If you're going to Egypt, then hopefully you have decided to include a visit to the Upper Egypt city of Luxor. It is here you will find two of Egypt’s most famous attractions, the temples of Karnak and Luxor. Part of Egypt’s 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, both temples offer an insight into the grandeur of ancient Egypt through their vast courtyards, well preserved statues and overall structures.

Just a small distance away from each other, stopping by both Temples is a absolute must. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply in awe of ancient wonders, a visit to the temples of Karnak and Luxor is well and truly worth it. So be sure to add these incredible sites to your travel itinerary and immerse yourself in the mystique of ancient Egypt.

From the capital of Cairo, Luxor is just a short 1 hour flight away, making it easily accessible with regular flights throughout the day with Egypt Air. So once you’ve visited the Great Pyramids of Giza as well as my personal favourite, Sakkara Pyramids, Luxor is ideally next on your journey.

Check out all of Egypt’s main tourist attractions here.

The connection between the Temples of Karnak and Luxor

The ancient sites of both Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple are connected by the Avenue of Sphinxes, a 2-mile long pathway lined with sphinx statues. Built over 3,000 years ago, these temples were significant religious complexes in ancient Egypt.

Karnak Temple, the largest religious site in the world, was dedicated to the god Amun, while Luxor Temple was dedicated to Amun's divine wife, Goddess Mut. The Avenue of Sphinxes once linked these temples ceremonially during religious processions.

Luxor Temple

Luxor Temple is a stunning ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the east bank of the Nile River in Luxor, Egypt. Its grand entrance lined with ram-headed sphinxes leads to awe-inspiring courtyards and intricately carved hieroglyphics. The temple's structures, including the Great Colonnade and Hypostyle Hall are part of the impressive highlights you will encounter here.

Situated right in the heart of Luxor's modern town, the temple is easily and conveniently accessible for visitors. Many choose to walk from the central parts of Luxor, as it is a pleasant stroll through the bustling streets and along the riverbank. This is where you’ll see many traditional wooden boats giving you a chance to experience a felucca on the Nile if time permits. Taxis and horse-drawn carriages are also readily available for those who prefer a quicker journey.

All our small group tours include a stop at the famous Luxor Temple. Alternately, you may prefer a private tour of Egypt for you and your friends or family.

History of Luxor Temple

Luxor Temple: A Brief History

Luxor Temple, built around 1400 BCE, stands as a majestic testament to ancient Egyptian architecture and spirituality. Its grand entrance lined with ram-headed sphinxes leads to awe-inspiring courtyards and intricately carved hieroglyphics. The temple's structures, including the main Great Colonnade and Hypostyle Hall, showcase the mastery of symmetry and precision in design. Dedicated to the divine triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu, Luxor Temple exudes a sacred atmosphere, where history permeates every stone. As the sun sets, the temple's beauty is heightened, casting a golden glow on its weathered walls, inviting visitors to marvel at its enduring grandeur.The Luxor Temple dates back to around 1400 BC during the New Kingdom period of ancient Egypt. It is approximately 3,400 years old and is renowned for its architectural grandeur and historical significance.

The construction of Luxor Temple is attributed to various pharaohs throughout Egypt's history. The temple was initially started by Amenhotep III and continued by Tutankhamun, Horemheb, and Ramses II. Ramses II, one of the most renowned pharaohs of ancient Egypt, added significant structures to the temple complex, including the massive pylon and the obelisks.

Timeline of Luxor Temple:

Over the centuries, Luxor Temple underwent various alterations and additions by different pharaohs and rulers, reflecting the religious and political changes in ancient Egypt.

Approximately 1400 BCE: Construction of Luxor Temple begins during the reign of Amenhotep III.
1353-1336 BCE: Tutankhamun contributes to the construction and decoration of the temple.
1292-1290 BCE: Horemheb makes further additions to the temple.
1279-1213 BCE: Ramses II greatly expands and enhances the Luxor Temple complex with his significant building projects.

Luxor Temple highlights

The preservation of Luxor Temple makes it one the best Egypt attractions to see.

Great Court: The grand entrance to Luxor Temple, featuring towering columns and statues of Ramses II.
Avenue of Sphinxes: A long pathway connecting Luxor Temple to Karnak Temple, lined with statues of sphinxes.
Obelisk of Ramses II: A massive obelisk standing tall within the temple complex, showcasing intricate hieroglyphics.
Colossal Statues: Impressive statues of pharaohs and gods, such as statues of Amenhotep III and the goddess Sekhmet.
Chapels and Shrines: Various chapels and shrines dedicated to different gods, offering insights into ancient Egyptian religious practices.
Hieroglyphic Inscriptions: Intricate carvings and inscriptions on walls depicting historical events and religious scenes.
Sanctuaries: Sacred spaces within the temple where rituals and offerings were made to the gods.

Best time of day to visit Luxor Temple

My favourite time of day to visit Luxor Temple is without doubt during dusk. This is just as the sun is in it’s final stages of sunset. For those visiting during the warmer months, the cooler conditions are a welcome relief.

From the outside of the temple, looking at the front facade, the changing colours of sunset cast a magical light off in the distance, making it one of the best places to see sunset in Egypt. It is also during this time the temple lights come on, illuminating the outside walls and the colossal statues of Ramses II.

Visitors are provided a dramatic and surreal vision, and one of the best photo opportunities you could possibly imagine.

Karnak Temple

Karnak Temple Luxor is not only one of the largest religious building in the world, it is a personal favourite of mine time and time again. Every time I visit I see new things I missed previously, just because there is so much to see. It’s no wonder Karnak Temple is high up as one of Egypt’s most famous sites.

Built over a span of a thousand years, it served as a place of worship for the ancient Egyptians dedicated to the god Amun. The vast site includes the Great Hypostyle Hall with towering columns, the sacred lake, and various shrines and temples. Visitors can marvel at the monumental architecture, intricate hieroglyphics, and colossal statues that reflect the grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Just a short distance from downtown Luxor, the temple of Karnak is an absolute showstopper for history buffs.

History of Luxor Temple

A Brief History of Karnak Temple

The Karnak Temple is a colossal religious complex with construction beginning around 2055 BC. This continued for over 1500 years under different pharaohs, including Amenhotep III, Tutankhamun, and Ramesses II.

Dedicated to the god Amun, Karnak was a place of worship, pilgrimage, and learning, with its vast halls, towering columns, and sacred lake symbolizing the grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilization. The complex also served as an economic hub and administrative center. Over time, Karnak grew to include multiple temples, chapels, and obelisks, forming a significant religious site in the ancient world. Today, it stands as a testament to the architectural prowess and spiritual beliefs of the pharaonic era.

Timeline of Karnak Temple:

This timeline showcases the evolution of Karnak Temple Complex from its modest beginnings in the Middle Kingdom to its grandeur during the New Kingdom and its eventual decline and revival in later periods.

Middle Kingdom (c. 2055-1650 BC)
- A small temple dedicated to the god Amun was established on the site.
New Kingdom (c. 1550-1069 BC)
- 18th Dynasty (c. 1550-1292 BC):
  - Pharaoh Hatshepsut and Thutmose III contribute to the construction of the temple.
- 19th Dynasty (c. 1292-1186 BC):
  - Seti I and his son Ramesses II added pylons, obelisks, and statues to Karnak.
Third Intermediate Period (c. 1069-664 BC)
- The temple complex begins to decline due to political instability and invasions.
Late Period (c. 664-332 BC)
- The Nubians and the Persians occupy Karnak but make some additions to the site.
Greco-Roman Period (c. 332 BC-395 AD)
- The temple is used for Christian worship, and some structures are converted into churches.
Modern Era
- The temple becomes an important archaeological site, attracting visitors from around the world.

Karnak Temple Highlights

Karnak Temple Highlights:

Great Hypostyle Hall: One of the most impressive sections of Karnak Temple, featuring towering columns covered in intricate hieroglyphics and carvings.
Luxor Obelisks: Two massive obelisks located at the entrance of the temple, showcasing intricate designs and hieroglyphic inscriptions.
Sacred Lake: A large man-made lake within the temple complex believed to have been used by priests for ritual purposes and offerings.
Avenue of Sphinxes: A long avenue lined with sphinx statues that once connected Karnak Temple with Luxor Temple, creating a grand procession route for ancient ceremonies.
Precinct of Amun-Ra: The central area of Karnak Temple dedicated to the god Amun-Ra, including various shrines, chapels, and statues depicting the deity.
Temple of Ramses III: A smaller temple within the Karnak complex built by the pharaoh Ramses III, known for its well-preserved reliefs and decorative elements.
Temple of Khonsu: A smaller temple dedicated to the god Khonsu, son of Amun and Mut, featuring beautifully decorated halls and sanctuaries.
Obelisk of Hatshepsut: A solitary obelisk erected by the female pharaoh Hatshepsut, known for its inscriptions detailing her reign and accomplishments.
Court of Amenhotep III: A spacious courtyard featuring statues and colossi of the pharaoh Amenhotep III.

Best time of day to visit Karnak Temple

From a visitor point of view, the early morning hours are probably the best time to visit Karnak Temple, when entry numbers are only just starting to build. It is also a good time during those warmer months for a more comfortable experience.

The interior does provide a lot of shaded space, particularly inside the Great Hypostyle Hall. The gigantic columns and roof of the hall are adorned in some seriously impressive art work. The shade also allows the colours to really stand out, particularly from the naked eye.

Sound and Light Show

Apart from the sound and light show at the Great Pyramids of Giza, Karnak also provides its own magical show each evening.

Offering a mesmerizing journey through ancient Egyptian history amidst the illuminated temple ruins, visitors are immersed in stories of the pharaohs, gods, and daily life in ancient Egypt.

The Karnak Sound and Light Show starts in the evening, usually after sunset. The exact starting time may vary depending on the season, so it is recommended to check the schedule closer to your visit date. The duration of the show is around 1 hour and is completely independent from day time visitations, meaning you will need a separate ticket to enter the show.

Additional info and tips on visiting Luxor and Karnak Temples

Do you really need a guide?

Without a guide, its easy to skim over the walls without really paying much attention to the intricate details. Nor without hearing any real historic information. I can’t imagine just browsing in order to take it all in, so do yourself a favour and hire a guide.

For those with a real interest in Egyptian Ancient History, a tour guide is imperative to capture the full experience. Allow 3 to 4 hours to therefore cover both sites.

Note; many people worry about who to trust, how much is reasonable to pay a guide and whether it is OK to hire a guide at the entrance? To take the worry away, it is best to hire a guide before you go from a reputable company. That way they can pick you up and return you to your hotel. Alternately, a tour of Egypt that visits both temples will have a fully qualified guide.

Remember, if you are looking for cheap, you’ll probably find just that.

What to take with you

During the day, sunscreen, a sun hat and comfortable shoes are a good idea. Lots of water is needed as that hot desert heat is very unforgiving. Also, don’t forget your camera to capture those precious moments. I never leave without my charger too because a flat phone or camera is such a rookie mistake.

Be sure to carry card for entrance fees (unless on an organised tour that includes the entry cost) and cash for tipping the guide and driver.

Evenings during the cooler months of November to April may require a light jacket.

Does a Nile Cruise stop at both temples?

Be sure to double check, but yes, a standard Nile Cruise includes visits to both temples.

If your cruise price includes temple visits and guide to all the big attractions including Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae Temples, you will be bound by their departure times. If you are on an organised tour, there is usually some flexibility on behalf of the tour company that may change your departure times in order to visit during more ideal times.

For example, our Wonders of Egypt Tour always aims to visit Luxor Temple at dusk in order to witness the illumination of the temple walls. We also try to visit Karnak for both general entry and the Sound and Light Show. It all comes down to when the boat is docked so may not always be possible.

More reading: Cruising the Nile River - 10 reasons why you’ll love it.

Best time of year to visit Luxor Temple & Karnak Temple

Egypt is a hot country which I’m sure you already gather. But is can also be quite cold in these desert locations throughout the year.

Most people wouldn’t even consider visiting during the summer months of May to September when temperature soar well above 40 degrees Celsius. I however must be one of a few that enjoy the low seasonal tourist numbers. So i either go early morning or late afternoon t accommodate the heat.

The months of October to April are more popular with bearable temperatures but also higher crowds. December, January and February are relatively packed with eager tourists visiting Egypt.

I’m a big fan of visiting May and October when it’s not quite as busy, and nor as hot that it’s really uncomfortable.

More a more comprehensible guide, go to: Egypt Summer or Winter, best time to visit Egypt

Where to next?

From Luxor, many choose to continue on to Aswan, known as the “Jewel of the Nile”. Aswan is home to colourful Nubian Villages, the impressive Philae Temple, Unfinished Obelisk, the High Dam and the gateway to Egypt’s most impressive temple, Abu Simbel.

Another option is to head to the Red Sea Resorts, primarily Hurghada or Marsa Alam. Here you can catch some rays, relax on the beach or discover the incredible Red Sea coral reefs. With so many beach side resorts, it’s well worth staying a few extra nights.

Why not consider a small group tour taking in all the best highlights of Egypt including a Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan, a 3 night Nile Cruise, and a stay on the Red Sea. Check out this premium tour below with Absolute Egypt Tours. It includes most meals, 5 star stays and lots of bonus inclusions.