Kharga Oasis, Desert oasis in Western Desert, Egypt
Kharga Oasis is a depression in the Western Desert of Egypt stretching across 160 kilometers (99 miles), irrigated by underground water. The capital Al-Kharga sits at its center, surrounded by smaller villages and agricultural zones.
Persian rulers built early structures here, and later the Romans used the area as a waypoint on trade routes heading south. The Darb el Arbain, an old caravan trail, linked Egypt with Sudan for centuries.
The name comes from the ancient Egyptian word ḫꜣrgt, meaning outer land, referring to its remote location. Large date palms and agricultural plots around the settlements shape the rhythm of life here.
Buses link the area regularly with Aswan, Luxor and other western oases, and travel times are often long. Bringing water and sun protection is advisable, as the climate remains dry and hot.
The ancient necropolis at Bagawat holds over 260 funeral chapels dating from the 4th to the 7th century with early Christian wall paintings. Many structures still stand upright, showing details of Coptic iconography and architecture.
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