See The Temples Of Abu Simbel
Ticked off in October 2019
Four 20-metre statues of Ramesses II, carved into a cliff and then moved, block by block, up a hill.
The adventure
You come over a rise beside Lake Nasser and there they are: four seated giants, each around 20 metres tall, carved straight into the sandstone cliff, staring out across the water as they have for more than 3,000 years.
Inside, the Great Temple runs deep into the rock, its pillars carved as Ramesses in the guise of Osiris and its walls covered with reliefs of the Battle of Kadesh, chariots, prisoners and offerings. Twice a year, around 22 February and 22 October, the rising sun shines down the whole length of the temple to light the statues in the sanctuary. And all of it was moved: in the 1960s an international UNESCO campaign cut the temples into more than a thousand blocks and rebuilt them 65 metres higher, so precisely that most visitors never notice.
Why it’s epic
- The four colossal statues of Ramesses II on the Great Temple's façade.
- The smaller temple dedicated to Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor.
- The 1960s rescue, which moved both temples above Lake Nasser.
- The sun festival around 22 February and 22 October.
What it is
Two rock-cut temples built by Ramesses II in the 13th century BC, fronted by four colossal seated statues of the pharaoh. In the 1960s the whole site was cut into blocks and moved to higher ground to save it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.
How to do it
Most people take an early-morning convoy or bus from Aswan, about three hours each way, or fly in for the day.
Top tip
Go early. The light on the statues is best in the morning and the heat later is fierce.
Need to know
- Photography inside may need a separate ticket.
- Carry plenty of water; there's little shade.
- Book the sun-festival dates well ahead, as they're very busy.
Plan this trip
- Rough cost
- £750 to £2,000 per person, including flights from the UK
- Time needed
- A day trip from Aswan
- Best time to go
- October to April
- Fly into
- ASW airport
Entry and the long transfer from Aswan are the main costs.
Do it yourself
My experience
Ticked off, but the full story is still to be written up.
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