Situated on the west bank of the Nile opposite Luxor, Deir el-Bahari is a breathtaking complex of mortuary temples and tombs set within the iconic Theban Necropolis. Serving as a major religious center for over two millennia, this sacred site dramatically integrates ancient Egyptian architecture directly into towering cliff faces. You should visit to experience how pharaohs carved their legacies into the stone landscape while honoring supreme gods like Amun-Ra, Hathor, Osiris, and Anubis.
At the center of the complex stands Hatshepsut’s famed 97-foot-tall terraced temple, Djeser-Djeseru ("Holy of Holies"), designed by architect Senenmut. As you explore its sweeping ramps and colonnades, you will encounter richly decorated reliefs detailing divine births and commercial expeditions to Punt, along with dedicated chapels featuring Hathor-headed columns and well-preserved scenes of Anubis. Beside it lie the ruins of Mentuhotep II’s Middle Kingdom terraced temple—the pioneering cliffside design that inspired later rulers—complete with a deep processional causeway, colonnades depicting royal military achievements, and the underground Bab el-Hosan passage.
Across the site, you will trace centuries of history, from royal mummy caches to Ptolemaic-era additions, making it an essential, awe-inspiring stop on your Egyptian journey.
What to see at Deir el-Bahari
- Hatshepsut's terraced temple (Djeser-Djeseru) set against steep cliff walls
- Detailed reliefs depicting divine births and the commercial expedition to Punt
- Chapels dedicated to Hathor and Anubis featuring preserved reliefs and themed columns
- Mentuhotep II's pioneering Middle Kingdom complex and the underground Bab el-Hosan
Visiting tips
Take time to closely inspect the well-preserved reliefs and Hathor-headed columns on the terraced levels of Hatshepsut's temple.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Early morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Deir el-Bahari is easy to reach on Luxor’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Thebes and Karnak Temple Complex. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Luxor travel guide.
See the full Luxor travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.