Visiting the Temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor Egypt.
As I walked up the famous stairway towards the iconic Temple of Hatshepsut… I could not believe the size of the cliffs that it is built into… What a place.
There is no doubt that Luxor is the best city in Egypt for temples, and I may have just found my favourite!
If you are heading to Luxor soon and want some information about visiting the Temple of Hatshepsut, then I have got you covered.
I visited the iconic structure on my tour of the West Bank of Luxor before heading to the Valley of the Kings to see some famous tombs.
So I can detail what you can expect in and around the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari.
Let’s start with the practicalities of your visit.
The iconic Temple is carved into the Deir el-Bahari cliffs.
How you can visit the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor.
The ancient temples of Egypt are a big draw to the country for international tourists, therefore, you will find some very good tours and transport options in place to visit them.
The West Bank of the Nile is home to the Temple of Hatshepsut, alongside the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, which are two of the main reasons behind Luxor’s popularity in Egypt.
Our tour guide was saying that this temple is directly on the line of sight across the river from Karnak Temple in Luxor, on the East Bank of the city.
The ancient Egyptians were known for precise engineering.
When you arrive at the archaeological site you purchase tickets at the ticket office, which is around a 400 metre walk to the famous ramp stairway entrance.
This can be a difficult walk as it is baking in the Egyptian desert, however, there are shuttle buses available at the entrance for a small fee.
How to reach the West Bank in Luxor.
By taxi.
The most convenient way to get to the temple is a taxi, especially if you are travelling with a group, to split the fare.
Taxis can be flagged down in most spots in Luxor, and the ride to the temple takes about 15 minutes.
It is important that you negotiate the fare with the taxi driver before you get in.
Map showing directions to the Temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor
By car.
Car rental is possible in Luxor, which means you can drive to the temple yourself.
The drive takes about 15 minutes, and there is parking available near the temple entrance.
Just be aware that traffic in Luxor can be congested, especially during peak season.
Sail across the Nile by felucca.
If you have some time and want a more scenic journey, you can take a felucca ride to the temple. Feluccas are traditional sailing boats that operate on the Nile River.
The journey from Luxor to the temple takes about an hour, and it is a great way to see the sights of the city and the surrounding countryside.
Ride by calèche or tuk tuk.
The horse-drawn carriages and tuk tuks are a popular way to get around Luxor, and they can be a fun way to see the sights.
You can find both calèches and tuk tuks in most parts of the city, and the ride to the temple takes about 20 minutes. Negotiate the fare with the driver beforehand.
My hotel owner warned that the horse-carriages are scam heavy, so be wary if choosing this option.
The start of the walkway is getting closer.
Entrance information for the Temple of Hatshepsut.
Opening hours:
6am - 5pm everyday.
Entrance fees:
Adults - 240 EGP (£4).
Students 120 EGP (£2), Identification is required.
A Luxor Pass does include the Temple of Hatshepsut, alongside other Luxor landmarks.
Entrance costs.
Ticket office.
Information board.
Some interesting history about the site.
There is no doubt that Hatshepsut’s temple has one of the most picture perfect settings in Egypt, but how did the ancient Egyptians build such a masterpiece?
An awesome ancient Egyptian fact for you is that the temple is said to have been constructed over 3500 years ago, making it nearly as old as Karnak Temple, and the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara.
Also known as Djeser-Djeseru, which means holy of holies; the complex was designed as a mortuary temple for Queen Hatshepsut to honour her life achievements and afterlife.
She expanded the trade routes for Egypt, leading to more abundant times throughout the ancient kingdom.
The Temple has stood strong through the harsh landscapes where it is located, and survived through several natural disasters to give visitors a glimpse into her world.
In 1979, the temple was added onto the UNESCO World Heritage list, along with other ancient treasures in Egypt
Unfortunately for us in the modern world, the temple did go through some turmoil after Hatshepsuts’ passing, as her stepson ‘Thutmoses III’ tried to destroy her legacy by defacing statues, rubbing away art, and causing general destruction to the grand temple.
A mere two decades after Hatshepsut’s death, the temple’s interior was completely ruined, which means the main highlight for visitors today is the temples’ striking exterior.
In my opinion, it is worth the visit just to experience its external grandeur from a distance!
You will find some relics inside though, but I will let you find out what still remains after the ancient politics took their toll.
Where is Hatshepsut’s tomb located?
Despite this beautiful temple being dedicated to Queen Hatshepsut, her tomb is not located within the site.
Evidence suggests that the Queen’s tomb is located in the Valley of the Kings in tomb ‘KV60’.
Our tour guide told us that just over a decade ago, archaeologists identified a mummy from KV60 as Hatshepsut's.
Dental analysis and other clues pointed to a woman of royal stature who lived during the 18th Dynasty, matching Hatshepsut's profile.
Wherever her final resting place was, she was with some of the other greats from ancient Egypt!
You can visit her mummy in the Egyptian Museum at the start of your Egypt itinerary in Cairo.
The grand statues guard the entrance.
The Temple of Hatshepsut architecture.
The Temple of Hatshepsut's architecture is a testament to the artistic and engineering skills of the New Kingdom era.
It represents a significant change from traditional styles, such as Karnak and Luxor Temple, and showcases innovation and a harmonious blend with the natural environment.
At the highest point lies the most sacred space - the sanctuary. This relatively small chamber, carved into the cliff itself, was likely used for offerings and rituals honouring Hatshepsut as a deity.
Inside the Temple of Hatshepsut.
I found the inside of the temple to be more like an outdoor enclosure.
There aren’t as many statues and other relics as Karnak, Medinet Habu, or Luxor Temple.
Uniquely though, you do have to climb the ramp up to the second and third floors, which the other temples do not have.
I enjoyed the view of the surrounding landscape as I ascended higher up in the complex.
If you visit with a tour guide as I did, they will point out the importance of the rooms in ancient times as you enter each one.
It would be difficult to understand the meaning behind the different areas if you just wandered around on your own.
The Temple is spread across three tiers, with important areas on each floor.
Here is a list of the different areas of the temple, which would have been used in its thriving past:
Lower Level.
Lower court.
Lower ramp.
Temple enclosure wall.
Lower Portico.
First Terrace.
Middle Court.
South-Western retaining wall.
Middle Portico.
Chapel of Anubis.
North-Eastern portico.
Upper ramp.
Learning about the temples’ history.
Second Terrace.
Upper portico.
Room with the window.
Royal Cult complex.
Amun-Re complex.
Ptolemaic Kiosk.
Ptolemaic Sanctuary.
Solar Cult Complex.
You can see the damage caused in ancient times.
A temple showcasing the life of Queen Hatshepsut through art.
Despite much of the interior of the temple being badly damaged, some of the original art and hieroglyphics are still on display, and include many aspects of Hatshepsut’s life.
Here's a closer look at some key scenes depicted throughout the temple:
Look for scenes depicting Hatshepsut's birth, where she's shown emerging from the body of a goddess, signifying her divine right to rule.
Coronation ceremonies showcase her investiture with pharaonic regalia, solidifying her claim to power.
Vibrant reliefs depict scenes of Hatshepsut's expeditions to Punt, a mysterious land in Africa (possibly modern-day Somalia or Eritrea).
While Hatshepsut's reign is known for peace and prosperity, some reliefs depict military campaigns.
Scenes showcase Hatshepsut performing rituals and making offerings to various deities are prominent throughout the temple.
These are the main scenes which our knowledgeable tour guide showed us and explained.
A secret room at the back of the temple.
The best tour for visiting the Temple of Hatshepsut.
When I was in Luxor I booked this West Bank and East Bank tour to go and visit the main highlights of the ancient city.
I have always been intrigued by ancient Egypt, so where better to relive the past than the temples of Luxor and Valley of the kings!
As a solo traveller in Egypt, this helped me to meet some like minded travellers, as we bonded over the tombs and temples of Luxor.
I did similar during my Cairo stay for my Pyramids of Giza trip!
I loved that the tour included tickets, transport and lunch.
There is something special about being chauffeured around the ancient sites of Egypt.
Check the shared West Bank and East Bank Luxor tour prices & availability on GetyourGuide.
A selfie in the awesome temple.
Facts about the Temple of Hatshepsut.
Here are some interesting facts about the Egyptian temple:
The temple's terraced design is believed to have been inspired by the natural cliffs that rise behind it, creating a harmonious blend with the surrounding landscape.
The temple complex also includes chapels dedicated to various deities, including Amun, the sun god.
After Hatshepsut's death, her successor, Thutmose III, tried to erase her legacy. Many of her statues were defaced, highlighting the political struggles for power in ancient Egypt.
Evidence suggests the temple complex housed gardens with exotic plants and trees, a rare sight in the desert environment. Imagine the beauty of fragrant flowers and lush greenery contrasting with the golden sandstone of the temple.
Recognized for its historical and architectural significance, the Temple of Hatshepsut was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, cementing its place as a cultural treasure of Egypt.
A headless statue.
When is the best time to visit Luxor?
The awesome weather is one of the reasons why tourists visit Egypt, however, if you don’t plan in advance, you may end up ruining your trip to Luxor.
I visited Luxor in September and it reached over 40 degrees then!
Our tour guide was saying that the surrounding cliffs trap the heat in the desert which makes it unbearably hot to walk around the archaeological sites in certain months.
There is a shuttle bus for visitors to use from the entrance of the site to the ramp entrance of the temple.
I opted to take a slow walk to live in the moment and absorb the aesthetically pleasing temple and cliffs.
The best months to visit Luxor are:
Ideal Months (Pleasant weather & fewer crowds):
March to April (Spring): Temperatures are comfortable, ranging from the low 20s to mid 30s degrees Celsius (low 70s to mid 90s Fahrenheit). While there are some tourists, it's not peak season, making sightseeing more manageable.
October to November (Autumn): Similar to spring, these months offer enjoyable temperatures and slightly fewer crowds compared to peak winter. This can be a good shoulder season option.
Good Months (Pleasant Weather, More Crowds):
December to February (Winter): These are the coolest months in Luxor, with temperatures averaging in the low to mid 20s Celsius (low 70s Fahrenheit). However, this is also peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and potentially higher prices.
Months to Consider Carefully (Hot Temperatures):
May to September (Summer): Luxor gets scorching hot during these months, with temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Sightseeing can be uncomfortable, and some tours might have limited schedules due to the heat.
Some other Luxor landmarks to visit.
Tombs, temples, Museums and a very lively evening souk!
They were the main highlights from my trip to Luxor.
Let’s see if any of them interest you?
Museums.
Luxor is home to some museums, which showcase different aspects of the ancient civilisation’s lives. My favourite was the Mummification Museum along the Nile corniche, as it was home to some original mummies, including animal ones. Luxor Museum is a larger site to visit, with a more general ancient theme.
El-Souk.
Luxor Market is a great spot in the city to go and experience some Egyptian culture, but it can be intimidating, and full on! I visited the souk on an evening after my meal at an authentic Egyptian restaurant which was nearby. If you are open minded and enjoy haggling, you will secure a bargain or two!
East Bank Temples.
I stayed on the East Bank of Luxor, and found it to be very easy to go and visit both Karnak and Luxor Temples. Both can be visited in one afternoon and are actually connected by the ‘avenue of sphinxes’, which is now open for visitors to walk along.
Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens.
The tombs in Luxor are even more famous than its temples. On the West Bank of the Nile, you will find the two main necropolises, ‘Valley of the Kings’, and ‘Valley of the Queens’, which are home to some of the most famous pharaohs and queens from the various Egyptian Dynasties.
Most tours of the West Bank also stop by the ‘Colossi of Memnon’ briefly, so visitors can see the fabled ‘singing statues’.
A monument near the visitor entrance.
Where to stay in Luxor.
You have two main options when booking accommodation in Luxor.
To stay on the lively East Bank side, in among the chaos of the city, or stay on the West Bank and have a more peaceful stay next to the pharaohs.
Here are several great options to consider:
East Bank.
The Bob Marley Hotel Luxor & Restaurant - a good option for budget-minded travellers who want a relaxed atmosphere with a convenient location near the train station.
The Nefertiti Hotel - a great choice for Luxor visitors seeking a friendly atmosphere, stunning rooftop views of the Nile and Luxor Temple, and a convenient location right by the temple entrance.
The Aracan Eatabe Luxor Hotel - a strong choice for Luxor travellers seeking a central location with Nile views, on-site dining options, and relaxation amenities like a pool and spa.
West Bank.
IN LUXOR Nile Apartments - a perfect choice for Luxor visitors seeking a peaceful stay on the West Bank with stunning Nile views, spacious apartments, and friendly, helpful staff.
The New Memnon Hotel - a charming stay near the Colossi of Memnon, praised for its comfortable rooms, delicious local cuisine, and friendly owner who goes above and beyond to ensure a relaxing and memorable experience.
Djorff Palace - a perfect choice for Luxor travellers seeking a luxurious and unique boutique hotel experience with stunning Nile views, exceptional service, and a tranquil West Bank location.
How about a picture perfect temple in Aswan?
If you love the setting of the Temple of Hatshepsut, then you will also love the beautiful Philae Temple in Aswan.
The island temple is located on Agilkia Island following a complete relocation a matter of decades ago.
The temple complex commands the whole island and is like a paradise island of yesteryear, with relics still remaining from various civilisations.
Philae Temple was one of the first things I visited in Aswan, after arriving by train from Luxor.
While you are in the southern city of Aswan, you can also ride camels in the Nubian villages, learn about the history of the region in the Nubian Museum, and take a sunset felucca ride on the Nile.
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