Valley of the Kings
Valley of the Kings · Luxor, Luxor Governorate, Egypt
Last updated 2026-10-30
By Global Travel Guide Editorial Team
Introduction
The tombs were cut into limestone cliffs to hide royal burials from robbers; the wall paintings inside are the main reason to visit. A standard ticket covers three tombs, while Tutankhamun and a few premium tombs cost extra. The valley is hot and exposed, so go at opening and carry water. A ferry across the Nile and a taxi or microbus get you to the West Bank; many visitors combine the valley with Hatshepsut's temple and the Colossi of Memnon.
Ticket Price
Foreign adult EGP 750 (≈ USD 14) (any 3 tombs); foreign student EGP 375. Tutankhamun and premium tombs need separate tickets. As of October 2026.
Opening Hours
Daily 6:00-17:00. Arrive early for cooler weather and fewer crowds.
Transportation
From Luxor East Bank, take the public ferry across the Nile, then a taxi or microbus to the West Bank sites; guided tours are widely available.
Best Season
In Egypt, for Valley of the Kings, the best window is Nov-Mar; May-Sep is extremely hot.
Pro Tip: Go early and choose your tombs
Local Tips You'd Only Learn After Visiting
The details official guides skip — save time, avoid crowds, and get better photos.
1
Go early and choose your tombs The valley is hot and crowded by mid-morning. Enter early, buy the separate tickets for tombs you care about, and hire a licensed guide.
Member-Only Tips
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Frequently Asked Questions3 questions
The standard ticket covers three tombs of your choice from the open list; Tutankhamun, Seti I and Ramesses V/VI cost extra. The list changes as tombs rotate for conservation.
The paintings and texts were guides for the afterlife, including the Book of the Dead and scenes of the sun god's journey. They also show the deceased before the gods.
At opening around 6:00, before the heat and crowds. Tombs are hot and narrow inside, so early morning is much more comfortable.