About
Kharga is the capital of Egypt's New Valley Governorate, set in the Western Desert and serving as a gateway to the oasis that bears its name. It is a practical base for travellers who want to see desert scenery and historic sites within reach of a town with working services.
What the town offers
- Temple of Hibis, one of the main historical sites in the town, and a reason many visitors come here.
- Mud-brick fortresses, which give a sense of the older building traditions of the oasis.
- Modern amenities, which make Kharga one of the more developed oasis settlements in Egypt.
Exploring the desert
Kharga is a starting point for the surrounding Western Desert. Visitors can head out from the town to take in the wide, open landscapes that the region is known for. Because the oasis is a settled place, it offers a useful balance: you can spend time among ancient monuments and then return to the comforts of town after a day in the desert.
Kharga suits travellers interested in Egyptian history who would like to see the country beyond the Nile Valley. It is a place for a slower visit, where the sites, the town and the surrounding desert can each have their own time.
