Al Khārjah

Al Khārijah, also known as El Kharga, is a remote oasis located in the Western Desert of Egypt. It is the capital of the New Valley Governorate and is known for its palm date plantations and citrus groves. The town features traditional mud-brick houses and is surrounded by stunning desert landscapes, including the nearby White Desert National Park.

Al Khārijah is a popular destination for tourists seeking a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into Egypt's natural beauty.

Places to visit

Key Phrases

Speak like a local

  • "مرحبا" - Hello
  • "شكرا" - Thank you
  • "مع السلامة" - Goodbye
  • "مساء الخير" - Good evening
  • "صباح الخير" - Good morning

Day plans

Spend a day exploring around

day 1

Exploring the Ancient Sites

morning:Begin your day by visiting the Al Zawyet Al-Bahariya Museum, which boasts a fascinating collection of antiquities from the region. Then, make your way to the Temple of Ain El Muftella to witness the ancient ruins.

afternoon:Head to the Crystal Mountain for a unique natural spectacle. Take a break and savor traditional Egyptian cuisine at Al Naser Restaurant before continuing your exploration.

evening:Experience the local nightlife at Cafe Abu El-Dahab, where you can enjoy live music and a vibrant atmosphere.

day 2

Desert Adventure

morning:Embark on an exhilarating desert safari to experience the vast desert landscape and visit the nearby Bir El-Nasb archaeological site. Before you set off, enjoy a hearty breakfast at the Desert Rose Restaurant.

afternoon:Discover the wonders of the Black Desert and stop for a picnic at the picturesque El Hæt Oasis. Take in the stunning panoramas and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding you.

evening:For an unforgettable evening, stargaze at the Al-Khan area and marvel at the clear night sky, undisturbed by urban lights.

day 3

Cultural Immersion

morning:Immerse yourself in history by visiting the Al Qaser Al Ghweita Temple, a well-preserved structure with intricate carvings. Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Al-Khawaga Restaurant.

afternoon:Stroll through the local markets and interact with the friendly vendors, then pay a visit to the Valley of the Golden Mummies to witness the fascinating burial sites.

evening:Enjoy an authentic dining experience at the renowned El Nadi Restaurant, where you can savor delicious Egyptian cuisine and soak in the lively ambiance.

day 4

Relaxation and Wellness

morning:Indulge in a tranquil morning at the nearby Ain El Serrakh natural hot spring, renowned for its therapeutic properties. Afterward, take a leisurely walk around the area to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

afternoon:Treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa session at one of the local wellness centers. Follow up with a wholesome meal at the charming Al-Masry Restaurant, known for its fresh and flavorful dishes.

evening:Unwind and rejuvenate at a serene desert retreat, where you can partake in meditation or yoga sessions under the starlit sky, creating the perfect end to your day.

Al Khārjah Famous Food

Must-Try local dishes

Koshari

A beloved Egyptian dish consisting of lentils, rice, macaroni, and chickpeas, topped with spiced tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. It's a must-try for visitors looking to dive into authentic local flavors. Koshari can be found at street food stalls and casual eateries across Al Khārjah.

Must-Try!

Fattah

Fattah is a traditional Egyptian dish made with rice, pieces of bread, and lamb meat, all layered and topped with a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This dish is often served during special occasions and celebrations, showcasing the heartiness and richness of Egyptian cuisine.

Mahshi

Mahshi is a culinary delight that features vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchinis, and grape leaves stuffed with a delicious mixture of rice, tomatoes, and herbs. The stuffed vegetables are simmered in a savory broth, creating a satisfying and flavorsome dish.

Food Markets & Street Food

A food market and street food guide

Al Khārjah Souq

Explore Al Khārjah Souq, a bustling marketplace where visitors can indulge in a variety of fresh produce, aromatic spices, and local ingredients. This vibrant market is an ideal place to get a taste of authentic Egyptian street food, including flavorful falafel, sizzling kebabs, and sweet treats like baklava.

El Medina Street Food Stalls

Stroll along El Medina's bustling streets to discover an array of street food stalls offering an assortment of culinary delights. From savory koshari to delectable ta'ameya (Egyptian falafel), the street food scene in El Medina is a paradise for food enthusiasts seeking an authentic taste of Al Khārjah.

Things to do in Al Khārjah

Unique local experiences...

Pet sitters in Al Khārjah

Relax and unwind while your furry friend enjoys making a new companion!

Popular cities in Egypt

Explore local food, attractions and more!

CairoGizaAlexandriaShubrā al KhaymahAshmūnSinnūrisDayrūţŢūkhAl ManşūrahḨalwānAl Maḩallah al KubráShibīn al QanāţirAbū ḨummuşPort SaidAl FayyūmSuezAbū ŢishtAl FashnBibāAkhmīmAl MarāghahŢanţāIsmailiaAl BājūrAwsīmTalāŢalkhāAsyūţDikirnisAsh Shuhadā’Birkat as Sab‘Az ZaqāzīqAl WaqfAl ‘AjamīAl MaţarīyahShubrākhītKafr ŞaqrQillīnShibīn al KawmAswānKafr ad DawwārRâs el-BarrAl ‘Āshir min RamaḑānDamanhūrAl MinyāBiyalāSāqultahMallawīFarshūţDamiettaLuxorTimayy al ImdīdQināŞidfāSūhājBanī SuwayfAl ‘ArīshAr RaḩmānīyahAl GhardaqahBanhāQalyūbMadīnat as Sādis min UktūbarKafr ash ShaykhDisūqBilbaysIdfūRosettaMīt GhamrMunūfFāqūsMaţrūḩIdkūJirjāRa’s GhāribAl JammālīyahZiftáSamālūţAl BadrashaynBi’r al ‘AbdIbshawāyManfalūţRafaḩMīt SalsīlBanī MazārMadīnat as SādātAl KhānkahArmantKafr az ZayyātMaghāghahKawm UmbūBūr Fu’ād‘Izbat al BurjAl QūşīyahKirdāsahIsnāAbnūbHihyāAl MinshāhAl QuraynAsh Shaykh ZuwaydDaljāAbū QurqāşSīdī BarānīNaj‘ ḨammādīAş ŞaffSamannūdAbū Za‘balDandarahAl BalyanāMaţāyBanī ‘UbaydKafr al BaţţīkhAbū al MaţāmīrAl ‘AyyāţŞān al Ḩajar al QiblīyahAl BadārīKafr al KurdīDayr MawāsIhnāsyā al MadīnahNabarūhDarāwAbū QīrFāraskūrBadrShanawānQuţūrMaḩallat DamanahAl ḨusaynīyahAbū ŞuwayrSafājāQiman al ‘ArūsAs SarwQahāAl KarnakHirrīyat RaznahKafr ShukrSīwahKafr Sa‘dShārūnahAbū Şīr BanāQifţNaqādahMīt NamāAl QaysSunbāţŞā al ḨajarJarājūsBanī MurrZāwiyat RazīnDayr Abū ḨinnisBanī Ḩasan ash ShurūqAjāBiyahmūAl ḨībahShanhūr