3-Day Oases of Kharga and Dakhla Trip

Pick Up
Your private Egyptologist will pick you up from your hotel reception/nile cruise in Luxor with a private driver and a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, please request breakfast boxes from your hotel reception the night before.

Transfer to Kharga Osais
The journey from Luxor to Kharga Osais covers approximately 240 km and takes around 3.5 to 4 hours. To ensure a smooth trip. Snacks and drinks will also be provided during the drive to keep you refreshed.

Exploring the Hidden Oasis of Barès
Our first stop is Barès, a secluded desert gem consisting of two small oases: Aïn Dakhakhin and Ezbet Gaga. Here, you’ll take a short walk through the lush greenery, discovering natural water sources hidden among the dunes. This peaceful oasis provides a glimpse into traditional desert life, where Bedouins have lived in harmony with nature for centuries.

Discovering Ancient Temples on the Way to Kharga
Continuing our journey, we will explore two remarkable ancient sites:
- Qasr el-Zayan – A well-preserved temple from the Roman period, dedicated to the god Amun. Its inscriptions and architectural details reveal the influence of Roman rule in the Western Desert.
- Qasr Ghweita – A hilltop fortress-temple from the 6th century BC, offering a commanding view of the surrounding desert. This temple was a crucial religious and defensive site in ancient times.

Lunch at a Local Restaurant
Arriving in Kharga Oasis, we will enjoy a delicious traditional Egyptian meal at a local restaurant, savoring fresh regional flavors prepared with organic ingredients from the oasis.

Walking Tour Through Kharga Oasis
After lunch, take a guided walk through the oasis to experience its unique rural charm. You will wander through lush palm groves, pass by traditional dovecotes, and observe farms and fields where locals cultivate dates, olives, and wheat. This immersive walk offers a deep connection to the natural beauty and daily life of the oasis.

Desert Camp at Gana & Hot Spring Experience
In the late afternoon, we will drive 30 km to reach the stunning desert location of Gana, where we will set up camp for the night. Here, you can unwind in a natural hot spring, enjoying the soothing waters known for their therapeutic benefits. As the sun sets over the golden dunes, the landscape transforms into a mesmerizing scene of colors and shadows—an unforgettable moment to capture.

Bedouin-Style Barbecue
Under the vast desert sky, savor an authentic Bedouin barbecue dinner featuring traditional grilled meats, fresh bread, and aromatic herbal tea. Gather around a campfire, listening to fascinating Bedouin stories while gazing at the star-filled night sky.

Overnight Camping in the Desert
Spend the night in a comfortable desert camp, fully embracing the peace and serenity of the Western Desert.

Sunrise Breakfast in the Desert
Wake up to the fresh desert air and the golden glow of sunrise over the dunes. Enjoy a hearty breakfast prepared by our camp team before setting off for another day of exploration.

Exploring the Temple of Hibis
Our first stop is the Temple of Hibis, the largest and best-preserved temple in the Western Desert, dating back to the 6th century BC. This temple, dedicated to Amun-Ra, features remarkable carvings and inscriptions depicting Egyptian gods, pharaohs, and religious rituals from the Persian period. Your Egyptologist guide will take you through its fascinating history, explaining its significance in ancient Egyptian and Persian rule.

Visit to the Necropolis of Bagawat
Next, we visit Bagawat, one of the oldest Christian cemeteries in the world. This necropolis contains over 260 tombs, with well-preserved frescoes and biblical scenes inside its chapels.
Highlights include:
- The Chapel of Exodus, illustrating the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt.
- The Chapel of Peace, adorned with beautiful early Christian paintings.
This site offers a rare glimpse into Egypt’s early Christian heritage and its blend of Pharaonic and Roman influences.

Exploring the Oasis’s Craft Center
Kharga is home to a thriving artisan community, and we will visit the Oasis’s Craft Center to see skilled locals creating handmade pottery, woven baskets, and embroidered textiles. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs directly from the artisans.

Relaxing in a Natural Hot Spring
Before lunch, we will take a break at another natural hot spring, allowing you to soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters one last time. This is the perfect way to unwind and refresh before the journey back to Luxor.

Lunch at a Local Restaurant
A delightful lunch at a local restaurant will be served, featuring regional specialties prepared with fresh, organic ingredients from the oasis.

Scenic Journey to Dakhla Oasis
Depart Kharga for the 180 km journey to Dakhla Oasis (approx. 3.5 hours). Along the way, we’ll stop at fascinating natural and cultural sites:
- Teneda – A quiet desert settlement surrounded by sweeping dunes and camel farms.
- English Mountain – An elevated viewpoint once used by British forces during WWI. Climb for panoramic views of the desert.
- Balat – A preserved old village with intricate mudbrick houses and narrow lanes reflecting medieval desert architecture.

Arrival in Mut – Heart of Dakhla Oasis
Reach Mut, the largest town of the Dakhla Oasis. Before lunch, take a dip in a natural hot spring, surrounded by date palms and warm mineral waters.

Lunch at a Local Restaurant in Mut
Dine on fresh local dishes at a restaurant in Mut, sampling handmade tagines, stuffed vegetables, and Dakhla’s famous date-based desserts.

Evening Bivouac in a Desert Cirque
We drive to a stunning dried-up wadi nestled in a mountain cirque near the natural lake of Qalamoun. Here we set up camp for the night, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and serene desert beauty.

Barbecue Dinner under the Stars
Enjoy a second night of Bedouin-style barbecue with music, storytelling, and another peaceful night under the Milky Way.

Overnight in the Desert Camp
Sleep soundly in your desert bivouac, wrapped in silence and nature’s grandeur.

Sunrise Breakfast in the Desert
Wake up to the cool desert air and enjoy breakfast at the foot of the mountains, with hot drinks and freshly prepared fare before setting off.

Visit to Qalamoun Village
Begin the morning with a visit to Qalamoun, a traditional oasis village known for its mudbrick houses and artisanal crafts. Stroll through quiet alleys and observe village life.

Explore Al-Qasr – A Living Museum
Continue to Al-Qasr, a remarkably well-preserved medieval village that served as the capital of Dakhla Oasis during the Islamic period. Its stone-paved alleys, ancient mosques, decorated wooden doors, and covered passageways offer a journey through time, reflecting centuries of religious, architectural, and social history.

Discover the Roman Ruins of Deir El-Hagar
Visit the Roman temple of Deir El-Hagar, once dedicated to the Theban Triad. Nestled among sand dunes, the temple walls still bear vibrant depictions of pharaohs, gods, and Roman emperors.

Final Hot Spring Stop
Take a last soak in a desert hot spring, letting the warmth of the mineral waters soothe your body after days of travel.

Lunch at a Local Restaurant
Enjoy a farewell lunch in Dakhla, reflecting on your unforgettable desert journey.

Transfer to Luxor
Bid farewell to the Dakhla Osais as you embark on your return journey to Luxor. Covering approximately 490 kilometers through the vast desert landscape, the drive takes around 6 to 6.5 hours.

Drop-off at Your Hotel
Upon arrival in Luxor, our driver will drop you off at your hotel/nile cruise or your preferred location.