Kalabsha Temple: the island temple that was saved from the lake

Many visitors to Aswan see Philae and stop. Kalabsha is the other major temple of the area and is worth the extra effort for anyone who likes a quiet site with a story attached.

Getting there

There is no road to the temple. A motorboat leaves from the harbour beside the High Dam and crosses a short stretch of Lake Nasser to the island. The ride is a few minutes long, and the view of the dam and the open water is a highlight in itself.

A temple that was moved

When the High Dam was built, the rising lake threatened many Nubian monuments. Kalabsha was taken apart and rebuilt on higher ground in an international rescue effort in the 1960s. Today it stands in a landscape of water and rock, quite far from where it was first built.

What you see on the island

The main temple was dedicated to Mandulis, a Nubian sun god, and has a pylon, courtyard and sanctuary. Reliefs show Roman rulers making offerings in the manner of pharaohs. Nearby are the small Kiosk of Qertassi, with its slim columns, and Beit el-Wali, a rock-cut temple from the reign of Ramesses II.

• Boat from the High Dam harbour: a few minutes each way.
• Main temple: about an hour.
• Kiosk of Qertassi and Beit el-Wali: about 30 minutes.
• Return by boat and drive into town.

The Nubian Museum

The half-day private tour continues to the Nubian Museum in town, which tells the story of Nubia across thousands of years. It sets Kalabsha in context and has a garden to cool off in. Together the two take about five hours.

Why Kalabsha feels different

Because it stands on an island with few visitors, the temple has a calm that famous sites lack. You can walk its courtyards and look at the reliefs without queues. The lake stretches out behind, and the wind carries the sound of water. For photographers, the combination of stone, water and sky is hard to beat.

What to know before you go

The visit depends on boat availability and the weather, as high wind can delay the crossing. Your guide handles tickets and permits. Wear sensible shoes and bring water. The bright light on the water can be strong, so sunglasses are a good idea. If you are prone to seasickness, take comfort in the fact that the crossing is short.

Kalabsha pairs naturally with the High Dam, since the boat leaves from the same harbour. It also works well with the Nubian Museum and a lunch in town. If you plan to see Philae too, give each its own morning. A third day for the Botanical Garden or a felucca ride at sunset gives a good overview of Aswan.

Ask how the temple was moved, why it was dedicated to Mandulis, and what the Roman emperors are doing in the reliefs. Ask about the other monuments saved from the lake and where they now stand. A good guide will connect Kalabsha to Philae and Abu Simbel, which share the same rescue story.

Open the trip page for what is included and how to book.