Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

معبد حتشبسوت الجنائزي

This iconic terraced temple built into a limestone cliff for the female pharaoh Hatshepsut is a masterpiece of ancient architecture with elegant colonnades and intricate reliefs. Its dramatic setting and unique design make it one of Egypt's most photographed monuments.

Things to do

• Explore the Temple's Three Terraces — Walk through the iconic colonnaded levels carved into the limestone cliff, admiring the elegant columns and architectural design that rises dramatically from the desert floor.
• Study the Hathor Chapel Reliefs — Examine the intricately carved reliefs and hieroglyphics in the Hathor Chapel on the southern colonnade, depicting religious ceremonies and offerings.
• View the Punt Expedition Reliefs — Discover the detailed scenes on the middle terrace showing Hatshepsut's famous trading expedition to the Land of Punt, including depictions of exotic goods and plants.
• Hike to the Temple at Sunrise — Arrive early to experience the temple bathed in golden morning light, with fewer crowds and excellent photography opportunities of the dramatic cliff setting.
• Visit the Chapel of Anubis — Ascend to the northernmost chapel dedicated to the god Anubis, featuring well-preserved painted reliefs and a serene atmosphere away from the main tourist areas.
• Photograph from the Opposite Ridge — Cross to the eastern cliffs to capture sweeping views of the entire temple complex set against the limestone escarpment for iconic landscape photography.

Food to try

• Koshari — A beloved Egyptian comfort food layering rice, lentils, and pasta topped with spiced tomato sauce and crispy fried onions, widely available at local restaurants in the Luxor area.
• Ful Medames — Slow-cooked fava beans seasoned with garlic, lemon, and olive oil, traditionally eaten for breakfast and served in small restaurants near the temple entrance.
• Grilled Nile Perch — Fresh-caught fish from the Nile River, seasoned simply and grilled whole, a specialty at waterfront dining establishments in nearby Luxor town.
• Baba Ghanoush with Fresh Flatbread — Smoky roasted eggplant puree mixed with tahini and lemon, served with warm pita bread at local cafes throughout the West Bank.
• Hibiscus Tea (Karkade) — A traditional Egyptian beverage made from dried hibiscus flowers, refreshing and commonly served at tea stalls and restaurants throughout Luxor.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Respectfully — Cover shoulders and knees as a sign of respect for the sacred site and local customs, despite Egypt's warm climate.
• Hire a Licensed Guide — Local Egyptologists provide invaluable context about hieroglyphics, Hatshepsut's legacy, and the temple's astronomical alignments that enhance understanding of the site.
• Observe Prayer Times — Be aware that nearby villages observe Islamic prayer times, and showing sensitivity during these periods is appreciated by local communities.
• Photography Etiquette — Ask permission before photographing local people, and avoid flash photography of the fragile reliefs to protect the ancient paint pigments that remain visible.