutes) When night falls, we head to the temple to enjoy the light show of Abu Simbel Temple. Every ray of light is poetic and picturesque, giving new life to this thousand-year-old temple. That’s what they say, but actually it seems like it doesn’t matter if you don’t watch this light show, because the content is a bit boring, plus the sound and light effects and images at the beginning are not very clear, and most importantly, the dubbing is in Chinese and it really distracts us! Because when we went there about half of the people were Chinese, so the film that day was dubbed in Chinese! However, the standard dubbing by Chinese voice actors gave the whole film a very strange atmosphere. I originally wanted to encourage everyone to go see this light show (because I don’t want to be the only one being fooled), but I still want to stop people from wasting their money! It is more practical to save your money and use it to take a boat and watch the sunrise! It was almost eight o'clock when we returned to the hotel in the evening. We ate the instant noodles and canned food we prepared to experience the Taiwanese flavor, hahahaha This day's journey made us deeply feel the profound history and cultural treasures of Egypt. Looking forward to more adventures tomorrow! 🌌✨ #PhilaeTemple #abusimbeltemple #AbuSimbelMagic #EgyptianWonders

A place I really wanted to visit outside of Cairo: Abu Simbel Temple🏛️ It is the largest World Heritage temple left by Ramses II, and was built about 3,300 years ago😳 The Great Temple is 20m high! Next to it was a slightly smaller temple built for Queen Nefertari👀 Its grandeur was breathtaking...🥹✨ The great Abu Simbel Temple was in danger of being submerged during the construction of the nearby Aswan High Dam in the 1960s😨 But I was surprised to learn that UNESCO protected the temple by cutting the ruins and moving them 60m above their original position🫢!! ! ! . 📍Abu Simbel temple 💸Entrance fee: 615 EGP (about 2000 yen) per adult 🚗Access: About 3 hours by car from Aswan Airport #Travel with me #I started Moments #Egypt #Overseas travel #Amazing view #Girls trip

I went to Abu Simbel Temple, which is not a world of games or movies, but a real place in Egypt that has existed for 3,000 years🇪🇬 The ancient ruins full of romance that have remained there for ages were simply breathtaking✨ The time when the morning sun shines into the temple was especially mysterious and beautiful☀️ ——————————————Spot information📍Location: Abu Simbel Temple🕘Opening hours: 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Sound and light show starts at 7:00 PM, check beforehand)💰Admission fee: 1,600 yen (separate photography pass required for taking pictures inside, 2,000 yen for sound and light show, check beforehand)Access: 4 hours by car from Aswan👍RecommendationThere are a lot of tourists during the day, so if you arrange an overnight tour from Aswan or other places and visit at night or early in the morning, there will be fewer people and you can enjoy it to your heart's content. 💡Trivia 60 years ago, the entire Abu Simbel temple was moved to the top of a hill to save it from the threat of being submerged. Even after the move, the miracle of the morning sun shining down on the deepest part of the temple, which occurs only twice a year (February 22nd and October 22nd), has been precisely reproduced. It was moving to learn that the now famous World Heritage site system also started here. I was moved by the determination of humanity to protect the ancient heritage that has been passed down from generation to generation. #Egypt #EgyptianTrip #AncientEgyptianCivilization #AbuSimbelTemple #TravelWithMe #OverseasTrip #TravelInspiration #HiddenGemSpotsRecommendedForTravelLovers #MomentsStarted #PhotogenicSpots

🗿Abu Simbel is a must-see attraction for tourists in Egypt. It was built by Ramses II, the 19th pharaoh of ancient Egypt (yes, he is very famous and everyone knows him). The super large background picture allows you to take a photo in just one second, full of science fiction feeling❗️ 🗿The megalithic statues we see today are actually made possible through the efforts of a multinational archaeological team. In the 1960s, in order to build the Aswan Dam, the Abu Simbel Temple was in danger of being submerged by rising water levels, so UNESCO launched the "Nubian Action Plan" to cut the temple into 807 pieces and move them one by one to the current island for reconstruction. 🗿The rebuilt temple faces the entire lake view. The four gods enjoy the unbeatable sea view every day. I was completely shocked the moment I stepped onto the island. The wisdom of the ancient Egyptians is really admirable❤️ #EgyptCheck-in Attractions

Driving from Luxor to Aswan, our main purpose was to visit the most remote temple—Abu Simbel Temple, located at the very end of the Egyptian border. A round trip in a single day requires a 7-hour drive, but this World Heritage Site is truly worth it. The colossal statues of Ramses II are absolutely awe-inspiring. This temple was once buried under the sand, and it took great efforts to reveal it to the world once again. Below is our entire self-drive journey through Egypt over half a month. There are still many places we haven't visited, and to quote an old saying: 'Those who have drunk from the Nile are destined to return to Egypt.' We will be back. day1: Arrive in Cairo—Egyptian Museum—Bab Zuweila Twin Towers—Khan El Khalili Market day2: Pyramids of Giza day3: Drive from Cairo to Luxor day4: Karnak Temple—Luxor Temple day5: Hot air balloon over Luxor—Habu City—Valley of the Kings day6: Drive from Luxor to Aswan—Old Cataract Hotel afternoon tea—Nile sunset day7: Round trip to Abu Simbel from Aswan day8: Drive from Aswan to Hurghada day9-12: Vacation by the Red Sea in Hurghada, staying in an all-inclusive hotel day13: Drive back to Cairo from Hurghada day14: Cairo city walk—Hanging Church—Natural History Museum day15: Homecoming

If there's anything that gives people a headache in their trip to Egypt, Abu Simbel is definitely on the list. 1. Location of Abu Simbel: As the most difficult temple to reach in Egypt, Abu Simbel is located on the border between Egypt and Sudan, very remote. It takes 7 hours to go back and forth from the nearest Aswan, and 'to go or not to go' has become a problem for many people. 2. Is it worth it? There must be a reason why this remote temple is always talked about. Whether it's Ramses II's narcissism or his thousand-year love with Nefertari, whether it's UNESCO's hard rescue or the beautiful lake view, not to mention the spectacle of the sun day, there are too many legendary stories here. 3. There are two temples here, which were discovered by Swiss explorers in 1813 and were able to see the light of day again. They are all carved out of the mountain, which is quite unique. The contrast between light and shadow is great for taking pictures; the inside and outside of the temple are like two worlds, the inside is very dark and there is basically no natural light, and every time you go in and out, your eyes have to adapt for a while. 4. Four main ways to go to Abu Simbel Temple 🔸Bus tour Leave at 4 am and return to Aswan at noon. It's easy and cheap, but the temple is crowded when you visit. I personally don't like this way of getting up early and rushing (mainly because I can't get up) 🔸Bus free travel Go back and forth to the bus station by yourself, one way is about 100 Egyptian pounds, save money and time is free, need some DIY ability 🔸Charter The time of chartering is more casual, just need to do a good job of price research and psychological expectations, overall it will be much more expensive than free travel but save time 🔸Plane free travel Abu Simbel Airport is only 4km away from the temple, and you can see the temple and Lake Nasser on the plane; actually you can also join a group by plane, I met many Europeans and Americans who are very cool, Aswan flies 45 minutes to Abu Simbel Airport, Egypt Airlines has a free bus directly to the temple entrance, this way can also avoid the crowd but it is more expensive 5. Recommended mode of transportation: plane to, minibus back I flew directly from Cairo to Abu Simbel (airport code ABS, stopover in Aswan), arrived at the temple entrance at 11 am, the disadvantage is that with all the luggage to find a place to store, fortunately, a small commodity street at the temple entrance found a place to store, finally bought some things to express thanks (not to buy also line); After a relaxed visit to the temple, I took a tutu for 20 pounds to the city for lunch, then walked to the Public Bus Station and took a mini bus back to Aswan, the bus leaves when it is full, 100 pounds/person, locals only need about 70, initially quoted 150 pounds I was quite firm and bargained to 100 pounds, luggage can be tied to the roof for free, don't worry.

Abu Simbel Temple The ruins that inspired the World Heritage Site. Unesco has moved Abu Simbel Temple to the shores of Lake Nasser, an artificial lake about 280km south of its original location, and other ruins have been relocated to suitable locations to avoid disaster. We recommend taking a tour to Abu Simbel Temple. Leave Aswan early in the morning and return at night. You will have little time to stay, so there is nothing to see. There is only Abu Simbel Temple and the smaller ruins next to it, the Abu Simbel Small Temple. #OverseasTravel#Egypt#AbuSimbelTemple #Aswan #WorldHeritage

This time last year I visited Egypt for the first time and couldn't miss the two Abu Simbel temples. Located in the south near Sudan, you can fly to Aswan then make a long day trip to Abu Simbel. The temples pay homage to Rameses II, often regarded as the greatest pharaoh of them all. The temples were famously moved in the 1960s, and painstakingly reassembled to avoid the rising river Nile. #egypt

Abu Simbel was part of our Nile cruise trip through Egypt. From Aswan it is a multiple hour drive to get to the tempels of Pharao Ramsesses II and his wife Nefertari. Judging from the beautiful decorated tempel of Nefertari it is clear that Ramesses really loved his wife. But he probably loved himself a bit more since he granted himself the larger temple. Definitely worth the visit if you have the time to spare!

Getting There - by flight, train or bus Attractions - With Aswan the closest town to Ramses II's colossal temples of Abu Simbel, the island temple of Philae, and the Nile-side Temple of Kom Ombo, there are plenty of things to do within day-tripping distance. The best way to discover Aswan's charms, and the most relaxing sightseeing experience, is to hop aboard a felucca (traditional sailboat) and view town from the watery highway that once made Aswan an important trading post. If you have time for only one day trip from Aswan, pick a visit to Abu Simbel. Built by Ramses II, and saved from destruction by a remarkable UNESCO rescue project in the 1970s, Abu Simbel is not only a triumph of ancient architecture, but also of modern engineering. Hotels - a lots of hotel but my stay was on the cruise to explore my luxor aswan trip! 😍 Food & Restaurants - should try their local food! Shopping - shops their handmade products by the local in nubian village. #awesomepic

wow…..wow wow, Abu simbel ticks all the boxes, wonderfully preserved and stands proudly in a beautiful place, I waited a long time to visit here and I was in total awe… definitely a place to visit

Nestled along the Nile River in southern Egypt lies the magnificent Abu Simbel Temple. Built by Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BC, the moment I approached the temple, I was awestruck by its grand carvings and stunning architecture. Four towering statues of Ramses II stand guard at the entrance, as if protecting this sacred land. Inside the temple, I was captivated by the exquisite murals and the temple's layout. Each mural tells a story, depicting the relationship between the gods and the pharaoh. As the sun set, the temple appeared even more spectacular under the golden sunlight. Later in the evening, I enjoyed a light show, offering a completely different experience 🌍✨

#postandearn #egypt #localguides I completed my 2-week trip to Egypt with Aswan, Abu Simbel, Luxor, Cairo and Sharm el Sheikh. Aswan Abu Simbel Temples Massive rock temples built by Ramses II, famous for their colossal statues and relocated due to the Aswan Dam. Philae Temple A beautiful island temple dedicated to the goddess Isis; known for its detailed carvings and peaceful Nile setting. Nubian Villages Colorful traditional villages along the Nile; offer insight into Nubian culture, hospitality, and handicrafts. Luxor Karnak Temple A vast temple complex with giant columns and ancient hieroglyphs, dedicated to the god Amun. Luxor Temple A beautifully lit temple in the city center, known for its grand statues and elegant architecture. Valley of the Kings Royal burial site with richly decorated tombs of pharaohs, including Tutankhamun. Temple of Hatshepsut A stunning mortuary temple built into cliffs, honoring Egypt’s first female pharaoh. Hot Air Balloon Ride Early morning flights over Luxor's temples and Nile Valley—unforgettable views of ancient sites at sunrise. Cairo Giza Pyramids Iconic ancient pyramids, including the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Sphinx nearby. Egyptian Museum Houses thousands of ancient artifacts, including Tutankhamun’s treasures and royal mummies. Khan El-Khalili Bazaar Historic market full of spices, souvenirs, jewelry, and local crafts. Al-Azhar Mosque One of the oldest mosques in Cairo, also home to the world’s oldest Islamic university. The Citadel of Saladin Medieval Islamic fortification offering panoramic city views and historic mosques inside. Coptic Cairo Historic Christian district with ancient churches, including the Hanging Church. Mohamed Ali Mosque Also known as the Alabaster Mosque, it's a grand Ottoman-style mosque within the Citadel. Sharm el Sheikh Ras Mohammed National Park A stunning marine reserve perfect for snorkeling and diving, with rich coral and marine biodiversity. Naama Bay Tourist area with beaches, resorts, restaurants, shopping, and lively nightlife. Soho Square Modern entertainment zone offering shops, restaurants, bars, dancing fountains, and shows. Tiran Island Accessible by boat, ideal for snorkeling and diving in crystal-clear waters. Desert Safari Explore the Sinai Desert on quad bikes or camels, with options for Bedouin dinners and stargazing. Old Market (Sharm Old Town) Traditional bazaar with local goods, spices, souvenirs, and the beautiful Al Sahaba Mosque. Al Sahaba Mosque A majestic mosque with elaborate architecture, blending Ottoman and Fatimid styles—great for photos and reflection. Farsha Cafe A unique, cliffside café with eclectic decor, sunset views, and relaxing atmosphere—popular for shisha and tea. Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Home to world-famous dive sites like Shark Reef and Blue Hole; great for all levels. Glass-Bottom Boat Tours Family-friendly way to see coral reefs and marine life without entering the water.

#postandearn #abusimbel #aswan #historicallandmarks Located near the Sudanese border, Abu Simbel is a masterpiece built by Pharaoh Ramses II over 3,000 years ago. The complex consists of two massive temples carved directly into the rock, dedicated to Ramses himself and his beloved queen Nefertari. 🗿 The scale is truly mind-blowing. The seated statues of Ramses at the entrance stand 20 meters high—and that’s just the beginning. Inside, the walls are covered with intricate carvings and ancient hieroglyphs that have stood the test of time. ☀️ What makes it even more special? The temples were moved in the 1960s to save them from flooding caused by the Aswan High Dam. They were dismantled and reassembled piece by piece, an engineering feat almost as impressive as the temples themselves!

This was a day of arduous journey A seven-hour round-trip car ride🚗 Under the scorching 42°C outdoor heat baking the earth Draining every drop of moisture from my body All just to witness this millennia-old testament of love The great legend of Ramses II remains eternal . 🗿The eternal monument of the "God-King" In the 13th century BC, Ramses II ordered the carving of temples by Lake Nasser at Egypt's southernmost edge. Four colossal 20-meter seated statues guard the main temple entrance, where the pharaoh sculpted himself sitting among the gods. Every year on February 22 and October 22 (the pharaoh's birthday and coronation day), dawn light precisely penetrates the 60-meter temple corridor, illuminating three sacred statues in sequence: sun god Amun, Pharaoh himself, and protector god Ra-Horakhty. Only Ptah, god of darkness on the far left, remains forever shrouded in shadow—a pinnacle of ancient Egyptian astronomy, mathematics, and architecture. 🌊The modern myth of "moving mountains" During the 1960s Aswan Dam construction, the temples faced destruction. UNESCO's "Nubia Campaign" mobilized experts from 51 countries to cut the temples into 2,000 blocks and relocate them 65 meters higher over four years. Though this shifted the "Sun Festival" phenomenon by one day (originally February 21 and October 21), this "time-space translocation" remains a marvel of human civilization. 👑Nefertari, "the most beautiful woman" Beside the main temple stands a smaller Hathor temple dedicated to Ramses II's beloved Nefertari. Despite the pharaoh's many wives, only her statue stands equal in height beside him—an astonishing display of favor in divine-right ancient Egypt! Temple murals show her crowned with twin serpents by goddess Hathor. . 🚌Our Abu Simbel journey was truly eventful. We originally planned to take the 8am coach station shuttle, but after waiting from 7:30am with no bus or staff in sight, we tried ride-hailing apps. By chance, we met a deaf-mute Chinese couple and Spanish pair also seeking transport, when a minibus driver offered service. Our group of six immediately agreed to charter together, and after some bargaining, we set off happily at a fair price! 🥵Under Egypt's summer sun, even with AC, desert highway heat waves were palpable. Outside the temple at 42°C, the scorch was unbearable; inside offered shade but stifling humidity—a true dilemma! 🔥On our return, the driver suddenly turned off the AC, jolting everyone awake as if thrown into an oven. Opening windows brought choking desert winds; keeping them closed turned the van into a sauna with steam-like breath. Just as we prepared to accuse him of "highway robbery," the car urgently swerved into a gas station—turns out we were nearly out of fuel! We forgave our "African sauna" experience, grateful we didn't get stranded in the desert!

#ThailandFlightEvent Abu Simbel was really the ultimate. The magnificent exterior alone is overwhelming, but when you go inside, another world unfolds. The most amazing thing of all was the Sanctuary. In the Sanctuary, located deepest inside the temple, there are four statues of gods sitting side by side, and only the third statue was designed so that the sun would not enter, which was truly unbelievable. It is unbelievable that they designed it this precisely without science or machines. The reliefs carved on the wall were vivid in color, and as I quietly went inside, I felt as if I had traveled back in time. The fact that the temple was built by calculating the movement of the sun is even more surprising when you see it in person. I still can't believe that this was actually built by human hands. Abu Simbel is not just a simple historical site, but the true essence of Egyptian civilization itself. After seeing the Sanctuary in person, this trip was definitely a success.

Abu Simbel was truly grand and magnificent, a place I will never forget in my lifetime. We took a private taxi from Aswan early in the morning and drove for over three hours. Despite the long and tiring journey, it was absolutely worth it. As soon as we arrived, the colossal statues of Ramses II unfolded before our eyes. Their majesty was so overwhelming that it left me breathless. The scene of sunlight slowly illuminating the temple walls was truly awe-inspiring. Inside the temple, the carvings and colors on the pillars remain vivid, making it feel as though the ancient Egyptian civilization from thousands of years ago is alive right before your eyes. Especially the aligned structure leading deep into the temple—it’s astonishing to think how they managed to create this in that era. Experiencing it in person is completely different from seeing it in photos. The size, atmosphere, and serene grandeur are indescribably moving. Abu Simbel is undoubtedly the highlight of an Egyptian trip. This one experience alone made me feel that coming to Egypt was absolutely worthwhile. It’s a moment I will never forget.

#ThailandAirlineEvent Real review of Abu Simbel by private taxi. We were picked up at around 4 AM in Aswan and set off. I dozed off in the car, and just before sunrise, I saw the sun rising over the desert, and I thought this choice was a success. Private taxis are a bit expensive, but you can move on your own schedule, and it was so comfortable without having to worry about other people. When I said I wanted to go to the bathroom in the middle, the driver stopped right away, and I loved the feeling of traveling quietly while looking out the window. The huge Ramses II statue that I saw as soon as I arrived at Abu Simbel. The scale was different from what I saw in the pictures. The expressions on the statues changed depending on the angle of the sunlight, and every moment was amazing. The murals and colors inside were also surprisingly vivid. I was able to take pictures leisurely before the crowd of tourists, and quietly admire them inside, and it was a luxury that I would never have felt if I had been on a group tour. I was tired on the way back, but I felt like I was really driving through Egypt while looking out the window. Abu Simbel, which I visited by private taxi, The most overwhelming and satisfying day during my trip to Egypt.

#ThailandAirlineEvent This is a review of a private taxi ride from Aswan to Abu Simbel. We were picked up in front of the hotel at 4 AM and set off. It was still dark so the roads were deserted, and the sky was full of stars, so the atmosphere inside the car was quite emotional. The taxi was a spacious SUV and the driver was kind, so I wasn't too tired even though it was over 3 hours. There were a few checkpoints along the way, but I didn't have to worry because this is a common thing in Egypt. When we arrived at the Abu Simbel Temple, the sunlight swept across the temple walls, and that scene was so intense that I can't forget it. The huge stone statues of Ramses II, and the elaborate reliefs and colors inside you have to go and see them in person to really feel the scale. Choosing a private taxi instead of a group tour was a stroke of genius. I was able to quietly appreciate it without people, take as many pictures as I wanted, look around slowly, and enjoy it leisurely without time pressure. Although the travel time is long, the private taxi ride to Abu Simbel was worth it. It was a day you must do when you come to Egypt. Location: Abu Simbel, Egypt