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Last updated: 21 June, 2023

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).

While you’re there

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.

Price from: £8
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

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.

When to do it

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.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Private Half Day West Bank Tour to Valley of the Kings Queen Hatshepsut Temple and Colossi of Memnon

Luxor

Private Half Day West Bank Tour to Valley of the Kings Queen Hatshepsut Temple and Colossi of Memnon
Embark on a private half-day tour to Luxor's West Bank, a realm of ancient wonders. Explore the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs rest in elaborately decorated tombs, and discover the intriguing history behind each monument. Visit the impressive Queen Hatshepsut Temple, a testament to the power of one of Egypt's few female rulers. Marvel at its unique architecture carved into the cliffs. As you pass by the Colossi of Memnon, colossal statues that once guarded a grand temple, you'll glimpse the majesty of ancient Thebes. This private tour offers an intimate encounter with Luxor's West Bank treasures, giving you insights into the lives of pharaohs and the architecture that has withstood the test of time.

Price: $15

Min age: 6

Rating 4.88 / 5 [211 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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4-Hours private Tour Valley Kings & Queen Hatshepsut Temple in Luxor with Lunch

Luxor

4-Hours private Tour Valley Kings & Queen Hatshepsut Temple in Luxor with Lunch
Nobody wants to spend precious time in Luxor haggling with cab drivers or stressing about planning their own sightseeing itineraries. This private half-day West Bank tour avoids both: with a guide to show you the sites and a private air-conditioned vehicle to ferry you around. Explore the Valley of Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon and learn their histories from your Egyptologist guide. Visit the Valley of Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon Reach the sites with ease, by private car, and with hotel pickup and drop-off No rushing: enjoy ample time at the sites to explore as you wish Uncover more facts and stories about the relics with a private guide stop for light lunch falafel sandwich or Koshry

Price: $22

Min age: 0

Rating 4.86 / 5 [93 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Luxor Private Tour : West Bank - Valley of Kings, Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon

Luxor

Luxor Private Tour : West Bank - Valley of Kings, Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon
Take a step back into the ancient history of Egypt by exploring the famous sites in Luxor West Bank. Visit the Valley of the Kings, the world famous tomb of King Tutankhamen, the Colossi of Menmon and Hatshepsut Temple. All in a full day private guided tour.

Price: $45

Min age: 0

Rating 4.88 / 5 [400 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Guided Tour to Valley of the Kings

Luxor

 Guided Tour to Valley of the Kings
Guided day trip to see the ancient West Bank monuments in Luxor. Highlights include Valley of the Kings and the infamous Necropolis of Thebes, the tomb of Tutankhamun ,Tomb of Ramses III, the Tomb Of Merenptah, the Tomb of Ramses lV .You will be guided by a licensed Egyptologist tour guide and transported to all the sites by air-conditioned vehicle.

Price: $50

Min age: 0

Rating 4.90 / 5 [82 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Tour to West Bank with Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple

Luxor

Tour to West Bank with Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple
See the tombs and temples of Luxor’s West Bank on a private tour of the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon. Exploring with a private guide means you’ll spend the day at your own pace, with time to enjoy the things that interest you. Descend into tombs to learn about the lives, deaths, and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians, and experience some of ancient Egypt’s most spectacular art and architecture.

Price: $54

Min age: 0

Rating 4.96 / 5 [93 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private tour West Bank Luxor, Valley of the Kings, temples, lunch

Luxor

Private tour West Bank Luxor, Valley of the Kings, temples, lunch
You will be amazed by the wonders of the West Bank in Luxor, where you will explore the ancient tombs, temples, and monuments with a professional Egyptologist guide. You will learn fascinating facts and stories about the pharaohs, queens, and gods who shaped this civilization, and you will have the opportunity to discover the sites at your own pace. This private tour will take you to the most remarkable places on the West Bank, such as the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, the Temple of Medinet Habu, and the Colossi of Memnon. You will also enjoy a tasty lunch with a stunning view of the desert landscape.

Price: $55

Min age: 0

Rating 4.95 / 5 [67 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Nefertari and King Tut's Tombs, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut

Luxor

Nefertari and King Tut's Tombs, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut
Enjoy an unforgettable day exploring the mysteries of ancient kings and queens, such as King Tutankhamun, the most famous king in the world. This young king from the New Kingdom was around 10 years old when he ascended the throne and died when he was only 19. You will get the chance to be face to face with his royal mummy in his tomb in the Valley of the Kings. Also, visit other important royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings and Queens, such as the Tomb of Queen Nefertari which is currently open for a limited time and for limited visitors only. Your Egyptologist tour guide will be with you to take you back in time to unveil the mysteries of these famous royals. Tomb of Queen Nefertari . She was one of the most famous queens in ancient times, equal with Nefertiti and Cleopatra, and she was the beloved wife of King Ramses the Great. Tour includes tour guide, transport by air-conditioned hotel pick up and drop off.

Price: $65

Min age: 0

Rating 4.88 / 5 [42 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Tour to Valley of the Queens, Valley of the Artisans, and Habu Temple

Luxor

Private Tour to Valley of the Queens, Valley of the Artisans, and Habu Temple
Enjoy a professional guided Tour to the Valley of the Queens, Valley of the Artisans "Deir el-Medina" and Madinat Habu Temple of king Ramses III. Includes pickup and drop off transfers from your hotel or Nile Cruise in Luxor, entry fees, water and a certified Egyptologist tour guide.

Price: $75

Min age: 6

Rating 4.76 / 5 [21 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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2-Day Tour: Karnak & Luxor Temples Valley of the Kings Hatshepsut Temple &Memnon

Luxor

2-Day Tour: Karnak & Luxor Temples Valley of the Kings Hatshepsut Temple &Memnon
It would be a shame to race through the majesty of ancient Luxor. Take the sights at your own pace with your personal Egyptologist over this 2-day private door-to-door tour. Day 1 is devoted to the East Bank: the Temple of Karnak and Luxor Temple. Day 2 covers the West Bank: the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon.

Price: $80

Min age: 0

Rating 4.89 / 5 [49 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Luxor Full Day Tour: Valley of Kings & Queens - Hatchepsut Temples And More

Luxor

Luxor Full Day Tour: Valley of Kings & Queens - Hatchepsut Temples And More
Whilst in Luxor you can take a Private Full Day Tour of the West Bank. Here you have the opportunity to visit the amazing Valley of the Kings, the Majestic Queen Hatchepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon.. Then you will journey onto visit Medinet Habu and the fabulous Valley of the Queens.

Price: $89

Min age: 0

Rating 4.89 / 5 [613 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Luxor Full Day Tour: Valley of Kings & Queens - Hatchepsut Temple ,Karnak&Luxor

Luxor

Luxor Full Day Tour: Valley of Kings & Queens - Hatchepsut Temple ,Karnak&Luxor
Learn about Egypt's ancient history with this private tour led by a quallified Egyptologist guide. You'll visit the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut . Karnak & Luxor Temples all in just one day. this tour includes round-trip transportation from your Luxor hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Price: $95

Min age: 0

Rating 4.86 / 5 [227 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Enjoy Hot Air Balloon,Valley of the kings,Hatshepsut temple in Luxor

Luxor

Enjoy Hot Air Balloon,Valley of the kings,Hatshepsut temple in Luxor
Enjoy the life trip for 45 minutes in the sky of Luxor.  Tour Luxor in a hot air balloon on this excursion with stunning desert views Travel by motorboat to the West Bank, and stay in the air for about 45 minutes Snap unparalleled photos from the air Get around easily with pickup and drop-off, from your Luxor hotel, included Visit the sites of Ancient Egypt with this day tour of Luxor West Bank Explore the Valley of the Kings to see King Tutankhamun’s tomb among others Admire the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and learn about the female ruler during bygone times Enjoy both guided commentary and ample free time at Luxor West Bank A/C transport,Expert tour guide,Door to door transfers,Nile Motor boat,Professional captain,Valley of the kings,Queen Hatshepsut temple,Colossi of Memnon,Fly certificate,The life trip hot air balloon,West bank tour,Qualified licensed driver,Taxes and charges all are included. Have a nice trip

Price: $151

Min age: 0

Rating 4.88 / 5 [67 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Hot Air Balloon Ride and Tour to Valley of Kings Luxor- Special Offer

Luxor

Hot Air Balloon Ride and Tour to Valley of Kings Luxor- Special Offer
Gather between the life trip hot air balloon in luxor and the most famous site in luxor west bank valley of the kings. Enjoy the life trip and see the great history from the sky of luxor. Take in aerial views of Luxor and its iconic landmarks on this private 35-45 minute hot air balloon flight. Your pilot/guide will be dedicated to just you and your private party. you'll be able to ask questions and listen to commentary tailored to your interests. All transportation to and from the launch site is included for a door-to-door experience. Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off in Luxor. Motorboat to transfer to the West Bank Private tour for just you and your party Visit the most famous temples at the west bank of luxor. Explore Valley of the kings and Hatshepsut temple with an Egyptology tour guide. take unique photos of both nature and history in luxor. special rates and high services are always our target Note: Children less than 6 years are not allowed for the balloon trip

Price: $160

Min age: 0

Rating 4.86 / 5 [15 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Full day West and East Bank

Luxor

Full day West and East Bank
Full day in Luxor Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Karnak Temple, along with the Colossi of Memnon.

Price: $163

Min age: 0

Rating 4.89 / 5 [38 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Luxor

Upper Egypt, Egypt

Egypt. Karnak Temple Complex - the Precinct of Amun-Re. Massive columns of the Great Hypostyle Hall

Exotic, bustling city on the Nile, packed with world-class ancient sites including the remarkable tomb of Tutankhamun. A tantalising glimpse into the exotic culture and remarkable sophistication of this ancient civilisation.