Mortuary temple of Hatshepsut
Temple Rock-cut mortuary temple of Pharaoh Hatshepsut
Deir el-Bahri’s mortuary temple of Hatshepsut is a terraced limestone complex set against cliffs on Luxor’s west bank; visitors examine relief scenes, ramps, and architecture associated with Egypt’s female pharaoh.
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Mortuary temple of Hatshepsut is a terraced funerary temple at Deir el-Bahari on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor, built for the female pharaoh Hatshepsut in the 15th century BCE. The temple is characterised by its three colonnaded terraces connected by ramps and integrated directly into the cliff face.
The monument contains reliefs and inscriptions that record the pharaoh’s reign and expeditions, and originally served funerary and cult functions for the royal house. Its clean axial layout and terraces make it one of the most distinctive New Kingdom mortuary temples.
Construction took place during Hatshepsut’s reign in the mid-18th Dynasty, with the architect often identified as Senenmut. In later periods parts of the temple were damaged or repurposed, and it was excavated and restored by archaeologists from the 19th century onward.
The temple stands in the Deir el-Bahari bay of the Theban cliffs, on the west bank of the Nile directly across from modern Luxor and a short distance north of the Valley of the Kings.
- Terraced design: The structure is built into a cliff face in a three-tiered, terraced arrangement with colonnaded levels and ramps that align with the cliff above the mortuary complex.
How to Get to Mortuary temple of Hatshepsut #
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut (Deir el‑Bahari) is on Luxor’s West Bank immediately below the cliffs near the Valley of the Kings. Most visitors reach it by taxi, private car or organized tour from Luxor (East Bank); the road transfer from central Luxor takes roughly 15-30 minutes depending on traffic and hotel location.
The temple sits beside the main West Bank road serving the Valley of the Kings, so it is a short walk from the parking/drop‑off area and is often visited in combination with nearby tombs and monuments.
Tips for Visiting Mortuary temple of Hatshepsut #
- Visit the temple at first light when coach groups from Luxor are still arriving-the terraces and colonnades are far quieter and the low-angle light flatters the reliefs.
- Approach from the West Bank road that connects the Valley of the Kings and the temple to combine visits efficiently; many tour buses stop here briefly, so ask drivers to allow extra time if you want to explore the reliefs more slowly.
- Walk the side ramps and inner chapels rather than lingering only on the main ramped façade-guides often point out well-preserved scenes that quick bus stops overlook.
Best Time to Visit Mortuary temple of Hatshepsut #
Visit between October and April to avoid extreme heat and make the climb and outdoor viewing much more comfortable.
Weather & Climate near Mortuary temple of Hatshepsut #
Mortuary temple of Hatshepsut's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 6°C to 40°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 6°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 8°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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April
April is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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May
May is hot with highs of 38°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is hot with highs of 40°C and lows of 24°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the hottest month with highs of 40°C and lows of 25°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is hot with highs of 40°C and lows of 25°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is hot with highs of 38°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 8°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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