Summary

• Kharga Oasis is located in Egypt’s Western Desert, 550 km south of Cairo. It has a hot desert climate with clear skies, sunshine year-round, and average temperatures ranging from 22°C in winter to 42°C in summer.
• The oasis has a rich history dating back to 7,000 BC and served as an important transit point for desert caravans during ancient times. It was known as the Southern Oasis to the ancient Egyptians and Oasis Magna to the Romans.
• Kharga Oasis boasts several attractions, including the Umm el-Dabadib Village with Roman and Byzantine remnants, the Temple of Dush, the Museum of Antiquities, and numerous ancient monuments and temples like the Temple of Hibis and the Cemetery of Bagawat.
• The oasis has a population of around 101,283, with a mix of Christian, Roman, Arab, Nubian, and Berber families. It is known for its diverse culture and history.
• Kharga Oasis offers various activities for visitors, such as desert safaris, hot air balloon rides, and exploring ancient ruins. It is a unique destination for those interested in history, nature, and adventure.

Kharga Oasis is a magical attraction filled with heavenly attractions worthy of exploring. The main goal of this article is to offer every traveler all the facts and information about Kharga Oasis. This article was written by a group of very skilled and knowledgeable tour operators, tour guides, and travel consultants who know all the details about Kharga Oasis.

In the vast sand ocean of the western desert lies the beautiful green Kharga Oasis, which lies out of the lifeless nature of the desert like a jewel in a pile of coal. It offers the best view of the stars and the most relaxing and complete experience imaginable. It is one of the best places in Egypt and the world, and it can reflect the natural beauty and culture of the Egyptian Oasis in the most majestic fashion.

Location of Kharga Oasis

The Kharga Oasis is located 550 km south of Cairo and 232 km south of Asyut; it is on the west bank of the Nile Valley, about 200 km west of the western desert. Occupying the eastern border of the governorate are the cities of Al Menya, Qena, and Asyut, and the Matruh governorate occupies its northern borders.

The Oasis was known as the Southern Oasis by the ancient Egyptians, and the Oasis Magna was known to the Romans as the largest oasis in the Libyan desert of Egypt. The Oasis is in a depression about 160 km (100 mi) long and from 20 km (12 mi) to 80 km (50 mi) wide.

The climate is 28°C, Wind N at 8 km/h, and Humidity at 23%. Kharga Oasis occupies around one-third of the entire land of Egypt and has around 20,000 inhabitants nowadays. Kharga Oasis is connected to the Nile Valley, which has a set of roads that go from Asyut to Kharga and from Farafra to Dakhla to Kharga.

Kharga Oasis Climate

The marvelous Kharga Oasis is known to have a hot desert climate, mostly clear skies and sunshine year-round, where the heat dominates the area most of the year, with average highs of around 38°C (100°F) from May to September. In the hottest months, June and July, average highs are around 42°C (108°F).

Winters are significantly milder than summers, which are still warm, with average highs hovering around 22°C (72 °F) from December to February. Nights can get chilly and drop to lows of around eight °C (46°F) in December and January. Rainfall is extremely low and averages less than 2mm annually.

History of Kharga Oasis

The Kharaga Oasis became very well known as an important transit point for the desert caravans in the 12th dynasty (1786 BC-1665 BC) of the middle kingdom when the Hyksos controlled northern Egypt and the Pharaohs controlled southern Egypt and Nubia. It acted as the southwestern gate or portal of Egypt because it was able to make a connection from Egypt all the way to southern Africa through a 40-day-long road. Archaeological evidence suggests a human presence in the Kharga Oasis dating back to 7,000 BC. Early inhabitants were likely drawn to the abundant water resources and fertile land compared to the surrounding desert.

Some historical evidence showcasing the city dates all the way to the Old Kingdom of Egypt (2700 BC –2200 BC) as a trade road in the Old Kingdom of Egypt (2700 BC –2200 BC) for gold, animals, spices, ivory, wheat, and plants. The Kharga Oasis during the 13th dynasty thrived as a stronghold, providing refuge for Egyptian Christians amidst the oppressive reign of Roman rule. This oasis, rich with history, revealed a plethora of monumental structures, passageways, artifacts, and ruins dating back to the Middle Kingdom of Egypt (2134-1569 BC) up to the New Kingdom of Egypt (1550-1050 BC).

It is worth mentioning that the renowned dagger of King Tutankhamun was crafted from an Iron Meteorite sourced from the Kharga Oasis, showcasing the oasis’s significance in ancient metallurgy and craftsmanship. The Greek historian Herodotus chronicled the oasis as a pivotal resting point for Persian king Cambyses and his army en route to the Oracle temple of Amon-Zeus at Siwah before their mysterious disappearance.

Attractions in Al Kharga Oasis

Umm el-Dabadib Village is located north of Kharga Oasis, which is filled with ancient Roman and Byzantine remnants and holds amazing mudbrick fortress towers. This historically significant settlement spanned for many thousands of years and covered an expansive area of 60,000 acres. The temple within, erected during the 3rd Century AD and active during the late Ptolemaic age, showcases remarkable architecture. Among the ruins lie a grand temple, fortifications, tombs, a Coptic church, and an intricate network of four underground aqueducts extending 3 miles, which are crafted from mud bricks with walls aligned to the cardinal points.

The phenomenal Temple of Dush in the Oasis of Paris is located 120 meters south of Al Kharga Oasis near Kysis which was an ancient Greco-Roman settlement which holds 2 temples and Roman fortresses. This area held strategic importance in controlling caravan roads that dates all the way to the Greco-Roman era. The great Emperor Domitian (81–96 AD) commissioned the construction of a temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, revered for motherhood. Numerous excavation missions unearthed invaluable golden artifacts and historical insights from this site.

The Museum of Antiquities of Kharga Oasis serves as a treasure trove of archaeological wonders discovered within the region. It was modeled after the Al Bagawat Temple which showcases two floors brimming with artifacts spanning from prehistoric ages to the Ottoman Period. Everyone can marvel at ancient relics such as Pharaonic reliefs, the statue of Horus, and Coptic pottery which are able to provide a captivating journey through the rich history and culture of the area.

There are a number of majestic monuments found all over Kharaga Oasis, which is blessed with a number of phenomenal and mythical archaeological marvels which was made between the Middle Kingdom and the Roman and Coptic Egyptian periods, which include:

• Gebel El Teir (Prehistoric times)
• Umm Mawagir (Middle Kingdom, 2nd Intermediate Period)
• Qasr El Ghuweita (Late Period)
• Qasr El Zayyan (Greco-Roman)
• Qasr Dush (Greco-Roman)
• Ain El Beleida (Roman)
• Ain El Labakha (Roman)
• Ain El Tarakwa (Roman)
• Deir El Munira (Roman)
• Ain Tauleib (Roman)
• El Nadura (Roman)
• Qasr El Dabashiya (Roman)
• Qasr El Gibb (Roman)
• Umm El Dabadib (Roman)
• Sumeira (Roman)
• Ain Manawir (Persian, Roman)
• Temple of Hibis (Persian – c. 6th century BC.)
• Ain Shams El Din (Coptic church)
• Deir Mustafa Kashef (Coptic monastery)
• Gabbanat El Bagawat (Coptic cemetery)

Temples in Kharga Oasis

Kharga Oasis is home to several ancient temples that reflect its historical significance as part of the trade routes connecting the Nile Valley and the Western Desert. Some of the notable temples in Kharga Oasis include:

1. The Temple of Hibis

The Temple of Hibis stands as one of the most important ancient sites in Kharga Oasis, which is just one kilometer north of Kharga Oasis which is renowned as the oasis’s largest and best-preserved temple and intricate works of art and is filled with some of the most incredible collection of monuments from Pharaonic, Persian, Ptolemaic, Roman, and Coptic ages. Its origins trace back to the Saite-Persian period (664–404 BCE), during Egypt’s 26th dynasty, the last period of native rule before the Persian conquest in 525 BCE. The temple offers a glimpse into Egypt’s rich history, spanning the Pharaonic, Persian, Ptolemaic, Coptic, and Roman eras through intricate works of art that stood the test of time.

It is dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu, as well as Osiris. The Hibis Temple embodies the syncretism of ancient Egyptian religious beliefs. It is known as “Amun of Hibis” the temple which was initiated by Ahmose II and Pharaoh Psamtik II, with completion occurring during the Persian and Hyksos occupation under Darius I in 522 BCE. Substantial expansions took place during the reigns of Nectanebo I (380–362 BCE), Nectanebo II (360–343 BCE), and Ptolemy II (285–246 BCE), including the addition of two outer portals. The temple complex features remarkable elements such as a sacred lake, ports, a lengthy hallway, pylons, and a hypostyle hall adorned with depictions of numerous ancient Egyptian deities. An enchanting feature of the temple is its epic ram sphinx passageways leading to a magnificent Roman gate established in 69 AD. Within the temple’s inner sanctum lies a golden chamber adorned with rich inscriptions and exquisite works of art, offering visitors a glimpse into the spiritual and artistic legacy of ancient Egypt.

2. The Cemetery of Bagawat

The Bagawat Cemetery stands as an ancient Christian burial ground, renowned globally for its historical significance and unique architectural style, located just three kilometers north of Kharga, adjacent to the Temple of Hibis. Its name, Bagawat, stems from the Arabic term “Qubwat” referring to the distinctive dome-shaped tombs prevalent in the area.

It dates back from the 3rd to the 7th century AD and served as a refuge for Christians fleeing northern Egypt, seeking sanctuary in the Kharga Oasis. Comprising 263 funerary chapels, the cemetery’s layout features small domed structures, with a central church considered one of the oldest Coptic Churches in Egypt. Among its notable attractions is the legendary Tomb of Exodus, which is adorned with intricate carvings that depict various Old Testament and biblical narratives. These include scenes such as Noah’s ark portrayed as an “Egyptian Barque” the tales of Adam and Eve, the sacrifice of Abraham, Daniel in the lion’s den, Jonah swallowed by a fish, and reliefs depicting figures like Jacob, the Virgin Mary, Saint Paul, and Saint Takla. The tombs within Bagawat Cemetery also boast vibrant and enchanting Coptic writings and inscriptions, offering valuable insights into Coptic life during this pivotal period in history.

3. The Temple of Ghweita

The Temple of Ghweita, also known as Qaser Ghweita, translates to “Fortress of Deep Springs” and is situated 25 kilometers south of Kharga. Offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including mountains, sand dunes, and vibrant greenery, the temple highlights the diverse terrain of the region. Alongside the Temple of Hibis, it stands as the sole temple constructed in Egypt during the Persian or Hyksos occupation. The temple’s construction dates back to the Middle Kingdom of Egypt and likely began during the reign of Darius I, atop a hill previously occupied by ruins from a Pharaonic settlement.

Dedicated to the holy triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu, mirroring the purpose of the Hibis Temple, the Ghweita Temple represents a rare architectural feat from a tumultuous period in Egyptian history. Undergoing expansions during the Ptolemaic era between the 3rd and 1st centuries BC, the temple features significant enhancements, including a hall with eight imposing columns, a hypostyle hall, a courtyard, and a sanctuary adorned with intricate decorations depicting scenes of Hapi, the Nile god, and other symbols representing ancient Egypt’s nomes. These additions showcase the temple’s rich religious and cultural significance within the region.

4. The Temple of Qasr Al Zayyan

The Temple Of Qaser Al Zayyan is a rare gem of history hidden carefully in the golden sands of the oasis, which is found 5 kilometers south of the Temple of Ghweita. This temple was built during the Ptolemaic reign and enlarged during the period of the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius in 138 AD. The temple of Qaser Al Zayyan was dedicated to the cult of Amun Ra of Hibis. The temple features a dedicatory inscription dating back to August 11, 140 AD, honoring Antoninus Caesar and detailing the restoration efforts.

The main building comprises a courtyard leading to a sanctuary with an elaborate cult niche and an antechamber with a staircase to the roof. Qasr al-Zayyan served as a crucial stop along a major desert route from Esna during the Roman Period, emphasizing its significance as a water source and a resting place for travelers. Today, the site stands as a testament to the architectural and religious practices of ancient Egypt under Roman rule.

Kharga Oasis Hotels

The Kharga Oasis is a magically remote and fascinating destination in the Egyptian desert, which is filled with a variety of hotels to choose from that suit all budgets and needs. Around the area, there are also a number of guesthouses and homestays available in the Kharga Oasis. The most popular options include:

Qasr El Bagawat Hotel is a luxurious hotel located right next to the Qasr El Bagawat necropolis, offering stunning views of the desert landscape, which has a swimming pool, spa, and several restaurants. Solymar Pioneers is a 4-star hotel that is a good option for families, with a water park, kids’ club, and several restaurants. It’s also located close to the main town of El Kharga. Basata Lodge is a small, eco-friendly lodge, which is a great choice for those looking for a unique and authentic experience. Oasis Hotel is a budget-friendly hotel and is a good option for those who desire to explore the center of town.

Kharga Oasis Population

The total population in 2021 of the area is around 101,283, with a density of about 100 people per square kilometer (260 per square mile). The oasis is filled with notable families of Christian and Roman descent that include Al-Jawiya, Al-Bahramah, Al-Tawayh, Al-Sanadiyah, Al-Na’imah, Al-Badayrah, Al-Azayza, Al-Hosnieh, Al-Mahbasiya, Al-Sharayra, as well as Nubian families in Baris village. While there are a few Berber families considered indigenous to Kharga, the majority today are Arab families.

Key Arab families migrating to Kharga from around 300 AH include the Idris family from Tunisia or Libya, the Rekabia family, the Jewehera family from the Hijaz, the Shakawera family, the Al-Radawana family, families from Mecca, the Al-Shawami family from the Levant, as well as Egyptian families like Asawiya and Dabatiya from Sohag or Assiut, Awlad-el-sheikh, and Njarin from Qalamoun in Dakhla. There are Turkish families like Al-Tarakah Al-Kharja and Al-Dabashiya, and the Bash families include Askari, Qaqamqam, Qitas, Tannabur, and Kashif.

Kharga Oasis Facts

• The Kharga Oasis, also known as the “Outer Oasis” or “Oasis Magna” is a hidden gem located in the heart of the Egyptian Western Desert which is 200 kilometers (125 miles) west of the Nile Valley.
• Archaeological evidence suggests a human presence in the Kharga Oasis dating back to 7,000 BC. Early inhabitants were likely drawn to the abundant water resources and fertile land compared to the surrounding desert.
• The oasis played a significant role in ancient Egyptian civilization, serving as a trade route, agricultural center, and religious site.
• It contains ancient temples, tombs, inscriptions, pottery, artifacts, and settlements dating back to different periods, including Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, and Islamic eras like Hibis Temple and Qasr El Bagawat that stand as testaments to this rich divine culture and history.
• The Kharga Oasis offered refuge to many early Christians, who established numerous monasteries and churches that are still visible today.
• The Kharga Oasis flourishes from underground water sources, creating a fertile haven with palm groves, date farms, and diverse vegetation.
• The oasis is filled with diverse landscapes, including sand dunes, salt flats, and even the remnants of an ancient lakebed.
• The Kharga Oasis provides a critical habitat for various desert animals like fennec foxes, sand cats, and numerous bird species.
• Visitors can enjoy various activities like desert safaris, hot air balloon rides, exploring ancient ruins, and soaking in natural hot springs.