Valley of the Kings Visitor Guide
Which tombs to see, how tickets work and how to make the most of Egypt's greatest royal necropolis.
The Valley of the Kings is the burial ground of the New Kingdom pharaohs, and for most visitors it is the highlight of Luxor. A little planning goes a long way.
How tickets work
The standard ticket lets you enter three tombs of your choice from those open that day. Famous tombs such as Tutankhamun, Seti I and Ramesses V/VI require separate tickets.
Which tombs to choose
Open tombs rotate to protect them, but if Seti I is available it is the finest in the valley. Your guide can recommend the best combination on the day based on what is open and how busy each one is.
Practical tips
- Arrive early for cooler air and fewer people.
- Buy the photo ticket if you want to shoot inside the tombs.
- Wear good shoes; some corridors are long and sloping.
- Bring water and a hat for the walk between entrances.
Tours mentioned in this guide
Frequently asked
More than sixty have been discovered, though only a rotating selection is open to visitors at any time.
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