Hatshepsut's temple, at Deir el-Bahari on Luxor's west bank, is the mortuary temple of the queen-pharaoh who ruled around 1470 BC. Built in terraces against a limestone cliff, it is considered one of the most harmonious monuments in Egypt; it is attributed to the architect Senenmut. It is visited on the same day as the Valley of the Kings, a few kilometres away, and the Karnak Temple on the east bank. From Hurghada the Luxor excursion takes four to five hours by road each way; an hour is enough on site.
Highlights
The three terraces
The temple rises in three levels of colonnades, linked by long ramps. The horizontal lines contrast with the cliff that towers over the site.
The colonnades and reliefs
The colonnade walls carry reliefs that tell, among other things, of an expedition to the land of Punt, from which incense and resin trees were brought back.
The Deir el-Bahari cliff
The limestone cliff forms a natural amphitheatre. It gives the temple its unmistakable silhouette, seen from afar as well as from the upper terrace.
Practical info
Tips
- The site has little shade and the climb to the terraces is in the sun: take water and a hat. A guide helps read the reliefs, especially those of Punt. The entrance fee could not be confirmed by an official source: check with the ticket office of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The visit is short: combine it with the Valley of the Kings, without rushing either.
How to get there
Deir el-Bahari is on the west bank of the Nile, a few minutes from the Valley of the Kings. Luxor is about 280 km from Hurghada by the Qena road (four to five hours). Day trips from Hurghada usually take in the west bank in the morning, then Karnak. See getting around Hurghada.
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