Important Note: Please ensure you select the correct ticket type based on your nationality.
Luxor is one of Egypt’s most precious inheritances when it comes to Egyptian ancient civilization. With a vast number of incredible ancient monuments, one of Luxor’s great temples is the Karnak Temple.
The Karnak Temple Complex consists of a number of temples, chapels, and other buildings in the form of a village, and is for that reason that the name Karnak was given to this complex as in Arabic Karnak means ‘fortified village’.
Once you purchase your tickets plus any add-ons (if selected), you will receive an email with e-tickets that grant you access to the attraction.
Recommendation for best time to visit:
We recommend you visit the Karnak Temple either in the early mornings (reach there by 7:00 - 8:00 am)
Opening Hours
Timings
6:00 AM > 5:00 PM
Last admission to the site is at 4:00 PM
Inclusions
Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect
✔ Transportation in an air-conditioned minibus from your accommodation
✔ Pickup and drop-off services at your hotel
✔ Egyptologist licensed tour guide
✔ All taxes and service charges
✖ Extra services or expenses not mentioned
✖ Gratuities (optional)
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1 Day Single Entry Ticket
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Skip-the-line entry ticket
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Mobile E-ticket with QR code to scan at the gates
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Discounted student and children's tickets
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Tickets are Non-refundable
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Visitor Center and Avenue of Sphinxes Entrance
Enter through the visitor center and walk toward the processional way lined with ram-headed sphinxes. This path leads directly to the first pylon and gives a good orientation of the site layout.
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First Pylon and Great Court
Pass through the massive first pylon into the Great Court. Here you’ll see the remains of colossal statues, shrines, and the open space that functioned as the temple’s main forecourt.
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Great Hypostyle Hall
Walk into the Hypostyle Hall, one of Karnak’s most impressive areas. Explore the forest of columns, examine the carved scenes and inscriptions, and follow the central axis toward the next pylon.
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Explore Obelisks Hatshepsut and Tuthmosis I
Continue through the central area to view the standing obelisks and the foundations of the main sanctuaries. These structures represent some of the most important religious spaces in ancient Thebes.
30 minutes
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Sacred Lake
Walk to the Sacred Lake, once used for ritual purification. The open area around the lake offers a clear view of the temple’s outer structures.
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Mut Temple Precinct
The Mut Temple, located south of the main Karnak complex, is one of the oldest and most significant precincts at Karnak. The area contains the main Mut Temple, associated smaller shrines, and traces of sacred lakes. When open, visitors can walk through the ruins of the courtyards and view the remaining statues and architectural blocks.
-
Visitor Center and Avenue of Sphinxes Entrance
Enter through the visitor center and walk toward the processional way lined with ram-headed sphinxes. This path leads directly to the first pylon and gives a good orientation of the site layout.
-
First Pylon and Great Court
Pass through the massive first pylon into the Great Court. Here you’ll see the remains of colossal statues, shrines, and the open space that functioned as the temple’s main forecourt.
-
Great Hypostyle Hall
Walk into the Hypostyle Hall, one of Karnak’s most impressive areas. Explore the forest of columns, examine the carved scenes and inscriptions, and follow the central axis toward the next pylon.
-
Explore Obelisks Hatshepsut and Tuthmosis I
Continue through the central area to view the standing obelisks and the foundations of the main sanctuaries. These structures represent some of the most important religious spaces in ancient Thebes.
30 minutes
-
Sacred Lake
Walk to the Sacred Lake, once used for ritual purification. The open area around the lake offers a clear view of the temple’s outer structures.
-
Mut Temple Precinct
The Mut Temple, located south of the main Karnak complex, is one of the oldest and most significant precincts at Karnak. The area contains the main Mut Temple, associated smaller shrines, and traces of sacred lakes. When open, visitors can walk through the ruins of the courtyards and view the remaining statues and architectural blocks.
How long does a visit to Karnak take?
A typical self guided visit takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Adding the Open Air Museum requires extra time.
Is Karnak connected to Luxor Temple by the Avenue of Sphinxes?
Yes. The restored Avenue of Sphinxes links both temples. Walking the full avenue is possible during guided or organized visits, depending on current regulations.
What are the best times to visit?
Early morning or late afternoon are ideal for cooler temperatures and better lighting. Midday can be very hot.