In pics: 10K hot-air balloon trips launched in Luxor annually

In pics: 10K hot-air balloon trips launched in Luxor annually

CAIRO - 10 June 2021: Hot-air balloon rides flying over the ancient wonders of Luxor are the tourists' favorite, as they get a chance to explore the city's spectacular landscape and famous landmarks. The rides intend to show the greatness of the Pharaonic civilization in a panoramic view from the sky, witnessing the blue Nile River and the clear skies. Director of one of hot-air balloon companies in Luxor, Abdel Raouf Abdel Qader said that more than 10,000 balloon trips are launched in Luxor annually, carrying about 216,000 tourists of different foreign nationalities, some of whom come specifically to Luxor for balloon trips. A number of tourism companies include hot-air balloon rides in their touristic program, with the ride duration ranges from 40 to 60 minutes, at an altitude of 2,000 feet. The balloon carries from 12 to 34 people. Below, a rider can view green fields, landscapes on the banks of the Nile River, then islands scattered in the waters, then pass by the temple of Queen Hatshepsut in the heart of the mountain, then the temples of Ramesseum, Habu, Amenhotep II, and the tombs of the Valley of Kings, Queens and Nobles. In October 2020, Egypt has resumed