- DurationApprox. 2.5–3 hours
- Tour typePrivate tour
- StartsPickup from your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise in the early evening
- PriceFrom $45 per person based on 6+ travellers
OverviewItineraryWhat’s includedPricesFAQ
Tour Overview
The Karnak sound and light show is Luxor’s classic evening outing: a walk through the great temple of Amun after dark, with lights picking out statues, columns and carvings while a recorded narration tells the story of Thebes and its pharaohs. We collect you from your hotel or cruise boat, hand you your ticket and take you back afterwards.
The show lasts about an hour and runs in two parts. First you walk in small stages through the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes, the first pylon and the Great Hypostyle Hall, stopping as each section is lit and narrated. Then you sit in a stand beside the Sacred Lake for the finale. It is atmospheric rather than high-tech, and a relaxing way to see the temple in a different light.
Highlights
- Evening walk through Karnak’s illuminated pylons and halls
- The Great Hypostyle Hall lit up after dark
- Seated finale beside the Sacred Lake
- Show ticket included, in your chosen language where scheduled
- Private transfer with an English-speaking assistant
- Easy evening add-on after a day of sightseeing
Itinerary
18:00 – Pickup in Luxor
Your driver and English-speaking assistant collect you from your hotel or cruise boat in a private air-conditioned vehicle. Pickup time depends on the show you choose; shows start from about 18:30 in winter and later in summer. The drive to Karnak takes 10 to 20 minutes from most hotels.
18:30 – Arrival at Karnak
Pass through security at the main entrance with your assistant, who has your tickets and confirms the language of the show. There is time for a short wait in the visitors’ area before the gates open and the audience gathers at the avenue of sphinxes.
18:45 – Illuminated walk
Walk slowly through the first pylon and the great court as lighting and narration bring each area to life, from the colossal statue of Pinedjem to the forest of columns in the Great Hypostyle Hall. The walking part lasts around 40 minutes on uneven but mostly flat ground.
19:30 – Finale at the Sacred Lake
Take your seat in the stand by the Sacred Lake for the final section, where the narration and music sweep across the temple and its reflections in the water. Bring a light jacket in winter, as it can be cool after sunset.
20:00 – Return transfer
Meet your driver outside the temple and return to your hotel or boat, usually by about 20:30. If you would like dinner afterwards, your assistant can drop you at a restaurant on the Corniche instead.
Good to know: Show times and the language of each show follow a nightly timetable set by the operator, and they can change. English shows run most nights, but other languages are not available every evening. Shows may be cancelled for special events.
What’s Included
Included
- Ticket for the Karnak sound and light show
- Pickup and drop-off at your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
- English-speaking assistant
- Bottled water
Not included
- Daytime entry to Karnak Temple
- Dinner and drinks
- Tips for the driver and assistant
Prices
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Single traveller | $81 |
| 2 travellers | $57 |
| 3–5 travellers | $49 |
| 6+ travellers | $45 |
Per person in USD. Child prices depend on age and the services included – ask us for a child price before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Karnak sound and light show worth seeing?
Most visitors enjoy it as a calm, atmospheric evening rather than a high-tech show. Walking through the lit temple after dark, with few people around, is the real highlight. If you have already visited Karnak by day, the show adds a different perspective and some of the history.
What languages is the show in?
There are usually two or three shows a night, each in one language, such as English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Arabic or Japanese. English runs most evenings. Tell us your preferred language when booking and we will match it to the timetable.
Is a guide included?
The show has its own recorded narration, so a guide is not needed. Your English-speaking assistant handles tickets and gets you to the right place. If you would like an Egyptologist for a daytime visit too, see our East Bank tour of Karnak and Luxor Temple.
Is it suitable for children and older travellers?
Yes. The walking part is slow, with plenty of stops, and the finale is seated. Some ground is uneven and dimly lit, so wear comfortable shoes. Children often enjoy the lights and music, although the narration is long for very young ones.
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Want to combine tours or change anything? Contact us or message us on WhatsApp and we will tailor it for you.
