Have you heard of the Valley of The Kings? You would be wondering what happens there and what the place is like. The Valley of the Kings is a beautiful place to visit. If you’re a traveler or a tourist, you definitely should consider paying a visit as it is one of the most important tourist centers in the history of Egypt.

The Valley of the Kings is renowned for its royal tombs; it was part of the antique city of Thebes and was the entombment site of almost all the monarchs (pharaohs) of the 18th to 20th dynasties (1539-1075 BC), from Thutmose I to Ramses X. Being that the tombs are kept till date implies that the valley is over 3000 years old. You’re welcome to have a “wow!” experience.

Have you heard that the Valley of the Kings can also be called the Valley of the Tombs of the Kings? Well, it is. The attractively painted tombs have been selected as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979. These and many more are the reasons why you should visit this historic facility, and get the feeling of history realistically.

In the article, you will discover:

  • Where the Valley of the Kings is Located
  • What to Expect from the Valley of the Kings
  • Tips for Visiting the Valley of the Kings
  • Where to Stay Around the Valley of the Kings

Where is the Valley of the Kings Located?

The Valley of the Kings is one of the most enormous places in Egypt which has about 65 tombs of kings. It is located on the west bank of the Nile River near Luxor. This area encompasses an overwhelming amount of intricately attractive tombs of Egypt’s ancient kings. It is located in the hills behind Dayr al-Bahri. Some are of the view that the reason why this secluded valley was chosen by the pharaoh’s architect Ineni as the burial ground of royals was that it was unfertile, not having any chance for settlements to be built around it.

You might want to ask how you can get there: don’t worry this article got you covered. The Valley of the Kings is situated about 18miles (29km) northwest of Luxor. But the most prevalent way to get there is on a prearranged River Nile tour from Luxor to Aswan. But if you’re close to the area you can drive to the location as there are free parking spaces. Also have it in mind if you want to visit during the summer season (i.e., between June and August) you have to go with plenty of water and sunscreen as the temperature of the place rises as much as 100s, so you might want to put that into consideration as you plan your visit. 

What to Expect from the Valley of the Kings

There are so many spectacular things to expect and see at the Valley of the Kings most of which date as far back as thousands of years ago. Let’s look at some of them:

  • Tomb of Ramses VII: this tomb is small, and unfinished, having two cavities and a corridor than many other tombs due to swift finishing, as the pharaoh died surprisingly.
  • Tomb of Ramses IV: the main cavity is where the pharaoh’s granite coffin is enclosed with writings and relief. Also, this tomb has an ancient stairway with a slope in the centre leading to its entrance. At the lintel of the door are Isis and Nephthys worshipping the sum, with the ram-headed sun god and a scarab depicted within. 
  • Tomb of Ramses IX: this tomb has some outstanding paintings. In the second cavity is a text from the 125th chapter of the Book of the Dead, which holds a statement by the dead man about his freedom from sin. And so many other things to be seen in this tomb.
  • Tomb of Tutankhamun: this tomb is the most famous tomb in the Valley of the Kings. This is because it has furnishings made with the most valuable fine of grave goods ever made in Egypt. It also is the largest of all the tombs. When you get there, you’ll discover several other things about the tomb.

These are just a few tombs to compare the number of tombs in the Valley of the Kings. You need to be there to explore the rest tombs as you’ll be seeing things for yourself.

Tips for Visiting the Valley of the Kings

Accessible Tombs at the Valley of the Kings

In as many as 65 tombs have been unearthed so far, only about 11 are open to the public. And there are principles that should be kept in order to get the best out of the Valley of the Kings. The tombs which are open include:

  • Ramses VII – Tomb KV1 
  • Ramses IV – Tomb KV2
  • Ramses IX – Tomb KV6
  • Ramses V and Ramses VI – Tomb KV9
  • Merenptah – Tomb KV8
  •  Ramses III – Tomb KV11
  • Tausert-Setnakht – Tomb KV14
  •  Seti II – Tomb KV15
  •  Seti I – Tomb KV17
  • Siptah – Tomb KV47
  • Tutankhamun – Tomb KV62

Entry Fees

The Valley of the Kings’ entrance ticket costs 240 EGP per person, while the tram ticket takes you to the entrance which is about 3 mins drive and costs 5 EGP per person. This covers the entrance into three of the following tombs:

  • Ramses VII – Tomb KV1
  •  Ramses IV – Tomb KV2
  •   Ramses IX – Tomb KV6
  • Merenptah – Tomb KV8
  • Ramses III – Tomb KV11
  • Tausert-Setnakht – Tomb KV14
  • Seti II – Tomb KV15
  • Siptah – Tomb KV47

You can purchase extra tickets that cover any of these tombs listed below:

  • Ramses V and Ramses VI – Tomb KV9 cost 100 EGP, while 50 EGP for students
  • Seti I – Tomb KV17 cost 1,000 EGP, no discount for students.
  • Tutankhamun – KV62 cost 300 EGP, while 150 EGP for students

The Ticket prices depend on the tomb you want to visit. Also, be informed that the fees fluctuate. So you might want to keep some extra cash. Who knows? 

Time of visiting the tombs 

6:00am to 4:00pm (Winter season)

6:00am to 5:00pm (Summer season)

Tips for Taking Pictures

You can take pictures for free only with your cell phone, while with any other device, you will have to pay 300 EGP per device and it covers all of the tombs except for Seti I and Tutankhamun.

Where to Stay Around the Valley of the Kings

There are so many fantastic and luxurious hotels to stay around the Valley of the Kings:

  • Amon Hotel Luxor which is about 3.0 miles from the Valley of the Kings.
  • Cleopatra Hotel Luxor which is about 2.9 miles from the Valley of the Kings.
  • Pyramids Luxor Hotel which is about 3.2 miles from the Valley of the Kings.
  • Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa which is about 3.5 miles from the Valley of the Kings.

There are other hotels around the Valley of the Kings and they are at affordable prices as well.

Conclusion

The Valley of the Kings is a historical site that has been in existence for thousands of years. The Valley of the Kings is worth visiting and exploring as the experience is irreplaceable and educating as you will be experiencing history in its reality. 

Got any questions? Kindly reach out to us through our contact page. 

Have you heard of the Valley of The Kings? You would be wondering what happens there and what the place is like. The Valley of the Kings is a beautiful place to visit. If you’re a traveler or a tourist, you definitely should consider paying a visit as it is one of the most important tourist centers in the history of Egypt.

The Valley of the Kings is renowned for its royal tombs; it was part of the antique city of Thebes and was the entombment site of almost all the monarchs (pharaohs) of the 18th to 20th dynasties (1539-1075 BC), from Thutmose I to Ramses X. Being that the tombs are kept till date implies that the valley is over 3000 years old. You’re welcome to have a “wow!” experience.

Have you heard that the Valley of the Kings can also be called the Valley of the Tombs of the Kings? Well, it is. The attractively painted tombs have been selected as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979. These and many more are the reasons why you should visit this historic facility, and get the feeling of history realistically.

In the article, you will discover:

  • Where the Valley of the Kings is Located
  • What to Expect from the Valley of the Kings
  • Tips for Visiting the Valley of the Kings
  • Where to Stay Around the Valley of the Kings

Where is the Valley of the Kings Located?

The Valley of the Kings is one of the most enormous places in Egypt which has about 65 tombs of kings. It is located on the west bank of the Nile River near Luxor. This area encompasses an overwhelming amount of intricately attractive tombs of Egypt’s ancient kings. It is located in the hills behind Dayr al-Bahri. Some are of the view that the reason why this secluded valley was chosen by the pharaoh’s architect Ineni as the burial ground of royals was that it was unfertile, not having any chance for settlements to be built around it.

You might want to ask how you can get there: don’t worry this article got you covered. The Valley of the Kings is situated about 18miles (29km) northwest of Luxor. But the most prevalent way to get there is on a prearranged River Nile tour from Luxor to Aswan. But if you’re close to the area you can drive to the location as there are free parking spaces. Also have it in mind if you want to visit during the summer season (i.e., between June and August) you have to go with plenty of water and sunscreen as the temperature of the place rises as much as 100s, so you might want to put that into consideration as you plan your visit. 

What to Expect from the Valley of the Kings

There are so many spectacular things to expect and see at the Valley of the Kings most of which date as far back as thousands of years ago. Let’s look at some of them:

  • Tomb of Ramses VII: this tomb is small, and unfinished, having two cavities and a corridor than many other tombs due to swift finishing, as the pharaoh died surprisingly.
  • Tomb of Ramses IV: the main cavity is where the pharaoh’s granite coffin is enclosed with writings and relief. Also, this tomb has an ancient stairway with a slope in the centre leading to its entrance. At the lintel of the door are Isis and Nephthys worshipping the sum, with the ram-headed sun god and a scarab depicted within. 
  • Tomb of Ramses IX: this tomb has some outstanding paintings. In the second cavity is a text from the 125th chapter of the Book of the Dead, which holds a statement by the dead man about his freedom from sin. And so many other things to be seen in this tomb.
  • Tomb of Tutankhamun: this tomb is the most famous tomb in the Valley of the Kings. This is because it has furnishings made with the most valuable fine of grave goods ever made in Egypt. It also is the largest of all the tombs. When you get there, you’ll discover several other things about the tomb.

These are just a few tombs to compare the number of tombs in the Valley of the Kings. You need to be there to explore the rest tombs as you’ll be seeing things for yourself.

Tips for Visiting the Valley of the Kings

Accessible Tombs at the Valley of the Kings

In as many as 65 tombs have been unearthed so far, only about 11 are open to the public. And there are principles that should be kept in order to get the best out of the Valley of the Kings. The tombs which are open include:

  • Ramses VII – Tomb KV1 
  • Ramses IV – Tomb KV2
  • Ramses IX – Tomb KV6
  • Ramses V and Ramses VI – Tomb KV9
  • Merenptah – Tomb KV8
  •  Ramses III – Tomb KV11
  • Tausert-Setnakht – Tomb KV14
  •  Seti II – Tomb KV15
  •  Seti I – Tomb KV17
  • Siptah – Tomb KV47
  • Tutankhamun – Tomb KV62

Entry Fees

The Valley of the Kings’ entrance ticket costs 240 EGP per person, while the tram ticket takes you to the entrance which is about 3 mins drive and costs 5 EGP per person. This covers the entrance into three of the following tombs:

  • Ramses VII – Tomb KV1
  •  Ramses IV – Tomb KV2
  •   Ramses IX – Tomb KV6
  • Merenptah – Tomb KV8
  • Ramses III – Tomb KV11
  • Tausert-Setnakht – Tomb KV14
  • Seti II – Tomb KV15
  • Siptah – Tomb KV47

You can purchase extra tickets that cover any of these tombs listed below:

  • Ramses V and Ramses VI – Tomb KV9 cost 100 EGP, while 50 EGP for students
  • Seti I – Tomb KV17 cost 1,000 EGP, no discount for students.
  • Tutankhamun – KV62 cost 300 EGP, while 150 EGP for students

The Ticket prices depend on the tomb you want to visit. Also, be informed that the fees fluctuate. So you might want to keep some extra cash. Who knows? 

Time of visiting the tombs 

6:00am to 4:00pm (Winter season)

6:00am to 5:00pm (Summer season)

Tips for Taking Pictures

You can take pictures for free only with your cell phone, while with any other device, you will have to pay 300 EGP per device and it covers all of the tombs except for Seti I and Tutankhamun.

Where to Stay Around the Valley of the Kings

There are so many fantastic and luxurious hotels to stay around the Valley of the Kings:

  • Amon Hotel Luxor which is about 3.0 miles from the Valley of the Kings.
  • Cleopatra Hotel Luxor which is about 2.9 miles from the Valley of the Kings.
  • Pyramids Luxor Hotel which is about 3.2 miles from the Valley of the Kings.
  • Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa which is about 3.5 miles from the Valley of the Kings.

There are other hotels around the Valley of the Kings and they are at affordable prices as well.

Conclusion

The Valley of the Kings is a historical site that has been in existence for thousands of years. The Valley of the Kings is worth visiting and exploring as the experience is irreplaceable and educating as you will be experiencing history in its reality. 

Got any questions? Kindly reach out to us through our contact page.