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Valley of the Kings: Royal Tombs of Ancient Egypt

Explore the royal tombs of pharaohs in Luxor's Valley of the Kings, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a window into ancient Egyptian beliefs.

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The Valley of the Kings, located on Luxor's West Bank, is the final resting place for pharaohs and nobles of the New Kingdom (16th to 11th century BC). Carved into the Theban hills, the valley holds over 60 tombs adorned with intricate artwork and religious texts, offering a glimpse into ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife.

A brief summary to Valley of the Kings, Luxor

  • PJW4+R5, الظهير الصحراوى للقرنة, Luxor Governorate, EG

Local tips

  • Arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the intense heat, especially during the summer months.
  • Purchase tickets for the extra tombs, such as Tutankhamun's or Seti I's, to see some of the most impressive and well-preserved tombs in the valley.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking and climbing in the valley.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are limited facilities inside the Valley of the Kings.
  • Check which tombs are open before your visit, as the selection rotates to help preserve the sites.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Luxor city center or the West Bank ferry terminal, a taxi is the most direct way to reach the Valley of the Kings. A taxi ride from Luxor city center takes approximately 30-45 minutes. Negotiate the fare with the driver before starting the journey; a typical one-way fare ranges from 50 to 100 EGP. Some drivers may offer a half-day or full-day rate for visiting multiple West Bank sites. From the Luxor Airport, a taxi ride to the Valley of the Kings takes about 45 minutes and costs around 340 EGP. Parking is available at the visitor center. From the parking area, a small tram is available for 20 EGP per person (round trip) to take visitors closer to the tomb entrances, reducing the uphill walk.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Valley of the Kings via public transport, first, take a ferry from the East Bank of Luxor to the West Bank. Ferries depart frequently and cost only a few Egyptian pounds. Once on the West Bank, hire a taxi to the Valley of the Kings. This taxi ride should take approximately 15 minutes. Negotiate the taxi fare in advance, with a typical cost between 30 and 50 EGP.

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Discover more about Valley of the Kings, Luxor

Nestled on the West Bank of the Nile near Luxor, the Valley of the Kings served as the royal burial ground for pharaohs and powerful nobles during the New Kingdom period. This desolate valley, also known as the Valley of the Gates of the Kings, was chosen for its isolated location and the pyramid-shaped peak of Al-Qurn, which symbolized rebirth and eternal life. The west side of the Nile was also significant, as the sun setting in the west was associated with death and the afterlife in ancient Egyptian culture. Unlike the pyramids of earlier dynasties, the tombs in the Valley of the Kings were carved into the limestone cliffs to protect them from grave robbers. Despite these efforts, most of the tombs were looted over time. However, the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922, with its treasures largely intact, offered invaluable insight into the opulent burials of the pharaohs. The tombs in the Valley of the Kings vary in size and complexity, with some consisting of simple chambers and others featuring long corridors and multiple rooms. The walls are decorated with vibrant murals and hieroglyphs depicting scenes from the Book of the Dead and other religious texts, intended to guide and protect the pharaohs in their journey to the afterlife. While not all tombs are open to the public, those that are offer a fascinating glimpse into the beliefs and funerary practices of ancient Egypt. The Valley of the Kings is divided into the East and West Valleys. The East Valley contains most of the tombs that are open to visitors, including those of Ramses VII, Ramses IV, and Merenptah. Some tombs, such as those of Tutankhamun and Seti I, require separate tickets due to their significance and preservation needs. Today, the Valley of the Kings, along with Luxor, the Valley of the Queens, and Karnak, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting tourists from around the globe. Ongoing excavations, laser scans, and conservation efforts continue to enhance our understanding of this remarkable site.

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