Discover the spectacular Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, one of Luxor's most impressive monuments. Learn about Egypt's powerful female pharaoh and admire the temple's dramatic terraces carved into the cliffs.
The Monument of Egypt's Famous Female Pharaoh
Continue to the spectacular Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari.
Built during the 18th Dynasty, the temple was commissioned by Queen Hatshepsut, one of ancient Egypt's most remarkable rulers.
Hatshepsut ruled Egypt during the New Kingdom and adopted the traditional imagery and titles of a pharaoh.
Her temple was designed to connect dramatically with the cliffs rising behind it.
Deir el-BahariThe temple sits within the natural amphitheater of Deir el-Bahari.
Its terraces, colonnades and monumental ramps create a striking architectural composition.
The design differs considerably from many traditional Egyptian temples and reflects Hatshepsut's ambitious approach to royal architecture.
The Three TerracesThe temple is organized around a series of terraces connected by ramps.
As you move through the complex, you can appreciate how the architecture was designed to integrate with the surrounding limestone cliffs.
The terraces contain:
• Colonnades
• Reliefs
• Chapels
• Sanctuaries
• Statues
• Religious scenes
Hatshepsut's StoryHatshepsut was the daughter of Thutmose I and became one of Egypt's most successful rulers.
She initially served as regent for her stepson, Thutmose III, before taking on the full royal role of pharaoh.
She ruled during a prosperous period and sponsored major building projects throughout Egypt.
Her reign is particularly associated with trade, monumental architecture and the expansion of Egypt's cultural influence.
The Expedition to Punt[teal]One of the Temple's Most Famous Reliefs[/orange]
One of the most fascinating features of Hatshepsut's temple is the series of reliefs depicting the famous expedition to the land of Punt.
The scenes portray ships, exotic plants, animals and people encountered during the expedition.
The reliefs provide valuable insight into Egypt's trade networks and its relationship with regions south and east of Egypt.
Your guide can explain the scenes and the historical significance of the expedition.
The Birth of HatshepsutThe temple also contains scenes presenting Hatshepsut's divine birth.
These images were intended to reinforce the legitimacy of her rule by portraying her kingship as divinely sanctioned.
Such imagery demonstrates how religion and political authority were closely connected in ancient Egypt.
The Sanctuary of AmunThe upper area of the temple contains a sanctuary dedicated to Amun.
Amun became one of the most important deities of the New Kingdom, particularly in Thebes.
The sanctuary formed an important part of the temple's religious function.
Hatshepsut's LegacyAlthough later rulers attempted to remove or alter some representations of Hatshepsut, her monuments survived and her historical importance has been recognized by modern archaeology.
Today, her temple is one of the most photographed monuments on Luxor's West Bank.
Its combination of natural cliffs, terraces and monumental architecture makes it one of Egypt's most distinctive ancient sites.
The Three West Bank Highlights TogetherThe three attractions tell different parts of the story of ancient Egypt.
Valley of the Kings
The Royal Afterlife Explore the hidden tombs of New Kingdom pharaohs and learn about Egyptian beliefs concerning death and resurrection.
Temple of Hatshepsut
The Power of the Pharaoh Discover the monumental temple of one of Egypt's most remarkable female rulers.
Colossi of Memnon
The Monumental King Stand before the enormous statues of Amenhotep III and discover the remains of his once-great mortuary temple.
Together, they create an excellent introduction to the history and archaeology of Luxor's West Bank.
Recommended Private Tour Itinerary[teal]Pickup from Your Luxor Hotel[/orange]
Your private Egyptologist and air-conditioned vehicle will collect you from your hotel in Luxor.
Cross the Nile toward the West Bank and begin your archaeological adventure.
Stop 1 – Valley of the Kings
Explore the royal necropolis.
Visit the tombs included with your standard entrance ticket and learn about:
• New Kingdom pharaohs
• Royal burial traditions
• Ancient Egyptian gods
• The afterlife
• Funerary texts
• Tomb decoration
Optional: Add the separately ticketed tomb of Tutankhamun or other special tombs when available.
Stop 2 – Temple of Hatshepsut
Continue to Deir el-Bahari.
Explore the terraces and colonnades of Hatshepsut's temple and learn about:
• Queen Hatshepsut
• Her reign
• The expedition to Punt
• Divine kingship
• Amun
• New Kingdom architecture
Stop 3 – Colossi of Memnon
Stop at the two enormous statues of Amenhotep III.
Your Egyptologist will explain:
• Who Amenhotep III was
• The original mortuary temple
• Why the statues are called "Memnon"
• The famous ancient stories surrounding the statues
This is also an excellent location for photographs.
Return to Luxor
After completing the tour, your private vehicle will return you to your hotel or another agreed location in Luxor.
The tour can also be incorporated into a Nile cruise itinerary, airport transfer or wider Egypt private tour.
What Can You See at Hatshepsut Temple?• Three monumental terraces
• Colonnades
• Processional ramps
• Reliefs of the Punt expedition
• Divine birth scenes
• Sanctuary of Amun
• Statues and royal imagery
• Dramatic limestone cliffs
Why Visit Luxor's West Bank?Luxor's West Bank is one of the world's most important archaeological landscapes.
Here you can experience the complete story of ancient Egyptian royal traditions:
Pharaoh → Temple → Tomb → Afterlife
The Valley of the Kings reveals how rulers prepared for eternity.
Hatshepsut's temple demonstrates the power of royal architecture and religious symbolism.
The Colossi of Memnon demonstrate the enormous scale of royal monuments during the 18th Dynasty.
Private Egyptologist ExperienceYour private Egyptologist can explain the monuments in context rather than simply identifying what you see.
Learn about:
• Ancient Egyptian pharaohs
• New Kingdom history
• Royal burial traditions
• Egyptian mythology
• The ancient Egyptian afterlife
• Hatshepsut's reign
• Amenhotep III
• Tutankhamun
• Ramesses III
• Ancient Egyptian architecture
• Funerary texts
• The Valley of the Kings
You can also ask questions and spend additional time at the sites that interest you most.
Who Is This Tour Best For?This private West Bank experience is ideal for:
• First-time visitors to Luxor
• Ancient Egypt enthusiasts
• History lovers
• Archaeology enthusiasts
• Families
• Couples
• Photography enthusiasts
• Nile cruise passengers
• Travelers staying in Luxor
• Travelers interested in pharaohs and royal tombs
• Visitors wanting a classic Luxor experience
Hatshepsut temple Tour Highlights• Visit Hatshepsut's magnificent temple
• Discover the story of Egypt's famous female pharaoh
• See reliefs depicting the expedition to Punt
• Visit the Colossi of Memnon
• See the monumental statues of Amenhotep III
• Learn about the ancient Theban necropolis
• Travel with a private Egyptologist
• Enjoy private air-conditioned transportation
• Customize the sightseeing pace
Practical InformationLocation All three attractions are located on Luxor's West Bank, making them ideal to visit together.
Duration Allow approximately 5–7 hours, depending on the number of tombs visited, site access and your preferred pace.
Transportation Private air-conditioned transportation is provided throughout the tour.
Guide An English-speaking Egyptologist can accompany the tour. Other languages can be arranged upon request and may involve an additional charge.
Entrance Tickets Entrance fees depend on the current official ticket structure.
The standard Valley of the Kings ticket generally covers a specified number of tombs. Tutankhamun's tomb and certain special tombs require additional tickets.
Best Time to VisitAn early morning start is highly recommended.
The West Bank can become very hot, especially during the summer months.
An early visit provides more comfortable temperatures and can make walking between the archaeological areas much more enjoyable.
What to Bring• Comfortable walking shoes
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Drinking water
• Camera
• Light clothing
• Small amount of cash
• Passport or identification if required for ticketing
Combine Your West Bank Tour with Other Luxor AttractionsFor travelers with additional time, this experience can be extended with:
• Ramesseum
• Medinet Habu
• Valley of the Queens
• Deir al-Medina
• Tombs of the Nobles
• Karnak Temple
• Luxor Temple
• Dendera Temple
• Abydos Temple
You can also combine the West Bank sightseeing with a Luxor hot air balloon experience for a memorable sunrise view over the Nile Valley.
Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut & Colossi of Memnon with Explore Plus HolidaysWalk through the ancient royal necropolis of Thebes and discover the tombs where New Kingdom pharaohs prepared for eternity.
Stand beneath the dramatic cliffs of Deir el-Bahari at the magnificent Temple of Hatshepsut, then finish your West Bank adventure in front of the enormous Colossi of Memnon.
With a private Egyptologist, uncover the stories of Tutankhamun, Hatshepsut, Amenhotep III and the great pharaohs of the New Kingdom.
Book Your Private Luxor West Bank TourDiscover the Tombs, Temples and Giants of Ancient Thebes
Explore three of Luxor's most important archaeological treasures in one private experience.
Book your private Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and Colossi of Memnon tour with Explore Plus Holidays and experience the legendary West Bank of Luxor.
Good To Know
Who built the Temple of Hatshepsut?+
The temple was built for Pharaoh Hatshepsut, one of ancient Egypt''s most famous female rulers.
Where is Hatshepsut Temple located?+
It is on Luxor''s West Bank near the Valley of the Kings.
What makes Hatshepsut Temple unique?+
Its dramatic multi-level terraces are integrated into the surrounding cliffs, creating one of Luxor''s most distinctive monuments.
How long should I spend at Hatshepsut Temple?+
Approximately 1-1.5 hours is generally enough for a comfortable visit.
What can I see at the temple?+
Visitors can see terraces, colonnades, statues, reliefs, chapels, and scenes connected with Hatshepsut''s reign.
Can I combine Hatshepsut Temple with the Valley of the Kings?+
Yes. Both are located on Luxor''s West Bank and are normally visited together.
Pick a tour, choose your date, pay a 20% deposit.