Introducing Al-Balyana
Al-Balyana is the jumping-off point for the village of Al-Araba al-Madfuna, 10km away, site of the necropolis of Abydos and the magnificent Temple of Seti I, one of the most beautiful monuments in Egypt. Security here tends to be heavy-handed and if you haven’t been escorted thus far, you’ll certainly pick up policemen here. Although they may limit the time you can spend there, they do not have the right to stop you seeing the temple.
Advertisement
Should you need to change money, there’s a tiny Banque Misr kiosk at the entrance to Abydos Temple, which may open when tourists arrive, but cannot be relied upon.
As you’re unlikely to be able to stay in Al-Balyana, you will be limited to travelling here by private taxi or on a day trip, most easily from Luxor.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
-
Trip Report: Luxor -> Qena -> Minya -> Cairo
by galumph 13 March 2009
I just arrived in Cairo today, so the information in this post is extremely recent! It is indeed possible to travel along this route…
-
RE: service taxis between Qena - El Balyana - Sohag
by NileFever 07 March 2009
This part of Egypt is shockingly underdeveloped for tourism - a result of antiquated interior ministry decrees. I stayed in Qena a few…
-
Re: service taxis between Qena - El Balyana - Sohag
by galumph 07 March 2009
Thanks for the useful advice. I'm thinking it might be best to just hire a taxi in Qena to take me to Dendara and Abydos (and possibly…
In our shop
Bags feeling light?
Coffee table looking bare?
Get your guidebooks, travel goods, even individual chapters, right here.
Hotels & Hostels
Check out all our reviewed and recommended accommodation and book online.
Advertisement
