This mortuary temple was built by the pharaoh Hatshepsut over a period of 15 years. Hatshepsut is one of Egypt's most well-known pharaohs, in part to the legacy of her 22-year reign as a high water mark of cultural and artistic achievement during the New Kingdom. She is also famous as one of Egypt's female pharaohs who validated her power by posing as a man, complete with a false beard.
This funeral temple has the most unique style of all the temples in Luxor; it is built on the same axis of Karnak Temple, which it faces from the other side of the Nile. This allowed Hatshepsut to demonstrate her piety towards her father Amun, and honor her divine heritage.
Construction was overseen by Senenmut the architect, who was honored by the queen and allowed to build his own tomb in front of the temple. Two of the temple's terraces are built, while the third is cut directly from the cliff.
The reliefs on the temple walls describes the trade expeditions that Hatshepsut sent to “Punt". These agreements allowed Egypt to import trees, incenses, ebony, and different luxurious products. She intended to create a garden in front of the temple, and you can still see the roots of trees in front of the temple walkway.
The temple has been heavily damaged, both during antiquity as well as the toll of the centuries of floods, sands, and time. Extensive restoration has been done by Polish and American archeological missions.
The temple is open every day from 6:00 am to 4:30 pm, and the best time to visit either early morning or late afternoon.
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Licensed tour guides must maintain a certification from the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, along with membership in the Egyptian General Tourist Guide Syndicate. These certifications ensure that our guides are fully approved and registered as professionals with the Egyptian government authorities.
The busiest tourist season is from September to April. The weather in Egypt is generally sunny and dry, with lower temperatures in the winter months that make for pleasant travel through Upper Egypt.
Tipping is greatly appreciated, based on the quality of the service you receive. We suggest around $5-$8 per day for your driver, and $10-$15 per day for guides. Tipping can be done in cash, either as Egyptian pounds, US dollars or Euros. For non-Egyptian currency, bills in good condition (no rips or tears) are preferred.
You can get a 30-day tourist visa upon arriving at Cairo Airport. Please bring $25 in USD cash with you; you will get the visa documentation before the immigration desk at the airport, and the immigration officials will review and stamp your passport. Our staff will meet you after you disembark the plane to facilitate this process and ensure you are able to get through security smoothly.
Most tours can be walking-intensive, primarily on flat ground. Visiting the Pyramids and the Sphinx requires some walking over flat but uneven ground and sand. Entry into many of the tombs and Pyramids can be physically demanding, with low ceilings, steep staircases and narrow passageways.
Each day’s tour is a full day, estimating 8 to 10 hours - though we have built in plenty of time to rest, enjoy a coffee or a meal, or explore on your own.
Comfortable, closed-toe walking or athletic shoes are recommended as there may be areas with uneven pavement. Locals in Egypt often dress modestly, so visitors often feel more comfortable in clothes that cover their shoulders and knees (t-shirts or long sleeved shirts, capris, pants). You may wish to bring a hat for sun protection, as well as a scarf or light jacket for evening.
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