Valley of the Kings: Practical Visitor Guide
Quick answer
Allow two to three hours, arrive early, wear proper shoes and check which tombs are open. Tickets, timing, walking, photography, and mistakes to avoid, explained.
Allow two to three hours, arrive early in warm months, wear proper shoes and check which tombs are open on the day. The standard ticket usually covers a set number of regular tombs, while a few special tombs, including Tutankhamun's, have required extra tickets.
The Valley of the Kings is not a single monument. It is a desert valley with dozens of royal tombs, of which only a selection is open at any time, and each tomb has its own stairs, ramps, temperature, and crowds. A little preparation makes a big difference to how much you enjoy it.
This practical guide covers getting there, tickets, timing, and season, what to bring, how hard the walking is, photography, how to choose tombs, and the common mistakes first-time visitors make. Ticketing, opening hours, and rules change over time, so treat any specific arrangement as something to confirm through official sources close to your visit.
Getting to the valley
The valley lies on Luxor's West Bank, in the hills behind the farmland. If you are staying on the East Bank or on a Nile cruise ship docked there, you cross the river by road bridge or by boat, then drive inland. On an organized tour, transport from your hotel or ship is usually arranged, and the drive takes roughly half an hour depending on where you start.
At the valley, you arrive at a visitor center with ticket offices, security screening, restrooms, and a model of the valley. A short electric tram then carries visitors to the tomb area. The tram usually has a small separate fare; walking is possible but hot and dusty for much of the year.
Tickets and how they work
The ticket structure has been fairly consistent for some years, but details change.
- Standard ticket: Has typically covered entry to three regular tombs of your choice from those open that day.
- Special tombs: The tombs of Tutankhamun (KV62), Seti I (KV17) and Ramesses V and VI (KV9) have required separate tickets.
- Photography: Photography rules have changed over time, including whether a separate photo permit is needed. Check the current rule when you buy your ticket.
- Payment: Ticket offices at major sites have moved toward card payment in recent years. Check current payment methods before you rely on cash.
Prices change, so check official Egyptian antiquities sources or ask your tour operator for current figures rather than relying on older travel blogs. If entrance fees are included in your tour, confirm which tombs and special tickets are covered.
When to go
Time of day
Opening time is usually the most comfortable time. The valley is cooler, quieter and the tombs are less humid before large groups arrive. Late morning, especially from spring to fall, brings the heaviest crowds and the strongest heat. The valley closes in the late afternoon, so a visit after lunch can also be quieter, but the rock radiates stored heat by then.
Season
From roughly October to April, temperatures are comfortable for most of the day, and winter mornings can even be cool. From May to September, heat can be extreme by mid-morning, so an early start is essential. The valley itself has very little shade between tomb entrances.
What to bring and how hard the walking is
What to bring and wear
- Closed, comfortable shoes: Paths are uneven and tomb steps can be steep and slippery.
- Breathable clothing: Light, loose layers suit both the sun outside and the humidity inside.
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen: The valley floor reflects the sun.
- Water: Carry at least one bottle per person, more in summer.
- Small Egyptian pound notes: Useful for restrooms, the tram, or small tips.
- A light scarf: Helps with dust, sun, and the shift between hot air and cool tombs.
Large bags and tripods are not allowed inside the tombs, so travel light.
How difficult is the walking?
Most visitors manage the valley comfortably, but the effort varies a great deal by tomb.
| Tomb type | What to expect | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Shallow tombs near the entrance | Gentle ramps, short corridors | Most visitors, including those with limited mobility |
| Long Ramesside tombs | Long sloping corridors, some steps, warm air | Most reasonably fit visitors |
| Deep or high tombs | Steep descents, narrow stairs, enclosed spaces | Confident walkers comfortable in confined areas |
Thutmose III's tomb (KV34), for example, is reached by a steep staircase up into the cliff, then a steep descent inside. Tombs closer to the entrance, such as Ramesses IV (KV2), are more manageable. Travelers with knee, heart, or breathing concerns, or with claustrophobia, should tell their guide so the selection can be adjusted.
How to choose your tombs
Do not choose only by fame. Some smaller or less-known tombs have vivid colors and fewer visitors, and they can be more rewarding than a name you recognize.
A good approach:
- Check the list of open tombs at the visitor center or with your guide.
- Pick variety: One long, richly decorated tomb, one with a different layout or period, and one that is less crowded.
- Decide on a special ticket, if any. Seti I is often chosen for decoration, Ramesses V and VI for ceilings, and Tutankhamun for its history and the king's mummy, which still lies in the tomb. His treasures are at the Grand Egyptian Museum.
- Leave room to adapt: If a tomb has a long queue, switch to another and return later.
Guides, photography, and conduct
With a guide or on your own?
A licensed Egyptologist guide adds context that the tomb walls cannot give on their own. Guides are generally not permitted to explain inside the tombs, so a good guide briefs you outside each entrance on what to look for, then waits while you go in.
Visiting independently is possible. If you do, read about the open tombs beforehand, use the plans at each entrance, and start early. Whichever you choose, a briefing at the visitor center model helps you understand how the tombs are laid out.
Photography and conduct
Photography rules have changed over time, and they can differ between the standard ticket, special tombs, and the type of equipment. Follow the current official instructions on the day.
- No flash: Flash damages painted surfaces and is not allowed.
- No touching: Skin oils and contact wear away the decoration.
- Keep your voice down: Tombs are enclosed and echo.
- Follow the guards: They check tickets and keep queues moving.
A sample West Bank morning
Most visitors see the valley as part of a wider West Bank program. A comfortable morning in the cooler months might run like this:
- Early start: Leave your hotel or ship in time to reach the visitor center at opening.
- First two hours: Valley of the Kings, with three regular tombs and, if you choose, one special-ticket tomb.
- Late morning: The Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, a short drive around the cliffs.
- Before lunch: A brief stop at the Colossi of Memnon, or Medinet Habu if you have more energy.
In summer, keep the program shorter and return to your hotel or ship by midday. Adding the Valley of the Queens or Deir el-Medina works better on a second West Bank morning than squeezed into the first.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Arriving at midday in summer: The heat makes the visit tiring and less enjoyable.
- Trying to see too many tombs: Four or five tombs with attention is better than eight in a rush.
- Skipping the visitor center model: It explains the layout clearly.
- Relying on old forum posts: Rules and ticket structures change; check current official information.
- Leaving the rest of the West Bank too late: Hatshepsut's temple and Medinet Habu are best seen before the afternoon heat, so plan your route accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I need at the Valley of the Kings?
Around two to three hours suits most first-time visitors, including the tram and three or four tombs. Allow longer if you are buying special tickets or have a strong interest in the decoration.
Is Tutankhamun's tomb included in the standard ticket?
It has required a separate ticket, but special-tomb rules can change. Check current official information or ask your operator before you go.
Can I take photos inside the tombs?
Photography rules have changed over time and can depend on the tomb and equipment. Follow the regulations in place on the day, and never use flash.
How difficult is the walking?
The valley involves outdoor walking and tomb stairs, and difficulty varies significantly by tomb. Shallow tombs near the entrance are easiest, while deep ones like Thutmose III's are steep.
What is the best time of day to visit?
Opening time is usually the most comfortable, especially from May to September, when heat builds quickly. Early visits are also quieter and the tombs are less humid.
Plan it with Nourbelle
The Valley of the Kings is part of many of our Nile cruises and Luxor programs, and it can also be arranged as a day tour. Share your pace and interests through plan your trip.
Plan your visit
Ask us which tours include this visit, or build a private trip around it.
