The Aswan High Dam at a glance
The Aswan High Dam closes the Nile south of the city and creates Lake Nasser. Construction began on 9 January 1960. The structure was finished in mid-July 1970, and the official inauguration took place on 15 January 1971. So 1960 to 1970 is the building period and 1971 is the opening year.
Most visitors see the dam as a stop on a half-day trip from Aswan, often paired with Philae. If that is your plan, start with the Aswan tours and the Philae ticket and boat details, because the temple needs the earlier part of the day.
High Dam and old dam compared
Aswan has two dams, and people often mix them up.
| Old dam (Low Dam) | High Dam | |
|---|---|---|
| Finished | 1902 | Structure 1970, inaugurated 15 January 1971 |
| What lies behind it | The water between the old dam and the High Dam | Lake Nasser, reaching into Sudan |
| Link to Philae | The flooding of the original island began in connection with this dam | Philae's current site lies in the water between the two dams |
| Typical visit | A short stop if you pass it | A stop on a half-day trip |
For most visitors, the High Dam is worth one hour as part of a Philae day. The old dam is a short extra stop if you pass it.
Our pick: High Dam and Philae
Four hours that combine the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk and Philae with hotel pickup, an easy way to see the dam.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Aswan High Dam and Philae trips
Half-day and full-day trips from Aswan that include the High Dam, with live prices and availability.
Lake Nasser
Lake Nasser forms above the High Dam and runs south into Sudan. The reservoir has a length of about 500 km and an average width of 12 km. Do not multiply those two numbers to get an exact area. The water level changes, and a single surface figure depends on the date.
Philae does not stand on Lake Nasser. The temple sits on Agilkia island in the stretch of water between the old dam and the High Dam. For long trips on the big lake, see the guide to a Lake Nasser cruise, and for the great temples on its shore, Abu Simbel.
Visiting the dam from Aswan
What to plan and what to check on the day.
Getting there
Most people see the dam as part of an organized trip from Aswan. Our getting-there page covers the airport and the road to the boat landing for Philae.
Entry and hours
Fees, opening hours and the points where you can stop change over time. Ask your guide or driver for the current rules before you plan around them.
Photos
Taking photos of a dam, a power station or a military site can cause problems. Stay at the viewing points your guide shows you and follow the instructions of staff and police. If someone asks you to stop, stop.
Combining it with Philae
Philae opens at 07:00 and the last entry is at 15:00. Go to the temple first, when it is cooler, and the dam afterwards. Plan them as two separate visits with a drive in between.
Aswan High Dam: frequently asked questions
When was the Aswan High Dam built?
Work started on 9 January 1960. The structure was complete in mid-July 1970, and the official inauguration was on 15 January 1971.
How big is the High Dam?
It is 111 m high and 3,830 m long on the crest, with a crest width of 40 m. The reservoir behind it is about 500 km long and 12 km wide on average.
Is Philae under Lake Nasser?
No. Philae's original island was flooded in connection with the old dam of 1902, and the temples were moved to Agilkia. They stand in the water between the old dam and the High Dam, not on Lake Nasser itself.
Can I visit the High Dam on my own?
Many visitors see the dam as a stop on an organized trip. Entry rules and viewing points change, so ask on the day.
Is the High Dam the same as the old Aswan Dam?
No. The old Aswan Dam was finished in 1902. The High Dam, built from 1960 to 1970, is a separate and later structure.