How to Visit Karnak Temple in Luxor

One of the best things to do in Luxor is to visit the Temple of Karnak. It is an ancient beauty, built centuries ago in honor of the god Amun. It is located on the banks of the Nile River, and is well known for the sound and light show that takes place every night. In fact, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

The temple opens very early, around 6:00. It is advisable to go there in the morning, to take advantage of the low tourist influx. In this temple I recommend you to visit the forest of columns and the largest courtyard in Egypt. A curious fact is that in ancient Egypt there was a procession of the image of the god, to take him to the Lúxor temple where the image of his wife is.

The most complete option

Karnak Temple Light and Sound Show Tickets with Transfers from Luxor

Enjoy a guided tour of the Temple of Karnak, which includes entrance to the sound and light show.

You will tour the temple and have the opportunity to learn about its history in a unique cultural spectacle, full of life and colors. In addition, you will be transported back centuries to hear the anecdotes of the Egyptian gods and their legacy in the empire of Egypt.

From $23 at Hellotickets

The tour of the Temple of Karnak is an indispensable plan, where you will enjoy the history of the Egyptian empire. You will find different options, some only allow you to enter the facilities and know them at your own pace. However, the most complete way to explore it, is with a ticket to the sound and light show with transfers included. The price is around 26 euros and they take place at night. At this time, there are few tourists and usually you have everything included.

The best thing is that it is usually available in Spanish. It is ideal to do with friends or family, as it is a private activity. You will not have to worry about anything, you will just enjoy the scenes of Egyptian mythology.

Recommended if... you want to enjoy a private visit, without crowds.

Tickets for the Karnak Temple are very cheap, starting from 4 euros, and if you are a student, you can get a discount of up to 2 euros. On the other hand, the ticket for the sound and light show has an additional cost of approximately 3 euros. You can venture out on your own in a cab, for less than 1 euro, just negotiate before starting the trip since in Egypt they do not handle the taximeter for transfers.

Public transportation in Luxor is not recommended, so to enjoy your vacation without worries I suggest you opt for the best local tours. Another alternative is a ticket for the sound and light show at the Temple of Karnak, which includes transfers. It has an approximate cost of 26 euros, the best thing is that it is usually private. This way, you will only have to dedicate yourself to enjoy the cultural experience, without thinking about how to move to this point of the city.

A visit to the Temple of Karnak is one of the best things to do in Luxor, so there are several options for accessing the grounds. You can buy a single ticket, which will allow you to tour the grounds on your own. In general, the lines are not usually very long but it is better to be safe, so keep your digital ticket handy to save time at the ticket office. There are also few people to get in, however guided tour tickets usually ensure queue-free entry (ideal in high season).

If you want to explore the cultural history, then it is preferable that you take advantage of a ticket for the sound and light show at the Temple of Karnak. This way, you can enjoy the show and see the building for the same cost. In addition, the main advantage is that it usually includes transfers to and from the city, you only have to focus on enjoying. Another advantage is that this type of ticket usually includes permission to take pictures inside, which has an approximate price of 1 euro. Additionally, you can combine this visit with a balloon ride in Luxor over the Valley of the Kings, to make the most of your stay.

If you are going to be in the city for a couple of days, you have to take advantage of all the attractions. Entrance to the Temple of Karnak is included in the Luxor Pass, which offers access to more than 60 activities. Buying tickets for each visit adds considerably to your travel budget. Therefore, the best way to save money is to opt for this tourist pass. Note that you can buy it outside the temple, or in the Valley of the Kings.

Additionally, if you buy the Luxor Pass you can buy the Cairo Pass with a 50% discount, an ideal option if you want to visit Cairo from Luxor. You will also have access to the Luxor Museum, the Temple of Luxor, the House of Charter, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Mut, the Tomb of Ay, and much more. Student passes are available from 45 euros. The standard pass costs approximately 90 euros, with access to all but certain tombs. On the other hand, the premium pass includes everything and ranges from 180 euros.

In general, tickets to the sound and light show usually include a guided tour of the Temple of Karnak. However, it is important to check with your service provider. There are also audio guides or you can hire a guide on the temple premises. If you want to fully understand every historical detail, be sure to book the experience in English or a language you can understand.

There are also combined tours of the Temple of Luxor, as well as private tours of the Karnak site. There are many temples, museums and historical heritages in the area, I recommend adding several options to your itinerary to get to know the local secrets in depth. For example, one alternative is to explore the significant temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo, located less than an hour away. These locations are very close to the banks of the Nile, which you can access on the best local cruises.

Visiting the temple is one of the best things to do in the city. So, if you want to save you can purchase the Luxor Pass. There are also discounts for students on the price of admission, by showing your ID card, you can get a discount of half price. Some agencies offer cashback, that is, they will give you back a small percentage of what you pay at the entrance. In general, the prices are low and do not involve a major expense.

Note that it is one of the best preserved temples in Luxor, so it is worth adding this visit to the itinerary. In general, the entrance fee is usually the same for almost all social groups. Also, don't rely on exaggeratedly attractive offers, especially if they are from uncertified vendors.

The temple show is an ideal activity for children that usually offers children's seats, but there are no special prices. However, some agencies have discounts for children under twelve years old. If your little one is a student, you can get a half-price ticket, so pack your student ID. This particular attraction is recommended for children over six years old. At this age they can better understand the history of the building and enjoy the ride.

In general, Egypt is a safe country for children. In addition, outside of Luxor there are desert areas where they can run around freely, without risk. Younger children may find the visit a bit boring, but you will definitely enjoy the light and sound show. As an additional recommendation, when traveling with the little ones, it is a good idea to hire transfers to/from the airport.

Buying online takes a lot of worry out of your mind. You will have your ticket assured, regardless of whether you are traveling in high season. Plus, you won't have to stop at the ticket office. If your intention is to opt for the Luxor Pass, you will have to buy it outside the temple. The main advantage of making this reservation online is to save time.

Keep in mind that if you buy with a reliable agency, you can take advantage of the best local tours with more favorable options, which usually include transfers. This way, you will be free of many worries. Remember that in Egypt, cab fares are dynamic and depend on the area, company or cab driver, as there are no meters.

The Temple of Karnak opens very early, the regular opening hours are usually from 6:00 to 17:30. You will have almost twelve hours in the day to live this experience, be sure not to leave it to the last minute as its facilities are extensive. It is the same schedule for both guided tours and free tours. When the temple closes, the light and sound shows begin. It is a night activity, they can begin approximately between 21:00 and 22:00, that is why it is so important to look for an option that includes transfers.

Additionally, being a tourist attraction, the temple is open every day, including Sundays. If you want to take advantage of the best tours of Luxor, to take a guided tour, your digital ticket will indicate the schedule. You will usually be summoned around 19:15 or they will directly pick you up, so you can tour the temple, go out for a bite to eat and come back for the light show. There are also private night tours for those attending the show.

To tour the temple completely, you need at least three hours. In addition, the sound and light show is one of the most famous in Egypt. Therefore, it lasts approximately two to three hours. In total, you have to dedicate at least three hours to the temple, or live the full experience of almost six hours.

Be sure to book in English, or in a language you speak, otherwise the tour will seem tedious and will take forever. Remember that you are free to dedicate as much time to the temple as you wish, depending on your itinerary and tastes. Note that if you plan to travel from Luxor to Cairo, you can take advantage of the sound and light show at the Pyramid of Giza.

The best time to visit the temple is in winter. The tourist influx drops considerably, although in December near the Christmas holidays, you can run into queues and tourists everywhere. From May to September the weather in Egypt is warm, but the attractions are not as crowded. Keep in mind that February is usually the month with the highest number of visitors.

If you want to enjoy this building with more privacy, it is best to take advantage of the sound and light show, where you will enjoy a personalized tour. As for the schedule, in the morning there are fewer people and you will enjoy the temple with tranquility. At this time, you will get better pictures.

Public transportation in Luxor is poor, the positive thing is that the temple is close to the center. You can walk to see the city, but it depends on the time and season. When it is very sunny and hot in Egypt, this option can cause a sunstroke and exhaust you more than necessary. Cabs have cheap fares starting at 1 euro. To get around you can hire transfers to/from the airport, as well as other transportation services.

Of course, if they notice that you are a tourist, they can offer you exaggerated prices. Taxi meters are not used in Luxor, so avoid unpleasant surprises and set a price before you start your trip. If you plan to rent a car, you can get there in less than ten minutes via Kornish Al Nile. Additionally, the best cruises in Luxor also have stops in the area. The best option is to choose guided experiences that include transfer, to save time and enjoy at your leisure.

The Temple of Karnak was built between 2200 and 360 BC, and is the legacy of dozens of pharaohs. Its grounds exude beauty and history, dedicated to the god Amun. Around every corner you'll come across scenes from Egyptian mythology, as well as columns, obelisks, reliefs and statues.

At the entrance is a location model, with all the locations you can see inside the temple. Afterwards, you will find:

• First pylon: it is a kind of asymmetrical pyramid, which preserves symbols created to venerate the god Amun.
• Porticoed courtyard: it is a real wonder, as you have a temple with Egyptian rooms, classic columns of mythology, as well as statues of pharaohs.
• Ramses I Temple: it has colossus or Egyptian statues at the entrance, also some small chapels.
• Second Pylon of Horemheb: a space in honor of a general who became pharaoh and was key in the construction of the temple of Karnak.
• Hypostyle Hall of Karnak: it has about 134 columns, so it is known as the forest of columns, being one of the most beautiful and famous areas.
• Third Pylon: is the door to the courtyard of Amenhotep III, which is full of Egyptian obelisks, known to be architectural symbols of ancient Egypt.
• Fourth Pylon: as you enter here, be prepared to see the oldest part of the temple.
• Sacred Lake: which functioned as purifying waters in Ancient Egypt.

• If you don't like walking, it is not a recommended activity, because it has quite a lot of square meters.
• Avoid the street guides outside the temple, you can usually see it on your own, with an audio guide or book an experience at a better price with a reliable agency.
• Visit the temple in the morning or at the end of the day, so as not to subject yourself to excessive heat.
• Bring water to keep you hydrated and cool.