Valley of the Kings

Valley of the Kings is a treasure trove of archaeological wonders, containing dozens of tombs filled with art and hieroglyphics. See King Tutankhamun’s tomb—the most famous sight in the valley—then tour the temples of the sons of Ramses II and of Amenhotep III and others to marvel at the centuries’ old art and artifacts.

The Basics
The 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. King Tut’s tomb 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.

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). The Tomb of King Tutankhamun requires a separate ticket. Some tours combine a visit to the Valley of the Kings with a trip to the Mortuary 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 a must-visit spot for travelers interested in ancient Egyptian history and archaeology.
• 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, a roughly 40-minute drive from downtown Luxor. Guided tours of the site include transportation, 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 of Egypt’s pharaohs were interred 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).