Abu Simbel lies 280kms south of Aswan and boasts two temples built into a hillside. The Great Temple honours the gods Ra-Harakty, Amun, Ptah and the deified Pharoah Ramses 2nd dating back some 3,400 years. The four main statues (all of Ramses 2nd) are some 33 metres high.
The neighbouring Temple of Hathor is guarded by six further standing statues of Ramses and Nesferati.
They were “discovered” in 1813 by explorer, treasure-hunter and Egyptologist Burkhart.
If these temples were not impressive enough, the temples were relocated between 1964-68 by some 900 experts from five nationalities due to the construction of the Aswan dam in chunks each weighing some 3000 tonnes in an incredible feat of engineering.
The first bus leaves Aswan bus depot at 8am, but it is recommended to be there early as the bus can fill up pretty fast. It costs E£25 and takes just under four hours.
From the bus stop it is a two kilometre walk to the temple. Entrance is E£95, although they accept my out of date student card and charge me E£53.50.
During these troubled times, Milan and i share the sight with just two other tourists and the sensation of walking into the desolate complex is completely astonishing.
No photography is allowed inside the temples.
There is an interesting museum which shows the relocation project which takes time to persuade them to open up for us. All museums are currently closed in Egypt.
Minibuses leave every hour or so from the bus terminal, charge E£30 and take just over three hours.
Budget accommodation is limited to the Abu Simbel Village Guest House.
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