The Abu Simbel sun festival: 22 February and 22 October
Twice a year the rising sun reaches the inner sanctuary of the Great Temple. Is it worth planning a trip around?
The Great Temple of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel was aligned so that twice a year, the first rays of the sun travel some 60 metres into the mountain and light up three of the four statues in the sanctuary: Amun-Ra, Ra-Horakhty and the deified Ramesses himself. Ptah, a god connected with the underworld, stays in shadow.
Why the dates moved
When the temple was cut into blocks and moved 65 metres higher in the 1960s to escape Lake Nasser, the alignment shifted by about a day. Today the event falls around 22 February and 22 October.
Should you go?
It is a magical moment, but also the busiest morning of the year at Abu Simbel, with thousands of people and a long wait. If crowds are not your thing, any other morning gives you the temple in much more peace — and the sunrise over the desert is just as beautiful.
Want to see it in person?
Plan my trip
