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Photos from Valley of the Kings in Egypt

Photos from Valley of the Kings in Egypt

Valley of the Kings is perhaps the most interesting monument of Egypt. The valley lies on the West Bank of the Nile in Luxor, opposite the vibrant city of Luxor and it’s a place of final resting of pharaons, rulers of ancient Egypt.

The magnificent tombs were built in the valley in the desert to prevent thieves from taking the valuables left in them. Valley of the Kings photos can prove that despite the thieves they still impress.

It’s a World Heritage Site and was used as a burial ground for Ancient Egyptian royalty between the 16th and 11th century BC. The site’s most famous resident was (and still is!) Tutankhamun, discovered by Howard Carter in 1922. Most of the tombs of the Valley of the Kings are actually not open to the public.

Tips for Visiting
Valley of the Kings in Luxor in Egypt


Valley of the Kings – Photography Permit

For years the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, Egypt had a strict photography ban, which resulted in not that many photos online. However, in 2018 the photography ban has been partially lifted and visitors can take photos without flash if they purchase a special permit at the entrance. This isn’t really advertised anywhere and group tours aren’t told about it.

Additionally, since mid-2019 you are free to take photos with your phone only without flash. You don’t need a photo permit for that, but truth to be told your photos won’t be great that way unless you have iPhone 11 Pro – simply because it’s too dark inside.

The permit costs 300 Egyptian ($17) and it’s valid for 3 tombs of your choice, just like your entrance tickets. It doesn’t permit to take photos and videos inside ‘special’ tombs that require separate tickets, Tutankhamun, Seti I & Nefertari. Guides inside tombs really check your permit, but once you present it to them you’re free to film and photograph everything for as long as you want.

Note: Many visitors opt for not buying a permit and giving guards some baksheesh for snapping a quick picture, but while in most situations it could work, I also witnessed someone being screamed at and threatened with jail time for attempting to take their cameras out. This is why I highly recommend buying a permit as it gives much more freedom.photography permit valley of the kings


Valley of the Kings Facts

The official name for the site in ancient times used to be: The Great and Majestic Necropolis of the Millions of Years of the Pharaoh, Life, Strength, Health in The West of Thebes. Or also, Ta-sekhet-ma’at (the Great Field).

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Archaeologists have found that most of the ancient graffiti is located in KV9, which contains just under a thousand of them. The earliest positively dated graffiti dates to 278 B.C.

entrance to the tomb


How Much Does it Cost to Visit Valley of the Kings?

A regular entrance ticket costs 240 Egyptian ($15), but it’s only valid for 3 selected tombs. Frankly, I wish I bought two tickets, as I left the Valley of the Kings with a feeling that I’d have loved to see more.

To see Tutankhamun’s tomb you need to buy a special ticket that costs 200 Egyptian.

Personal Tip: Bring cash with you. If you get hungry for visiting more tombs, many guards will let you into more tombs without a ticket if you give them 40-60 EGP per tombs.


Tips for Visiting Valley of the Kings

Most tours start the day by visiting the Valley of the Kings as it gets very hot in the middle of the day. I got there around 9 am and the place still wasn’t very crowded as most bus day tours from Hurghada arrive at around 10 am.

When you reach the ticket office (before the tram) you’ll see many people. But, none of them actually buying any tickets. This is because they’re on bus tours and their guides have their tickets. Buy your ticket and photography permit before boarding the tram. Technically, you need a separate ticket for the tram (4 Egyptian). I was very confused whether I needed it as no one ever checked it.

If you prefer to arrange a guide beforehand, here are some recommended tours:


Is it Worth to Pay Extra and Get Inside the Tomb of Tutankhamun?

Yes, absolutely! While the treasures have been removed and put in the Egyptian Museum, it’s a unique tomb that still contains the body of the pharaoh. Howard Carter, who discovered the Valley, uncovered it in a wrong way and it can’t be removed.

valley of the kings map


What Are The Best Tombs to Visit?

While I haven’t entered all the tombs, the first tomb I visited was Ramses IV and it made the biggest impression on me. Due to its location, most tour groups tend to venture there first, so you might need to wait it out. I did manage to have it all to myself for about 10 minutes though. On the contrary, I wasn’t blown away by Ramses I tomb personally.

There were almost no visitors at Seti I tomb. Sadly, tombs of Horemheb weren’t opened during my visit (as they rarely are), but since it’s a unique tomb if it’s open do yourself a favor and go inside.

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Valley of the Kings Photos

Ramses IV Tomb Photos

Valley of the Kings - Ramses IV

ramses iv tomb

Ramses IV tomb Valley of the Kings

valley of the kings tips for visiting

Valley of the Kings


Ramses IX Tomb Photos

Ramses IX Tomb Photos

valley of the kings price

Ramses IX Tomb Photos

ancient grafitti


Ramses I Tomb Photos

valley of the kings price

Ramses I Tomb Photos


Photography Valley of the Kings Luxor

Any Questions About Visiting the Valley of the Kings?

Meghana

Tuesday 24th of December 2019

Hello Anna ! Let me say a Big Thank You for this informative and interesting blog. We are planning our trip in February and visit to Valley of the Kings is what I am eagerly looking forward. Just guide me what is the extra ticket cost to visit the tomb of Seti I? Is it worth going ? Secondly why have you mentioned the tombs of Horemheb a unique one ? Thanks in advance, Cheers!

Anna Karsten

Tuesday 24th of December 2019

The tomb of Horemheb is very well preserved. Seti I tomb is very expensive, therefore quiet with no groups - 1000 EGP.

Tony

Monday 16th of September 2019

I just happened by over to your blog as I was doing searches of the pyramids of Giza and looking for authentic pictures of the Valley of the Kings! I was surprised to find out (from your blog) that there is such thing as a photography ban (temporary or not) in those locations. I was hoping to plan a trip to Egypt with my wife (her father's from Egypt) and for us to fulfill one of our life goals to seeing one of the seven wonders of the world. I just want to thank you for putting together such a wonderful blog and also it be so informative! Thank you Anna!

Nicole R

Friday 13th of September 2019

I want to know where you got your adorable dress!

Anna

Saturday 14th of September 2019

It's from SheIn, but I'm afraid it's sold out now.

Carol

Sunday 25th of August 2019

Anna- In March of 2020 I am traveling with some friends to Israel, Jordan and then a week in Egypt. Your info is great!! Any info on the Valley of the Queens? Specifically entrance fees and Nefertari's tomb. Have heard that Nefertari's tomb is the best of all.

Kevin Wagar

Saturday 11th of May 2019

Amazing information on the completion structure of navigating tickets and permits Anna. We are planning a trip here with our kids and feel way better about coming away with some great content.

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