Bucket list experience:
Known to the ancients as the ‘Place of Truth’, the 62 known tombs in the remarkable Valley of the Kings belong to some of the greatest of Egypt’s pharaohs, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun.
Pharaohs began building and decorating their tombs as soon as they came to the throne, and they were stuffed with all of their belongings after their death to accompany them into the afterlife. The treasures are long gone, stolen by tomb raiders, but the hieroglyphic-decorated ceilings and walls are no less impressive.
Tutankhamun’s tomb is actually one of the smallest. Discovered by British archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922, it’s the only tomb found with its treasure intact (on display in the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo).
On the way to the Valley of the Kings, stop by the recently opened house where Howard Carter lived when he discovered the famous tomb.
Tickets, available at the entrance to the site, allow a visit to three tombs; the tombs visited are rotated to help preservation. A list of open tombs is posted at the ticket office. An electric train runs from the car park to the entrance of the tombs. From there you can buy an extra ticket to visit the tomb of Tutankhamun and the tomb of Ay.
Be warned, the tombs from 9am onwards are often overrun by masses of tourists. Long queues form outside; inside gets sweaty. Some tombs are steep and small – not for the claustrophobic. Others are deep in the rock, requiring a steep climb.
The tombs are open all year round, seven days a week.
The Valley of the Kings tends to be hotter than elsewhere in Luxor, so try to avoid going there midday during summer months. It’s cooler to visit from October to May.
Also, go as early as possible to avoid the crowds arriving around 10am from the Red Sea.
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