Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show in Luxor: Private transfers included

Watch ancient Egypt's stories unfold across temple walls and water

The Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple in Luxor is a 75-minute audio-visual performance that moves through the temple grounds and concludes seated along the Great Sacred Lake, with narration and projected light bringing the history of this ancient monument to life. Pickup from your hotel or Nile cruise is included, along with a live guide in English, Spanish, German or Arabic, entrance fees, and bottled water. The performance covers the temple's construction from the Middle Kingdom through the Greco-Roman period and its dedication to the gods Amon, Mut and Khonsu.

Step-by-step itinerary

Attend Karnak Temple Sound & Light Show

• Pickup from hotel or Nile cruise
• Transfer to Karnak Temple
• Attend 75-minute Sound & Light show
• Experience history narration and light effects
• Watch final act by Great Sacred Lake

The Experience

The show begins at 7:15 PM with pickup from your hotel or Nile cruise in Luxor. A representative collects you by private air-conditioned vehicle and drives you to Karnak Temple, where you join the audience for the evening's performance. This is one of Egypt's largest temple complexes, built over centuries and dedicated to the god Amon and his divine family—the scale of the place becomes clear as the sun sets and the lights begin.

The 75-minute performance takes you around the temple grounds on foot, moving through different sections as the narration and lighting shift to match each phase of the story. The audio track relates how Karnak served as the religious center of ancient Thebes, the capital of Egypt during its height, and describes the rituals and beliefs that shaped the temple's construction. The final act plays while you are seated along the Great Sacred Lake, a large body of water within the temple complex where the light show reaches its climax. Your guide is present throughout and speaks English, Spanish, German or Arabic depending on your preference.

The return journey to your hotel is included in the package. Bottled water is provided during the show. The entire outing, from pickup to drop-off, takes about two hours.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off by private air-conditioned vehicle from your hotel or Nile cruise.
• live guide in English, Spanish, German or Arabic.
• entrance fees to Karnak Temple.
• bottled water.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Book My Egypt Tours

Is this one for you?The performance moves you around the temple grounds on foot for 75 minutes, so comfortable walking shoes and a moderate pace suit this show. If you prefer to stay seated throughout an evening activity, this one is not the fit—the first part of the show requires you to walk between different sections of the temple as the narration and lighting change.

Top questions

What time does the Sound and Light Show start at Karnak Temple?

The show begins at 7:15 PM with pickup from your hotel or Nile cruise. You are collected by private vehicle and driven to Karnak Temple in time for the performance.

How long is the Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple?

The performance runs for 75 minutes. It starts with a walk around the temple grounds and concludes with the final act played while you are seated along the Great Sacred Lake.

What languages are available for the guide at Karnak Temple's Sound and Light Show?

The live guide speaks English, Spanish, German, and Arabic. You can request your preferred language when you book.

What is included in the Sound and Light Show ticket at Karnak Temple?

The package includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel or Nile cruise by private air-conditioned vehicle; the live guide; entrance fees to Karnak Temple; and bottled water during the show.

What is the Great Sacred Lake, and why does the show end there?

The Great Sacred Lake is a large body of water within the Karnak Temple complex that was used in ancient religious ceremonies. The final act of the Sound and Light Show is performed while you are seated along its banks, making it the dramatic conclusion to the evening's performance.

Can I attend the Sound and Light Show if I am staying on a Nile cruise?

Yes. Pickup is available from Nile cruise ships in Luxor as well as from hotels. Let the operator know your location when you book, and a representative will collect you at the agreed time.