Every year around 21 December, visitors from all over the world gather before dawn at Karnak Temple in Luxor to witness a breathtaking solar alignment that has repeated for thousands of years. As the sun rises on the winter solstice, its rays travel along the main axis of the Amun-Ra temple, passing through the eastern gate and great halls until they reach the Holy of Holies, briefly flooding the sanctuary with golden light.​

This phenomenon marks the beginning of winter in the northern hemisphere and reflects the extraordinary astronomical knowledge of the ancient Egyptian architects who oriented Karnak with precise alignment to the solstice sunrise. The event symbolizes rebirth, renewal, and the power of the sun god Amun-Ra, turning the temple complex into a living calendar that connects cosmic cycles with religious life.​

During the alignment, the temple fills with a special atmosphere as the first light reveals columns, reliefs, and statues in a dramatic way that cannot be seen at any other moment of the year. Local authorities and cultural institutions often mark the occasion with organized celebrations, guided explanations, and media coverage, making it an unmissable experience for photographers, history lovers, and spiritual travelers alike.​

For your trip planning, it is recommended to arrive at Karnak Temple before 5:00 a.m. to secure a good viewing spot, as the alignment lasts only a few minutes and crowds can grow quickly. Warm clothing, comfortable shoes, and a camera capable of low-light photography will help you enjoy the cold December morning while capturing this rare blend of astronomy, architecture, and ancient ritual. Many visitors choose to combine the event with a guided tour of Karnak and Luxor to better understand the temple’s history, religious role, and the broader tradition of solar alignments in Egyptian temples.​