Luxor, also known as the ancient Thebes, was dedicated to the worship of the Sun God Amun and functioned as the capital of ancient Egypt's New Kingdom. Temple ruins stretch across Luxor and Karnak. Throughout history, pharaohs built temples on the east bank of the Nile to worship the Theban Triad, symbolizing 'life.' The west bank, symbolizing 'death,' housed the tombs of royal families. However, most tombs fell prey to tomb robbers, leaving behind only the painted burial chambers that could not be moved.
Contents
◦ The Eastern Bank Symbolizes "Life. "
01｜Luxor Temple
The long and narrow temple runs from north to south and is primarily dedicated to the Theban Triad. In front of the gateway to the Luxor Temple, there used to be a pair of obelisks. However, one of them was later gifted to France and now stands as the famous obelisk in the Place de la Concorde in Paris.
Opening Hours: 0600-2000 Ticket: 260 EGP（10/2023） ➤ Read More
02｜Karnak Temple
The Karnak Temple is the largest outdoor historical site in the world, and it has the tallest obelisk in Egypt today. According to legend, during the annual flood of the Nile River, the Theban Triad would come here by boat to receive offerings and prayers from the people.
Opening Hours: 0600-1730 Ticket: 300 EGP（10/2023）
◦ The Western Bank Symbolize "Death. "
After the ancient Egyptians constructed numerous impressive pyramids, they drew the attention of many skilled tomb raiders. To prevent tomb robbing, especially after the New Kingdom period, the tombs of pharaohs and queens were concealed in secluded and barren valleys. This led to the creation of sites such as the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens on the western bank of the Nile. The well-known tomb of Tutankhamun, for instance, is located there.
One ticket allows tourists to visit three tombs. Since the tombs are open on a rotating basis, this time I visited the tombs of Ramesses I, IV, and IX. What amazed me the most was how vivid and colorful the wall carvings, which dated back over three thousand years, still appeared.
Valley of the Kings｜Taking a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Opening Hours: 0600-1800 Ticket: 400 EGP（10/2023） Shuttle: 10 EGP（10/2023） ➤ Read More
◦ Hatshepsut Temple
This temple, carved from the rocky mountain just like Abu Simbel, belongs to one of Egypt's few female pharaohs, Hatshepsut. It is the only three-level temple in Egypt. Hatshepsut seized power from her stepson, Thutmose III, who was too young to rule, and declared herself pharaoh. To assert her legitimacy, she claimed to be the daughter of the main god Amun. To enhance her authority, she even dressing in male clothing and wearing a fake beard. The statues in front of the temple depict her in this male guise, exuding both majesty and grace. After Hatshepsut's death, her stepson Thutmose III, who had long harbored resentment, sought to erase her from history. He destroyed all the statues, paintings, and inscriptions related to her within the temple. The Hatshepsut statues we see today have been reconstructed from fragments.
Opening Hours: 0600-1800 Ticket: 240 EGP（10/2023） Shuttle: 10 EGP（10/2023） ➤ Read More
◦ The Video of the Valley of the Kings
◦ Aboudi Coffee Break
In the evening, sitting at Aboudi Coffee Break and watching the sunset cast its golden hues on the Luxor Temple has been the highlight of my days here in Egypt!
Aboudi Coffee Break is my favorite restaurant in Egypt! It is located directly across from the Luxor Temple and it is the tallest, offering the best view among the row of restaurants. What sets it apart is that it's one of the very few places I've been to in Egypt where the menu lists prices in both English and Arabic, indicating a fair and consistent price for locals and foreigners alike. Aboudi is a place where you can enjoy delicious food and stunning views with peace of mind!
Aboudi Coffee Break Opening Hours Saturday to Thursday from 9 AM to 1 AM Friday from 2 PM to 1 AM. Location: Right next to McDonald's, across from the Luxor Temple.