Ever looked at photos of ancient tombs and thought, “Yeah, cool,” but didn’t really know what made them special? That’s what you say before visiting the Valley of the Kings in Luxor. And honestly, once you’re there, it hits differently.
You’re walking through quiet, rocky paths and thinking: somewhere beneath your feet, pharaohs were buried with gold, hopes for the afterlife, and centuries of belief carved into stone.
What Is the Valley of the Kings?
The Valley of the Kings is this desert area right outside Luxor where ancient Egyptian rulers buried their dead. But they didn’t just throw them in the ground. They went full-on epic with it—cutting deep tombs into the hills, painting the walls with scenes of gods and stars, and sealing the chambers with treasure.
It’s not flashy on the outside. No big statues. Just quiet hills. But underneath? Unreal.
History of the Royal Tombs in Luxor
So, here’s the deal: back in the New Kingdom (around 1550–1070 BCE), the whole pyramid thing had faded out. Instead, pharaohs wanted their tombs hidden. Safer from looters, or so they thought.
They picked this secret valley and carved tombs into the cliffs. These weren’t just burials—they were like spiritual launchpads to the afterlife, covered in protective texts and artwork. Most of the tombs in Luxor Egypt that are open today come from this exact period.
Who Was Buried in the Valley of the Kings?
Some pretty famous names got buried here—Tutankhamun, for one. Then you’ve got Ramses VI, Seti I, Thutmose III, and a bunch more.
There are over 60 tombs in the valley. Some are huge with crazy-long corridors. Some are smaller, probably made in a rush. Not all tombs are open all the time, but the ones you can see are wild.
Discover Now Our Trips To Luxor
Must-Visit Tombs: Tutankhamun, Ramses VI & More
Let’s be real—you can’t see all the tombs in one day, so pick the best. Here are our top picks:
- Tutankhamun (KV62): Super famous. It’s small but still has his mummy inside.
- Ramses VI (KV9): This one’s huge. The ceiling is covered in stars and ancient texts.
- Seti I (KV17): If it’s open, go. It’s long, deep, and the artwork is insane.
- Tausert & Setnakht (KV14): Really colorful, with awesome wall scenes.
Just a heads-up—luxor valley of the kings tickets only cover 3 tombs by default. Some need an extra ticket.
How to Visit the Valley of the Kings
It’s not far from downtown Luxor. From Luxor to Valley of the Kings, it’s like a 45-minute drive. You can grab a taxi, join a group tour, or book a guide. or go with a private guide and honestly, that helps a lot.
If you’re already doing a day trip, combine it with other west bank sites like Hatshepsut’s temple or the Colossi of Memnon.
Opening Hours, Ticket Prices & Best Time to Go
Here’s what you need to know:
- Valley of the kings luxor Opening hours: Usually 6 AM to 5 PM in winter, 6 AM to 6 PM in summer.
- Entrance fee: As of now, foreigners pay around 750 EGP. That’s the luxor valley of the kings entrance fee for three tombs.
- Extra tickets are needed for big-name tombs like Tutankhamun’s.
- Early morning is best—less heat, fewer crowds, better photos.
What to Expect Inside the Tombs
Walking into a tomb feels weird at first. You go from bright desert heat into these cool, dark hallways carved thousands of years ago. Some paths are sloped. Some are steep. It gets really quiet the deeper you go.
Then you hit the walls—covered in colorful drawings, stars, gods, and scenes of the afterlife. No two tombs look the same.
It’s not scary. It’s just… surreal.
Photography & Visitor Tips
If you’re thinking of snapping photos inside, here’s the catch: you need a photo pass, and it costs extra. Don’t try to sneak one. Guards will call you out.
Other tips:
- No flash allowed—it can mess with the paint.
- Wear sneakers. Some paths are rough.
- Bring water. It’s dry out there.
- Hire a Luxor tourist guide if you want to hear all the cool backstories. Worth it.
- Don’t touch the walls..
Other Nearby Attractions in Luxor
Once you’re done with the valley, don’t miss these:
- Temple of Hatshepsut – built right into the cliffs
- Colossi of Memnon – giant statues you’ll pass on the way
- Deir el-Medina – where the tomb builders lived
- Tombs of the Nobles – smaller, but super detailed
There’s a ton packed into this area. You could spend 2–3 days easily.
Why the Valley of the Kings Is a Must-See in Egypt
The Valley of the Kings in Luxor hits different from other tourist spots. You’re not just looking at stuff—you’re stepping into spaces that ancient people built to last forever.
There’s history, art, mystery—and if you’re into any of that, this place delivers. Whether it’s your first trip to Egypt or your fifth, this is one site that doesn’t get old.
