Valley of the Kings

The basics

The royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings offer a variety of experiences, and only a small number of the tombs are open on any given day. The Tomb of Tutankhamun is filled with bright, colorful wall paintings and also contains his linen-wrapped mummy in a glass display case, although many treasures from the tomb have been removed and are now displayed in the Egyptian Museum (Museum of Egyptian Antiquities).

Tickets to the Valley of the Kings include entry to three tombs of your choice (depending on which are open to the public on the day); King Tut's tomb requires a separate ticket. Some tours combine a visit to the Valley of the Kings with a trip to the Temple of Hatshepsut (at Deir el-Bahari), the Ramesseum (Mortuary Temple of Ramses II), the Valley of the Nobles, or other destinations in Luxor.

Things to know before you go

• The Valley of the Kings is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world and a must-visit spot for travelers interested in ancient Egyptian history.

• The site is very sunny, so bring plenty of sun protection and wear protective clothing.

• You must purchase passes to take pictures inside the tombs.

• The site's rough ground and steep stairs make the site unsuitable for visitors in wheelchairs or pushing strollers.

How to get there

The Valley of the Kings is located on Kings Valley Road on the West Bank of the Nile River, a roughly 40-minute drive from downtown Luxor. Guided tours of the site include transportation to the West Bank of Luxor, and you can also hire a taxi to take you to the site and wait for you while you see the tombs; before leaving, you should agree on the price and duration of your trip.

When to get there

The Valley of the Kings is most comfortable in the early morning, before temperatures soar. Only some tombs are open on any given day, and the site does not post a regular schedule for the openings and closings.

Visiting the Valley of the Nobles

While many royal burials of Egypt's pharaohs in ancient times took place at the Valley of the Kings, the elites were laid to rest in the nearby Valley of the Nobles. Visit these tombs to see vivid wall paintings depicting daily life in ancient Egypt, including images of grand feasts, colorful animals, and artisans at work. Due to its proximity to the Valley of the Kings, the two valleys are often seen together, along with the nearby Temple of Hatshepsut (Deir el-Bahari).

How long does it take to tour the Valley of the Kings?

Plan around two hours at the Valley of the Kings whether you're exploring alone or on a regular tour: it's enough to visit the three tombs covered by standard entry. You'll need more time to visit further graves and the select tombs of Tutankhamun, Seti I, and Rameses V and VI, which require separate tickets.

Can you tour the tombs in the Valley of the Kings?

Yes, Valley of Kings tours vary from half-day tours to the tombs alone and full-day trips with the valley as one stop on multi-stop Luxor itineraries. Standard tours let you enter three tombs (depending on those open) to view their hieroglyphs and chambers, while others provide time to visit additional tombs, such as Tutankhamun.

What is the best time of year to visit the Valley of the Kings?

The best times to visit the Valley of the Kings are winter, spring, or fall (late October through early April) when Egypt's weather is pleasantly warm and sunny without being blazingly hot. These peak periods, however, bring peak visitor numbers, so aim to arrive early to beat the late-morning crowds.

Can you walk through the Valley of the Kings?

Yes. Once at the Valley of the Kings' entrance, you can follow walkways to the burial chambers, helped by signposted maps that show their locations. It's a roughly 10-minute walk to the farthest tombs, sometimes on uneven ground. If you're on a tour, time restrictions might mean visiting the nearest tombs is best.

Are there toilets at the Valley of the Kings?

Yes, the Valley of the Kings has two sets of restrooms. The first and best-maintained is inside the Visitor Center, from where you walk or ride a mini-train (additional charge) to and from the actual valley entrance. The second is inside this entrance, a 5- to 10-minute walk from the actual tombs.

How much does it cost to see the Valley of the Kings?

Valley of the Kings tickets for standard entry, which allows three tomb visits, costs 260 EGP ($8.41); separate tickets for select tombs, like Tutankhamun's, are 100–1,000 EGP. A private half-day valley tour is about 1,400 EGP, and a full-day tour covering the valley and other Luxor sights, is around 3,000 EGP, including admissions.