Ahmed RagaieLocated on the West Bank of the Nile across from Luxor, the Valley of the Kings serves as the royal burial ground for pharaohs of the New Kingdom (1539–1075 BC). Containing over 63 rock-cut chambers, deciding which Valley of the Kings tombs to explore can be overwhelming. This operational guide details how tickets work, which tombs offer the most vivid colors, and which extra-fee chambers are worth adding to your itinerary.
A Guide to the Valley of the Kings: Which Tombs to Visit?
Located on the West Bank of the Nile across from Luxor, the Valley of the Kings serves as the royal burial ground for pharaohs of the New Kingdom (1539–1075 BC). Containing over 63 rock-cut chambers, deciding which Valley of the Kings tombs to explore can be overwhelming. This operational guide details how tickets work, which tombs offer the most vivid colors, and which extra-fee chambers are worth adding to your itinerary.
How the General Ticket Works
Understanding the entry system ensures you maximize your time at the Valley of the Kings tombs:
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Base Ticket Entry: A standard general admission ticket allows entry into 3 open tombs from a rotating list of available public tombs.
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Rotating Tomb Schedule: The Ministry of Tourism regularly rotates which tombs are open to the public to preserve their climate and wall paint. Usually, 8 to 10 tombs are open on any given day.
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Extra-Fee Tombs: Certain world-famous tombs require separate, dedicated entrance tickets purchased at the main visitor center before entering the site.
Top Public Tombs Included with the General Ticket
When using your standard ticket for Valley of the Kings tombs, look out for these exceptional, highly recommended choices if they are open during your visit:
1. Tomb of Ramses IV (KV2)
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Highlights: One of the most accessible and impressive tombs right near the entrance. Features a wide corridor lined with vivid astronomical ceiling paintings in deep blue and gold, culminating in a massive carved sarcophagus.
2. Tomb of Ramses IX (KV6)
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Highlights: Features a short, shallow ramp leading into well-preserved chambers displaying scenes from the Book of the Dead and intricate cosmic representations on the ceilings.
3. Tomb of Merenptah (KV8)
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Highlights: The second-largest tomb in the valley. A long descending corridor descends deep into the mountain, passing immense stone sarcophagus lids to reach a grand pillared burial chamber.
Extra-Fee Tombs: Are They Worth It?
To see the absolute pinnacle of ancient Egyptian wall art, consider adding these special ticketed Valley of the Kings tombs to your pass:
|
Extra-Fee Tomb |
Extra Cost (EGP) |
Why It Is Worth Visiting |
|
King Tutankhamun (KV62) |
~500 EGP (~$10 USD) |
Famous world history icon; houses the actual mummy of King Tut inside a glass case and his gilded outer sarcophagus. |
|
Ramses V & VI (KV9) |
~180 EGP (~$4 USD) |
Outstanding value; contains an incredibly preserved, unbroken astronomical ceiling depicting the sky goddess Nut swallowing the sun. |
|
Seti I (KV17) |
~1,800 EGP (~$36 USD) |
The masterpiece of the valley; features 137 meters of exquisite, fully painted raised bas-reliefs in vibrant pristine colors. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you take photos inside the Valley of the Kings tombs?
Yes, photography using mobile phones is included with your general admission ticket (without flash). However, professional cameras, tripods, and flash photography are strictly prohibited to protect the delicate ancient paint pigments.
How long do you need to visit the Valley of the Kings tombs?
Plan for 2 to 3 hours at the site. This provides ample time to take the electric shuttle from the visitor center, explore 3 standard tombs, visit 1 or 2 extra-fee tombs, and rest between subterranean climbs.
Are the tombs accessible for travelers with mobility issues?
Access varies. Most tombs feature long wooden ramps with handrails installed over the ancient stone stairs. However, descending into deep chambers requires walking down steep inclines and navigating low ceilings, which can be challenging for those with severe knee or mobility constraints.
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