Valley of the Kings
Luxor West Bank
The Valley of the Kings is the New Kingdom royal necropolis on Luxor’s West Bank, with more than sixty known tombs cut into the desert cliffs for pharaohs and elite figures.
Historical Overview
The Valley of the Kings served as the principal royal burial ground of New Kingdom Egypt, especially during the Eighteenth, Nineteenth and Twentieth Dynasties. The valley lies west of the Nile opposite ancient Thebes and contains more than sixty tombs, plus a number of unfinished excavations. Its western setting had strong funerary meaning in ancient Egyptian religion because the setting sun was associated with death and rebirth. The dramatic pyramid-shaped peak above the valley also carried symbolic significance. Royal tombs were cut underground rather than built as visible pyramids, partly to create a more secluded burial landscape, although many were still robbed in antiquity. The East Valley contains most of the tombs normally visited today. A general ticket covers the archaeological area and a rotating selection of standard tombs, while famous premium tombs such as Tutankhamun or Seti I require separate tickets when open.
Why Visit?
This is one of Egypt’s essential archaeological experiences: a concentrated landscape of royal tomb architecture, painted funerary texts and New Kingdom history that cannot be understood from museum objects alone.
What to See
- Three standard tombs included with the general ticket
- Premium tombs if separately ticketed
- Natural pyramid-shaped Theban peak landscape
Getting There
Destination / الوجهة
وادي الملوك
Point to this and ask them to take you there
من فضلك وديني وادي الملوك
Media Gallery
Valley of the Kings
Good to Know
Best Combined With
Make the most of your visit by combining this with:Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut,Colossi of Memnon
Inside this Location
This area includes:
East Valley of the Kings,West Valley of the Kings
Important Warnings
- heat: High heat and sun exposure for much of the year; start early, carry water and use sun protection.
- data status: PARTIALLY_DOCUMENTED
Opening Hours
Ticket Prices
Audience & Conditions
Ideal For:
Plan Your Visit
- Duration: 150 - 240 mins
- Best Time: EARLY_MORNING