Egypt Discovery
AttractionAswan

Abu Simbel Temples – Ramses II & Nefertari (Aswan)

Admission to the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Nefertari, including their forecourts and inner spaces.

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

Abu Simbel Temples Entry Ticket grants admission to the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Nefertari in Aswan, booked and arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • Archaeology & history

Snapshot

Good to know

Time to allow
Open seasonally; check current opening hours
Travel style
Self-Guided Entry
Arranged by
Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt
Destinations
Abu Simbel Temples
Includes
Dated entry ticket for Abu Simbel Temples · Access to the Great Temple of Ramesses II · Access to the Temple of Nefertari · Entry to the temple precinct and forecourts
Best for
Independent travellers · Visitors with their own transport · Multi-site itinerary planners

Best time to go

October to April is generally more comfortable for outdoor walking, while summer can be very hot. No reliable temperature range is supplied for this ticket, so check the forecast and seasonal opening hours before travelling. The 19 February and 21 October solar alignment events attract larger crowds; check opening arrangements during Ramadan and local holidays.

  • Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
  • The product is an entry ticket for Abu Simbel Temples, not a guided visit.
  • The ticket is valid for the selected date.
  • Tickets are delivered by email as a PDF after booking confirmation.
  • The ticket does not include transport or commentary services.

02Overview

A first look

The Abu Simbel Temples comprise the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Small Temple of Nefertari. They were dismantled and rebuilt on higher ground between 1964 and 1968 to avoid inundation from the Aswan High Dam.

Background

The facts

Abu Simbel is an archaeological complex of two rock-cut temples on the western bank of Lake Nasser, south of Aswan. An entry ticket admits visitors to the precinct and the areas of the temples open to the public.

The complex comprises the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the smaller Temple of Nefertari. Visitors can see the forecourts, hypostyle halls and decorated passageways, including colossal statues and carved reliefs.

Both temples date to the 13th century BCE. In the Great Temple, sunlight reaches the sanctuary around 19 February and 21 October. During the 1960s, UNESCO-led international work moved the temples to higher ground before the Aswan High Dam caused Lake Nasser to rise. Workers cut the monuments into blocks and reassembled them at the new site.

Opening hours vary by season, so check current timings with the official site before travelling; arriving early can help avoid the hottest part of the day. Photography rules may vary, so check at the entrance. Transport and commentary are not included with this admission ticket.

Named in this entry

Abu Simbel·Lake Nasser·Aswan·Ramesses II’s Great Temple·Nefertari’s Temple·Ramesses II·Aswan High Dam·UNESCO

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This entry ticket suits independent travellers who have arranged their own transport and want direct admission to Abu Simbel. It appeals to adults, photographers and older children interested in Ramesses II, Nefertari and ancient Egyptian architecture, provided they can manage walking on uneven ground and in heat.

Maybe not, if

  • Choose another option if you need transport included or require step-free access throughout the site. Summer heat and uneven surfaces can make the visit tiring for very young children and visitors with limited mobility.

What lingers

  • 01Located approximately 280 km south of Aswan (3.5–4 hour drive); transfer by private car or short domestic flight.
  • 02Two temples – Ramses II and Nefertari – carved into the cliff face; sunrise alignment occurs 22 February and 22 October.
  • 03Standard site entrance fee included; any premium services or private guiding are extra.
  • 04We avoid crowded coach itineraries; our Abu Simbel transfers depart early and use private vehicles.
  • 05Visiting requires an early start or overnight stay in Abu Simbel; expect limited shade and hot midday sun.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Many Aswan excursions combine transport and a visit to Abu Simbel; this product is admission only. It suits travellers who have arranged their own journey to the site and want a separate entry ticket.

The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

Included

  • Entry ticket to the Abu Simbel Temples, valid for your selected date

Not included

  • Transfers to and from Abu Simbel
  • Professional site interpretation or live commentary, available to book separately
  • Audio guide, unless you choose it as an extra option
  • Photography permit where required; check the rules at the entrance
  • Printed ticket; tickets are emailed as a PDF, so print yours if the venue requires a hard copy

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    If you plan around the solar alignment, confirm the current event arrangements before travelling for 19 February or 21 October.

  2. 02

    Keep the emailed PDF accessible, and print it if you cannot confirm that screen display is accepted.

  3. 03

    Check photography rules at the entrance, as the policy may vary.

Tailor it

Make it yours

The ticket covers admission only, with transport and live commentary not included. An audio guide or photography permit may be available separately; check the booking options and photography rules at the entrance.

Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.

Where it fits

Add the Abu Simbel Temples to an Aswan stay as a separate site visit. The entry ticket covers admission only, so arrange your journey to Abu Simbel separately.

While you're here

Worth pairing

  • Ramesses II’s Great TempleRight here
  • Nefertari’s TempleRight here
  • Lake NasserRight here

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

  1. 01

    Admission-only option for travellers arranging their own transport

  2. 02

    One ticket covers both Ramesses II and Nefertari temples

  3. 03

    Useful for fitting Abu Simbel into a wider Aswan itinerary

·In summary

The two Abu Simbel temples were relocated in the 1960s to higher ground before the Aswan High Dam raised Lake Nasser. In the Great Temple, sunlight reaches the sanctuary around 19 February and 21 October.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01How far is Abu Simbel from Aswan and how long does it take to get there?
    Abu Simbel is approximately 280 km south of Aswan, about 3.5–4 hours by road. A domestic flight takes roughly 35–45 minutes. Road transfers are long; compared with cruise-ship shore calls, overland visits require more travel time. We usually recommend an overnight stay near Abu Simbel if you prefer not to return the same day.
  2. 02Can I visit Abu Simbel from Aswan as a day trip?
    Yes – you can visit Abu Simbel from Aswan as a long day trip, but expect an early start and long transfers. The road option is 3.5–4 hours each way; flights shorten transfer time but need advance seats. The site has limited shade and strong sun at midday, so many clients prefer an overnight option to avoid a rushed return.
  3. 03Are entry tickets and fees included for Abu Simbel?
    Standard site entrance tickets for Abu Simbel are normally included with attraction-ticket bookings. Special events, premium guided access, gratuities and optional transfers are typically extra. Bring the passport used at booking – Egyptian sites commonly issue tickets against ID, and peak dates sell out early so book in advance.
  4. 04What should I wear and bring for a visit to Abu Simbel?
    Wear light, modest clothing covering shoulders and knees, and bring sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF sunscreen). Sturdy shoes help on uneven ancient stone and short steps; carry at least one litre of water per person and a small shade umbrella if you use one. Early-morning visits reduce heat exposure; there is limited shelter at the site.
  5. 05When is the solar alignment at Abu Simbel and what happens then?
    The solar alignment occurs around 22 February and 22 October each year, lighting the Great Temple’s inner sanctuary. The sunlight reaches statues of Ramses II, Amun and Ra‑Horakhty; the statue of Ptah remains in shadow. Dates are approximate, attract larger crowds and often require advance booking; we can advise on exact timings for your travel dates.
  6. 06Is Abu Simbel accessible for visitors with limited mobility?
    Abu Simbel has uneven stone surfaces, temple steps and limited shade; full access can be challenging for some mobility impairments. Vehicle parking and drop-off points may still require a short walk on compacted sand. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and can arrange closer drop-offs, additional assistance or quieter visiting times where logistically possible, but complete step-free access is not guaranteed.

Editorial review

Reviewed by Khaled Mansour·Last reviewed 5 March 2026

Last updated 5 March 2026Product ID: TKT-ASW-572651

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