Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur

What Is the Valley of Al-Haiz?
The Valley of Al-Haiz is a natural depression in the Western Desert about 50 km south of Bahariya Oasis and thanks to the underground springs it has always been a fertile spot supporting palm groves, vineyards and crops for thousands of years. Over time it became a hub for desert trade routes connecting the oases with the Nile Valley.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur

Where Is the Valley of Al-Haiz Located?
The Valley of Al-Haiz location is on the southern edge of Bahariya Oasis and halfway between Bahariya and Farafra oases; it is surrounded by desert plateaus and it forms a natural basin that collects underground water… which make the land unusually green compared to the surrounding desert.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur

What Is the Historical Significance of Al-Haiz?
The Al-Haiz Valley has been important for many civilizations:

  • Pharaonic Period:  it served as farmland for Bahariya and supported faraway desert outposts
  • Roman Period: it became famous for large-scale wine production proven by the wine presses and amphorae found here
  • Coptic Period: it turned into a Christian monastic center with several churches and hermitages built between the 4th and 7th centuries AD
  • Islamic Period: it continued as a small but vital agricultural village connected to Bahariya Oasis

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur

What Are the Main Archaeological Sites in Al-Haiz?
Some of the most impressive sites in Valley of El Haiz include:
Deir al-Ras Church
It is among the best-preserved Coptic churches in the valley dating from the 5th–7th centuries AD and it is constructed with local stone and mudbrick and still shows traces of wall paintings featuring Christian symbols. Tis church once acted as a key spiritual hub for the nearby monastic community
Roman Wine Presses
Archaeologists have discovered several large stone wine presses complete with carved channels that guided the juice into storage jars. These remains point to large-scale wine production; much of which was exported to other regions of Egypt
Ancient Wells and Irrigation Systems
The valley features underground aqueducts (qanats) and stone-lined wells reflecting the sophisticated water systems that once irrigated its fields
Tombs and Necropolises
Tombs from the Roman and Byzantine periods lie scattered along the valley’s edges and some of them preserve painted plaster and inscriptions, though many are partly ruined today

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur

What Is the Climate Like in Al-Haiz?
The valley has a dry hot climate like most of the Western Desert: -

  • Summer (May to Sept): is very hot with average of 35–45°C (95–113°F)
  • Winter (Nov to Feb): pleasant days with around 15–25°C (59–77°F) but cold nights around 5°C (41°F)

The Best Time to Visit is October to April when the weather is perfect for exploring.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur

How Do You Reach the Valley of Al-Haiz?
Most people visit as part of a day trip from Bahariya Oasis that is often included in safaris that also cover Crystal Mountain, the Black Desert and the White Desert. Here’s to mention that a 4x4 is needed since the road passes through desert tracks.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur

What Can Visitors See and Do in Al-Haiz?
When you visit Al-Haiz Valley you can:

  • Explore ancient Coptic monasteries and churches
  • Visit Roman wine presses and learn about desert agriculture
  • Walk among palm groves and traditional farmlands
  • See old wells still used by locals
  • Enjoy quiet desert scenery far from crowded tourist spots

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur

What Attractions Are Near the Valley of Al-Haiz?
Bahariya Oasis
Bahariya is the closest main town to Al-Haiz and it is famous for landmarks such as the Golden Mummies Museum, the Ain El Muftella Temple and natural hot springs like Bir Sigam. It also acts as the primary starting point for trips into the surrounding desert
Crystal Mountain
A dazzling outcrop made of quartz and calcite crystals found on the road linking Bahariya and Farafra. Its glittering surfaces make it one of the most photographed spots on Western Desert adventures
Black Desert
A dramatic volcanic landscape blanketed with black basalt stones and dotted with low volcanic hills offering sweeping views across the desert
White Desert
This area is recognized as a UNESCO-protected site and renowned for its chalk formations carved by the wind into strange and beautiful shapes. Spending a night camping here is often the highlight of desert journeys

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur

How Much Time Is Needed to Explore Al-Haiz?
A normal visit lasts for 1 to 2 hours and it is enough to explore all ruins, farmland and springs but if you love photography you may want to spend longer here.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur

What Are the Safety Tips for Visiting?

  • Always travel with a local guide or organized tour
  • Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat
  • Wear sturdy shoes for walking on uneven paths
  • Respect farmland and private property

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur

Why Is the Valley of Al-Haiz Worth Visiting?
The Valley of Al-Haiz in Egypt is a place that holds centuries of desert history and human activites from Pharaonic farming to Roman wine making and Coptic monastic life. When it is combined with nearby sites like Bahariya Oasis, the Black Desert and the White Desert; it offers one of the best cultural and scenic experiences in the Western Desert of Egypt.

Thinking about giving it a visit?
Book your Western Desert adventure to the Valley of El Haiz now STEP TO EGYPT and explore one of Egypt’s hidden gems for yourself.

Not many people have heard of the Valley of Al-Haiz in Egypt but this quiet desert valley is a fertile depression located in Egypt’s Western Desert 50 km south of Bahariya Oasis. It is rich with history, natural beauty and amazing ruins. 
The Valley of El Haiz has been home to people of Bahariya Oasis since prehistoric times starting from Pharaonic farming settlements to next eras like Roman wine presses and Coptic monasteries; in other words… every period of Egyptian history has left its mark in this place.
Today it is one of those underrated places where you can walk and watch ancient ruins and see fertile farmland in the middle of the desert and also enjoy a peaceful atmosphere away from the busy tourist sites.