Abu Simbel is the temple complex that most people picture when they imagine ancient Egypt on a heroic scale: four seated statues of Ramesses II, each taller than a house, carved into a sandstone cliff beside Lake Nasser, with a smaller temple nearby dedicated to his queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor. Both temples were cut into the rock in the thirteenth century BC, and in the 1960s they were sawn into blocks and rebuilt on higher ground to save them from the rising waters behind the Aswan High Dam. Reaching them from Hurghada is a real expedition. Aswan lies far to the south, so the two-day trip is built around a long drive, an overnight stay in Aswan and an early start for the road to Abu Simbel. Most programmes also include the Philae temple, the island sanctuary of Isis that was moved to its present site by the same salvage effort, the Aswan High Dam and often a short felucca sail on the Nile. Tours of this kind are offered with guide, transport, hotel and some meals, and entry fees vary by operator, so read what the ticket includes. It suits travellers who want the great southern monuments without arranging a flight, and who accept two days dominated by the road.
Why go
Luxor is the better known day trip, but Abu Simbel offers something no other site in Egypt does, which is scale and drama in a desert setting. The facade is about thirty metres high, and inside the main temple a long hall leads deep into the cliff to a sanctuary that, on two days of the year, is lit by the rising sun. Aswan adds a gentler counterpoint: granite islands in the river, Nubian culture, a relaxed riverside promenade and a market that feels less hurried than Luxor.
What to expect
The trip is long and the programme is full. Pickup from the Hurghada area is very early, the first day is mostly spent on the road and at the first stops in and around Aswan, and the second day begins before dawn so that the group reaches Abu Simbel before the heat and the biggest crowds.
Operators often travel in a convoy or a coordinated group, and the schedule can shift on the day, so keep your plans flexible. Check whether the temple entry tickets, the camera permit, the boat to Philae and the hotel night are included, and what class of hotel is used.
Is it worth it? If you can only fit one big trip beyond Luxor, yes, provided you are comfortable with long hours in a vehicle. Anyone prone to travel sickness, or travelling with young children, should think twice, and the same goes for a short holiday where the road would eat most of your stay.
Dress for hot days and cool desert mornings, carry your passport or ID for checkpoints, bring a hat, water and sunscreen, and keep some small Egyptian pound notes for tips. Wear shoes with a good grip for the uneven steps and ramps at the temples.
What to expect
The experience
A guided two-day excursion by road with an overnight stay in Aswan, visiting Philae temple, the High Dam and the Abu Simbel temples.
Best time
Cooler months, from late autumn to early spring, are far more comfortable; summer heat at the temples is intense.
How long
Two days, with very early starts on both and a long drive each way.
Tips
Confirm what is included before you pay, bring your passport or ID, dress for sun and cool mornings, and allow for schedule changes on the road.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want Egypt's grandest rock temples and are happy to spend two days getting there.
- Families
- Best for older children and teenagers who cope well with long drives.
- Couples
- A memorable shared adventure, with a quiet evening on the Nile at Aswan.
- Pair with
- A relaxed beach or pool day on your return before flying home.
- Time needed
- Two full days, plus a rest day afterwards.
Good questions
How far is Abu Simbel from Hurghada?+
It is a very long way, which is why the trip is run over two days with an overnight stay in Aswan. Expect many hours in a vehicle across the two days.
What do you see besides Abu Simbel?+
Most programmes include Philae temple, the Aswan High Dam and often a short Nile boat ride, with time in Aswan itself. The exact stops depend on the operator.
Are entry fees included?+
It varies, so check the inclusions list. Some tours include temple tickets and the boat to Philae, while others ask you to pay on the day.
Is it suitable for children?+
Older children usually manage well, but the very early starts and long drives are tiring for the young. Weigh this carefully before booking.
When is the best time to go?+
Winter and early spring are the most pleasant. The temples are in full sun with little shade, so summer visits are best kept short and early.
