VValley of the Kings Egypt - the greatest royal necropolis in the history of humankind. 63 tombs officially catalogued (KV1 through KV63), with frescoes 3,200 years old that still glow with color. It is here, beneath the arid cliffs of the west bank of Luxor, that Tutankhamun, Ramesses VI, Seti I, Thutmose III, and the entire great dynasty of the New Kingdom (1550-1069 BC) lie at rest. For the American traveler, this is unquestionably the high point of a trip to Egypt - and it is also the site that 80% of tourists prepare for the worst.
Our SEV team organizes private tours of the Valley of the Kings out of Luxor with an English-speaking Egyptologist, hotel transfers, and an optimized choice of tombs to avoid the crowds. Request your quote.
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What is the Valley of the Kings in Egypt?
The Valley of the Kings is ancient Egypt's great royal necropolis, cut into the cliffs on the west bank of the Nile, directly across from Luxor (ancient Thebes) in Upper Egypt. It holds 63 catalogued tombs (KV1 through KV63) where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom were buried between 1550 and 1077 BC. The most famous is Tutankhamun's, found intact by Howard Carter in 1922.
Valley of the Kings in Egypt: the key facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Where is it? | West bank of the Nile, across from Luxor (ancient Thebes), Upper Egypt |
| How many tombs? | 63 catalogued tombs (KV1 through KV63) |
| Which era? | New Kingdom, 1550 to 1077 BC |
| Pharaohs buried here? | Tutankhamun, Seti I, Ramesses VI, Thutmose III and more |
| Major discovery | Tutankhamun's tomb (KV62), Howard Carter, 1922 |
| Status | UNESCO World Heritage Site |
Plan your trip:
The Valley of the Kings - the historical context in 5 minutes
The Valley of the Kings (Wadi al-Muluk in Arabic) is a desert valley about 0.6 miles long and 650 feet wide, set on the west bank of the Nile across from Luxor (Thebes), sheltered by a natural pyramid-shaped mountain - el-Qurn. The pharaohs of the New Kingdom had their tombs cut into this valley over 500 years, from Thutmose I (1493 BC) to Ramesses XI (1069 BC), abandoning the visible pyramids of the Old Kingdom in favor of hidden burials.
The idea was simple and radical - by building pyramids at Giza, the pharaohs announced to grave robbers exactly where to find their treasures. The Valley of the Kings reverses that logic - tombs hidden in the rock, a secret access guarded by sentries (the Medjay), sealed doorways. Despite these precautions, nearly every tomb was looted in antiquity - only Tutankhamun's (discovered on November 26, 1922 by Howard Carter) was found almost intact. That tells you the extraordinary historical value of what is held in the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir and the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).
63 tombs have been officially identified (numbered KV1 to KV63), of which about twenty are open to visitors on a rotating basis to protect the paintings from the moisture of visitors' breath. Three or four are accessible with the standard ticket; the others require supplements. This is where the savvy traveler's smart decision comes into play.
How to get to the Valley of the Kings from Luxor in 2026
The Valley of the Kings sits about 5.5 miles from the west-bank landing at Luxor and 7.5 miles from the east bank where most hotels are located. Allow 25-35 minutes of driving time from your hotel.
Option 1 - With an SEV excursion (recommended) - private air-conditioned vehicle, door-to-door transfer from your east-bank hotel, crossing the Nile on the Luxor Bridge (1980), arrival at the Valley parking lot 30 minutes later. Included in the package.
Option 2 - Private taxi - from your east-bank hotel, figure 600-900 EGP ($13-19) round trip with a 4-5 hour wait. Negotiate the fare before you set off.
Option 3 - Public ferry + west-bank taxi - east-bank-to-west-bank ferry (5 EGP, 10 minutes), then a taxi from the landing to the Valley of the Kings (200-300 EGP round trip). A budget solution, but disorganized and slow.
On site, from the Valley entrance, a small electric tram (fare included in the ticket) takes you to the heart of the site - roughly 2,000 feet. Expect about 0.6 miles of walking in total over the day to see 4-5 different tombs.
The tombs included in the base 2026 ticket
The standard 2026 entry ticket (750 EGP, about $16) gives you access to 3 tombs of your choice from those open on the day of your visit. The list of open tombs rotates weekly to protect the paintings. Here are the possible choices according to the 2026 rotation.
- KV2 - Ramesses IV - a short tomb, with exceptional astronomical paintings on the ceiling and the pink sarcophagus still in place. Ideal for understanding the typical layout of a royal tomb.
- KV6 - Ramesses IX - an accessible tomb, a long hypogeum, with reliefs of average quality but well preserved. Often less crowded.
- KV8 - Merenptah - a spectacular tomb, with a giant red-stone sarcophagus topped by an anthropomorphic lid. An impressive descent.
- KV11 - Ramesses III - a long royal tomb, with colorful reliefs in good condition and scenes from the Litany of Ra.
- KV14 - Tausret and Setnakht - one of the largest tombs, with a rare double burial. Paintings of the solar barque.
- KV15 - Seti II - an unfinished tomb but with interesting paintings.
- KV34 - Thutmose III - an oblong tomb, with a star-studded ceiling and an impressive vertical staircase. One of the oldest accessible royal tombs.
- KV43 - Thutmose IV - sarcophagus still in place, a deep tomb.
- KV47 - Siptah - a rarely visited royal tomb, quiet, with vivid colors on the walls.
Our expert advice - choose one Ramesside tomb (KV2, KV6 or KV11) + one Thutmoside tomb (KV34 or KV43) + one lesser-known tomb (KV47 or KV15). This mix gives you 3 different atmospheres and keeps the lines short.
The 3 premium tombs that require a supplement
Three tombs outside the standard ticket require an extra ticket but are well worth the cost for serious enthusiasts.
Practical tip - if you could only choose one supplement, take KV9 Ramesses VI. For 180 EGP ($3.80), you see the most beautiful paintings in the whole Valley. KV62 Tutankhamun is expensive (360 EGP) for what is in reality a modest tomb - its extraordinary historical value (intact) makes up for the plainness of its decoration.
KV62 Tutankhamun - is it really worth paying 360 EGP more?
The question comes up in every conversation with our clients. The honest answer - yes, but for the emotional value, not the artistic quality.
What you actually see - a small tomb of only 4 chambers (the other royal tombs have 8-12), paintings executed in haste (the pharaoh died at 19, unexpectedly, and the tomb was finished in 70 days), a yellow quartzite sarcophagus in the burial chamber, and above all - the mummy of Tutankhamun itself, still on display in a climate-controlled case. The outer (gilded-wood) coffin and the treasures are in the Egyptian Museum and at the GEM, no longer in Luxor.
Why you should go anyway - it is the only royal tomb from ancient Egypt found nearly intact. He is the most publicized pharaoh in history. You are standing in the exact spot where Howard Carter spoke his now-legendary line - "Yes, wonderful things". For travelers on a cultural pilgrimage, it is non-negotiable.
Why you can skip it - if you are tight on time or budget, KV9 Ramesses VI (180 EGP) gives you more for half the price. And the contents of KV62 are displayed at the GEM in Cairo in a world-class setting.
Valley of the Kings 2026 prices and the ticket system
Payment in EGP only at the booth (cash or bank card for the standard ticket, cash only for the supplements). With an SEV excursion, all tickets are handled by your guide.
When to visit to avoid the heat and the crowds
The Valley of the Kings is one of the hottest sites in Egypt - a shadeless desert basin where the limestone reflects the sun. The temperature in the heart of the valley can climb 11 to 18°F above central Luxor.
- October to March (the ideal season) - Luxor 64-82°F by day. Visit at any hour. Prefer the 6am-9am opening for calm.
- April to May and September - Luxor 86-100°F. Visit 6am-10am only. Avoid the afternoon.
- June to August - sweltering (104-115°F). A visit at the 6am-9am opening is essential. Many groups cancel during this season.
To avoid the crowds, aim for the 6:00am opening - the cruise groups typically arrive at 8am-9am from their ships moored at Luxor. Between 6am and 8am, the tombs are nearly deserted. SEV consistently schedules its Valley tours for first thing in the morning.
Valley of the Queens and other nearby necropolises
The west bank of Luxor has 4 neighboring necropolises, all accessible in the same day for motivated travelers.
- Valley of the Queens - 2.5 miles south of the Valley of the Kings. 80 tombs, including QV66 Nefertari (principal wife of Ramesses II), considered the most beautiful painted tomb in Egypt. Standard ticket 220 EGP. Nefertari supplement 2,500 EGP (~$52) - expensive but a once-in-a-lifetime sight.
- Temple of Hatshepsut (Deir el-Bahari) - the terraced temple of the great female pharaoh, with unique architecture. Ticket 360 EGP.
- Tombs of the Nobles (Sheikh Abd el-Qurna) - tombs of viziers and high officials, with scenes of daily life. Several groups of 2-3 tombs, ticket 100 EGP each.
- Medinet Habu - the mortuary temple of Ramesses III, the most complete in Egypt. Ticket 300 EGP. Our architectural favorite on the west bank.
A full-day itinerary on Luxor's west bank
Here is our most requested itinerary to make the most of a full day on Luxor's west bank.
- 5:30am - Wake-up and hotel departure. Private air-conditioned transfer to the west bank.
- 6:00am - Valley of the Kings. 2h30 on site - KV2 + KV9 Ramesses VI + KV34 Thutmose III + the KV62 Tutankhamun supplement. Picnic breakfast at 8am.
- 8:30am - Temple of Hatshepsut. 1h on site, transfers included.
- 10:00am - Colossi of Memnon. A 15-minute photo stop, with a historical explanation.
- 10:30am - Medinet Habu. 1h30 on site, the best-preserved temple in Egypt.
- 12:30pm - Traditional lunch in a Nubian restaurant at Gourna, or return to the east bank.
- 2:30pm - Optional Valley of the Queens or a return to the hotel to rest.
- 5:00pm - Karnak (east bank) - a visit to the great Temple of Amun at the end of the day, in golden light.
- 7:00pm - Karnak Sound and Light show in English (on Wednesdays and Saturdays).
Estimated cost of a full day on Luxor's west bank + Karnak in an SEV private package (transfers + Valley entries + KV62 + Hatshepsut + Memnon + Medinet Habu + Karnak + lunch + English-speaking Egyptologist guide) - from $155 per person for 2 people, from $115 per person for 4 people. Cairo-Luxor flight not included.
Get a quote for a Luxor west-bank day →
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about the Valley of the Kings
How much does the Valley of the Kings ticket cost in 2026?
The standard foreign-adult ticket costs 750 EGP (about $16) in 2026 and gives access to 3 tombs of your choice from those open on the day. ISIC students and children 6-12 pay half price (380 EGP). The premium tombs (Tutankhamun, Ramesses VI, Seti I) require a separate supplement.
Which tombs are included in the base ticket?
The 750 EGP ticket gives access to 3 tombs of your choice from a weekly rotation that typically includes KV2 Ramesses IV, KV6 Ramesses IX, KV8 Merenptah, KV11 Ramesses III, KV14 Tausret/Setnakht, KV15 Seti II, KV34 Thutmose III, KV43 Thutmose IV and KV47 Siptah. Three or four of these tombs are open at the same time on a rotating basis.
Is the Tutankhamun supplement worth it?
For 360 EGP (~$7.50), you get into KV62, which is technically modest (only 4 chambers, hastily executed paintings) but still holds the mummy of Tutankhamun in a climate-controlled case. If this is your dream trip to Egypt, then yes, it is non-negotiable. If you are tight on budget, KV9 Ramesses VI (180 EGP) offers far more spectacular paintings for half the price.
How much time do you need to visit the Valley of the Kings?
Allow a minimum of 2h30 on site to comfortably see 3 to 4 tombs, including the walking between them. 3h30 if you add the premium tombs (KV62 + KV9). With an English-speaking Egyptologist explaining the iconography and history, the experience becomes far richer - plan on 3h.
Can you take photos inside the tombs?
Since 2019, smartphone photography has been allowed free of charge in most of the standard-ticket tombs (no flash, no tripod). For a professional DSLR, a special photography permit is required (300 EGP). In KV62 Tutankhamun, photography is strictly forbidden. In KV9 Ramesses VI and KV17 Seti I, photography is allowed by smartphone only.
What is the best time to visit?
The 6:00am opening - that is our absolute recommendation. The cruise buses typically arrive at 8am-9am. Between 6am and 8am, you have the tombs almost to yourself, the desert light is soft, and the heat has not yet built up. SEV consistently schedules its tours at opening time for its private-package clients.
Is the Valley of the Queens also worth the trip?
Yes, but selectively. The 4 tombs of the Valley of the Queens standard ticket (220 EGP) are modest. The QV66 Nefertari supplement at 2,500 EGP (~$52) is, by contrast, exceptional - the most beautiful and most colorful paintings in all of Egyptology. Only one visit per day, limited to 10 minutes per group. If your budget allows, it is an experience to have once.
Is there an audio guide at the Valley of the Kings?
No, there is no official audio guide for the Valley of the Kings. A few tombs have explanatory panels in English and Arabic (not in English as a guided narration). To really understand the iconography and history, an English-speaking Egyptologist guide is strongly recommended. SEV consistently includes a private English-speaking Egyptologist in its packages.
Can you combine the Valley of the Kings and Karnak in one day?
Yes, and it is our most requested package. In the morning, the Valley of the Kings + Hatshepsut + Medinet Habu (6am-1pm), a lunch break, then Karnak at the end of the day (4pm-6pm) in golden light. The Karnak Sound and Light show in English (Wednesday and Saturday evenings) is optional at 9pm. Plan on a full 14-hour day with a few rest breaks.
What about Cairo - Luxor flights in 2026?
EgyptAir and Air Cairo operate 8-10 daily flights between Cairo (CAI) and Luxor (LXR). Flight time 1h05. 2026 fare - $85-160 one way depending on the season. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for the best prices. A Nile cruise (Luxor-Aswan or Aswan-Luxor) always includes the Valley of the Kings as a half-day excursion. For travelers arriving on their flight to Egypt, Cairo is the standard gateway before the short hop to Luxor - a domestic connection SEV arranges for you.
Is the Valley of the Kings wheelchair accessible?
Only partially. The main pathway is flat and accessible. The individual tombs all have at least 10 to 30 steps going down, with no ramp. KV2 Ramesses IV is the least difficult (few steps, a gentle descent). KV9 Ramesses VI has a steep descent. Let us know when you make your request - SEV can arrange a visit with dedicated assistance and a choice of the most accessible tombs.
To explore the Valley of the Kings as part of a guided tour:
Where is the Valley of the Kings in Egypt?
The Valley of the Kings sits in Upper Egypt on the west bank of the Nile, directly across from Luxor (ancient Thebes) and roughly 400 miles south of Cairo. From central Luxor you reach it in about 25 to 35 minutes by car, crossing the Nile bridge and following the road into the Theban necropolis.
How many tombs are in the Valley of the Kings?
The Valley of the Kings has 63 officially catalogued tombs, numbered KV1 through KV63 (KV stands for Kings' Valley). Not all are open: about ten rotate open to the public, and the standard ticket lets you choose three tombs from those open on the day of your visit.
Why is the Valley of the Kings famous?
Its fame comes from the New Kingdom pharaohs buried there and from the intact discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb by Howard Carter in 1922. Wall paintings more than 3,200 years old, still vivid in color, plus its UNESCO World Heritage listing, make it the signature site of ancient Egypt.