Valley of the Kings Tours: Must-know Things Before you Visit

Table of Contents 

• Introduction 

• List of tombs that tourists should visit in the Valley of Kings 

• What is the Valley of the Kings tour cost? 

• Are there tours of the Valley of the Kings?

• Are tourists allowed in the Valley of the Kings?

• Can you get a day trip from Cairo to the Valley of the Kings?

• How far away is the Valley of the Kings from the pyramids?

• Can you visit the Valley of the Kings from Hurghada?

• How much time do you need at Valley of the Kings?

• Can you visit Valley of the Kings on your own?

• Conclusion 

Introduction 

The Valley of Kings in Egypt houses around 60 rock-cut tombs, including the famous Tutankhamun’s, which was found in 1922. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, which makes it a hotspot for tourists to visit from all around the world. In Luxor, on the west banks of the Nile, is the Valley of the Kings, situated where once the pharaohs of the New Kingdom rested. In this blog we are answering all the major queries of tourists and also listing important things you should do before paying a visit to the monument. 

Tombs at the Valley of the Kings have different pricings, so if you are visiting on your own, ensure you get tickets at the entrance gate; there you can see a dedicated Valley of the Kings tour price list for each tomb. 

List of tombs that tourists should visit in the Valley of Kings 

Ramesses IV: The KV2 is one well-preserved tomb and has highly aligned corridors that depict its royalty and standards in Egyptian history.  

Ramesses IX: The tomb numbered KV6 is dedicated to Ramesses IX. His tomb is known for the depiction of the scenes from the Book of the Dead and also has clearly visible paintings.  

Seti I: The largest tomb in the Valley of the Kings is KV17, owned by the pharaoh Seti I, and it is also one of the most beautiful tombs in the valley. As

Tutankhamun’s Tomb: It is tomb numbered KV62 and is the only burial place in the valley that still has its mummy, known for its discovery as the tomb was found nearly intact with around 5,000 artifacts, which are now exhibited at the GEM (Grand Egyptian Museum). 

Other than that, tourists can also visit the tombs of Ramesses III (KV11), Ramesses VII (KV1), Tausert-Setnakht (KV14), Merenptah (KV8), and Seti II (KV15). 

What is the Valley of the Kings tour cost? 

The cost of the Valley of the Kings tour depends upon how you are exploring; if you are exploring the valley on a Nile cruise package, then sometimes the entrance fees are included. In case you are visiting on your own, then you need the ticket for each tomb visit separately. Private tours to the valley are costlier as you get to explore it on flexible hours. 

Are there tours of the Valley of the Kings?

There are types of tours for the Valley of the Kings that are available, which are here listed below: 

Private tours: These special tours to the Valley of the Kings have personalized itineraries organized when there is no rush on flexible timings. Conducted with a dedicated tour guide, you get the in-depth exploration of the tombs. 

Group Tours: The tours are organized with individuals and families; here a single guide helps in the exploration of the Valley of the Kings. It is best for budget-friendly travelers; these tours are affordable and more structured.  

Boat & Land Tours: With the special Egypt river cruise, travelers can enjoy the Valley of the Kings boat tour  as they explore the tombs while sailing along the west bank of the river Nile and can feel the tranquility of the river. The tourist also gets guides on board that assist you while exploring the valley. 

Are tourists allowed in the Valley of the Kings?

Yes, travelers can visit the royal tombs of some pharaohs, but some have potential signs of being closed for preservation, but tombs like Ramesses IV & V and the famous Tut’s tomb with several other burial places are open for tourists to explore on a Valley of the Kings private tour and can witness the ancient burial practices of Egyptians.

Can you get a day trip from Cairo to the Valley of the Kings?

Yes, tourists can get a Valley of the Kings day trip from Cairo, but it becomes highly demanding as it includes early-morning flights, a full-day visit to historical places, and a return in the evening. It is preferred to have a minimum 2-day trip to Luxor from Cairo to cover all the major historical landmarks with sufficient time to rest as well. 

How far away is the Valley of the Kings from the pyramids?

The distance from the pyramids to the Valley of the Kings is around 370 to 410 miles, which is 600 to 670 kilometers. So a direct tour may not be available, but tourists, after landing in Cairo, can first visit the great pyramids of Giza and then can have a multi-day all-inclusive Nile cruise under a pyramids and Valley of the Kings tour; with that, travelers can explore other major historical places along the Nile as well. 

Can you visit the Valley of the Kings from Hurghada?

Hurghada is closer to the Valley of the Kings than Cairo; it has a distance of around 287 kilometers, which can easily be covered with a 3-4 hour drive. So tourists can comfortably have day tours from Hurghada to the Valley of the Kings and can go back to their luxurious coastal resorts in Egypt. 

How much time do you need at Valley of the Kings?

To explore the valley, ideally it takes around 2-3 hours if you visit 4-6 tombs during the Luxor Valley of the Kings private tour; in case you are only exploring the famous tombs of Ramesses IV & V or Tut’s tomb, then it may take 1-1.5 hours. The exact time for the visit to the Valley of the Kings depends on how the travelers are exploring and which of the tombs they are visiting. 

Can you visit Valley of the Kings on your own?

Yes, tourists can independently visit the valley of kings on their own. Travelers just need to get their tickets at the entrance, and then they can explore the marked tombs in the valley. However, without any well-structured Valley of the Kings, Egypt tours, you may miss the historical context and majorly the symbolic meaning of the wall carvings. 

Conclusion 

During your Egypt vacation, the Valley of Kings is a must-visit that you should not miss, whether your fees for tombs are included in any packages or you need to pay them yourself. Spend a little but ensure you witness the royal tombs. They offer you deep historical insights, and the wall carvings, paintings, and decorations on the walls of the burial place are totally mesmerizing and can become the highlight of your Egypt journey.