Valley of the Kings: Complete Guide For First-Timers
So, you want to visit a sun-baked valley where Egypt’s big cheeses, the Pharaohs, planned their ultimate digs for eternity!? I’ve got you! Forget minimalist chic; we’re talking tombs decked out like celestial palaces! Well, ditch the daydreaming, because we’re off to Egypt’s legendary Valley of the Kings! Here at The Travel Tinker, we’re obsessed with making your trips epic, and this guide is your personal Rosetta Stone to cracking this incredible ancient site. We’ll dish the dirt on getting there, decoding the ticket palaver, and pointing you towards the tombs that’ll have you saying “Wow!” more times than you can count. So, let’s unearth the wonders waiting beneath those Theban hills! 🇪🇬
What is the Valley of the Kings?
What actually is this grand-sounding Valley? Forget your local graveyard; this is the ancient Egyptian equivalent of Hollywood Forever Cemetery, but strictly A-list, specifically for the pharaohs, their families, and top-tier nobles during the New Kingdom (roughly 1550 to 1070 BC). Learning from the “hey thieves, look at my massive pyramid!” approach of their ancestors, these rulers went for sneaky Gringotts-style underground vaults. They tunnelled deep into the limestone cliffs on the Nile’s West Bank, opposite modern Luxor (ancient Thebes), creating mind-bogglingly complex tombs. These weren’t just burial holes; they were eternal homes packed with treasures (most pinched long ago, sadly!) and jaw-dropping artwork intended to navigate the owner safely into the afterlife. It’s basically a giant, real-life history book carved into rock. This Valley of the Kings: Complete Guide is your map! 🗺️
💡 Fun Fact: Over 63 tombs and chambers have been discovered here so far! They’re numbered KV (Kings’ Valley) or WV (West Valley) in order of discovery. KV1 belongs to Ramesses VII, while the famous KV62 is Tutankhamun’s.
How to Get to the Valley of the Kings
Getting to this VIP resting place is pretty straightforward, thankfully! It sits proudly on the West Bank of the Nile, looking across at the buzz of Luxor city. You’ve got a couple of main choices:
On a Tour
Probably the easiest, most popular route (we chose this option), especially if it’s your first time wrestling with Luxor’s wonders. Loads of companies offer West Bank tours (half-day or full-day), usually lumping the Valley in with the stunning Temple of Hatshepsut and the hefty Colossi of Memnon.
Pros: Zero hassle (they pick you up!), often includes a guide bursting with facts, logistics = sorted. Brainpower saved for tomb-gazing! 👍
Cons: Can feel like a bit of a whirlwind tour, you stick to their timetable, might be crammed in with a big group. Less “me time” in your favourite tomb.
Recommended Tour:
By Taxi
Fancy being the captain of your own ship (or rather, taxi)? Flag one down in Luxor. The key is to negotiate the price for the return trip plus waiting time BEFORE you set off. Haggling is part of the fun, but keep it friendly! 🚕
Pros: You’re the boss! Set your own pace, linger where you fancy. Can be cheaper if you’re splitting the fare with mates.
Cons: Requires your best bartering skills! You’ll need to sort your own entry tickets and site navigation (unless you hire a guide there). Make crystal clear the driver needs to wait.
🔹 Pro Tip: For a cheaper taxi, take the local ferry (€0.25 approx!) across the Nile from Luxor’s East Bank to the West Bank first, then negotiate with the taxis waiting there. They often charge less than those starting from the tourist-heavy East Bank hotels.
Related Articles (For later, keep going!):
How to Get Around the Valley of the Kings
Once you’re through the gates (ticket shenanigans covered next!), you’ll see the tombs dotted across the valley. Maps make it look tiny, but under that Egyptian sun? Trust me, distances stretch! 🥵
On Foot: Totally doable if you’ve got comfy shoes and boundless energy. It gives you that Indiana Jones freedom to wander. Just remember: water, hat, water, shade breaks, and did I mention water? 💧
Taf-Taf: Your little electric chariot awaits! These golf-buggy-train things whisk you from the visitor centre area up towards the main cluster of tombs. Costs a tiny bit extra (grab the ticket near the entrance), but honestly, it’s often the best couple of quid you’ll spend all day, especially heading back uphill! 🚃
Which Tombs are Open in the Valley of the Kings?
Ah, the million-dollar question! With over 60 tombs discovered, you’d think it’s an all-you-can-see buffet, right? Wrong! To protect these ancient masterpieces from us sweaty tourists, the powers-that-be operate a rotation system. 😮
Normally, your standard entry ticket gets you into three tombs from a list of about 8-10 open on that day. This list changes, so don’t bank on seeing the exact same tombs your mate saw last year.
Check the Board: There’s usually a sign near the ticket office or entrance telling you which tombs are included in the general ticket that day. Take a snap with your phone! 📸
The Big Guns: Some tombs, the celebs like Tutankhamun (KV62), the magnificent Seti I (KV17), and the dazzling Ramesses V/VI (KV9) – need separate, extra tickets. These cost more, so decide if they’re on your must-see list.
🔹 Pro Tip: Don’t be gutted if a specific tomb you researched isn’t on the general list. Honestly, pretty much any tomb you can enter is mind-blowingly cool. You really can’t lose!
More Guides to Egypt, sure!
Recommended Tickets for the Valley of the Kings
How Much Does It Cost to Visit the Valley of the Kings?
Right, let’s talk spondulicks! 💰 Visiting Tut ‘n’ pals involves a few potential costs. Prices do change (sometimes overnight, it feels!), so always check the latest official info from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities or recent, reliable travel blogs. But here’s a rough idea:
Entrance Ticket
Your basic key to the kingdom! Gets you into the Valley site itself and allows entry into three tombs from the ‘open for general access’ list on the day.
Approximate Cost: Expect around £9 / €11 / $12 / 600 EGP (Egyptian Pounds) for foreign adults. Students with valid international ID usually get a decent discount.
Tram Ticket
That handy little taf-taf shuttle. 🚃
Approximate Cost: Peanuts, really. Maybe 20-30 EGP for the return journey. Worth every piastre when your feet are screaming.
Tickets for the Extra Tombs
Want to see the A-listers? You’ll need to buy separate tickets for these at the main ticket office. Pick and choose based on your budget and interests.
Tutankhamun (KV62): Often around £8 / €10 / $11 / 500 EGP. It’s the Tutankhamun! The tomb’s small and less decorated (he died young, bless him), but seeing his mummy and the place history was made? Chills! Most treasures are now in Cairo’s Egyptian Museum, though.
Ramesses V/VI (KV9): Usually around 180 EGP. If you splurge on one extra, make it this one! The astronomical ceiling in the burial chamber is just… wow. Colours are still popping! ✨
Seti I (KV17): The big daddy. Often the priciest, maybe £28.50 / €33.60 / $36.00 / 1800 EGP. Considered one of the most stunning tombs ever found, long, deep, with incredibly detailed reliefs. Access can be restricted sometimes, so check if it’s open before dreaming too big (or splashing the cash!).
Luxor Pass
Planning a Luxor site-seeing marathon? 🏃♀️ The Luxor Pass might be your jam. The Premium version covers nearly all the ancient sites on both banks over 5 days, including the extra tombs of Seti I and the stunning Nefertari tomb in the Valley of the Queens.
Approximate Cost: Around 250 USD, depending on the type. It’s a hefty upfront cost, but do the maths – if you plan on seeing everything (especially those pricey extra tombs), it can be a money-saver.
- $250 USD to EGP: ~12,500 EGP
- $250 USD to GBP (£): ~£195.00
- $250 USD to EUR (€): ~€225.00
Photography Pass
Want proper snaps inside with your fancy camera? 📸 Good news! Taking photos with your phone (NO FLASH EVER!) is often now included with the standard ticket. However, using a bigger camera (DSLR etc.) or a tripod might still require a separate photography pass, which can be pricey (around 300 EGP perhaps?). Flash is the ultimate enemy of the ancient paintwork and is strictly banned. Always, always double-check the current rules at the entrance.
💡 Fun Fact: The ancient Egyptians believed the West Bank of the Nile, where the sun sets, was the land of the dead, which is why they built their tombs and funerary temples there. The East Bank, where the sun rises, was the land of the living, home to cities and temples for worship.
Disclaimer: Prices are estimates based on recent info but can change faster than a Pharaoh’s chariot! Always verify.
Best Tombs to Visit in the Valley of the Kings
With potentially only three picks from your standard ticket, plus any extras you fancy, how do you choose? It’s like picking favourite chocolates – tough! But here are some crowd-pleasers:
Often Included in Standard Ticket (check that day’s list!):
KV2 – Ramesses IV: A great intro! Not too deep, but boom! Vibrant colours hit you right away near the entrance. Check out the amazing astronomical ceilings. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
KV6 – Ramesses IX: Proper tomb vibes here with wide corridors. Features cool scenes from the Book of the Dead and other spooky funerary texts. Gives you a good sense of the layout.
KV11 – Ramesses III (Also known as Bruce’s Tomb / Harper’s Tomb): One of the longest and most intriguing on the standard list. Famous for unique side chambers showing bakers, brewers, and butchers – a slice of ancient life! Plus, the paintings of blind harpists are hauntingly beautiful. A section deep inside collapsed ages ago, so you might not see the very end.
KV8 – Merenptah: Home to a mahoosive sarcophagus (lid’s gone walkabout!). Impressive carvings, though shows signs of ancient flood damage – a reminder of the challenges these tombs face.
Worth the Extra Dough 💸:
KV9 – Ramesses V/VI: Seriously, if you pay extra for just one, make it this guy. The burial chamber ceiling showing the sky goddess Nut swallowing the sun? Chef’s kiss! 🤌 The detail and colour throughout are just phenomenal. Worth its weight in tourist tat.
KV62 – Tutankhamun: It’s King Tut! Yes, it’s smaller and less decorated than others (he popped his clogs unexpectedly early). But the sheer buzz of being in that tomb, where Carter made history, and seeing the boy king’s mummy? Goosebumps! Manage your expectations decoration-wise, but soak up the historical significance.
KV17 – Seti I (Belzoni’s Tomb): If your wallet can take the hit and it’s open, this is the connoisseur’s choice. The artistry is next level – super fine reliefs, subtle colours (where preserved), and it goes on forever (well, nearly!). It’s a proper deep dive into Pharaonic art.
🔹 Pro Tip: Don’t be shy! Politely ask the official tomb guardians (the chaps hanging around near the entrances) which of the standard tombs they think look best that day. They often have great insights into which ones are less crowded or particularly well-lit. A friendly “Sabah el kheir” (Good morning) goes a long way!
The Tomb of Ay in the West Valley
Feeling adventurous? Want to escape the main hustle? There’s a lesser-known neighbour: the West Valley(Wadi el-Gharbi). It’s quieter, more remote, and home to the intriguing Tomb of Ay (WV23).
Ay followed Tutankhamun onto the throne (bit of a murky story there!). His tomb is different, smaller than many royal ones, but has some truly unique and charming artwork. The highlight? A wall covered in cheeky-looking baboons! 🐒
Getting There: This usually needs a bit more planning, a dedicated taxi trip or finding a tour that specifically includes it. It’s separate from the main Valley entrance and ticketing. Check its status before you commit.
Why Bother? Far fewer people, a different artistic style, and that smug feeling of exploring somewhere slightly off the tourist conveyor belt. One for the completionists!
Do You Need a Guide?
Ah, the eternal question! Guide or no guide? 🤔
Official Guides: You can hire licensed Egyptologist guides at the entrance, or your hotel/tour operator can sort one.
Pros: They unlock the secrets! They explain the complex gods, decode the hieroglyphs, point out details you’d miss. Invaluable for depth. Worth their weight in gold (almost!).
Cons: Costs extra, you move as a group.
Guidebooks/Audio Guides: A brilliant compromise. A cracking guidebook (the one by Kent Weeks is legendary) or a downloaded audio tour lets you explore solo but still get the scoop. 📚🎧
Pros: Cheaper, flexible, go at your own speed.
Cons: Requires you to do the reading/listening. Less chance for spontaneous questions.
Flying Solo: Totally fine if you just want to marvel at the sheer scale and beauty. The visuals alone are stunning, even if you don’t know your Anubis from your Osiris. Info panels exist but can be hit-and-miss.
Our Take? For your first visit, splashing out on a good guide (human or book!) really ramps up the “wow” factor. If you’re watching the pennies or just prefer wandering, that’s cool too, the tombs’ atmosphere speaks for itself!
What to Expect on Your Visit
Right, brace yourselves – visiting the Valley is a full-on sensory fiesta! 🎉
The Heat: It’s Egypt. It gets properly hot, especially midday and peak summer. The valley floor acts like a giant mirror, bouncing that sun right back at you. Tombs = shade, but can be stuffy. ☀️🥵
The Dust: It’s a desert valley. Fine dust gets everywhere. Sensible shoes are non-negotiable. Think functional, not fashionable.
The Crowds: This place is world-famous for a reason. Expect queues, especially at the big-name tombs. Patience is a virtue! Tour groups descend mid-morning like clockwork.
The Steps: Pharaohs liked digging down! Most tombs involve ramps or staircases, sometimes steep ones. Not ideal if you struggle with mobility, sadly.
The “Phwoar!” Factor: Prepare for genuine jaw-on-the-floor moments. Stepping into a 3,000-year-old space, painted floor-to-ceiling with gods, goddesses, and tales of the afterlife? It’s pure, unadulterated magic. ✨🤩
Security: You’ll go through airport-style security at the main entrance. Belts off, bags scanned.
Photo Rules Recap: Phone pics (NO FLASH!) generally okay now, but double-check signs. Fancy camera? Probably need that pass. Guardians will tell you off for using flash – they’re protecting priceless heritage!
How Long Does It Take to Visit the Valley of the Kings?
Don’t try and squeeze this in between breakfast and lunch! You need time. Factor in:
- Getting there and back from Luxor.
- Queueing for tickets (can be long!).
- Getting around inside (walk or taf-taf).
- Time inside each tomb (allow 15-30 mins each to really soak it in).
Absolute Minimum: Give it 3-4 hours for a whirlwind tour (seeing your 3 standard tombs, maybe one extra if you dash).
Comfy Pace: A half-day (4-5 hours) is much better. Lets you breathe, have a drink break, see your tombs without rushing, maybe add an extra. Much more civilised!
History Buff Heaven: You could easily spend longer if you’re properly geeking out, hitting multiple extra tombs, maybe even tackling the West Valley.
What to know How to Plan or Save for a Trip? Here are our best:
Best Time to Visit the Valley of the Kings
Timing can make or break your Valley experience. Nobody likes exploring ancient wonders while feeling like a melting ice lolly! 🍦
Best Season: Hands down, winter (October to April). The weather is gorgeous – sunny but not scorching (though midday can still pack a punch). Exploring is just nicer. Summer (June-August)? Only if you enjoy resembling a cooked lobster. 🦞
Best Time of Day: Be an early bird! 🦉 Seriously, aim to get there the moment it opens (usually around 6 am). You’ll dodge the worst heat and the tour bus invasion. The light’s lovely too. By 11 am, it’s often heaving and hot. Late afternoon is quieter again, but still warm, and you might feel rushed before closing time.
🔹 Pro Tip: A classic West Bank strategy: Hit the Valley of the Kings first thing (early!), then maybe move on to the breezier, more open Temple of Hatshepsut nearby before grabbing lunch or heading back across the Nile.
Practical Tips
Your survival kit for conquering the Valley like a pro:
Water, Water Everywhere: Bring loads. Drink constantly, even if you don’t feel thirsty. You can buy it there, but it’s pricier. Dehydration = no fun. 💧💧💧
Sun Armour: Wide hat, sunglasses, factor 50+ sunscreen. Slap it on! Dress smart: light, loose, breathable clothes (linen/cotton are your friends). Covering shoulders and knees is respectful and stops you getting frazzled.
Happy Feet: Comfy trainers or sturdy walking sandals ONLY. You’ll walk loads, tackle steps, maybe some uneven ground. No flip-flops, no heels (obviously!). 👟
Cash is King: Bring enough Egyptian Pounds (EGP) for tickets, taf-taf, water, tips (small baksheesh for loo attendants etc. is normal), maybe a souvenir scarab beetle. Cards might work at the main ticket office, but don’t rely on it for everything. 💵
Camera Ready: Check photo rules! Phone charged? Power bank maybe? You’ll want pics (where allowed!).
Respect the Ancients: These are sacred burial sites, folks. DO NOT TOUCH the painted walls or carvings. Skin oils cause irreversible damage over time. Keep voices low inside tombs. Take your litter home. Simple! 🙏
Check Before You Go: Opening times, ticket prices, which tombs are open – this info can change. The official Ministry website or asking at your hotel is wise.
Chill Winston! Things might not go perfectly to plan. It might be hotter/busier than expected. A tomb might be closed. Take a deep breath, go with the flow, and just marvel at where you are! It’s AMAZING!
That’s your essential toolkit for tackling the magnificent Valley of the Kings. This place isn’t just a load of old holes in the ground; it’s a portal to a dazzlingly different world, a world of god-kings, intricate beliefs, and artistry that defies time. From that first hit of dry desert air to the moment you step down into the cool, painted silence of a pharaoh’s eternal home, it’s properly goosebump-inducing stuff. Sure, it might involve some heat, crowds, and careful budgeting, but the sheer wonder of standing where Tutankhamun rested, surrounded by scenes painted 3,500 years ago? Absolutely priceless. I couldn’t believe it myself, prepare to have your mind blown by the secrets the pharaohs left behind. You won’t regret it! ✨
Your turn…
Right then, your turn! Have you explored the Valley of the Kings? Which tomb blew your socks off? Got any top tips we missed? Share your stories, photos (if you took ’em!), or questions in the comments below – let’s get the travel chat flowing! 👇🗣️
Adventure on,
The Travel Tinker Crew 🌍✨
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Your Burning Questions Answered (Probably!) Faqs
Can I really take photos inside the tombs now?
Generally, yes – with your phone and absolutely NO FLASH. Using flash is a massive no-no and damages the paint. For bigger cameras (DSLRs etc.), you probably still need to buy that separate photography pass. Always look for signs at the main entrance and each tomb entrance, as rules can be tweaked.
Will I feel claustrophobic in the tombs?
Some tombs do have long, sloping corridors going deep underground, which might feel a bit tight if you dislike enclosed spaces. But many also open into large, high-ceilinged chambers. Maybe try a more ‘open’ feeling one like KV6 (Ramesses IX) first? Most visitors are absolutely fine, too distracted by the awesomeness!
Are all 63 tombs open to visit?
Nope, not even close! To preserve them, only about 8-12 are open at any one time, and your standard ticket gets you into three from that day’s list. The super famous ones (Tut, Seti I, Ramesses V/VI) nearly always need an extra ticket bought separately.
Is the Valley of the Kings okay for kids?
Definitely! It can spark imaginations like crazy (mummies! hieroglyphs! treasure!). Older kids often love it. However, factor in the heat, the walking, the stairs, and the need to be quiet and not touch things inside tombs – might be tough for toddlers or very young children. You know your kids best!
What's the dress code for the Valley of the Kings?
Think comfy, cool, and respectful. Lightweight, loose clothing is key (cotton/linen). Covering shoulders and knees is recommended (both for sun protection and cultural respect). So, t-shirts/blouses with long shorts, capris, trousers, or skirts work well. Absolutely essential: comfy walking shoes, a hat, and sunglasses!
Travel Planning Resources
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Nick Harvey
Hi, I am Nick! Thank you for reading! I created The Travel Tinker as a resource designed to help you navigate the beauty of travel, allowing you to tinker your own travels! Let's explore!
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