Visiting the Valley of the Kings: A Practical Guide

Hidden in the desert hills on Luxor's West Bank, the Valley of the Kings was the burial ground of Egypt's New Kingdom pharaohs for nearly 500 years. More than 60 tombs have been found here, decorated with some of the most vivid paintings to survive from the ancient world. Here is how to make the most of your visit.

How Tickets Work

The standard ticket lets you enter a set number of the tombs that are open that day, usually three. A few of the most famous tombs, such as Tutankhamun's, need a separate ticket bought at the entrance. Which tombs are open changes through the year to protect the paintings, so ask your guide or check at the ticket office on the day.

Which Tombs to Choose

Ramesses IV: a long, bright corridor with well-preserved ceiling paintings, and usually one of the easiest to visit.

Ramesses IX: rich colors and scenes from the Book of the Dead, close to the entrance.

Merenptah: a deep tomb with a huge granite sarcophagus lid at the bottom.

Tutankhamun (extra ticket): small and simple compared to the others, but it still holds the young king's mummy and a beautifully painted burial chamber.

Best Time to Visit

Arrive right at opening time. The valley traps the heat, and by late morning it is both hot and crowded. In summer, an early start is essential. Allow two to three hours for the valley itself.

Combine It With the West Bank

Most visitors pair the valley with the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon in the same morning. If you have more time, add the Valley of the Queens or the workers' village at Deir el-Medina, where the tomb painters lived. A sunrise hot-air balloon ride over the West Bank is a memorable way to start the day.

Practical Tips

Wear comfortable shoes, bring water and sun protection, and carry small notes for tips. Photography rules inside the tombs change from time to time, so check before you go. A licensed Egyptologist guide is the best way to understand what you are seeing, as guides are not allowed to speak inside the tombs and explain everything beforehand.