5 Things to Know Before Going to Abu Simbel Temple, a Love Story Spanning a Thousand Years

If there's anything that gives people a headache in their trip to Egypt, Abu Simbel is definitely on the list. 1. Location of Abu Simbel: As the most difficult temple to reach in Egypt, Abu Simbel is located on the border between Egypt and Sudan, very remote. It takes 7 hours to go back and forth from the nearest Aswan, and 'to go or not to go' has become a problem for many people. 2. Is it worth it? There must be a reason why this remote temple is always talked about. Whether it's Ramses II's narcissism or his thousand-year love with Nefertari, whether it's UNESCO's hard rescue or the beautiful lake view, not to mention the spectacle of the sun day, there are too many legendary stories here. 3. There are two temples here, which were discovered by Swiss explorers in 1813 and were able to see the light of day again. They are all carved out of the mountain, which is quite unique. The contrast between light and shadow is great for taking pictures; the inside and outside of the temple are like two worlds, the inside is very dark and there is basically no natural light, and every time you go in and out, your eyes have to adapt for a while. 4. Four main ways to go to Abu Simbel Temple 🔸Bus tour Leave at 4 am and return to Aswan at noon. It's easy and cheap, but the temple is crowded when you visit. I personally don't like this way of getting up early and rushing (mainly because I can't get up) 🔸Bus free travel Go back and forth to the bus station by yourself, one way is about 100 Egyptian pounds, save money and time is free, need some DIY ability 🔸Charter The time of chartering is more casual, just need to do a good job of price research and psychological expectations, overall it will be much more expensive than free travel but save time 🔸Plane free travel Abu Simbel Airport is only 4km away from the temple, and you can see the temple and Lake Nasser on the plane; actually you can also join a group by plane, I met many Europeans and Americans who are very cool, Aswan flies 45 minutes to Abu Simbel Airport, Egypt Airlines has a free bus directly to the temple entrance, this way can also avoid the crowd but it is more expensive 5. Recommended mode of transportation: plane to, minibus back I flew directly from Cairo to Abu Simbel (airport code ABS, stopover in Aswan), arrived at the temple entrance at 11 am, the disadvantage is that with all the luggage to find a place to store, fortunately, a small commodity street at the temple entrance found a place to store, finally bought some things to express thanks (not to buy also line); After a relaxed visit to the temple, I took a tutu for 20 pounds to the city for lunch, then walked to the Public Bus Station and took a mini bus back to Aswan, the bus leaves when it is full, 100 pounds/person, locals only need about 70, initially quoted 150 pounds I was quite firm and bargained to 100 pounds, luggage can be tied to the roof for free, don't worry.