There is a historic site in Egypt that comprises two massive temples made of rock-cut. This site is known as Abu Simbel village. Abu Simbel itself is located in Aswan Governorate on the upper side of Egypt, close to Sudan. Explore the village with Abu Simbel tours of Egypt itinerary.
Abu Simbel is located on Lake Nasser’s western bank, about 140 miles or 230 kilometers on the southwest of Aswan. If you go to Abu Simbel from Aswan by road, you will have to travel for about 190 miles or 300 kilometers. What will you find in Abu Simbel?
Amazing Rock Monuments in Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel complex is a part of the World Heritage Site stated by UNESCO. This complex is also called the Nubian Monuments. The monuments run from the downriver of Abu Simbel to Philae that is located in Aswan. The monuments include Wadi es-Sebua, Amada, and the other Nubian sites.
Abu Simbel has twin temples that were carved out of the mountainside. The temples were carved in the 13th century BC, precisely during the pharaoh Ramesses II’s 19th dynasty reign. The monuments serve as King Ramesses II’s lasting monument.
You will also find the monuments of Ramesses II’s children and wife, Nefertari. But the size of those monuments is smaller than the one belonging to King Ramesses II.
Going to Abu Simbel for Solo Traveling
It is actually easier to visit Abu Simbel by booking a tour package. The tour may start in Cairo and bring you to some other cities, including Aswan. From Aswan, you will be guided to Abu Simbel. But if you are going to go to Abu Simbel by yourself, here are some ways to reach the village.
1. By Plane
The quickest way to reach Abu Simbel is by plane. From Aswan to Abu Simbel, you will only spend 45 minutes by plane. Unfortunately, flights don’t depart from Aswan to Abu Simbel every day. Before choosing this way, you need to consider some crucial things first.
First of all, you will need to take enough time when you arrive at Abu Simbel airport. You must go through the security. Also, the price of flight tickets is high so you need to prepare enough budget to get yourself to fly to Abu Simbel. This is not the most convenient option to reach Abu Simbel.
2. By Boat
If you are looking for the most luxurious way to reach Abu Simbel, traveling by boat is the best way to consider. The boat will get you close to Abu Simbel temples since the ships will dock close to Abu Simbel complex. The cruises on Lake Nasser will sail to Abu Simbel from Aswan, and vice versa.
Along the way, the cruises will stop at the ancient monuments of Nubian. Many Abu Simbel tours of Egypt itinerary offer a nice and comfortable journey to Abu Simbel and some other cities in Egypt on luxury cruises. You need to spend a lot of money to reach Abu Simbel by boat.
3. By Bus
The most famous and cheapest way to reach the amazing Abu Simbel village is by bus. However, you will spend three hours on the road from Aswan to Abu Simbel. A public bus will bring you to Abu Simbel with only LE 50. But the bus will arrive in Abu Simbel at 11:30 am.
If you want to enjoy the beautiful sunrise in Abu Simbel, a public bus may not be the best option to consider. However, you can book a chartered tourist bus or private bus if you are traveling with your family or friends from work. The bus will leave Abu Simbel by 04.00 pm.
4. By Car
You sure can rent a car along with the driver. This is going to help you enjoy the journey to Abu Simbel since hiring a car will be much more comfortable than traveling by bus. Unfortunately, hiring a car and the driver will cost you a higher price than traveling by bus.
If you are going to explore some other places after visiting Abu Simbel, you’ll love hiring a car. The driver is a local man who will let you know the history behind every site you see on the street. Consider this way if you want a much private trip to Abu Simbel and other cities in Egypt.
What You Will See in Abu Simbel
There are awesome views you are about to witness as soon as you reach Abu Simbel village. The views are getting more impressive when you enter the temple complex. Below are some extraordinary things waiting for you in Abu Simbel village.
1. The Main Courtyard
Today, the front part of the temple or its forecourt is open. But originally, the forecourt was covered by brick walls that have been enclosed on the south and north sides. The court’s east side is opened so that you can see the Nile easily.
Then there is a flight of steps from the forecourt that will lead you to the terrace right in front of the rock temple. Look to the left and right before the ramp and you are going to see two recesses. Probably, the recesses contained basins designed for ritual ablutions.
2. The Inner Temple’s Guards
There are four colossal figures that are hewn from the solid rock. Those figures are guarding the temple’s façade that is 33 meter high. On the thrones, there is Colossi that is 20 meters high and has finely carved features. The Colossi also has stylized harmony that represents the deified Ramesses II.
Two figures on the left are depicting the pharaoh as Re-en-hekaw and Heka-tawi. And two figures right on the right side of the doorway show Ramesses II as Meri-Atum and Meri-Amun. The mild countenance of the pharaoh as well as the characteristic nose are well preserved in the first Colossi.
3. The Inner Temple
You will enter the grand entrance that leads you to a massive Hypostyle Hall which is 17 meters long. The hall is divided into three different aisles. The central aisle is twice wider than the two aisles.
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