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Valley of the Kings: The Pharaohs' Necropolis

Explore the ancient tombs of pharaohs in Luxor's Valley of the Kings, a journey into Egyptian history and mythology.

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Explore the Valley of the Kings, the final resting place of New Kingdom pharaohs like Tutankhamun, near Luxor. Discover elaborately decorated tombs and learn about ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife.

A brief summary to Valley of the Kings

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets in advance to avoid queues, especially during peak season.
  • Prioritize tombs based on your interests, with Tutankhamun's tomb being a popular choice.
  • Visit early or later in the day to avoid crowds and the midday heat.
  • Wear modest, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes for walking in the heat.
  • Bring cash in Egyptian pounds for snacks, drinks, and tips.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Luxor, hire a taxi to the Valley of the Kings. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes, crossing the Luxor Bridge south of the city. Negotiate the fare beforehand; a half-day hire typically costs around 400 EGP. Taxis can also be hired from the West Bank ferry terminal. There is parking available at the visitor center.

  • Public Transport

    Take a public ferry from the East Bank in Luxor to the West Bank (5 EGP). From the ferry terminal, hire a taxi to the Valley of the Kings. Alternatively, some buses go to the West Bank. Once at the Valley of the Kings visitor center, a small tourist train (tram) transports visitors to the tombs for 20 EGP.

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Discover more about Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings, also known as the Valley of the Gates of the Kings, is a royal burial ground for pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom (1539-1075 BC). For nearly 500 years, rock-cut tombs were excavated in this area. Located on the west bank of the Nile River, opposite Thebes (modern-day Luxor), it lies within the heart of the Theban Necropolis. The valley is divided into two main sections: the East Valley, where the majority of the royal tombs are situated, and the West Valley, also known as the Valley of the Monkeys. With the discovery of new chambers and tomb entrances, the Valley of the Kings is known to contain 65 tombs and chambers. These tombs vary in size from simple pits to complex structures with over 120 chambers, like the tomb of Ramesses II's sons. The royal tombs are adorned with scenes from Egyptian mythology, providing insights into the funerary practices and afterlife beliefs of the time. Despite its name, the Valley of the Kings also houses the tombs of nobles, wives, and children of both nobles and pharaohs. Although treasures have been looted over time, the intricate reliefs and paintings remain, offering a glimpse into ancient Egypt's magic. Today, the Valley of the Kings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major archaeological site that continues to stimulate research and interest.

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