The Valley of the Kings is the reason many travelers come to Luxor. Hidden in the desert hills of the West Bank, this royal burial ground holds the painted tombs of New Kingdom pharaohs, including the world-famous tomb of Tutankhamun. A little planning makes the difference between a rushed, sweaty visit and one you will remember for years.
What Is the Valley of the Kings?
For roughly 500 years, Egypt’s pharaohs chose this quiet valley across the Nile from ancient Thebes as their final resting place. Their tombs were cut deep into the limestone and decorated with scenes from the afterlife, in colors that still look astonishingly fresh. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited places in Egypt.
Opening Hours
The Valley of the Kings opens daily at 6:00 am. According to the official Egyptian monuments website, the last entry is at 5:00 pm in summer and 4:00 pm in winter and during Ramadan. Hours can change, so check the official listing before you go.
Tickets: What to Know Before You Buy
The standard ticket for foreign adults was listed at EGP 750 (EGP 375 for students) at the time of writing, and it lets you enter three tombs from the ones open that day. A few of the most famous tombs, such as Tutankhamun’s, need a separate ticket bought at the site. There is also a small extra fee for the tram that carries visitors from the entrance to the tombs. Prices change from time to time, so treat these figures as a guide and confirm on the day.
Only a limited number of tombs are open at any one time, because the authorities rotate them to protect the paintings. The list posted at the entrance is the one that counts.
How to Choose Your Three Tombs
- Pick a mix. Choose one tomb with vivid, well-preserved wall paintings, one with a long descending corridor, and one that is simply different in style.
- Ask your guide or the staff. Tomb availability changes, and the people at the gate know which ones are open and least crowded.
- Consider one extra ticket. If Tutankhamun’s tomb is on your wish list, budget for the add-on. Many visitors also find it worth paying extra for one of the larger royal tombs.
Best Time to Visit
Go early. The valley opens at 6:00 am, and the busiest period is generally mid-morning to early afternoon when tour groups arrive. In summer the heat inside the valley is intense, so an opening-time visit is almost essential. If you are deciding when to travel, read our guide to the best time to visit Luxor.
Practical Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, a hat and sunscreen, and bring water.
- Carry some cash for tickets, small tips and drinks.
- Photography rules vary, so ask before you take out a camera inside a tomb. The official site notes that mobile phone photography is free of charge.
- Allow two to three hours for the valley itself.
- Combine your visit with other West Bank sites. See our West Bank day trip guide for ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you need at the Valley of the Kings?
Most visitors spend two to three hours, enough time to see three tombs and the surroundings without rushing.
Is it worth going with a guide?
A guide helps you understand the paintings and hieroglyphs, which makes the tombs far more meaningful. Many travelers combine the valley with other West Bank sites on a guided day.
Can you visit the Valley of the Kings independently?
Yes. You can buy tickets at the site and arrange your own transport across the river. Our concierge team can help you plan the day.
Stay on the East Bank of the Nile
King Tut Hotel is on the East Bank of the Nile in Luxor, with comfortable rooms and a restaurant and bar to come back to after a long day of sightseeing. Browse our rooms or check availability and book directly.
