Kharga Oasis
Egypt · New Valley · 70 m
Description
Kharga (رجة) is the largest oasis in Egypt’s Western Desert and has been an important crossroads of Saharan caravan routes since antiquity. The fertile depression is surrounded by vast desert landscapes, dramatic escarpments, and remarkable traces of a history spanning thousands of years. Among its most significant sights is the Temple of Hibis, one of the best-preserved temples from the Persian period in Egypt. Nearby, the necropolis of Bagawat is one of the world’s oldest Christian cemeteries, with numerous mud-brick chapels featuring beautifully painted domes. Kharga brings together ancient Egyptian, Persian, Roman, and early Christian heritage amid the striking landscapes of the Western Desert.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 3 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: November – February
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Temple of Hibis
- Bagawat Necropolis
- Kharga Museum of Antiquities
- Al-Bagawat Christian Tombs
- Qasr el-Ghueita Temple
- Qasr el-Zayyan Temple
- Kharga Oasis Palm Groves
- Kharga Escarpment Viewpoints
- Qasr el-Labekha Roman Fort(Day trip)
- Dush Temple & Roman Fortress(Day trip)
- Ain Umm Dabadib(Day trip)
- Ain Amur Temple(Day trip)
- Nadura Temple
- Kharga Oasis Desert Landscape
- Kharga Oasis Hot Springs
- El Deir Fortress(Day trip)