Have you ever been to see the Abu Simbel temples in Egypt? If so we would love to hear all about your experiences (perhaps with a photo or two). You can contact us via our contact page.

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Lonely Planet Guide
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In the 5th century BC Herodotus wrote of Egypt that "nowhere are there so many marvellous things - nor in the world besides are to be seen so many things of unspeakable greatness" - and not too much has changed. The voracious energy of Cairo, the grandeur of Luxor's monuments, the laid-back vibe of Dahab and the remote beauty of the Western Desert oases: Lonely Planet's bestselling guide to Egypt packs in more treasures than Tutankhamun's tomb.
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The twin temples of Abu Simbel were originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II, as a lasting monument to himself and his queen, Nefertari, and to intimidate potential enemies to the south of Upper Egypt.

The complex consists of two temples. The Great Temple is dedicated to Ra-Harakhty, Ptah and Amun, Egypt's three state deities of the time, and features four large statues of Ramesses II in the facade. The smaller temple is dedicated to the goddess Hathor, personified by Nefertari, Ramesses' wife.

With the passage of time, the temples fell into disuse and eventually became covered by the desert's sand. It was rediscovered by Egyptologists in the early nineteenth century and the story goes that they were led to the temples by a local boy by the name of Abu Simbel - hence the name of the complex today.

In 1964, these southernmost relics of Egypt's ancient civilization were under threat from the rising waters of the Nile that were about to result from the construction of the Aswan Dam. And so a US$40 million relocation campaign was started that lasted for four years as the entire site was cut into large blocks, dismantled and then reassembled in its current location – 65m higher and 200m back from the river.

When you visit the Abu Simbel temples today you would never know they had been reconstructed - not that is until you enter the Great Temple to discover that you are standing inside a fake mountain. One of the large statues of Rameses II was damaged in an earthquake shortly after construction and the head and torso can still be seen at the statue's feet, just as it would have been if it had never been moved.

Abu Simbel can be reached by air from Cairo with AirEgypt and also from Aswan with a number of carriers. You can also enjoy a Nile cruise from Aswan to Abu Simbel.

The desert road between Aswan and Abu Simbel is currently closed to tourists in cars because of security concerns. You can travel by coach, mini-bus or taxi from Aswan however, as part of a police convoy. The journey takes three hours each way and you leave Aswan in the early hours of the morning to avoid the searing desert heat (an air conditioned coach will provide the most comfortable return journey).