Nestled in the sun-scorched hills on Luxor’s West Bank, the Valley of the Kings stands as one of Egypt’s most extraordinary archaeological treasures. For nearly 500 years during the New Kingdom period (1539-1075 BCE), pharaohs abandoned pyramid construction in favor of this hidden necropolis, carving elaborate tombs deep into the limestone cliffs. Today, you’ll find yourself walking the same paths where ancient priests once performed burial rituals for Egypt’s most powerful rulers.
This comprehensive valley of the kings guide will equip you with everything you need to make the most of your visit to this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Understanding the Valley’s Layout and History
The Valley of the Kings contains 63 discovered tombs, though only a rotating selection remains open to visitors at any given time. The site splits into two main areas: the East Valley, where you’ll find the most famous tombs including Tutankhamun’s, and the West Valley, home to fewer but equally impressive burial chambers like that of Ay.
Unlike the pyramids at Giza, these tombs were intentionally hidden to protect the pharaohs’ mummified remains and treasure from tomb robbers. Despite these precautions, nearly all tombs were plundered in antiquity—with the notable exception of Tutankhamun’s relatively intact burial, discovered by Howard Carter in 1922.
Ticket Prices and Entry Information
Your standard Valley of the Kings ticket (480 EGP for foreigners as of 2024) grants access to three tombs of your choice from those currently open. The ticket does NOT include Tutankhamun’s tomb (KV62), which requires an additional 300 EGP, or Seti I’s tomb (KV17), which costs extra at 1,000 EGP when open.
Student discounts of 50% are available with a valid ISIC card. The site opens at 6:00 AM during summer months (May-October) and 6:30 AM in winter, closing at 4:00 PM. Photography inside the tombs is strictly prohibited, and guards actively enforce this rule.
Which Tombs Should You Visit?
With your ticket covering only three tombs, choosing wisely matters. Here are the most impressive options typically open to visitors:
Ramses III (KV11): One of the largest tombs with well-preserved painted reliefs showing the pharaoh’s journey through the afterlife. The corridors stretch over 125 meters into the mountain.
Ramses IX (KV6): Features stunning astronomical ceiling paintings and vibrant wall decorations depicting scenes from the Book of Caverns. The colors remain remarkably bright.
Merenptah (KV8): Son of Ramses II, this tomb descends steeply with impressive hieroglyphics and a massive granite sarcophagus still in place.
Ramses IV (KV2): Covered in ancient Greek and Roman graffiti from early tourists, this accessible tomb showcases excellent preservation of religious texts.
Tutankhamun (KV62): The smallest royal tomb but historically significant. You’ll see the pharaoh’s mummy displayed in his burial chamber (most treasures are now in Cairo’s Egyptian Museum).
Tombs rotate closures for conservation, so check which are open during your visit. Egypt Day Tours ensures you visit the best available tombs based on current openings and your interests.
Best Time to Visit
The Valley of the Kings sits in one of Egypt’s hottest regions. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 40°C (104°F), making early morning visits essential. Arrive when the gates open at 6:00-6:30 AM to avoid both the heat and tour bus crowds that arrive around 9:00 AM.
Winter months (November through February) offer the most comfortable temperatures, ranging from 20-25°C (68-77°F), though this is peak tourist season. Spring (March-April) and autumn (October-November) provide an excellent balance of manageable weather and smaller crowds.
What to Bring and Wear
Sun protection is non-negotiable. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and sunglasses. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your shoulders and knees—both for sun protection and cultural respect. Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are essential as you’ll navigate uneven paths and steep tomb staircases.
Carry plenty of water (at least 1-2 liters per person), though you cannot bring bottles inside the tombs themselves. There’s a rest house with basic facilities and refreshments at the site entrance.
Getting There and Around
The Valley lies about 5 kilometers from the Nile’s West Bank. Most visitors cross from Luxor’s East Bank via the local ferry (5 EGP) or taxi across the bridge, then hire a taxi or minibus to the Valley entrance. The approach road winds dramatically through the desert landscape.
Once inside, you’ll find a small electric tram (optional, 4 EGP round-trip) that shuttles visitors from the entrance to the main tomb area—a distance of about 500 meters. Walking is perfectly feasible, though the tram saves energy for exploring the tombs themselves.
Insider Tips for Your Visit
Start with the deepest tombs on your list while you have fresh energy—some descend 100+ meters into the bedrock with steep staircases. The temperature inside tombs stays surprisingly cool compared to the scorching exterior.
Don’t rush. Each tomb deserves 15-20 minutes to properly appreciate the artistry and symbolism. The hieroglyphics tell specific stories from ancient Egyptian religious texts like the Book of the Dead and the Book of Gates.
Consider hiring an expert Egyptologist guide who can decode the symbolism and share stories that bring the tombs to life. Egypt Day Tours provides licensed, knowledgeable guides who transform your visit from mere sightseeing into a genuine educational experience.
Combining Your Valley Visit with Other Sites
The West Bank contains numerous archaeological wonders within close proximity. Most visitors combine the Valley of the Kings with the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon, and the Valley of the Queens in a single day. This requires an early start but makes efficient use of your time in Luxor.
A full-day West Bank tour typically runs 6-8 hours including transportation and guided explanations at each site. This comprehensive approach helps you understand how these monuments connected within ancient Thebes’s religious and royal landscape.
Plan Your Valley of the Kings Experience
Visiting the Valley of the Kings ranks among Egypt’s most profound travel experiences. Standing in the same chambers where pharaohs were laid to rest 3,000 years ago creates an unforgettable connection to ancient history. The vibrant paintings, intricate hieroglyphics, and sheer ambition of these underground palaces showcase the heights of New Kingdom artistry and engineering.
Ready to explore the Valley of the Kings with expert guidance and seamless logistics? Egypt Day Tours offers comprehensive Luxor West Bank tours led by certified Egyptologists who bring these ancient tombs to life. With over 1,050 five-star TripAdvisor reviews, we ensure you experience the Valley’s wonders comfortably and informatively. Book your Valley of the Kings tour today and discover why travelers consistently rate us as Egypt’s number one tour operator.
