Hot Air Balloon Ride, Luxor, Egypt
A hot-air balloon ride in Luxor offered a unique opportunity to view the many ancient sites from high above the ground.
Luxor Hot Air Balloon: Luxor, Egypt
Date Picture Taken: March, 2024
I didn’t plan for a hot air balloon ride during my trip to Egypt. However, my hotel suggested it, and I thought it would be a unique experience, so I decided to try it. It only cost me around $65, much cheaper than in other countries.
I had to leave my hotel at 4:45 am to reach the balloon ride location, which took about an hour to arrive at the balloon site. The ride was scheduled only for early mornings as the air is calm and stable at early morning time.
The tour company gathered us on the East Bank and boated to the West Bank.
When I arrived at the site, there was no time to take pictures on the ground because the balloon was about to go up, so I hurriedly got into the balloon basket.
The picture of a balloon next to mine
The balloon was already up in the air, and I did not even realize it left the ground because it did not shake or make any sound.
The crew on the ground
Although many ancient sites were visible from the balloon, they were too far away to see in detail.
Most of the balloons are up by now, and mine is unusually high compared with others.
My balloon was too far from the ancient site, and as a result, I couldn’t see much of it.
The Nile River and the east side
The basket was attached to a balloon, with passengers at each end and a pilot in the center.
The sun rose
My pilot bragged that the balloon was higher than any other balloon and was 3000 feet from the ground.
As the balloon starts to descend, the pilot skillfully steers it towards a suitable spot for landing.
The crew was waiting for the balloon
The balloon landed, and many people worked to fold it. Now I understand why a balloon ride is expensive: it takes much labor.
The balloon was folded
Other balloons also landed.
Dinner at the hotel
