Valley of the Kings
π Location: Luxor West Bank, in a desert wadi behind Deir al-Bahari Β Β· Β πΊ Period: 18thβ20th Dynasties Β Β· Β ποΈ Tickets: ~750 EGP general ticket; star tombs charged extra
For nearly 500 years β from Thutmose I around 1539 BC to Ramses XI around 1075 BC β virtually every king of the New Kingdom chose to be buried in this dry desert valley behind the Theban cliffs, hoping that hidden rock-cut tombs would protect their gold and their souls better than visible pyramids had. Sixty-five tombs and pits are now known; new ones still surface (KV63 in 2005, KV64 in 2012).
A general ticket lets you enter any three of the open tombs on a rotating list, usually including spectacular options like KV2 Ramses IV, KV6 Ramses IX, or KV11 Ramses III. Several "star" tombs β Tutankhamun (KV62), Seti I (KV17), Ramses VI (KV9), Nefertari (technically in the adjacent Valley of the Queens) β require a separate, premium ticket and are well worth it for the depth of carving and intensity of colour.
The valley's Visitor Centre houses a brilliant scale model that lets you see how the tombs interlock underground; do not skip it.
Highlights
| Tomb | Why visit |
|---|---|
| KV62 Tutankhamun | The boy-king's mummy is still in situ |
| KV9 Ramses VI | One of the most colourful ceilings in Egypt |
| KV17 Seti I | Deepest and arguably most beautiful tomb |
| KV11 Ramses III | Famous side chamber of the "blind harpers" |
| KV2 Ramses IV | Easy access and dazzling colour |
Visiting
- Opening hours: 6 am β 5 pm
- Tickets: ~750 EGP base + 100β700 EGP for star tombs
- Best time: at the gates by opening; valley becomes furnace-hot by mid-morning
- Photography: a separate camera permit (~300 EGP) is required for stills
- Nearby: Deir al-Bahari, Medinet Habu, Valley of the Queens