The Valley of the Kings

It is on the West Bank of Luxor, within the ancient Theban necropolis opposite the temples and urban landscape of the East Bank.

It was primarily a royal burial ground for New Kingdom pharaohs, especially rulers of the Eighteenth, Nineteenth and Twentieth Dynasties, though some royal family members and a small number of high-ranking non-royal individuals were also buried there.

Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities states that the valley includes more than sixty tombs plus around twenty unfinished excavations.

KV means Kings’ Valley. The number is a cataloguing identifier, not the chronological order in which the tomb was built; for example, Tutankhamun is KV62, Ramesses VI is KV9 and Seti I is KV17.

Yes. Tutankhamun’s tomb is KV62. Special tomb access can require separate admission, so confirm the current ticket structure before visiting.

There is no permanent best-three list because openings rotate. Choose based on what is open: a richly decorated Ramesside tomb for color, Ramesses VI for astronomy and funerary texts, Seti I for exceptional art if available, Tutankhamun for archaeological fame, or Ramesses IV for a clear tomb plan.

The western horizon was associated with sunset, death and regeneration. The sun was believed to pass through the night before being reborn in the east, which helped make the west an appropriate landscape for cemeteries and funerary monuments.

Security was one important reason: hidden rock-cut tombs in an isolated valley were intended to reduce robbery. Religious geography and the natural pyramid-shaped peak above the valley were also significant.

Around two to three hours is suitable for most first-time visitors. Travelers with a serious interest in Egyptology, special tombs or photography where permitted may want longer.

The supplied visitor guide records Ministry-listed hours of 6:00 AM–5:00 PM daily and lists EGP 750 for foreign adults and EGP 375 for eligible foreign students, with some special tombs charged separately. Because operating details can change, verify the official Ministry and ticket portal shortly before visiting.

Photography rules have changed repeatedly and may differ by equipment and tomb. Follow current signs and staff instructions, never touch painted surfaces, and do not rely on old travel reports.

Yes. It forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage property Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis, together with Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Queens, mortuary temples and the wider Theban necropolis.

For a first visit, Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon form the strongest nearby sequence. Add Valley of the Queens, Medinet Habu, Deir el-Medina or the Valley of the Nobles if you have more time and want a deeper West Bank day.

Egypt Tours Club is the traveler-facing brand operated by Vagus Travel Co., registered with the Egyptian Travel Agents Association under Tourism License No. 988, Category A.