Twice a year, a phenomenon more than 3,000 years old repeats itself at Abu Simbel: at sunrise, the sun’s rays travel through the whole great temple of Ramses II and light up the statues in the sanctuary at the very back. The next date is Thursday 22 October 2026. On holiday in Hurghada? Here is how to see the Abu Simbel sun festival, which option to choose and our tips for this very busy day.
What is the Abu Simbel sun festival?
The great temple was aligned so that, around 22 February and 22 October, the rising sun reaches some sixty metres inside, all the way to the holy of holies. Four statues sit there: Amun-Ra, Ra-Horakhty, the deified Ramses II and Ptah. The first three are lit up for about twenty minutes, while Ptah, a god linked to the underworld, stays in the shadow. According to tradition, these dates are linked to the birthday and coronation of Ramses II.
Since the temple was moved in the 1960s to save it from the waters of Lake Nasser, the phenomenon still happens, within a day of the original date. Around the temples, the day turns into a real festival, with Nubian music and dancing.
How to get there from Hurghada
Abu Simbel is too far for a same-day return trip from Hurghada. You first need to reach Aswan, about 6 to 7 hours by road, at the latest the day before. Then there are two options:
| Step | Option | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hurghada → Aswan | Private door-to-door transfer | €160 per car (2-3 people), each way |
| Option 1 | Abu Simbel over 2 days: overnight on site, temples at sunrise | €160 per person, or €255 with hotel and sound and light show (min. 2 people) |
| Option 2 | Abu Simbel day trip from Aswan, leaving around 11 pm the night before | €115 per person |
Children aged 0 to 5 travel free and children aged 6 to 11 pay half price. Temple entrance fees, lunch and an English- or French-speaking guide are included in the excursions.
Option 1: stay overnight in Abu Simbel (the most comfortable)
You leave Aswan on 21 October, sleep by Lake Nasser and are already there on the morning of the 22nd, with no night drive. Be aware: hotels in Abu Simbel fill up very quickly for this date. See the 2-day trip.
Option 2: the return trip from Aswan
For the sun festival, a special convoy leaves Aswan around 11 pm on 21 October: you travel overnight by private car and reach Abu Simbel well before sunrise. Get some rest on the afternoon of the 21st, as the night will be short. See the Abu Simbel trip.
Suggested 3-day itinerary
- 21 October: private transfer from Hurghada to Aswan, then, with the 2-day option, the drive to Abu Simbel; with the return trip, departure from Aswan around 11 pm.
- 22 October: the sun festival at sunrise, guided visit of the temples of Ramses II and Nefertari, lunch, return to Aswan.
- 23 October: Aswan sightseeing or return transfer to Hurghada.
Prefer to avoid the crowds? The rest of the year, the temples are just as impressive at sunrise. Find all our itineraries in our guide Aswan and Abu Simbel from Hurghada.
Our tips for 22 October
- Book now: cars, guides and hotels are in higher demand on this day than on any other day of the year.
- Arrive early: you enter the temple in a queue and not everyone sees the sanctuary at the exact moment. The festival and the sunrise on the façade are already worth the trip.
- A jacket: nights and dawn are cool in the Nubian desert.
- Passport: required at the checkpoints on the road to Abu Simbel.
- Patience: it gets very crowded, so bring water and good shoes.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dates of the sun festival in 2026 and 2027?
22 October 2026, then around 22 February 2027. The authorities may announce the exact times a few days before.
How much does the trip from Hurghada cost?
For a couple: €160 per person for the return transfer (€320 per car), plus €115 per person for the Abu Simbel day trip, or €160 for the 2-day option. Hotel in Aswan not included.
Does the guide speak French?
Yes. In Aswan and Abu Simbel, you are accompanied by Magda, our French-speaking guide for more than 10 years. Meet our team.
Can I cancel?
Yes, cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the trip. To book your 22 October, message us quickly on WhatsApp at +20 101 780 8340.
Read also: our Luxor day trip from Hurghada guide and the best excursions in Hurghada.
