Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings in Luxor, Egypt, is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Nestled between the Thebaid Mountains and the hills on the west bank of the Nile, it is home to more than 60 ancient royal tombs, including that of the famous Pharaoh Tutankhamun.

Known for its wide variety of artefacts, sculptures and other remains from the Pharaonic era, it is also one of the oldest and most mysterious sites in Egypt. This section will introduce the main aspects of this ancient and fascinating valley and explain why it continues to attract visitors from all over the world.

The Valley of the Kings in Luxor is one of the most popular and interesting attractions in the region. Located in the city of Luxor, it is known to be the burial place of the Pharaohs during the New Kingdom period which covers a period from 1550 to 1070 BC.

The Valley of the Kings was discovered in 1822 by Jean-François Champollion, the famous French linguist who deciphered Egyptian hieroglyphics. The Valley of the Kings consists of 63 royal tombs carved into the limestone and carved into the cliff. Each of the tombs was designed and built according to a number of rules to protect the body of the deceased and his possessions for the afterlife.

The tombs are often decorated with deities, mythological scenes and hieroglyphic inscriptions that tell of the exploits and qualities of the deceased. One of the most remarkable features of the tombs is the use of an intricate system of secret rooms, corridors and passages that allow visitors to explore this fascinating place.

The tombs are in the form of a labyrinth, partly because of the limited space available on the cliff. The walls give a sense of intimacy and have been carved to create a solemn atmosphere around the royal tomb. The tombs are filled with precious objects such as jewels, alabaster vases, statuettes and funerary objects that were meant to accompany the pharaoh in the afterlife. Each tomb also contains an impressive number of colourful murals depicting various mythological or religious scenes.

This type of mural art is an excellent reflection of ancient Egyptian culture and allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the country’s thousand-year-old history. Today, the Valley of the Kings remains an important and popular site for tourists from around the world. Although some of the tombs are closed to the public to preserve their integrity, it is still possible to visit those that remain open to learn about this great ancient civilisation.

The unique architectural beauty and rich variety of wall carvings offer visitors an unforgettable experience reminiscent of ancient Egypt’s glorious past.

How do I get to the Valley of the Kings?

The Valley of the Kings is located on the west bank of the Nile, near the city of Luxor in Egypt. There are several ways to get there:

By taxi: Taxis are available in most cities in Egypt, including Luxor. You can ask your hotel to book you a taxi to the Valley of the Kings. Make sure you agree a price with the driver before you go.

In general, the cost of a taxi from downtown Luxor to the Valley of the Kings is around 100-150 Egyptian pounds, which is equivalent to about €6-9. However, it is important to negotiate the price with the taxi driver before getting into the car to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding

By private car: If you prefer a more comfortable means of transport, you can hire a private car with driver to take you to the Valley of the Kings. Prices vary depending on the provider, the length of the journey and the car chosen.

The price of private cars is high compared to taxis. But you will get an even better and more personal service. You can ask your hotel to find you a private car and offer a service you can trust.

Organised tours: There are also organised tours to the Valley of the Kings. These tours usually include transport from your hotel in Luxor, entry to the Valley of the Kings and often visits to other nearby archaeological sites. Ask your hotel for more details about the tours in advance for departure and arrival times.

By bus: Public buses run to the Valley of the Kings from Luxor. Buses leave from Luxor bus station and are fairly frequent. Prices are affordable, but buses can be crowded and there may be delays. This is the least recommended option.

It is important to note that the Valley of the Kings can be very hot and sunny, especially during the summer months, so it is recommended that you bring sunscreen, a hat and water to stay hydrated.

How much does it cost to enter the Valley of the Kings?

The cost of entry to the Valley of the Kings also depends on your nationality and age. Here are the entrance fees to the Valley of the Kings as of May 2023:

• For foreigners over 12 years of age: 300 Egyptian pounds (approximately €18)
• For foreigners under 12 years of age: 150 Egyptian pounds (approximately €8)
• For Egyptians and residents in Egypt: 60 Egyptian pounds (approximately €4)

There are also combination tickets that allow entry to both the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. The combined entry fee for foreigners is 400 Egyptian pounds (approximately €23), for foreign children under 12 years of age it is 200 Egyptian pounds (approximately €12), while for Egyptians and Egyptian residents it is 100 Egyptian pounds (approximately €6).

It is important to note that these rates are subject to change, so it is recommended that you check prices with the relevant authorities or local tour guides before your visit.