Valley of the Kings in Luxor: Royal Tombs, History and Tips

"King of the Valley" is a name some people use informally for the Valley of the Kings near Luxor, one of Egypt's most famous archaeological areas. No official site or landmark is called King of the Valley on maps or in archaeological records; the phrase describes the valley where the pharaohs, the kings of ancient Egypt, were buried. The King's Valley on Luxor's West Bank is one of Egypt's richest archaeological areas.

What the Valley of the Kings Is

The Valley of the Kings is a dry desert valley on the west bank of the Nile, near Luxor. It served as the royal necropolis (burial ground) for the most powerful pharaohs of the New Kingdom, about 1550–1070 BCE.

Why It Is Significant

• It was the final resting place of many well-known rulers, including Tutankhamun, Ramses II, Seti I and Thutmose III.
• The tombs are cut deep into the limestone hills and decorated with hieroglyphs and religious scenes about the journey to the afterlife.
• More than 60 tombs and chambers have been identified, and archaeological work continues to bring new discoveries.
• The valley is part of the UNESCO World Heritage property Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis.

What You See There

Visitors can walk through several tombs, each with its own layout and artwork, reflecting the beliefs and funerary practices of ancient Egyptian royalty. The most famous discovery is the nearly intact tomb of Tutankhamun, found in 1922, which revealed an extraordinary array of artifacts.

Royal Tombs to Explore

Dozens of royal tombs can be explored in the valley, including those of Ramses II, Ramses VI and Tutankhamun (KV62), each with wall paintings and burial corridors. Tomb KV14 (Tausret and Setnakht) is celebrated for its excellent preservation and decoration.

Temples and Monuments Nearby

These sites are outside the valley but close by:

• Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut: a cliff-side funerary temple built for one of Egypt's greatest pharaohs.
• Valley of the Queens: similar to the Valley of the Kings but dedicated to queens and other members of the royal family, with decorated tombs.
• Colossi of Memnon: giant twin statues that once flanked a huge funerary temple of Amenhotep III.
• Luxor Temple: in Luxor city on the East Bank, especially atmospheric at sunset or at night.

Many more tombs, nobles' burial sites and temples can be added to a visit.

Tips Before You Go

• Most tombs in the Valley of the Kings open seasonally or rotate access to protect the artwork, so check which tombs are open before you go.
• A tram runs from the entrance to the tomb paths.

Valley of the Kings Tour Program

Morning Pickup

Pickup from your hotel or Nile cruise in Luxor in an air-conditioned vehicle. You meet your professional Egyptologist guide.

Visit the Valley of the Kings

Explore the royal burial ground of the New Kingdom pharaohs. Your ticket includes entry to three royal tombs, selected by the authorities. Learn about burial rituals, wall paintings and hieroglyphs. A visit to Tutankhamun's tomb is optional and requires an extra ticket.

Photos and Free Time

Time for photos and a walk inside the valley, while your guide explains the history and hidden secrets of the tombs.

West Bank Extension (Optional)

Continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.

Return

Transfer back to your hotel or Nile cruise.