Karnak Temple Sound & Light Show

Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show

Duration
Approx. 1 Hours
Route
Karnak Complex, Avenue of Sphinxes, Sacred Lake
Style
Evening Show
Schedule
Daily (evening departure)

Overview

Witness the Pharaohs rise from their slumber with our mesmerizing Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show. As the sun sets over Luxor, the stones of the world’s largest religious complex awaken. This is not just a tour; it is a dramatic storytelling experience where the voices of ancient kings narrate the history of Thebes. Illuminated by laser lights and dramatic projections, the Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show offers a magical evening atmosphere that completely transforms the massive columns and obelisks you see during the day.

Highlights

Karnak Complex
Avenue of Sphinxes
Sacred Lake

Tour Itinerary

Tour Itinerary
Your magical evening begins when a Nile Empire representative picks you up from your hotel in Luxor in a private air-conditioned vehicle. We will drive you to the East Bank to attend the spectacular Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show. Unlike a standard daytime visit, such as our Luxor Full Day Tour to the East & West Bank, this experience allows you to walk through the complex under the stars. The show begins at the Avenue of Sphinxes, where light effects highlight the guardians of the temple. You will walk through the Great Hypostyle Hall, where shadows dance between the 134 colossal columns, creating a mysterious atmosphere. The narration takes you through the history of the construction of Thebes and the lives of the great Pharaohs. Finally, you will reach the Grandstand overlooking the Great Sacred Lake for the second part of the show. Here, you will sit and watch the finale as the entire complex is illuminated, reflecting beautifully on the water. This evening tour is the perfect way to relax after a long day of sightseeing, perhaps after returning from a Full Day Tour to Dendera and Abydos Temples. It gives you a different perspective on the architecture. If you are just arriving in the city to start your holiday, we can also assist with Luxor Airport Transfers. For those planning a longer stay to explore more, check out our 5 Days in Cairo & Luxor Package. After the applause fades, our representative will be waiting to drive you back to your hotel or cruise ship. If this show inspires you to see more of the Nile, consider booking a Luxor to Aswan Nile Cruise. Travelers coming from the capital specifically for this can also utilize our Day Tour to Luxor from Cairo by Air.

Experience Comparison: Day vs. Night

FeatureDaytime VisitSound & Light Show (Night)
VisualsClear Details & CarvingsDramatic Shadows & Colors
AtmosphereBusy & HistoricalCinematic & Storytelling
Activity LevelHigh (Lot of Walking)Low (Walking + Seated)

What’s Included

Included

  • Pick up & drop off at your hotel/cruise.
  • Transfer by an air-conditioned private vehicle.
  • Entrance fees to the show.
  • All taxes & service charges.

Not Included

  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Tipping.
Pricing Information

Prices are shown in US dollars per person. Seasonal supplements may apply during Christmas, New Year and Easter unless a specific seasonal price is displayed.

Children’s Policy
0-5.99 years
Free of charge
6-11.99 years
Pay 50% of tour price
12+ years
Pay full tour price as per adult person

Note: Child rates apply to children travelling with their parents. Where accommodation is included, a maximum of one child per room applies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show start?
The show times vary depending on the season (Summer vs. Winter) and the language scheduled for that night. Generally, the first show starts around 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM. We will confirm the exact pick-up time upon booking to ensure you arrive comfortably.
Is the show available in different languages?
Yes, the show is broadcast in various languages including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and more on different days. However, translation headsets are usually available for all languages at every show.
Is there a lot of walking involved?
The experience is divided into two parts. The first part involves walking through the temple complex as the lights guide you (about 20-30 minutes of slow walking). The second part is seated in a grandstand overlooking the Sacred Lake for the remainder of the show.
How much are the entrance fees to the sightseeing listed in the itinerary ?
Entrance fees in Egypt generally range from EGP 200 to EGP 1500 (4 USD to 30 USD), depending on the site, and all major attractions accept credit card payments or online booking. You can learn more details by reading the following article: Egypt Attractions Entrance Fees Guide.
Can I take photos during the show?
Yes, photography and video recording are generally allowed during the show without flash. It is a fantastic opportunity to capture the temple illuminated against the night sky.
Is this activity suitable for children?
Absolutely. Children often find the light effects, music, and “voices” of the Pharaohs very engaging. It is less tiring than a day tour because it is cooler at night and involves a seated segment.

Why Book With Nile Empire

Local experts

An Egypt-based team that lives and breathes these journeys.

Private & tailor-made

Every trip built around your dates, pace, and budget.

Certified Egyptologists

Your own private guide at every temple and tomb.

Confirm before you pay

We confirm availability and your final price first. A deposit is only due once you are happy to proceed.

What Our Travellers Say

★★★★★
We had a fully organized two-week Egypt itinerary with Nile Empire, and the experience was completely faultless from start to finish. Every part of the journey was carefully arranged, and we were guided and assisted throughout the entire trip. The Egyptologist guides were excellent, informative, and professional, and everything throughout the itinerary ran smoothly and on time. Highly recommended for anyone planning a trip to Egypt.
Sommerstar · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
We recently completed an unforgettable Egypt trip organized by Nile Empire, and the entire experience was handled with professionalism and excellent attention to detail from start to finish. The itinerary between Cairo, Abu Simbel, Luxor, and the Nile cruise was perfectly coordinated, with quality hotels, punctual transfers, and continuous support throughout the journey. We especially appreciated how responsive and attentive the team remained during the entire stay. Our guides in Cairo and Upper Egypt were both knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about Egyptian history, making every visit more enjoyable and meaningful. We highly recommend Nile Empire for travelers looking for a well-organized and professionally managed Egypt experience.
Abdelaziz · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
From the moment we arrived in Egypt until the day we left, Nile Empire made every part of our journey feel special and unforgettable. The team went above and beyond to ensure we felt comfortable, safe, and genuinely cared for throughout the trip. During our 7-day Egypt tour, everything was smoothly organized between Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and the Nile cruise. A special thank you to Soliman and Rami for their exceptional attention to detail and for making my birthday celebration truly memorable throughout the journey. The experience felt personal, warm, and professionally managed from start to finish. We would absolutely recommend Nile Empire to anyone planning a trip to Egypt.
CE · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
We booked our Egypt trip with Nile Empire based on a recommendation, and now we are happy to recommend them ourselves. From the initial planning stage until our final day in Egypt, everything was handled with professionalism, flexibility, and genuine care. The itinerary was carefully customized around our requests, including experiences like a hot air balloon ride in Luxor and scuba diving in Hurghada. Our guides and drivers were knowledgeable, friendly, and always supportive throughout the trip. Every part of the journey felt smooth, organized, and memorable thanks to Soliman and the Nile Empire team. A fantastic choice for travelers looking for a personalized Egypt experience.
Mangesh Satpute · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
Our Egypt trip with Nile Empire felt like much more than just a holiday — it was a fully personalized experience from start to finish. Everything was thoughtfully customized around our preferences, making the journey feel smooth, comfortable, and genuinely special. The accommodations, transportation, and daily planning were all very well organized, and it was clear that a lot of attention went into every detail. We especially appreciated the support throughout the trip and the flexibility of the private tours. A special thank you to our Cairo driver, our wonderful guide Mariam, and to Soliman and Rami for organizing such a memorable Egypt experience.
Priyanka Kannan · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
Our experience with Nile Empire was excellent from start to finish. Soliman helped us redesign our Egypt trip on very short notice and customized everything around our schedule, including internal flights, hotels, and a Nile cruise. We loved that all sightseeing tours were private, giving us flexibility throughout the trip. The guides, drivers, and overall organization were outstanding, and we never had to worry about anything during our stay in Egypt. The Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor was one of the highlights of our trip, and the additional tours to Abu Simbel, Dendera, and the Nubian Village made the experience even more special. We highly recommend Nile Empire for anyone looking for a reliable and professionally organized Egypt tour.
M & S Krebs · TripAdvisor
★★★★★Rated excellent on TripAdvisorRead reviews

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