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Valley of the Kings

The burial ground of Tutankhamun, Ramesses and 60+ other pharaohs — the most famous necropolis on earth.

Where

West Bank

Tickets

$15 (3 tombs) + extras

Entrance to a royal tomb in the Valley of the Kings, West Bank Luxor

What to expect at Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings hides 63 known tombs cut into a desert wadi on the West Bank, chosen for its pyramid-shaped peak (al-Qurn) and its isolation from the flood plain. The standard $15 ticket lets you into any three tombs from a rotating open list — usually including Ramesses IV, Ramesses IX and Merenptah. Star tombs (Tutankhamun, Seti I, Ramesses VI, Nefertari over in the Queens' Valley) cost extra and are worth it for at least one splurge.

Get here at opening — the valley is a stone bowl that traps heat like a kiln by 10:00. A tuf-tuf shuttle ($1) runs from the visitor center to the tomb cluster; walking takes 15 min in full sun. Photography inside tombs now requires a $5 photo pass sold at the entrance. Pair the Valley with Hatshepsut's temple and Colossi of Memnon for a classic West Bank morning.

Plan your visit Tickets$15 (3 tombs) + extras WhereWest Bank Opening hours Daily 6:00-17:00 (winter) Daily 6:00-17:30 (summer) Hotels near Valley of the Kings

Questions about Valley of the Kings

How much is the entry ticket?

$15 for the standard ticket covering any 3 open tombs. Tutankhamun $6 extra, Seti I $18 extra, Ramesses V/VI $5 extra.

Are there free entry hours or days?

No — the site is never free for foreign visitors.

How long should I plan for a visit?

3-4 hours minimum, longer if you’re visiting the premium tombs and want to escape the crowds inside.

What days is it closed?

Open daily. Individual tombs rotate — a few close each year for restoration and others reopen.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

No advance booking; buy at the visitor center. The Luxor Pass must be bought in advance from the Public Relations office on the East Bank.

What's the nearest stop or how do I get there?

No public transport goes here. Cross the Nile on the local ferry ($0.50), then taxi 20 min to the site ($8-12 return with wait). Or join a hotel-organized West Bank tour for $25-40.

Where to stay

Hotels near Valley of the Kings

Live prices · free cancellation

West Bank Shahhat House

4.0/5 $80/ night

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