Western Valley (Valley of the Monkeys)
Explore the ancient burial ground of pharaohs, marvel at vibrant tomb art, and uncover millennia-old secrets.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the heat and crowds
Western Valley (Valley of the Monkeys)
Best Time
Escape the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the ancient burial ground of pharaohs, marvel at vibrant tomb art, and uncover millennia-old secrets. +1
"An incredible and unforgettable experience walking among the tombs of Egypt’s ancient pharaohs. "
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Water inside the valley is expensive. Carry your own to stay hydrated!
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
Hats, sunscreen, and light clothing are essential for the desert heat.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tomb of Tutankhamun
Valley of the Kings
See the final resting place of the boy king, a truly iconic Egyptian discovery.
Intricate Wall Paintings
Various Tombs
Marvel at vibrant hieroglyphs and ancient depictions of the afterlife.
KV 25 (Valley of the Monkeys)
Western Valley
Explore this unfinished tomb, offering a unique glimpse into ancient construction.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Ticket Strategy is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Water inside the valley is expensive. Carry your own to stay hydrated!
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
Hats, sunscreen, and light clothing are essential for the desert heat.
🚶 Skip the Tram (Optional)
The tram is convenient but costs extra. Walking is free and offers more exploration.
🚫 Ignore Photo Hawkers
Politely decline offers to take photos with your phone; they can be persistent.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Water inside the valley is expensive. Carry your own to stay hydrated!
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
Hats, sunscreen, and light clothing are essential for the desert heat.
🚶 Skip the Tram (Optional)
The tram is convenient but costs extra. Walking is free and offers more exploration.
🚫 Ignore Photo Hawkers
Politely decline offers to take photos with your phone; they can be persistent.
💰 Tip the Cart Drivers
Show appreciation to the drivers who transport you around the site.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Valley of the Kings as an incredible, breathtaking, and unforgettable journey back in time, filled with rich history and mystery. The intricate wall paintings and the sheer scale of the tombs are highlights. However, some find certain tombs less spectacular, and the intense heat and persistent vendors can detract from the experience.
"What an amazing experience!!! Be prepared to haggle if you want to buy something from the sellers.. if not just smiles, say a firm "no thankyou" (la shakran) and keep walking.. it hit 37° when we visited yesterday, so ensure ypu take sun protection and plenty of water.. the tombs were amazing and as humid as hell! Such rich history of an amazing country.. there are large carts to take you from the car park to the Valley.. and the drivers appreciate a tip.. you can pay to visit Tutankhamun's tomb where his body is on display.. there are other tombs you can visit, but you can only visit 3, they will punch a hole in your ticket, so they can tell how many tombs you have visited.. well worth a visit.. a breath taking experience."
Fay Hamilton
"Reach in history, not so spectacular though, some empty tombs, over all a place to visit if you are in Egipt as tourist, maybe once is enough for a lifetime. Guide is required to find out interesting things, all though egiptian guides are presenting their part of history. Pay attention to the people offering to take pictures with your phone, they will ask for money, they can be very annoying and possible aggressive."
BOGDAN
"The Valley of the Kings in Luxor is an incredible and unforgettable experience. Walking among the tombs of Egypt’s ancient pharaohs, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun, gives you a real sense of history and mystery. The intricate wall paintings and hieroglyphs tell stories of the afterlife and the beliefs of the ancient Egyptians. Did you know that the valley contains over 60 tombs, yet many are still undiscovered? Visiting this site is truly a journey back in time!"
Atanas Valchev
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Most visitors take a taxi or join an organized tour from Luxor city. The journey takes about 30-45 minutes. Some tours include transportation, while others require you to arrange it separately. +1
While not as common as taxis or tours, local buses might be an option, though less convenient for tourists. It's generally recommended to use a taxi or a pre-booked tour for ease of access.
The Valley of the Kings is located about 10 km from the Nile. While you can walk from the ticket office to the tombs, the distance from Luxor city is too great for walking.
The 'Valley of the Monkeys' is an informal name for the Western Valley, a less-explored branch of the Valley of the Kings, known for tombs like KV 25.
Millions of tourists visit Egypt annually without incident. Standard travel precautions are advised, and the area is generally considered safe for tourists.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The standard ticket price allows entry to 3 tombs. Additional tickets are required for specific tombs like Tutankhamun's. Prices can vary, so check current rates upon arrival.
While some tour operators offer online booking, tickets are typically purchased on-site at the visitor center. It's advisable to check for official online portals if available.
The Valley of the Kings is generally open from early morning until late afternoon. Hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to confirm them before your visit.
A standard entry ticket typically allows you to visit three different tombs. The guards will punch your ticket to track your visits.
Yes, Tutankhamun's tomb requires a separate ticket in addition to the general entry ticket. It's an extra cost but many find it worthwhile.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Dress in light, breathable clothing to cope with the heat. Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to the amount of walking involved.
Photography rules can vary between tombs. Some allow photos without flash, while others prohibit it entirely. Be sure to check signage or ask a guard.
Official guides can be hired at the visitor center. Hiring a guide can enhance your understanding of the history and significance of the tombs.
You can easily spend 2-3 hours exploring the tombs, especially if you visit multiple sites. Allow extra time for travel and potential queues.
Restrooms are available at the visitor center. Water fountains are scarce, so bringing your own water is highly recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer crowds, making for better photo opportunities.
Tripods are generally not allowed inside the tombs to protect the delicate artwork and manage space.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial. However, many visitors use their smartphones effectively, especially with good lighting.
Drone usage is typically restricted in archaeological sites for safety and preservation reasons. Check local regulations before flying.
Tombs with well-preserved, colorful paintings like Seti I or Ramesses VI are often considered highly photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for the heat and ensure kids wear hats and sunscreen. The walking involved is manageable, but keep an eye on them, especially around the tomb entrances. While the history is complex, framing it as a treasure hunt for pharaohs' secrets can make it more engaging for kids.
💰 Budget Travelers
While hiring a guide can be beneficial, you can also research the tombs beforehand using online resources or guidebooks to gain historical context. Be firm but polite with vendors; a simple 'no thank you' is often sufficient.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of the Valley of the Kings
These tombs were meticulously carved into the limestone cliffs, designed to protect the mummified pharaohs and their treasures for eternity. The walls are adorned with vibrant hieroglyphs and intricate paintings depicting religious texts, rituals, and scenes from the pharaoh's life and journey to the underworld.
While many tombs were plundered in antiquity, ongoing archaeological work continues to uncover new secrets. The Western Valley, in particular, is less visited but holds significant tombs like KV 25, associated with Akhenaten, offering a different perspective on this unique historical site.
Navigating Your Visit: Practical Tips from Travelers
When it comes to tickets, understand that the standard entry covers three tombs. If you wish to see specific, more famous tombs like Tutankhamun's, an additional ticket is required.
Consider hiring an official guide to truly appreciate the historical context and intricate details of the tomb decorations.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit