Abu Simbel is one of those places that just leaves you standing there, kind of speechless. It’s hidden far in the south near Sudan, and the crazy part is, it’s not just old to look at, you can almost sense the weight of its age when you’re there. You walk up to it, and the air is heavy with history. Those giant statues at the front almost look like they’re guarding the past itself. And honestly, for a second, you feel like you’ve walked into some movie set, Indiana Jones style, except it’s the real deal, carved out of rock over 3,000 years ago.
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Everything About Abu Simbel Temple
So here’s the story. Abu Simbel was built around 1244 BC when Ramses II was ruling. It wasn’t just for religion; it was also kind of his way of showing power and celebrating his win at the Battle of Kadesh. His wife, Queen Nefertari, also gets honored here, which, back in those times, was actually pretty rare.
For a long time, the temples were just buried in sand, literally hidden. They were rediscovered in 1813 by a Swiss explorer, and suddenly this lost treasure was back in the light again. Today, when you walk through it, you’ll notice the carvings everywhere: Gods, battles, and family scenes. You don’t just see them, you almost imagine the people who put them there. It’s one of those “goosebumps” spots.
How to Reach Abu Simbel Temple
Getting to Abu Simbel takes some effort, but honestly, that’s half the adventure. The closest city you’ll probably travel through is Aswan, and from there it’s roughly 280 kilometres, so yeah, it’s a bit of a ride.
- Book a guided day trip (lots of tourists do this).
- Take a short flight to Abu Simbel’s airport.
- Or if you’re up for it, do the 4–5 hour drive.
Once you’re actually in Abu Simbel village, the temple is only about a 15-minute walk away. And that short walk, under the sun, kind of sets the mood. You’re just walking and then boom, the statues appear, and it honestly takes a second for your brain to catch up with your eyes.
Tickets and Entry Costs
Like most monuments, you’ll need a ticket. Tickets aren’t too bad at the moment; it’s around 200 Egyptian pounds (close to $13) to get in. If you want to take photos inside, though, they’ll charge you extra, about 400 pounds, which works out to roughly $22.
So yeah, quick rundown:
- Entry: 200 EGP ($13)
- Photos inside: 400 EGP ($22)
To be honest, most people end up paying the extra because once you’re in there, it’s impossible not to want a photo.
The Beauty of Abu Simbel
Now, the temple itself, or actually, temples. There are two main ones. The bigger temple is Ramses II’s pride. You’ll see four giant statues of him sitting right at the doorway, each nearly 20 meters tall. Close by is a smaller temple for Queen Nefertari, but Ramses, being Ramses, he still carved himself standing right next to her.
Inside, the walls are a canvas of history. You’ll see symbols like beetles, moons, falcons, gods, and plenty of scenes showing Ramses in battle. Some carvings even show his family. For a visitor from the U.S., it hits different because our “old buildings” are maybe a few hundred years old at best. This place was ancient before Rome even existed. Thinking about how ancient it really is compared to anything we have today. It’s the sort of thing your brain struggles to take in.
Don’t Miss the Night Light Show
Here’s something not everyone knows: at night, the whole place transforms. Abu Simbel has a light and sound show where they project colors and narrate stories about Ramses and the temple.
- Starts around 7:00 PM
- Runs for about 45–50 minutes
- Costs about 150 EGP ($9)
It’s kind of like those big light shows you see at theme parks in the U.S., except here it’s not fake castles or rides. You’re sitting in front of a temple carved more than 3,000 years ago, while history is told across its stone walls. That contrast makes it something you’ll remember long after the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is it really worth going all the way to Abu Simbel?
Yes, the ride is kind of long, I won’t lie, but once you’re standing in front of those giant statues, you just forget the travel. Most people say it’s one of those “glad I did it” moments.
Can I snap photos inside the temple?
You can, but only if you buy the extra ticket. The basic entry lets you in, but the cameras inside are a separate deal. Many people simply take the pass so they won’t regret it later.
Does one ticket cover both temples?
Yes, the same ticket gets you into Ramses II’s big temple and the smaller one for Queen Nefertari. No need to buy two separate passes.
Emma Carter is a seasoned travel journalist from Westminster, Colorado, with a love for mountain escapes, scenic road trips, and sustainable tourism. She brings over a decade of storytelling experience, capturing the essence of destinations with authenticity and depth.