The Valley of the Kings an What to Expect

Discover Egypt’s iconic Valley of the Kings, where the tombs of pharaohs and powerful nobles date all the way back to the New Kingdom period of Ancient Egypt, c. 16th Century BC. 

In this guide, we explore the best tombs in the Valley of the Kings, along with their rich history, and share essential destination highlights and travel tips for making the most of your trip to this unique archaeological marvel. 

Let's go back in time

An undertaking of enormous magnitude, the Valley of the Kings was built over a 500-year period, commencing in 1539 BC and spanning the entire 18th, 19th and 20th dynasties. 

Its purpose was simple: to provide a more secure location for the remains (and treasures) of its holiest citizens - noble families and pharaohs like Tutankhamun, Ramses II and Seti I - in order to safeguard against the crypt-robbers who regularly looted the pyramids. 

To date, archaeologists have uncovered some 60 tombs within the labyrinthine, exquisitely decorated limestone tunnels riddled throughout the Valley of the Kings architecture. Yet many Egyptologists suspect that more may still reside within, waiting to be discovered… 

Exploring the Tombs:

A Valley of the Kings tour treats travellers to up to 18 publicly viewable tombs. These are attended on a rotating basis, to help preserve their beautiful engravings, paintings and sculptures from chemical and mechanical weathering. 

Flash photography is strictly prohibited in the tombs, as bright lights damage the ancient murals. Regular photos are permitted on condition that travellers present a special photography pass purchased when buying their tickets to the tombs. 

(Such restrictions are frequently updated, and tourists are advised to review the rules beforehand to avoid costly fines.) 

The tombs themselves inside the Valley of the Kings are as spectacular as they are spooky - and utterly unmissable! The walls of Tutankhamun’s tomb depict the passage from the realm of the living, ensuring the pharaoh travelled safely through the afterlife. 

Or explore the tomb of Ramesses VI, where once was found some of the only complete renditions of a number of New Kingdom funerary texts, such as the Book of Gates and the Book of Caverns. 

Beyond the Tombs: Additional Attractions

A visit to the Valley of the Kings’ tombs brings one tantalisingly close to a number of other surrounding attractions. Notable sites include the redoubtable mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, the sentinel Colossi of Memnon and the ghostly Karnak Temple. 

The greater Luxor area entices with its vibrant local bazaars, resplendent with souvenirs, bespoke local cuisine and the finest in entertainment. Travellers typically coordinate their tour with an unmissable Nile or Red Sea cruise, or a visit to the Pyramids of Giza. 

Concluding Thoughts

Like the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings exemplifies Ancient Egypt’s cultural potency, enfolding us into its dramatic structures and enchanting us with myths that continue to intrigue the world even millennia after this great civilisation’s end. 

We encourage all visitors to relish in this sacred site for all its haunting beauty, while showing the utmost respect for its preservation, so that fellow responsible tourists can marvel at its mysteries for millennia to come.