What Is Abu Simbel Sun Festival?

The Abu Simbel sun festival is a legendary festival that happens twice a year for the last 3200 years at the great temples of Abu Simbel where traveler from all over the world come to witness its legendary allure and grandeur. Within the central chamber of king Ramses II a sun light rays is casted upon the four seated states of Ra-Horakhty, the gods Amun & Ptah, and the great King Ramses II.

When Does Abu Simbel Festival Event Take Place?

The sun festival event takes place twice a year on the 22nd of February which is the date of Ramses II ascension to the throne of Egypt and on the 22nd of October which is the date of the King's birth. The inner sanctum of the Abu Simbel temple that houses the four seated statues becomes filled with light.

What Is The History Of Abu Simbel Temple?

The great two temples of Abu Simbel is an amazing monument which was established by the great Ramses II Ramsess II (1303 u2013 1213 BC) between 1290 BC and 1224 BC to preserve his heritage such as his victory at the Kadesh battle, showcase his love to his wife, and honor the gods. The temple was rediscovered by the Swiss traveler Johann Burckhardt in 1813. There was an enormous pile of sand that almost covered the facade and its colossal statues, blocking the entrance. The explorer Giovanni reached the interior part of the temple in 1817. This temple was relocated in 1960 with the help of the Egyptian government and UNESCO plus global support and millions of dollars after the construction of the High Aswan Dam. They kept the same measurements to preserve the sun festival which happens twice.

Who Built The Great Abu Simbel Temples?

The temples of Abu Simbel were built by the great Ramses II Ramsess II "Ozymandias" (1303 u2013 1213 BC) between 1290 BC and 1224 BC to showcase his heavenly grace and greatness plus his immortal stature as the greatest Pharaoh who ever lived. King Ramesses II was born in 1303 BC and passes away in 1213 BC. his reign as a great pharaoh lasted from 1279 until 1213 BC. He was actually the 3rd pharaoh of the 19th dynasty and he was known as Ramses the great and is regarded as the greatest and the most successful ruler during the Egyptian New Kingdom. The most interesting fact about him is that he celebrated unprecedented 14th Sed Festivals {an ancient Egyptian ceremony that celebrated a continued rule of the pharaoh} which means that his reign was a period more than any other pharaoh. When he passed away, he was buried in a tomb inside the Valley of the Kings, and then his body was moved to a royal cache until it was discovered in 1881 and his mummy was taken to Cairo's National Museum of Egyptian Civilization where it is displayed.

What Are The Most Important Facts About The Abu Simbel Temples?

-Abu Simbel Temple was cut into a solid rock cliff and was built to commemorate his legacy and victory in the Battle of Kadesh in 1274 BC.rnrn-The Temple of Abu Simbel stands 30m high and 35m long possessing 4 seated colossal of himself and some of the most famous Egyptian deities.rnrn-The smaller temple is located 100 m (330 ft) far away from the grand temple which contains 4 huge statues, two of them belong to king Ramesses and the other two belong to his beloved Nefertari.rnrn-The great temple of Abu Simbel possess a rare phenomenon known as the solar alignment in its inner part to three of its colossal statues except for the fourth statue of Ptah who used to be the god of creation & darkness and this represents the true magnificence in construction and how the ancient Egyptians were truly brilliant.rnrn-It was saved from total destruction in 1964 AD through the co-operation between the Egyptian government and UNESCO plus a global assistance from everyone on earth as it was in great danger after the construction of the Aswan High Dam.rnrn-Abu Simbel Temple took about 20 years to be constructed and was finally completed in the 24th year of the reign of the great king Ramesses.rnrn-The Four statues in front of the great Abu Simbel Temple are 20 m tall and show the king with the double Atef crown of Upper and Lower Egypt.rnrn-There is a damaged statue on the left of the temple which was destroyed after its construction due to an earthquake plus you can see the head and body of the statue in front of it on the floor.rnrn-Next to the leg of the large statue, there are statues that show his chief wife Nefertari and his mother Mut-Tuy. There are also smaller statues of his first two sons Amun-her-khepeshef & Ramesses, plus his first six daughters Bintanath, Baketmut, Nefertari, Meritamen, Nebettawy, and Isetnofret.rnrn-There is a bas-relief above the entrance that shows 2 images of the king praising the falcon-headed Ra Harakhti.

Abu Simbel Sun Festival Event

Abu Simbel Sun Festival Event - 22 October 2026

Some people say a miracle does happen twice but in Egypt, the land of heaven is where everything is possible. The Abu Simbel temples sun festival is a rare phenomenon that happens twice each year on the 22 of February and October when the sun's rays choose to light up the southern deep border of Aswan revealing all the tremendous beauty and greatness of one of the oldest civilizations ever created on the face of the earth more than 4500 years. The Sun festival of Abu Simbel temple is more than just a festival but a celebration of the imagination, brilliance, and the Endeavour of the ancient Egyptians plus their deep connection to their nature & the powers that be which they desired to honor with their king Ramses the Great.

Transportation for Abu Simbel Sun Festival Event – October 2026

The great Abu Simbel Temples can be found on the western bank of Lake Nasser, about 230 km southwest of Aswan. There are many ways to reach Abu Simbel temples depending on your location.

Transportation from Luxor City

From the city of a hundred gates Luxor is a train ride to Aswan from the train station in Luxor then a car ride from Aswan to Abu Simbel Temples.

Transportation from Hurghada

From the exotic city resort of Hurghada, everyone can take a direct car ride to Luxor then catch a train from Luxor to Aswan then take a car ride from Aswan and Abu Simbel temples.

Transportation from Cairo

From Cairo, everyone can catch a direct flight from Cairo International Airport to Aswan Airport and once you arrive, you will then be transferred by car to Abu Simbel temples.

Transportation from Marsa Alam

From the exotic city resort of Marsa Alam, everyone will catch a car ride from Marsa Alam to Aswan then from Aswan is a car ride directly to Abu Simbel temples.

Transportation from Aswan

From the majestic city of Aswan is a magical Day Trip from Aswan to Abu Simbel by Car leading to the magical sun festival of Abu Simbel then head back to the hotel.

On-Board of a Nile Cruise

A Nile Cruise is a perfect vessel to enjoy all the incredible attractions between Luxor and Aswan including the great temples of Abu Simbel.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Lunch meal.
Modern Air-Conditioned Vehicles.
All the service charges and taxes are paid.
All of the entrance fees to the selected sites are included.
Professional private Egyptologist tour guide during all your tours.
Our representative will be responsible for your pick up from your hotel and return.

Tipping.
Egypt Entry Visa.
International Airfare.
Any Extras Not Mentioned In The Itinerary.

Tour Itinerary

The vacation of your dreams will be waiting at the legendary temples of Abu Simbel where every traveler will get to make some amazing memories during the heavenly sun festival. Trips in Egypt has customized the ideal itinerary where everyone will get to explore every inch of the Abu Simbel temple learn a great deal about its history and significance on the magical day of the 22 of October where the festival is at its best among an array of celebration. We will provide all our clients with a private A.C car which will transfer you from your hotel with delicious breakfast boxes to the great Abu Simbel temples. When you arrive at the majestic festival, a great number of locals and travelers from all over the world will enjoy this magical atmosphere of the Abu Simbel sun festival. Everyone will get to cast their eyes on the grand constructions of Abu Simbel temples found at the entrance and within the grand hall that houses beautiful wall images & incredible pillars plus within the darkest corner of the temple is four seated statues of Ra-Horakhty, the gods Amun & Ptah, and the great King Ramses II. Your tour guide will be your eyes and ears across the infinite and hidden wonders of Abu Simbel. During and after the sun festival is a great Nubian show which features live music and some of the most delicious genuine Egyptian foods. After the tour has ended, your tour guide will take you on a private A.C car to your hotel. During your time in Egypt, everyone will have the chance to choose their favorite additional packages and day tours.