Valley of the Kings is the necropolis of Egypt that houses the tombs of the pharaohs of the New Kingdom. More than 60 tombs have been discovered over time.
In ancient times the Valley of the Kings was called "Ta Set Mat", which means "place of truth". The first pharaoh to be buried in the Valley of the Kings was Thutmose I. He belonged to the XVIII dynasty.
From the 16th to the 11th century AD, tombs of pharaohs and wealthy nobles were carved here. The valley is located on the west bank of the Nile, opposite the ancient Thebes (present-day Luxor) in the heart of the Theban Necropolis. This wadi consists of two valleys: The Eastern Valley (which houses most of the royal tombs) and the Western Valley.
A total of 63 tombs and chambers of various sizes have been found: KV54, for example, is an ordinary pit, while KV5 is a complex one with over 120 chambers. This place was a royal necropolis during ancient Egypt, but several privileged nobles were also buried here. The royal tombs are decorated with representations from Egyptian mythology and this offers a unique insight into the beliefs and funerary practices of the period. However, most of the tombs were looted in ancient times, but they still point to the former power and influence of the pharaohs. It is interesting that historians and archeologists learned more from the tombs of the noblemen who were buried here, about the customs and everyday life in ancient Egypt, then from the tombs of the pharaohs.
The valley became famous in the early 20th century when the Tutankhamun tomb (KV62) was discovered, completely preserved and full of treasures for the Pharaoh’s afterlife. The story of Pharaoh's alleged curse has helped to popularize this place which became one of the most popular archeological sites in the world. The valley was declared a World Heritage Site in 1979 along with the rest of the Theban Necropolis.
If we were to list the tombs that impressed us most, we would undoubtedly choose the following: Thutmose III, Ramses VI, Ramses IX, Siptah and Ramses IV.
If you are particularly interested in the tomb of Tutankhamun, keep in mind that all the objects found in it are now exhibited in the Museum of Cairo. Deprived of its many treasures, the tomb has lost much of its charm.
Ticket price for the Valley of the Kings
The regular ticket price is 300 EGP.
This ticket includes a visit to 3 tombs.
If our visitors plan to visit the Tutankhamun tomb as well, this will cost them extra (approx. 300 EGP)
(!) We advise you to arrive as early as possible to avoid crowds of tourists, but also to escape the midday heat, as the complex is located in an absolutely shadowless area.
Working hours of the Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings is open every day from 6am to 5pm.
