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Valley of the Kings

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Historical site
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Valley of the Kings (Egypt)

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The Valley of the Kings, situated on the west bank of the Nile opposite Luxor, served as the primary burial site for major royal figures of the Egyptian New Kingdom for nearly 500 years, from approximately 1550 to 1069 BC. This limestone valley contains 63 known tombs and chambers, ranging in size from simple pits to massive complexes with over 120 rooms. These subterranean structures were carved deep into the rock to safeguard the royal mummies and their treasures from tomb robbers. The walls are adorned with elaborate murals and inscriptions depicting Egyptian mythology and funerary rituals intended to guide the deceased through the underworld. The site's most famous discovery occurred in 1922 when Howard Carter unearthed the largely intact tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62). Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, the valley remains a central focus of archaeological research, providing vital data on the religious and artistic traditions of the 18th to 20th Dynasties.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C131620252932333330262015
Rain mm100000000000

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Valley of the Kings is open to visitors; several tombs can be accessed from the main entrance. Most tombs require separate tickets, and a standard pass includes admission to three tombs.
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Typical hours
The site typically opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM during peak season, with reduced hours in winter. Always check current opening times before your visit.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in the valley but strictly prohibited inside the tombs. Using a tripod or flash inside the chambers is not permitted.
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Time needed
Plan for at least two to three hours to see the open tombs and the visitor centre. Those interested in details may need up to half a day.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with the Valley of the Queens, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon on the same West Bank tour. A ferry across the Nile connects the riverbanks.
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Getting there
The valley is located on the West Bank of Luxor, reached by taxi, rental car, or organised tour from the city centre. A ferry across the Nile is an option for independent travellers.
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Insider tip
Visit the valley early in the morning to avoid crowds and the midday heat. Carry plenty of water and wear comfortable shoes for the gravel paths.

Geography

Coordinates
25.74020, 32.60140

Facts

  • The valley contains 63 officially cataloged tombs (KV1 to KV63)
  • Royal burials began around 1500 BC with Pharaoh Thutmose I
  • Tutankhamun's tomb (KV62) was discovered on November 4, 1922
  • Tomb KV5 is the largest, containing over 120 chambers for Ramses II's sons
  • The site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979
  • It is located at the base of the pyramid-shaped mountain peak El-Qurn

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Hatshepsut TempleHatshepsut Temple<1 km · NExplore →
Valley of the QueensValley of the Queens1 km · SWExplore →
Colossi of MemnonColossi of Memnon2 km · NWExplore →
Luxor TempleLuxor Temple6 km · NWExplore →
Karnak Temple ComplexKarnak Temple Complex7 km · NExplore →
QusQus25 km · NEExplore →
Qena Fruit and Vegetable FieldsQena Fruit and Vegetable Fields35 km · EExplore →
Dendera Temple ComplexDendera Temple Complex38 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Valley of the Kings (3)

Valley of the Kings📍 landmark

Hidden within a desolate desert gorge, this famous attraction houses more than sixty subterranean rock-cut tombs of pharaohs, including the legendary burial site of Tutankhamun.

West Valley📍 landmark

Often referred to as the Valley of the Monkeys, this quiet desert attraction contains a smaller number of large royal tombs from the 18th Dynasty.

Temple📍 landmark

This historic attraction showcases towering stone columns and eroded walls adorned with classic Egyptian hieroglyphics.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How many tombs can you visit?
A standard ticket allows you to visit 3 tombs of your choice.
Is Tutankhamun's tomb included?
No, an extra ticket is required for Tutankhamun's tomb.
Is photography allowed inside?
Mobile photos are often free; cameras usually require a photo permit.
How do you get between tombs?
A small electric train (Taftaf) transports visitors to the main area.
What clothing is recommended?
Comfortable shoes and sun protection; it can be very hot inside the tombs.
Valley of the Kings: where is it located?
Valley of the Kings is located in Egypt.
Valley of the Kings: what is there to see?
Highlights include Valley of the Kings, West Valley, Temple.
Valley of the Kings: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.
Valley of the Kings: why is it worth visiting?
The Valley of the Kings, situated on the west bank of the Nile opposite Luxor, served as the primary burial site for major royal figures of the Egyptian New Kingdom for nearly 500 years, from approximately 1550 to 1069 BC.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Luxor — Valley of the Kings (Egypt)
Luxor
Often described as the world's greatest open-air museum, built on ancient Thebes.
Qus — Valley of the Kings (Egypt)
Qus
Once an important trading city in Egypt's Islamic history.
Qena — Valley of the Kings (Egypt)
Qena
A historic city, located close to the ancient temples of Dendera.

More places

Hatshepsut Temple — Valley of the Kings (Egypt)
Hatshepsut Temple
An architectural masterpiece at Deir el-Bahari, built in terraces against the cliff faces.
Valley of the Queens — Valley of the Kings (Egypt)
Valley of the Queens
The place where wives of pharaohs and princes were buried in ancient times.
Ramesseum — Valley of the Kings (Egypt)
Ramesseum
The memorial temple of Pharaoh Ramesses II, situated on the West Bank at Luxor.
Colossi of Memnon — Valley of the Kings (Egypt)
Colossi of Memnon
Two massive stone statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III, which originally stood in front of his ruined mortuary temple.
Luxor Temple — Valley of the Kings (Egypt)
Luxor Temple
A large Ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the east bank of the Nile River in the city today known as Luxor.
Luxor Botanical Garden — Valley of the Kings (Egypt)
Luxor Botanical Garden
Green oasis in the center of Luxor.
Karnak Temple Complex — Valley of the Kings (Egypt)
Karnak Temple Complex
The largest ancient religious complex in the world, dedicated to the god Amun, his wife Mut, and their son Khonsu.
Qena Fruit and Vegetable Fields — Valley of the Kings (Egypt)
Qena Fruit and Vegetable Fields
Production site for regional agricultural products.