Temple of Hatshepsut (at Deir el-Bahari)
New Valley
Fiery limestone cliffs are a dramatic backdrop for the Temple of Hatshepsut, a monument to the female pharaoh who was once king of ancient Egypt. The temple’s smooth colonnade has been reconstructed, and the facade alternates between glowing columns with deep shadows. Venture inside to find relief carvings, hieroglyphics, and sanctuaries.
Among the most important destinations on Luxor’s West Bank, the Temple of Hatshepsut is an included stop on many tours; since it’s a 30-minute drive from downtown, it’s worth visiting other destinations while you’re in the area. When you arrive, enter through the great court then continue up a long ramp to a series of terraces and colonnades. Portions of the temple are still unreconstructed, and there is little signage inside, so visiting with a guide is a good way to understand what you’re seeing.
- The temple is great for history buffs and travelers interested in ancient Egypt.
- While there’s shade inside the temple, the exterior area is fully exposed; bring plenty of sun protection.
- There are ramps to access the site, but some wheelchair users may find them too steep to use.
The Temple of Hatshepsut is located on Kings Valley Road on Luxor’s West Bank. If you’re visiting as part of a tour, transport will be taken care of. Independent travelers can book a taxi for the 30-minute trip from downtown, but be sure to agree on a price and other details before departure. A wheeled tram shuttles visitors from the entrance to the temple site and requires an extra ticket.
As with other Luxor sites, the Temple of Hatshepsut gets very hot in the afternoon, and it’s worth visiting early to avoid the heat of the day. If you’re hoping to photograph the temple, sunrise and sunset are especially scenic times—the cliffs seem to glow in the morning and evening light.
The West Bank is a trove of ancient treasures, and it’s easy to cover a handful on a single trip or tour. After checking out the Temple of Hatshepsut, head to the Valley of the Kings, which contains dozens of tombs, including the Tomb of Tutankhamun. The Ramesseum (Mortuary Temple of Ramses II) holds magnificent statues, while the Valley of the Nobles (Tombs of the Nobles) is a vast cemetery with hundreds of tombs.
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