cycling in Luxor

cycling is a good way to see the West Bank, sure some of it is a bit up hill but a little excersice didnt do anyone any harm-
Some of the bikes for hire can be a little dodgy though so shop around

Our Man in Damascus

I went cycling on the West Bank and I would definitely recommend it. The road is pretty flat to start with, but after the first 3 km or so, it is uphill to Valley of the Kings. The bikes available are primarily one speed bikes, so cycling uphill is more of a challenge because you can't change gears. The intersections are well marked with signs to each of the sights of interest. It's a great way to see some less famous sites like the Ramesseum and Medinat Habu that a tour wouldn't cover. Just remember to purchase these less popular tickets at the main ticket office and not at the sights themselves. (see the LP West Bank map)

I rented my bike on the East Bank and took it across with me on the ferry. On the other side of the Nile, taxi drivers were offering to drive me and my bike up to the Valley of the Kings (then I could presumably bike downhill).

I didn't opt to have a taxi help out, but it appears to be an option.

Be sure to take lots of water with you. It is available at the Valley of the Kings and Deir al-Bahri, but it very expensive for tourists.

As above. Biking is a very good option as you are free to plan your own time. Hard work though. Bikes are widly available on the East Bank, but check the standard first. (make sure it doesn't have a flat tyre where the air comes out of it after 20 min, as mine had). It's easy to bring the bike across on the little ferry.

good day from luxor
Biking is a very good option as you are free to plan your own time. Bikes are widly available inj the east bank as you can rent it from east bank then you take the national ferry to the east bank and go to the vallye of kings , vallye of queen , dear el madena there are alots of temples u will be so happy to see them ,The road is pretty flat but Hard work though, and if you need any assiste contact me in luxor i live in there .
have abest trip in ur second home luxor
mohamed badwy
mohamed@badwytours.com
002/0112323444

If you want to feel sure about your bike while you are visiting the sites, ask for a lock in the place where you rent the bikes and ask somebody to look after it and pay a little backsheesh afterwards.. Biking is the best way to see the West Bank.

Biking is great, and you'll enjoy the landscape immensely. Plus it's always a small pleasure to see tourists packed in giant buses while you enjoy freedom...
It's flat everywhere except when going up the Valley of King but you don't need to be a great sportsmen to reach it. And oindeed you can always ask a taxi to help.

Maybe it's great -- but not now!
I was in west bank, Luxor on Oct 20(just come back hehe) and it was really toooooo hot! the sun is terrible and you can hardly find a tree along the road...

(pls ignore my words if you are going in Winter...)

I've used a bike on many occasions in Luxor - it really does give you frredom to do what you like.

I left it at Deir el Medina once whilst I climbed to the top of the peak. It was still there safe and sound when I got back. Meant that I didn't have any worries about how long I took over the climb.

Yes, it's a long drag up to the Valley of the Kings, but it's a great freewheel back again! And using a bike allowed me to spend half a day totally alone in the Western Valley before it became more "developed" Really got an idea of what it must have been like for Belzoni, Carter etc!

Yes, it can be hot in Luxor, but I'd rather be on a bike in the open than in an "air conditioned" (i.e. the windows are open) taxi!

Anther way to get around is by using the pickup trucks. not sure what the fare would be now - a few years ago it was 50 piastres maximum! However, it really helps to be familiar with the landscape if you
choose this option! Then, if you get on the wrong bus you soon know what you've done!

Bob

Cycling on the Westbank is an Fantastic experience!
You are able to see places, the big croweds not see.

It is only important to rent a good bicycle, bicycles you can rent for 15-20LE on corners of
the street are rubish. And believe me, you do not want to have a problem overthere...
My advise is to go to the Dutch Bike Rental shop on the Eastbank,
Sheratonstreet, next the DHL parcel office. They have great bikes with gears,
and all the imported parts of the bicycles are imported from Holland.

Also they have maps and egyptologist available for private bike tours.