Exit Search

Snapshot: Valley of the Kings

September 16, 2020

From intricate hieroglyphics to lavish tombs, the Valley of the Kings is the ultimate place to explore ancient Egypt

If you asked people where Egyptian royalty was typically buried, most would point to the Pyramids of Giza. While pyramid-style tombs were indeed used by kings and queens throughout the Old Kingdom period, the structures came with several significant flaws. Their gargantuan size matched the inflated egos of the Pharaohs but stood out to looters on the hunt for treasure. As a result, no pyramid has ever been found with its contents intact. After centuries of grave robberies, it was clear that an alternative to burial pyramids was needed; one that was hidden yet would still allow for an exhibition of grandeur.

At the commencement of the New Kingdom period, the ancient Egyptians started burying their royals in the Valley of the Kings. The new site was located in the southern city of Thebes (now known as Luxor) and was a much more subtle alternative to its predecessor. Hidden amongst the Valley, the new tombs were either underground or carved into the rock and often featured winding corridors to throw off would-be robbers. Another advantage of this new site was its protection from the elements. To this day, the original murals painted inside the tombs are still colourful, unlike most other ancient sites across the globe.

People look around in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt.
People look around in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt.

There are 62 known tombs in the Valley of the Kings and approximately 75 in the neighbouring Valley of the Queens, where wives of Pharaohs and Princesses were buried. Today, only one tomb still contains the mummy originally found inside: that of the famous King Tutankhamun. The remaining mummies are located in museums across the country, along with any treasures found with them. Although wandering through a tomb may seem harmless, experts believe the humidity and increased carbon dioxide levels produced by mass tourism are affecting their stability and may cause irreparable damage. To combat this, only 18-20 tombs are open to the public at one time. Tourists can enter three tombs of their choice with one entry ticket, however several of the most notable burial sites - including Tutankhamun and Seti I - require an additional ticket for entry.

Valley of the Kings during sunset in Egypt.
Valley of the Kings during sunset in Egypt.

When you arrive at the Valley, the first thing you’ll notice is how barren the landscape looks. Tucked into the surrounding mountains and practically invisible from a distance, it’s no surprise why this site was chosen to conceal some of Egypt’s most important royalty and the treasures accompanying them into the afterlife. Start with a walk through the visitor centre and learn about the Valley’s layout with the help of the 3D model in the lobby. If you’re eager to visit any tombs requiring extra tickets or you wish to buy a photography pass, this is the place to do so. Next, head outside and follow the swirling desert dust up to the tombs, either by foot or shuttle.

Hieroglyphics inside King Tutankhamuns tomb in Egypt.
Hieroglyphics inside King Tutankhamuns tomb in Egypt.

The best tombs in the Valley of the Kings are hotly debated, but those belonging to Seti I, Ramses VI and Ramses IV are considered the most elaborate and intact. Take your time wandering the cavernous tombs and examining the walls adorned in intricate reliefs. Many depict significant gods, while others feature inscriptions from influential texts of the time like the Book of Day and Book of Night. In some, there are life-sized paintings of the pharaohs themselves, while others like the tomb of Ramses IV have colourful hieroglyphic carvings covering almost every surface. No matter which tombs you decide to enter, you’re guaranteed to be blown away.

The interior of a tomb in the Valley of Kings, Egypt.
The interior of a tomb in the Valley of Kings, Egypt.

RELATED TOURS
Travel from:Sep 2024
Travel until:Nov 2025
Egypt
$99pp deposit
Small Group
Moderate Pace

Small Group

From
$9,899 pp twin share
NZD
Travel from:Sep 2024
Travel until:Nov 2025
Egypt
$99pp deposit
Small Group
Moderate Pace
Fully Escorted
From
$9,899 NZD
pp twin share
2025 Dates Added
Travel from:Sep 2024
Travel until:Nov 2025
Egypt
$99pp deposit
Fully Escorted
Moderate Pace

Small Group

From
$9,399 pp twin share
NZD
Travel from:Sep 2024
Travel until:Nov 2025
Egypt
$99pp deposit
Fully Escorted
Moderate Pace
Small Group
From
$9,399 NZD
pp twin share
Travel from:Jun 2024
Travel until:Nov 2025
Egypt
Moderate Pace
Fully Escorted

Small Group

From
$3,299 pp twin share
NZD
Travel from:Jun 2024
Travel until:Nov 2025
Egypt
Moderate Pace
Fully Escorted
Small Group
From
$3,299 NZD
pp twin share
Travel from:Aug 2024
Travel until:Dec 2024
Egypt
$99pp deposit
Moderate Pace
Private Tour
From
$14,699 pp twin share
NZD
Travel from:Aug 2024
Travel until:Dec 2024
Egypt
$99pp deposit
Moderate Pace
Private Tour
River
From
$14,699 NZD
pp twin share
Travel from:Oct 2024
Travel until:Dec 2025
Egypt
$99pp deposit
Fully Escorted
Moderate Pace
From
$12,299 pp twin share
NZD
Travel from:Oct 2024
Travel until:Dec 2025
Egypt
$99pp deposit
Fully Escorted
Moderate Pace
Small Group
From
$12,299 NZD
pp twin share
Travel from:Jun 2024
Travel until:Dec 2024
Egypt
$99pp deposit
Moderate Pace
Private Tour
From
$8,999 pp twin share
NZD
Travel from:Jun 2024
Travel until:Dec 2024
Egypt
$99pp deposit
Moderate Pace
Private Tour
7 Days
From
$8,999 NZD
pp twin share
2024 Dates Added
Travel from:Oct 2024
Travel until:Nov 2025
Egypt
$99pp deposit
Leisurely Pace
5 Star

Small Group

From
$7,099 pp twin share
NZD
Travel from:Oct 2024
Travel until:Nov 2025
Egypt
$99pp deposit
Leisurely Pace
5 Star
Fully Escorted
From
$7,099 NZD
pp twin share
2025 Dates Added
Travel from:Jun 2024
Travel until:Nov 2025
Egypt
$99pp deposit
Fully Escorted
Moderate Pace
From
$4,399 pp twin share
NZD
Travel from:Jun 2024
Travel until:Nov 2025
Egypt
$99pp deposit
Fully Escorted
Moderate Pace
Small Group
From
$4,399 NZD
pp twin share
Travel from:Jun 2024
Travel until:Nov 2025
Egypt
$99pp deposit
Moderate Pace
Fully Escorted

Small Group

Typically $10,658
Now
$7,699 pp twin share
NZD
Travel from:Jun 2024
Travel until:Nov 2025
Egypt
$99pp deposit
Moderate Pace
Fully Escorted
Small Group
Typically $10,658
From
$7,699 NZD
pp twin share
Travel from:Jul 2024
Travel until:Nov 2025
Egypt
$99pp deposit
Moderate Pace
Fully Escorted

Small Group

From
$6,599 pp twin share
NZD
Travel from:Jul 2024
Travel until:Nov 2025
Egypt
$99pp deposit
Moderate Pace
Fully Escorted
River
From
$6,599 NZD
pp twin share
Processing...