Abu simbel temple and Lake Nasser

The monuments, Abu Simbel temple, and Lake Nasser are amongst the top locations that are usually visited by every traveler to Egypt. Lake Nasser is situated on the southern part, where the River Nile enters Egypt. It holds significance, and wonderful corals form on the riverbanks, bringing the perfect landscape views.

Whereas, the Abu Simbel temple is a majestic historical monument located in the upper Aswan near the Nubia region, also in close proximity to the artificial Lake Nasser. Basically the temple is dedicated to three major sun gods of the Egyptian era. In this piece of content you will know about the Abu Simbel temple and Lake Nasser. 

Brief about Abu Simbel Temple. 

This monument is dedicated to sun gods named Ra-Horakhty, Amun-Ra, and Ptah, and Ramesses II himself is usually seen as an eternal power. Statues of all these are present there, which is also a photography hotspot as well. It is one of the most iconic temples of ancient Egypt that is still standing to date, narrating stories of the rich cultural heritage of Egyptian civilization. 

The temples were carved directly into a sandstone mountain. They were built during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II by great architects and a large force of skilled laborers. The site includes two major temples: the Great Temple of Ramses II and the second one, the Small Temple of Nefertari. Abu Simbel is considered a masterpiece of ancient engineering and artistic symmetry. The temples were designed not only for worship but also for political power and royal legacy. Today, Abu Simbel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of global heritage preservation, which is explored by a large number of tourists every year. 

Inside Abu Simbel

A long entrance hall supported by massive pillars, each pillar is carved into a statue of Ramses as a godlike figure. The walls are covered with battle scenes, military victories, religious ceremonies, and offerings to gods. Deeper inside lies the sacred sanctuary with four seated statues: Ramses, Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah. Twice a year, sunlight reaches the inner sanctuary and illuminates the statues when the sun festival at Abu Simbel is celebrated.

This phenomenon happens around February and October. The alignment of the sun proves the advanced astronomical knowledge of ancient engineers. All these features make it a hotspot for passengers of Nile cruises in Egypt during their 4-5 day itinerary from Aswan to Luxor. 

Why is the Abu Simbel temple an important location? 

It represents the peak of ancient Egyptian architectural precision and advanced understanding of astronomy, geometry, engineering, and symbolic planning. The temples served political purposes as well, which demonstrated Egypt’s dominance in Nubia, strengthened Ramses II’s legacy, and projected divine authority. 

The relocation of the temples in the 1960s is one of humanity’s greatest rescue projects: The whole temple was cut into blocks. Each piece was moved to higher ground. The temple was rebuilt stone by stone to save it from flooding of Lake Nasser. This global effort inspired the creation of UNESCO World Heritage protection. Abu Simbel stands today as a symbol of preservation, a triumph of international cooperation, and a living monument of ancient genius and the commitment of the architects. 

Temple of Nefertari

It is the adjacent temple to the Abu Simbel temple. The temple was dedicated to Queen Nefertari, wife of Ramses II. This is extremely rare because few Egyptian queens received their own grand temples. The façade features six giant statues, four of Ramses II and two of Queen Nefertari, which are equal in height and symbolize respect and power. 

The temple honors both Nefertari and the goddess Hathor. Inside the temple, the passengers see the wall carvings showing Nefertari participating in sacred rituals; their queen is portrayed as divine, not just royal, and she emphasizes beauty, wisdom, and spiritual strength as the partner of the great pharaoh of that time. 

Why is this Nubian village famous for temples?

Abu Simbel lies in Nubia, a region with a deep, rich culture in northern Egypt. Nubian civilization has existed for thousands of years with its own language, art, and traditions. Their lands were historically a bridge between African and Egyptian cultures.

Pharaohs built temples here to show power over southern territories, to strengthen control over trade routes, and to honor gods worshipped by both Egyptians and Nubians. The architecture of the Nubians often blends with bright colors, symbolic carvings, and deep religious storytelling. Temples in this region were also tools of diplomacy, showing respect to local beliefs. Today, Nubian culture still survives through music, crafts, hospitality, and village traditions. This mix of living culture and ancient monuments makes the region deeply special and a highlight for the tourists to explore. 

Lake Nasser

Lake Nasser is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. It was created after the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The lake stretches across southern Egypt and into northern Sudan. Also, being responsible for the transformation of the region, providing water storage, supporting agriculture, controlling flooding, and generating electricity is possible with this lake. 

Lake Nasser is calm, vast, and surrounded by desert landscapes. The contrast between blue water and golden sands creates surreal scenery. It is now a peaceful travel destination, not just an engineering project explored during the Nile sailing journey. 

Where is Lake Nasser?

Lake Nasser is located in southern Egypt, starting near Aswan, and it extends southward into Sudan (where it is called Lake Nubia). The lake runs alongside the Abu Simbel temple, Nubian villages, and remote desert coastlines. It lies far away from busy Egyptian cities, giving it a quiet, untouched atmosphere. Many travelers describe it as one of the most serene places in Egypt from their surreal experiences at that place. 

Lake Nasser on map

The map of Lake Nasser looks like it’s south of Aswan, along the southern Nile route, and near the border between Egypt and Sudan. It appears as a long blue shape cutting through the desert, which runs parallel to ancient Nubian settlements. The Abu Simbel temples sit directly along its western shoreline, which exists entirely inland, formed by the dammed Nile River.

Its remote position gives it a sense of exploration and exclusivity, and it is usually visited for its strategic location. 

Lake Nasser cruise packages

The packages usually include: 

• Sailing between Aswan and Abu Simbel.
• Visiting rare small temples that most tourists do not see.
• Exploring archaeological sites that feel untouched and personal.
• Traveling in small luxury cruise boats rather than large crowded ships.
• Viewing desert landscapes from the deck in total silence.
• Stargazing at night with almost no light pollution, if explored during the night, depending upon the tour.

Is Lake Nasser in northern Egypt?

No, Lake Nasser is not in northern Egypt. It is located in southern Egypt, near the Sudanese border. Lake Nasser belongs to Upper Egypt and Southern Nubian region The climate here is hotter, drier, and more desert-like.

Faqs 

How much time should I spend at Abu Simbel?

Most visitors spend about 2–3 hours exploring both temples, which is enough to see the interiors, take photos, and understand the carvings without feeling rushed. Also, if you are traveling there with the itinerary of the Egypt River cruise by Nile Cruisen, then tour guides will adjust the timings. 

Can you visit Abu Simbel and Lake Nasser in one trip?

Yes. Abu Simbel sits directly on the shores of Lake Nasser, so most itineraries naturally combine both in the same journey. While exploring Aswan, both locations are visited with the experienced tour guides. 

What makes Lake Nasser cruises different from Nile cruises?

Lake Nasser cruises are quieter and less crowded and focus more on rare archaeological sites; they mostly look like small boats. The Nile cruises are luxurious, big, and much like floating hotels with all the world-class amenities. 

Is photography allowed inside the Abu Simbel temples?

Yes, but sometimes a separate camera ticket is required, and flash photography is usually restricted to protect the artwork. Photography is usually allowed on all the historical sites, but flash photography is strictly avoided. 

Are there guided tours available at Abu Simbel?

The local guides are available on-site and have comprehensive knowledge about the monuments and Egyptian culture. As you pass through the monument, these guides will help you understand the hieroglyphic language and scenes depicted there, with a touch of storytelling to keep you engaged till you finish exploration.