Kalabsha Temple, Aswan

The short answer

Kalabsha Temple entry ticket is a 1-day attraction admission covering Kalabsha Temple and the nearby Kertassi gateway in Aswan, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.

• Archaeology & history
• Cultural

Snapshot

Good to know

Destinations

Aswan

Background

The facts

Suited to

Is this for you?

What lingers

• 01 Entrance ticket included for Kalabsha Temple (Temple of Mandulis), relocated during the 1960s Nubian salvage campaign.
• 02 Built for the deity Mandulis during the Roman period; inscriptions and reliefs date to the first centuries BCE–CE.
• 03 We recommend 45 to 60 minutes to study the pylon, pronaos and Nile-facing facade without rushing.
• 04 Sited on the west bank of the Aswan reservoir at New Kalabsha, moved to higher ground in the 1960s.
• 05 Unlike brief cruise-ship stopovers, our timing avoids peak boat arrivals; we schedule visits for quieter periods where possible.
• 06 Add one of our Egyptologists for a private 45-minute commentary on site; guide fee is extra.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

1. 01 How do I get to Kalabsha Temple from Aswan?

   Kalabsha Temple is reached by road from Aswan; private transfer or taxi is the normal option. We arrange private transfers and timed entries to avoid midday coach-group peaks. The temple was relocated to New Kalabsha near the Aswan High Dam, so no boat is required. Combine Kalabsha with the Nubian Museum or Kitchener's Island for a sensible half-day visit.
2. 02 Are there guided tours available at Kalabsha Temple?

   Yes – licensed Egyptologists and local guides can lead guided visits to Kalabsha Temple. We supply guides through our company, a licensed Egyptian tour operator; guides explain the Temple of Mandulis reliefs and later Roman additions. Most guided visits take under an hour, but we can extend the visit for detailed study on request. Please request a guide when you book to guarantee availability.
3. 03 What are the opening hours and entrance fee for Kalabsha Temple?

   Kalabsha Temple follows standard Egyptian monument opening hours; hours and fees vary seasonally and can change during Ramadan. The site is usually open daily and standard site entrance fees are included in our attraction-ticket bookings unless we state otherwise. We check current hours and any temporary closures at the time of booking and confirm them in your final itinerary. Note that premium-access areas listed for other sites (pyramid interiors, premium tombs) are unrelated to Kalabsha.
4. 04 Is Kalabsha Temple wheelchair accessible?

   Kalabsha Temple has uneven ancient stone surfaces and some elevation changes; it is not fully wheelchair accessible. Vehicle drop-off is possible near the site, and we can provide staff assistance for travelers with reduced mobility. Expect thresholds, low steps, and limited ramps inside the complex. If wheelchair access is essential, tell us before booking and we will propose the most suitable options.
5. 05 Can I visit Kalabsha Temple from a Nile cruise in Aswan?

   Yes – Kalabsha can be visited as an overland excursion from Nile cruise ships moored at Aswan. Cruise schedules vary, and fitting Kalabsha in often requires shore-time and sometimes an early start. Unlike Philae Temple, which requires a short boat transfer, Kalabsha is reached by road after its relocation to New Kalabsha. We coordinate timings with your ship's agent and provide private transfers to match your cruiser schedule.
6. 06 What should I wear and bring to Kalabsha Temple?

   Wear sun protection and modest clothing covering shoulders and knees when visiting Kalabsha Temple. Bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, at least one liter of water, and sturdy walking shoes for uneven ancient stone. Shade at the site is limited at midday, so morning or late-afternoon visits are cooler. Modest dress aligns with local customs at archaeological and religious sites.