The Aga Khan Mausoleum

Located in Aswan, the Aga Khan Mausoleum is one of the most peaceful and beautiful sites in southern Egypt. This elegant pink limestone structure is the final resting place of Sultan Mohammed Shah, also known as Aga Khan III, a spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims and a prominent advocate for social progress and development throughout the 20th century.

The mausoleum’s architectural style was inspired by the Fatimid tombs in Cairo, with soft domes, arched doorways, and clean symmetry that blends beautifully into the surrounding desert landscape. From the hilltop, you’re treated to sweeping views of the Nile, lush gardens, and the quiet charm of Aswan.

Aga Khan III was a key figure in global politics and religious leadership. He served as the 48th Imam of the Nizari Ismaili community and was an influential voice for Muslim unity and modernity. Beyond his spiritual role, he was deeply involved in international diplomacy, advocating for education, women’s rights, and economic development across the Muslim world.

He spent many of his later years wintering in Aswan, where the dry climate helped with his health. Following his death in 1957, his wife — Begum Om Habibeh Aga Khan — commissioned the mausoleum as a tribute to his life and work. To this day, she is said to have placed a red rose on his tomb every day until her death in 2000.

While the interior is closed to the public, you can admire the mausoleum from the outside — and it’s definitely worth the visit just for the views and tranquil surroundings. Many people stop here as part of a felucca boat tour or a Nubian village excursion, or you can combine it with a visit to the nearby Aswan Botanical Garden or Monastery of St. Simeon.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also hike up to the hilltop from the riverbank — just be sure to bring water and wear comfortable shoes, especially during the hotter months.

Everyday 6:00 am – 5:00 pm

Free to Visit