In this article, we will exhibit all the Karnak tours you can do in Egypt. Also, we will describe how to get to the Karnak Temple from different destinations.
The Karnak Temple
Karnak Temple is the largest temple complex in the ancient world. Amazingly, it represents the combined achievement of many generations of ancient builders and pharaohs. Its old name is Ipet-isut which means “the most sacred of places”. Continuously, the building of this complex temple lasted over more than two thousand years. It comprises three main temples, smaller enclosed temples, and several outer temples on 247 acres. Moreover, within the great “Hypostyle Hall” is an incredible forest of giant pillars.
The Karnak Temples Complex houses several temples, chapels, towers, and other buildings. The construction at the complex began during the reign of Senusret I in the Middle Kingdom and continued to the Ptolemaic period. Although, when taking a close look at the place, we can find that most buildings date back to the New Kingdom.
This complex is a vast open site. It consists of four main parts: the great temple of Amon, the Precinct of Mut, the Precinct of Montu, and the dismantled Temple of Amenhotep IV. Also, a few smaller temples and sanctuaries connect the Precinct of Mut, the Precinct of Amun-Re, and the Luxor Temple.
History of Karnak Temple in Egypt
The key difference between Karnak and most of Egypt’s other temples and sites is building and development time. It took a long time to arrive at its final shape. Here, we are not talking about a single temple; but a complex of temples. As an ancient Egyptian temple, the construction started in the Middle Kingdom and continued to Ptolemaic times. Then, almost all the rulers of Ancient Egypt left their mark in this vast and colossal complex. No wonder approximately thirty pharaohs contributed to the building. This process of construction and renovation led to size, complexity, and diversity not seen elsewhere. Imagine! It is the largest religious building ever made, covering about 200 acres! Additionally, it was a place of pilgrimage for nearly 2,000 years.
Karnak Tours from Cairo
Tourists staying in Giza/Cairo hotels will find it far to get to Karnak Temple at Luxor. Usually, tour operators organise fantastic tours to the Karnak Temple from Cairo. The most popular trip among them is the one that comes with visits to the temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Kings. On this two-day tour to the valley of the Kings from Cairo by plane, you will visit the Karnak Temple. Then, we’ll have lunch. In the western part of Luxor, you will see the temple of millions of years of Amenhotep III – Colossi of Memnon. Further, we will visit the Valley of the Kings, where we will see three tombs for ancient kings-pharaohs of Egypt. And finally, we head to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.
The following is a booking link to that tour to the Karnak Temple Complex:
Karnak Tours from Hurghada
Tourists staying in Hurghada hotels will find that it is moderately not far to get to Karnak Temple at Luxor. Usually, tour operators organise fantastic tours to the Karnak Temple from Cairo. The most popular excursion is the one that visits Hatshepsut’s Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
The one-day trip to Luxor with a visit to the valley of the Kings is a special one. As Luxor exists not far, you can make this trip by bus from Hurghada. In general, it will give you the possibility to see several attractions and sights. The Karnak Temple in eastern Luxor will be among the attractions you will see. In the western part of Luxor, you will also see the millions of years temple of Amenhotep III.
