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Which one to choose in Aswan

Temple of Kalabsha vs Philae Temple (Temple of Isis)

Two temples in Aswan. Temple of Kalabsha has no online ticket listed; Philae Temple (Temple of Isis) has 12 tickets and tours to book. The table and the two notes below put them side by side; the full pages have what to see, the ticket and the timing for each.

Temple of Kalabsha

Temple of Kalabsha

Aswan, Egypt

No ticket for Kalabsha is sold online. The entry ticket is bought at the kiosk on site, and the boat across the water from the landing near the west end of the Aswan High Dam is paid separately to the boatmen; agree the price for the round trip and the waiting time before you set off. Cash in Egyptian pounds is the safest way to pay for both. Most visitors reach the temple in one of two ways. The simpler is a private car or taxi from Aswan for half a day, often combined with the High Dam viewpoint and the Unfinished Obelisk, with the boat crossing arranged on the spot.

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Philae Temple (Temple of Isis)

Philae Temple (Temple of Isis)

Aswan, Egypt

Philae stands on an island, so every visit involves a short boat ride from the landing at Shellal, south of Aswan between the old and the new dams. The entrance ticket is bought at the government kiosk before you reach the jetty, and the motorboat is hired separately on the spot; prices are set per boat, so sharing with other travellers keeps the cost down. Visiting independently is easy if you are comfortable negotiating with the boatmen. Most organised options are half-day tours from Aswan. The shared and private versions both include hotel pick-up, an Egyptologist guide and the boat crossing, and the more complete ones also stop at the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk in the granite quarries;

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Side by side

Temple of KalabshaPhilae Temple (Temple of Isis)
TypeAncient TempleAncient Temple
ReligionAncient Egyptian religionAncient Egyptian religion
Founded30 BC380 BC
EntryTicket at the gate; boat extra—
Dress codeNo dress code; light clothing that covers shoulders, a hat and sturdy shoes are sensible.No dress code; light clothing, a hat and sturdy shoes for the boat landing.
UNESCOyesyes
Tickets and tours on GetYourGuidenone listed12
Official website—yes

Where they are

Tours and activities in Aswan