Guide to The Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings is the second most popular burial sight to visit in Egypt, following the Pyramids in Giza. While the Pyramids were meant to be grand on the outside, these tombs were meant to be hidden with the splendor inside the tombs concealed away from the grave robbers. There are several different tombs here to explore and more are being excavated currently. These are the top tips you need to know for when you are visiting this bucket list destination.
When to Visit
You can visit anytime of the year, but remember that Egypt is hot. We went in November and could only really do stuff in the morning or in late afternoon. I recommend going to Valley of the Kings early in the morning to try to skip the crowds, but also be able to enjoy it before it gets too hot in the day. A lot of tour groups do sunrise hot air balloons, so if you plan to be at the tombs just after sunrise you will likely have the place to yourself.
Open daily from 6am to 5pm.
What is it
The iconic view of Egypt and burial chamber that most people think of for Egypt are the pyramids outside of Cairo. In the Old Kingdom, pharaohs were buried in the pyramid style in the old capital city of Memphis, modern day Giza outside of Cairo. During the New Kingdom, the capital had moved to Thebes, modern day Luxor, and instead of the ostentatious pyramids that were often robbed; they switched to the tombs at the Valley of the Kings. Today they have discovered 62 burial tombs here. Not all of the tombs held kings, some noblemen and family members of royalty were also buried here. Nowadays, it is part of the UNESCO world heritage site of Ancient Thebes and an open air museum.
Tickets
It costs $600 EGP (about $12 usd) for a general ticket that allows you access to 3 tombs of your choice. You are given a punchcard and guards will mark each tomb you enter. If you want to enter more than the 3 tombs, you need to purchase an additional ticket. Certain tombs are excluded from the general tickets and are purchased separately. Prices vary from $180-$1800 EGP. These are the Ramses V and VI, Seti I and Tutankhamen. If you choose to enter these tombs, they are not included in the three tombs with your general admission. Should you want to take photos with an actual camera, you will be required to purchase a photography permit for $300 EGP (about $6 usd). Similar to the general admission ticket, you are allowed to take photos in 3 tombs just tell them you aren’t using your camera and don’t try to sneak as they watch very carefully. If you do not have a photography permit, you will not be allowed to bring a camera in, but don’t worry cell phones are free to use. You will also want to purchase a tram ticket ($20 EGP) as well to take you from the parking to the entrance as it is quite a long walk in the heat.
The Best Tombs to Visit
Tomb of King Tut (Tutankhamen) (KV 62)
This is probably the most famous tomb in the Valley of the kings. Although these tombs were dug into the ground to be hidden from grave robbers, all but King Tut’s had most if not all of their burial goods stolen during Ancient Egyptian times. It wasn’t until it was discovered in 1922 that the world was able to see a mostly intact tomb. Most of the treasures are in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. This tomb is not as magnificent as other tombs you can enter, but it is the most famous given the history. Unfortunately, there are no photos allowed within this tomb, even with cell phones. That being said, Egypt is a very tip based society and some will conveniently look away for a few dollars. At the end, King Tut’s mummified body remains in the tomb which is unique as most the others have been moved away.
Extra ticket $500 EGP.
Tomb of Ramses V and VI (KV9)
This tomb requires an extra ticket, but is worth the money. It features a Goddess Nut Ceiling in black and gold. The hieroglyphs and pictures are in great condition, depicting various scenes. At the end in the burial chamber there is a broken sarcophagus. The tomb was started by Ramses V and finished by Ramses VI, both were buried here.
If you are bringing a camera, I would recommend using one of your passes to take photos here.
Extra ticket $180 EGP
Tomb of Ramses IV (KV2)
This is the most colorful tomb with an array of colors still present on the hieroglyphics along the pathway. It is included in the standard entry price. Although it is smaller than some of the other tombs, what makes this tomb unique is the amount of color still present. One of its main features is the Goddess Nut on the ceiling representing the night sky.
Tomb of Ramses III (KV 11)
This tomb is massive compared to some of the others. Known for its wide corridors filled with hieroglyphs and scenes. Most of the decorations are in the hallways at the top leading to the burial chamber. Comparatively, the burial chamber is less impressive compared to the other parts of the tomb.
Tomb of Ramses IX (KV 6)
The two other tombs recommended were impressive because of the magnificence of the way leading to the burial chamber. The main feature of this tomb is the burial chamber at the end of the tomb. It also depicts the goddess Nut and is relatively small compared to other chambers. Although Ramses IX reigned for 18 years, the tomb was not finished at the time of his death and only one of three corridors was completed with painting. It is thought that the initial plan was for the burial chamber to be another corridor, but when Ramses IX died it was widened to hold the sarcophagus.
Tips for visiting the Valley of the Kings
Unfortunately, tour guides are not allowed to enter the tombs so typically they will give you a history of the tomb outside of it. When you enter you will see why. Inside the tombs can get quite cramped, especially if there are large tour groups.
As most people go on tours, people typically come into the tours in waves. If you are patient, you can often get the place to yourself for a few minutes between the tour groups.
Have your entrance and photo pass with you at all times. You will likely be asked several times to show them.
Dress for warm weather, it is often very hot and humid down in the tombs. Make sure to bring lots of water as well.
Plan to spend a few hours here depending on how many tombs you want to enter.
