Karnak Temple

Big, bold, and hugely ambitious, Luxor's mammoth Temple of Karnak complex is one of Ancient Egypt's grandest building projects. Every pharaoh worth their salt added and amended the buildings here during their reign, stamping their seal on the kingdom's most revered religious sanctuary. For Karnak was the house of the gods, and its glories were to be feted by all.

Although sacked by the Assyrian and Persian armies and looted and pilfered by early explorers and travellers who carted off statues and masonry, there are few other temple complexes in the world that are still so commanding and majestic today. The Pharaonic kingdoms may be long gone, but their power lives on in this triumphant testament of stone.

If you're short of time, the Great Temple of Amun is the main building and should be your key destination, but plenty of scattered temple remnants (in various ruinous states) surround it.

Avenue of Sphinxes

You enter the complex through a grand procession way, flanked on both sides by ram-headed sphinxes. These once ran all the way to Karnak from Luxor Temple (in downtown modern Luxor). During the Ancient Egyptian annual Festival of Opet, the statues of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu were paraded out of Karnak, down this avenue to Luxor Temple.

Great Temple of Amun

The Great Temple of Amun is Karnak's main temple building, and like nearly all of Egypt's surviving monuments, the temple has seen additions and improvements by the hands of many pharaohs over the centuries. But the shape of the temple you see before you now is mostly due to Pharaoh Tuthmosis I, who made Thebes capital of the New Kingdom and expanded the original modest temple here as it no longer seemed adequate to the power of the god and the king. Most of your time in Karnak will be spent inside this awe-inspiring building, but don't make the mistake of thinking this is all the Karnak complex has to offer.

North from the Main Temple of Amun

Known as the Karnak Open-Air Museum, this collection of shrines lies directly north of the Temple of Amun's Great Court.

Kiosk of Sesostris

The Kiosk of Sesostris I, just to the north of the Great Temple of Amun, is one of the oldest structures in the whole temple complex. Built of fine limestone, it was erected to commemorate the King's Jubilee. It stands on a substructure and is approached by ramps on the east and west sides. The roof is borne on 24 pillars, which, like the outer walls, are covered with reliefs of excellent quality. In the interior is a base for the sacred barque of Amun.

Temple of Ptah

The Temple of Ptah, tutelary god of Memphis, was built by Tuthmosis III and enlarged and restored by the Ethiopian ruler Shabaka and some of the Ptolemies. The temple is approached from the west through five successive gateways. Beyond this is a passage formed by four columns with rich foliage capitals, linked by screens. At the end of the passage is a small Pylon with the names of Tuthmosis III (restored in the Ptolemaic period) on the doorway.

The entrance passage leads into a Court, on the rear side of which is a portico with two 16-sided columns. In the portico are two altar bases of red granite with dedications by Amenemhet I and Tuthmosis III. In the walls are six niches, and a staircase leads to an upper story.

In the center of the court, a door leads into the Sanctuary. Here, on the doorway, you can see restored reliefs dating from the reign of Tuthmosis III, while the Sanctuary preserves original reliefs of that period. In the Sanctuary is the cult image of Ptah (now headless), which is lit, with magical effect, by an aperture in the roof. To the right is a room containing a statue of the lion-headed goddess Sekhmet, and to the left, another room with reliefs of Tuthmosis III.

Northern Temple Precinct

From the small Temple of Ptah, a gateway in the north enclosure wall gives access to the Northern Temple Precinct surrounded by a brick wall. The north gateway of the temple precinct was built by Ptolemy King Euergetes. In the enclosure wall to the south of the temple is a gateway with the name of Nectanebo II and the remains of a list of the people he subdued.

Temple of Montu

Within the Northern Temple Precinct is the Temple of Montu, the war god an old local god of Thebes. It was built by Amenophis III (18th Dynasty), but was several times altered and enlarged down to the period of the Ptolemies. The temple is so badly ruined that it is difficult to even make out the ground plan, but the older fragments of sculpture and architectural elements display a high standard of artistic skill. Outside the north entrance stood two obelisks of red granite, of which the bases and some fragments still remain.

East from the Main Temple of Amun

Temple of Ramses II

Just after the eastern exit of the Great Temple of Amun, beyond an unexcavated mound of rubble, is the badly ruined Temple of Ramses II, built on the same axis as the principal temple, which cuts across an older brick enclosure wall. The entrance doorway, on the east side, leads into a hall with two Osiris pillars, behind which is a narrow Hypostyle Hall. In front of the doorway, there was originally a hall dating from the reign of Taharqa, with 20 columns linked by screens.

North of these structures is the remains of another Temple of Ramses II, perhaps dedicated to the cult of King Mentuhotep III (11th Dynasty), which was restored in the time of Ptolemies. South of these remains, to the east of the Sacred Lake, are the remains of a brick building dating from before the Middle Kingdom.

Temple of Osiris

Built against the eastern enclosure wall is a small Temple of Osiris erected by Osorkon III (22nd Dynasty); his son and co-ruler Takelothis III; and his daughter, Shepenwepet. The front chamber was added by Amenirdis, sister of Shabaka (25th Dynasty) and mother-in-law of Psammetichus I. In the vicinity are a number of small chapels of the 26th Dynasty.

East Gate

Beyond the Temple of Ramses II, to the east, is the well-preserved East Gate (now closed) in the brick enclosure wall, which surrounded the whole temple precinct. Built by Nectanebo I, it stands 19 meters high.

South from the Main Temple of Amun

Sacred Lake

To the south of Ramses II's enclosure wall around the Temple of Amun lies the Sacred Lake. In Arabic, it is known as Birket el-Mallaha ("Lake of the Salt Pan") as the water of the lake is slightly saline. The walls encircling the lake are well preserved on the west, south, and north sides, from which steps lead down to the water. On the north side is a structure built by Tuthmosis III.

Excursies Egypte 5 Days Nile Cruise Between Luxor and Aswan on Blue Shadow

5 Days Nile Cruise Between Luxor and Aswan on Blue Shadow

Enjoy 4 Nights/5 Days Nile Cruise Between Luxor and Aswan on  Blue Shadow Nile cruise,, Visit the valley of Kings, The Karnak temples,Luxor temple and Karnak temple. Discover the Nile River and Sail on the Nile with Felucca 

FromEUR 750
Book Now
Excursies Egypte 5 DAYS NILE RIVER CRUISE FROM LUXOR GRAND PRINCESS

5 DAYS NILE RIVER CRUISE FROM LUXOR GRAND PRINCESS

Enjoy 4 Nights/5 Days Nile Cruise Between Luxor and Aswan in Grand Princess Nile Cruise, Visit the valley of Kings, The Karnak temples,Luxor temple and Karnak temple. Discover the Nile River and Sail on the Nile with Felucca 

FromEUR 530
Book Now
Excursies Egypte 5 DAYS NILE RIVER CRUISE FROM LUXOR ON MISS EGYPT

5 DAYS NILE RIVER CRUISE FROM LUXOR ON MISS EGYPT

Enjoy 4 Nights/5 Days Nile Cruise Between Luxor and Aswan in Misss Egypt Nile Cruise, Visit the valley of Kings, The Karnak temples,Luxor temple and Karnak temple. Discover the Nile River and Sail on the Nile with Felucca 

FromEUR 530
Book Now
Excursies Egypte 5 Days Nile river Cruise From Luxor on MS Amwaj Living Stone Nile Cruise

5 Days Nile river Cruise From Luxor on MS Amwaj Living Stone Nile Cruise

Enjoy 4 Nights/5 Days Nile Cruise Between Luxor and Aswan on MS Amwaj Living Stone Nile Cruise Ship, Visit the valley of Kings, The Karnak temples, Luxor temple and Karnak temple. Discover the Nile River and Sail on the Nile with Felucca 

FromEUR 800
Book Now
Excursies Egypte 5 Days Nile Cruise Between Luxor and Aswan

5 Days Nile Cruise Between Luxor and Aswan

Enjoy 4 Nights/5 Days Nile Cruise Between Luxor and Aswan in Royal Princess Nile Cruise, Visit the valley of Kings, The Karnak temples,Luxor temple and Karnak temple. Discover the Nile River and Sail on the Nile with Felucca   

FromEUR 1'120
Book Now
Excursies Egypte 6 DAYS EGYPT TOUR PACKAGES CAIRO ABU SIMBLE AND LUXOR

6 DAYS EGYPT TOUR PACKAGES CAIRO ABU SIMBLE AND LUXOR

Are you looking 6 Days Egypt tour Packages Cairo Aswan abu simble and Luxor? with our 6 days Cairo tour Package,You will visit the Citadel and Old Cairo,The Hanging Church and the old bazaar Khan el Khalili,Aswan and Abu simble and Luxor,Karnak temple and the valley of the kings.Book now with us online

FromEUR 1'000
Book Now
Excursies Egypte 7 NIGHTS NILE CRUISE LUXOR ASWAN GRAND PRINCESS

7 NIGHTS NILE CRUISE LUXOR ASWAN GRAND PRINCESS

Enjoy 8 days 7 Nights Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan on Grand Princess Nile Cruise Egypt,  Nile cruise is the best option to travel between Aswan and Luxor and to discover the ancient wonders of Egypt, It is really an unforgettable experience. Discover Egypt on our deluxe Nile Cruise.

FromEUR 550
Book Now
Excursies Egypte 7 NIGHTS NILE CRUISE LUXOR ASWAN ON BLUE SHADOW NILE CRUISE

7 NIGHTS NILE CRUISE LUXOR ASWAN ON BLUE SHADOW NILE CRUISE

Enjoy 4 Nights/5 Days Nile Cruise Between Luxor and Aswan on Blue Shadow Nile cruise Egypt, Nile cruise is the best option to travel between Aswan and Luxor and to discover the ancient wonders of Egypt, It is really an unforgettable experience. Discover Egypt on our deluxe Nile Cruise.

FromEUR 900
Book Now
Excursies Egypte 7 Nights Nile Cruise on Miss Egypt Cruise from Luxor

7 Nights Nile Cruise on Miss Egypt Cruise from Luxor

Enjoy 8 days 7 Nights Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan on Miss Egypt Nile Cruise Egypt, Nile cruise is the best option to travel between Aswan and Luxor and to discover the ancient wonders of Egypt, It is really an unforgettable experience. Discover Egypt on our deluxe Nile Cruise.

FromEUR 650
Book Now
Excursies Egypte 8 days Nile Cruise -Mirage Egypt

8 days Nile Cruise -Mirage Egypt

Enjoy 8 days-7 Nights Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan7 Nights  Nile cruise is the best option to travel between Aswan and Luxor and to discover the ancient wonders of Egypt, It is really an unforgettable experience.Discover Egypt on our delux Nile Cruise

FromEUR 700
Book Now
Excursies Egypte 8 Days Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan on Royal Princess

8 Days Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan on Royal Princess

Enjoy 8 days 7 Nights Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan on Royal Princess Nile Cruise Egypt,  Nile cruise is the best option to travel between Aswan and Luxor and to discover the ancient wonders of Egypt, It is really an unforgettable experience. Discover Egypt on our deluxe Nile Cruise.

FromEUR 1'065
Book Now
Excursies Egypte 8 NIGHTS NILE CRUISE PACKAGE FROM THE NETHERLANDS

8 NIGHTS NILE CRUISE PACKAGE FROM THE NETHERLANDS

Have an amazing experience along the Nile valley for 9 days 8 nights Nile cruise from the Netherlands .discover the ancient Egyptian history between Luxor and Aswan, Visit the majestic Abu Simbel temple, Book us Now!

Excursies Egypte Day trip to Cairo from luxor by Flight

Day trip to Cairo from luxor by Flight

Cairo tour from Luxor by flight.visit the Giza Pyramids the Egyptian Museum,and Islamic Cairo all in one day with shopping at Cairo’s famous bazaar, Khan al Khalili With a private tour guide.

FromEUR 325
Book Now
Excursies Egypte Dendera and Abydos trip from Luxor

Dendera and Abydos trip from Luxor

Enjoy a Private day tour Dendera temple and Abydos temples from Luxor  to Visit the temple of Hathor,The Goddess of Love,Music and Healing then travel to Abydos to visit the temple of Osiris,Abydos was one of the most important religious sites to ancient Egyptians. Much like modern Muslims hope to complete a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime, ancient Egyptians would have hopes to visit Abydos,which for them was strongly associated with the entrance into the afterlife.

FromEUR 90
Book Now
Excursies Egypte Dendera day trip from Luxor

Dendera day trip from Luxor

Enjoy half Day trip to Dendera temple from Luxor ,Pick up time from Luxor hotel at 07:00 am, Drive 1 hour to visit the temple of the Goddes Hathor, The Goddes of love, Music Arrive at Dendera at 08: 00, You will be accompanied by Egyptologist tour guide, He will explain the history of the temple 

FromEUR 70
Book Now
Excursies Egypte Dendera Temple  day Tour from luxor

Dendera Temple day Tour from luxor

Enjoy a day tour from Luxor to the Dendera Temple Pick up time from Luxor at 07:00 am, Drive 1 Hour to Dendera Your English-speaking Egyptologist qualified guide 

Excursies Egypte Half Day To West Bank of Luxor

Half Day To West Bank of Luxor

Excursiesegypte guide will Pick you up from Your Hotel in Luxor to Enjoy Half-day Tour to visit the west bank of Luxor, Included the Valley of the Kings , Queen Hatshepsut temple, Valley of the Queens, The Colossi Of Memnon  with Private Tour Guide

FromEUR 65
Book Now
Excursies Egypte Half day trip to the valley of kings and west bank of Luxor

Half day trip to the valley of kings and west bank of Luxor

Enjoy Half-day Tour to visit the west bank of Luxor, Included the Valley of the Kings , Queen Hatshepsut temple, Valley of the Queens, The Colossi Of Memnon  with Private Tour Guide

FromEUR 65
Book Now
Excursies Egypte Hot Air Balloon  tour In Luxor

Hot Air Balloon tour In Luxor

Hot Air Balloon  tour In Luxor Are you looking for hot air Balloon tour in Luxor? we can help you Get a stunning balloon ride over the historic, A hot air balloon in Luxor is an incredible way to see the “world’s largest open-air museum, See the valley of the Kings and temples with Falcon `s eye

FromEUR 100
Book Now
Excursies Egypte Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

Luxor Hot Air Balloon is an amazing way to see the world’s largest open-air museum. Early pickup from your hotel will take you to the ballon over Luxor in the morning, a light breakfast and tea will be included.

Excursies Egypte Luxor day tour from Luxor

Luxor day tour from Luxor

Luxor day tour from Luxor Visit the Karnak Temple,Valley of the Kings, Colossi of Memnon, and Temple of Queen  Hatshepsut.

FromEUR 85
Book Now
Excursies Egypte Luxor Day Tour to The West Bank

Luxor Day Tour to The West Bank

Excursiesegypte guide will Pick you up from Your Hotel in Luxor to Enjoy Half-day Tour to visit the west bank of Luxor, Including the valley of The Kings, Queen Hatshepsut temple, Valley of the Queens, The Colossi Of Memnon  with a Private Tour Guide

FromEUR 80
Book Now
Excursies Egypte Overnight trip to Abu Simbel and Aswan from luxor

Overnight trip to Abu Simbel and Aswan from luxor

We offer two days tour to Aswan and Abu Simbel from Luxor hotels.Visit Aswan Highlights, The High Dam, The Temple of Goddess Isis on Phiala island, the Unfinished Obelisk and sail on the Nile with Felucca and Visit Abu Simbel, Ramses the Second most great work. and the Temple of the Queen Nefertari

FromEUR 215
Book Now
Excursies Egypte Private Airport Transfer from Luxor Airport to Aswan Hotels

Private Airport Transfer from Luxor Airport to Aswan Hotels

Enjoy private transfer from Luxor Airport to Aswan Hotels by our air-conditioned vehicles. Book online Luxor Airport transfer with us.

FromEUR 100
Book Now
Excursies Egypte Private Airport Transfer from Luxor Airport to Cairo

Private Airport Transfer from Luxor Airport to Cairo

Enjoy private transfer from Luxor Airport to Cairo by our air-conditioned vehicles. Book online Luxor Airport transfer with us.

FromEUR 300
Book Now
Excursies Egypte Private Airport Transfer from Luxor Airport to El Quseir

Private Airport Transfer from Luxor Airport to El Quseir

Enjoy private transfer from Luxor Airport to El Quseir by our air-conditioned vehicles. Book online Luxor Airport transfer with us.

FromEUR 320
Book Now
Excursies Egypte Private Airport Transfer from Luxor Airport to Hurghada

Private Airport Transfer from Luxor Airport to Hurghada

Enjoy private transfer from Luxor Airport to Hurghada by our air-conditioned vehicles. Book online Luxor Airport transfer with us.

FromEUR 110
Book Now
Excursies Egypte Private Airport Transfer from Luxor Airport to Luxor Hotels

Private Airport Transfer from Luxor Airport to Luxor Hotels

Enjoy private transfer from Luxor Airport to Luxor Hotels by our air-conditioned vehicles, Book online Luxor Airport transfer with us.

FromEUR 15
Book Now
Excursies Egypte Private airport transfer from Luxor airport To Marsa Alam Hotels

Private airport transfer from Luxor airport To Marsa Alam Hotels

Enjoy private transfer from Luxor airport To Marsa Alam Hotels by our air-conditioned vehicles. Book online Luxor Airport transfer with us.

FromEUR 150
Book Now
Excursies Egypte Private Airport Transfer from Luxor Airport to Port Ghalib

Private Airport Transfer from Luxor Airport to Port Ghalib

Enjoy private transfer from Luxor Airport to Port Ghalib by our air-conditioned vehicles. Book online Luxor Airport transfer with us.

FromEUR 175
Book Now
Excursies Egypte Private Airport Transfer from Luxor Airport to Safaga Hotels

Private Airport Transfer from Luxor Airport to Safaga Hotels

Enjoy private transfer from Luxor Airport to Safaga Hotels by our air-conditioned vehicles, Book online Luxor Airport transfer with us.

FromEUR 110
Book Now
Excursies Egypte Private Airport Transfer from Luxor Hotels to Aswan Airport

Private Airport Transfer from Luxor Hotels to Aswan Airport

Enjoy private transfer from Luxor Hotels to Aswan Airport by our air-conditioned vehicles. Book online Luxor transfer with us.

FromEUR 100
Book Now
Excursies Egypte Private Airport Transfer from Luxor Hotels to Luxor Airport

Private Airport Transfer from Luxor Hotels to Luxor Airport

Enjoy private transfer from Luxor Hotels to Luxor Airport by our air-conditioned vehicles, Book online Luxor Airport transfer with us.

FromEUR 15
Book Now
Excursies Egypte Private transfer from Luxor Hotel to Hurghada airport

Private transfer from Luxor Hotel to Hurghada airport

Enjoy private transfer from Luxor hotel to Hurghada airport  by our air-conditioned vehicles. Book online Luxor Private  transfer with us.

FromEUR 110
Book Now
Excursies Egypte Private Transfer from Luxor Hotel to Hurghada Hotel

Private Transfer from Luxor Hotel to Hurghada Hotel

Enjoy private transfer from Luxor hotel to Hurghada hotel by our air-conditioned vehicles. Book online Luxor Private  transfer with us.

FromEUR 110
Book Now
Excursies Egypte Private Transfer from Luxor Hotel to Sahel Hashesh Hotel

Private Transfer from Luxor Hotel to Sahel Hashesh Hotel

Enjoy private transfer from Luxor hotel to Sahel Hashesh Hotel by our air-conditioned vehicles. Book online Luxor Private  transfer with us.

FromEUR 110
Book Now
Excursies Egypte Private transfer from Luxor to Marsa Alam airport

Private transfer from Luxor to Marsa Alam airport

Enjoy private transfer from Luxor to Marsa alam Airport - hotels by our air-conditioned vehicles. Book online Marsa alam transfer with us.

FromEUR 150
Book Now
Excursies Egypte Private trip to Karnak temple and Luxor temple

Private trip to Karnak temple and Luxor temple

Private trip to Karnak temple and Luxor temple Enjoy Private trip from to Karnak temple and the Luxor Temple on the east bank of luxor,luxor contains the largest ancient complex in the world

FromEUR 65
Book Now
Excursies Egypte Sunset Sailboat Trip  from Luxor with Felucca Ride

Sunset Sailboat Trip from Luxor with Felucca Ride

Enjoy Sunset sailboat Trip  from Luxor with Felucca ride, Egypt is not complete without sailing with Felucca in the  River Nile , the world’s longest river and a source of life for Egypt and its ancient civilization

Excursies Egypte Sunset sailboat trip with Banana island

Sunset sailboat trip with Banana island

Sunset sailboat trip with Banana island Enjoy Sunset sailboat Trip  from Luxor with a visit to Banana island, Egypt is not complete without a cruise on the Nile River, the world’s longest river and a source of life for Egypt and its ancient civilization