Abu Simbel at Dawn: A Pharaoh’s Summer Spectacle Without the Crowds

#summervacay **Why Sunrise is Sacred Here?** Witness Ramses II’s **colossal temple** emerge from the desert darkness as the first sun rays hit its inner sanctum—a phenomenon so precise it only happens **twice a year** (but summer mornings offer the next best thing with cooler temps and empty photo ops!). --- ### **🌅 Your Perfect Summer Expedition** #### **3:00 AM - The Desert Drive** - **From Aswan:** Private convoy (3.5 hrs, ~600 EGP pp) or flight (45 mins, ~$150) - **Pro Tip:** Pack a pillow—sleep en route and wake at the temple gates #### **6:00 AM - Temple Takeover** - **First Light Moment:** Stand between the **21m tall statues** as their faces turn gold - **Secret Chamber:** The **inner sanctuary** stays 10°C cooler—find the deified Ramses statue - **Kids’ Challenge:** Spot where the 1960s UNESCO team cut the temple into **1,036 blocks** to move it #### **8:00 AM - Victory Lap** - **Nefertari’s Temple:** Smaller but equally stunning (included in ticket) - **Lake Nasser Views:** Snap the temples’ reflection before the heat haze hits --- ### **💰 Budget Breakdown** - **Entry:** 415 EGP (kids under 6 free) - **Transport:** - *Budget:* Shared van (300 EGP pp) - *Splurge:* Private AC car (1,800 EGP for 4) - **Guide:** 500 EGP (vital for hidden stories) --- ### **⚠️ Summer Survival Kit** - **Temple Socks:** Sand reaches **60°C+** by 9 AM—protect little feet! - **Electrolytes:** More effective than water alone in desert heat - **Early Exit:** Leave by 9 AM before tour buses arrive from Aswan **Why This Beats Daytime?** ✅ **Empty temples** for unobstructed selfies ✅ **Sun angle** mimics the famous February/October illumination ✅ **Coolest possible desert temps** (still ~28°C at dawn) **Tag your adventure #ramsesatdawn!** 🌅🏜️ *(Next Stop?** The Nubian Museum in Aswan to see original rescue operation models!)*