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Last updated: 18 March, 2024

Karnak, or ancient Thebes, was Egypt’s foremost religious complex originally built in 2055 BC. Over the course of 1,500 years the site was continuously expanded by pharaohs, in tribute to the Theban gods; more than 80,000 workers toiled here during the reign of Ramesses II.

The most impressive sight in Karnak is the superbly preserved, 250,000sq m Temple of Amun, which boasts a magnificent hypostyle hall with 134 massive columns.

You need to visit Karnak twice – once in daylight, and once at night for the Sound & Light Show, and to see the temple lit up.

Don’t miss

The temple complex of Amun is the main sight here, but also worth a visit is the temple of Amun’s son, falcon-headed Khonsu.

Head to the Obelisk garden, where there are more granite obelisks than anywhere else in Egypt, including the tallest one in the country.

Beyond the inner sanctuary of Amun’s temple, an open space leads to Tuthmosis’s Festival Hall. Later converted to a church, paintings of saints can be seen on the columns.

Logistics

Price from: £10
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

There are two or three Sound and Light shows (in different languages) each evening. Tickets are available from the temple entrance, or the railway kiosk.

The show gets booked early in high season, so ask your guide or hotel to reserve ahead for you. Arrange return transport for after the show. Get a taxi or caliche (horse cart) to the temple and ask for them to wait.

When to do it

The complex is open all year round, seven days a week.

Hordes of day-trippers arrive from the Red Sea resorts around 10am, so go as early as possible. Also, the light at dawn is magnificent on the columns.

Who to go with: organised tours

5

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Luxor Full Day Tour: Valley of Kings & Queens - Hatchepsut Temple ,Karnak&Luxor

Luxor

Luxor Full Day Tour: Valley of Kings & Queens - Hatchepsut Temple ,Karnak&Luxor
Learn about Egypt's ancient history with this private tour led by a quallified Egyptologist guide. You'll visit the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut . Karnak & Luxor Temples all in just one day. this tour includes round-trip transportation from your Luxor hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Price: $95

Min age: 0

Rating 4.86 / 5 [287 ratings]

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Half Day East Bank Tour to Luxor and Karnak Temples

Luxor

Half Day East Bank Tour to Luxor and Karnak Temples
Embark on a captivating half-day journey through Luxor's East Bank, where history comes to life. Visit the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple, a sprawling complex of grand columns and sacred sanctuaries that pay homage to ancient Egyptian gods. Delve into the heart of Luxor as you explore the Luxor Temple, adorned with colossal statues and intricate hieroglyphics. Witness the convergence of past and present as you stroll through these magnificent structures that have stood for millennia. This half-day East Bank tour offers a glimpse into Egypt's rich history and the architectural marvels that define Luxor's landscape.

Price: $8

Min age: 6

Rating 4.71 / 5 [64 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Tour: Luxor East Bank, Karnak and Luxor Temples

Luxor

Private Tour: Luxor East Bank, Karnak and Luxor Temples
Take a half-day private tour with a qualified Egyptologist guide exploring the East Bank of Luxor. You'll see two of the most impressive temples in Upper Egypt - Karnak and Luxor, while learning about ancient Egyptian history from your own personal guide.

Price: $108

Min age: 0

Rating 4.76 / 5 [63 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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2-Day Tour: Karnak & Luxor Temples Valley of the Kings Hatshepsut Temple &Memnon

Luxor

2-Day Tour: Karnak & Luxor Temples Valley of the Kings Hatshepsut Temple &Memnon
It would be a shame to race through the majesty of ancient Luxor. Take the sights at your own pace with your personal Egyptologist over this 2-day private door-to-door tour. Day 1 is devoted to the East Bank: the Temple of Karnak and Luxor Temple. Day 2 covers the West Bank: the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon.

Price: $80

Min age: 0

Rating 4.90 / 5 [53 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Top Half Day Tour To East Bank Visit Karnak And Luxor Temples

Luxor

Top Half Day Tour To East Bank Visit Karnak And Luxor Temples
Embark on a captivating half-day journey through Luxor's East Bank, where history comes to life. Visit the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple, a sprawling complex of grand columns and sacred sanctuaries that pay homage to ancient Egyptian gods. Delve into the heart of Luxor as you explore the Luxor Temple, adorned with colossal statues and intricate hieroglyphics. Witness the convergence of past and present as you stroll through these magnificent structures that have stood for millennia. This half-day East Bank tour offers a glimpse into Egypt's rich history and the architectural marvels that define Luxor's landscape.

Price: $45

Min age: 6

Rating 4.85 / 5 [48 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides

1

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Luxor

Upper Egypt, Egypt

Egypt. Karnak Temple Complex - the Precinct of Amun-Re. Massive columns of the Great Hypostyle Hall

Exotic, bustling city on the Nile, packed with world-class ancient sites including the remarkable tomb of Tutankhamun. A tantalising glimpse into the exotic culture and remarkable sophistication of this ancient civilisation.

Round-ups

2

Round-ups that include this experience

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