Aswan, Egypt’s Soulful Desert–River Escape You’ll Fall In Love With; 7 Things To Do Here

When you think of Egypt, your mind probably goes straight to Cairo’s hustle, the Pyramids, or Luxor’s grand temples. But there’s a quieter, softer, and incredibly beautiful side to Egypt: Aswan. Surrounded by rolling hills and golden deserts, Aswan is located along the southern Nile. Sure, Luxor is grand and Cairo is bustling, but Aswan’s simplicity is what totally sets it apart.

Discover Aswan, Egypt, The Soulful Heart Of The Nile

Aswan is visually stunning and very different from the congested cities in northern Egypt. At first glance, the golden desert hills, historic temples, the vast Nile River, and the greenery around it will woo you.

The region is also home to the Nubians, and their villages are rich in colour, music, artwork, and centuries-old customs. Aswan is home to numerous islands along the Nile, many of which are home to ancient temples. It is an amazing sight to watch these temples emerge from the water. To further enhance its appeal, Aswan is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking sunsets.

Aswan will provide you with a serene and spiritual experience, whether you are visiting the Philae Temple, Abu Simbel, or any other historical site in Egypt. This hidden gem in Egypt isn’t just about beautiful locations, though. In fact, it’s a place of calm, history, and culture. 

Also read: Jaipur Vs Udaipur: Which Royal City In Rajasthan Should You Choose To Visit This Winter?

Amazing Things To Do Here

Here’s a list of experiences you cannot miss:

1. Sail To Philae Temple

Take a boat to the Temple of Isis, sitting on its island. The sight of the temple reflected in the Nile is magical.

2. Visit Nubian Villages

Take a boat to colourful villages on islands such as Gharb Soheil or Elephantine. Everywhere you look, you’ll see happy faces, locally made crafts, and painted homes.

3. Felucca Ride At Sunset

Allow the wind to carry you across the Nile while sailing in a traditional Egyptian boat without engines. This sunset seems like a dream.

4. Shop At Aswan Souk

It’s a small but bustling market featuring Nubian handicrafts, scarves, perfumes, and spices. If you want a taste of the local way of life and souvenirs, this is the ideal place.

5. Explore The Unfinished Obelisk

Here, you will find the massive stone that was never completed in the quarry. Finding out how the ancient Egyptians worked with stone is fascinating.

6. Walk Through Kitchener’s Island

Also called the Aswan Botanical Garden, it is alive with exotic flowers, palms, and plants, making it the perfect spot for nature lovers. It’s a peaceful and lovely getaway.

7. Relax By The Nile

Sometimes the best thing to do is do nothing. Sit at a riverside cafe, sip mint tea, watch boats float by, and feel completely at peace.

Aswan is Egypt’s calm, golden heart. It’s colourful, historical, and peaceful. It is where the Nile slows down, and you can slow down too. 

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva/givagaphotos