Photos from Valley of the Kings in Egypt
Last Updated on Oct 24, 2024
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, was 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. A few years ago the photography ban was 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, you are free to take photos with your phone only without a flash without any additional charge or permit. It is dark inside, so your photos might not always come out without proper equipment, but tripods are never allowed anyway.
The permit costs about 300 Egyptian ($17) and it’s valid for 3 tombs of your choice, just like your entrance tickets. It doesn’t permit taking 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.
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).
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.
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:Â Bring cash with you. If you get hungry to visit 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 bought 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 about whether I needed it as no one ever checked it.
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.
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 to 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.
Valley of the Kings Photos
Ramses IV Tomb Photos
Ramses IX Tomb Photos
Ramses I Tomb Photos
Any Questions About Visiting the Valley of the Kings?
Love the posts, I went to Egypt many years ago and hope to visit again with my kids this time .
Wow! your pictures make me want to go there and see all the place which you shared with us. Ultimate post!
This post reminds me of my trip to Jaisalmer because of the desert. Egypt is the place where every traveler wants to visit. You have forced me to have a plan for this city.
Great blog Very helpful! Can you recommend anywhere to stay in Luxor and Aswan? Also,how did you transfer between these two cities?
To get to the sights you recommend around Aswan do you need to book a tour?
Thanks
Hello Anna,
Great blog!! We are visiting Egypt next month and would like some clarification. We plan to visit Tomb of Tut for which I understand, we have to buy a separate ticket. In addition, I assume the base ticket allows visit to three tombs. What will be your recommendation?
Yes, that’s correct. You need to buy an extra ticket at the cashier for that. If you want to visit more than 3 tombs have some cash on you as guards will ask you for a tip to let you in (I saw this happening at every tomb, to be honest). I definitely recommend Ramses IV as I found it the most well-preserved, but there are so many of them!
I am trying to plan a trip in December. Thanks for the info! How long did it take you to go through?
I did the whole West side in half a day.
Hi, we are planning a day trip to Luxor, is it advisable to book a tour guide? Also Is it easy to get around, hoping to do both east and West Bank on the day. Many thanks
I’d suggest a driver for sure. My driver was telling me everything I needed to know but I didn’t want him to go inside with me as I like to do things at my own pace. You can definitely do east and west bank in a day, it will be just a fully packed hot day 🙂
Thank you, would you by any chance know the going rate for a taxi for the day in Luxor?
Depends on your haggling skills 😉 No really. I know people who paid $100, $80. I paid $30 lol.
Hi Anna, we are planning a trip this summer. Is it possible to do the valley of the kings and Luxor and Karnak temples all in the same day? Also I am trying to fly to Abu Simbel from Cairo. Is this possible? is Abu Simbel a full days worth of travel? ( from there I would then work our way back to Luxor for a day and Hurghada for the beach and sea for two nights then onto Cairo. From there we are trying to find flights to Dubrovnik, Croatia which is virtually impossible!
its been tough trying to fit Abu simple into the 6 day itinerary since its so far but I feel that its a must. Can you offer any suggestions?
It’s possible, assuming you don’t want to see anything else in the West Bank apart from the Valley of the Kings (I highly recommend Medinet Habu).
Are you planning on flying to Abu Simbel direct or Aswan? I’d probably skip Abu Simbel unless you want to take a 2-day tour from Luxor, as there’s way more to see on the way there than just the temple alone. Plus, you want to be there either very early in the morning or late in the evening, otherwise, it just looks very plain with the sunlight.
For Dubrovnik you’d have to change in Istanbul.
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.
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.
I want to know where you got your adorable dress!
It’s from SheIn, but I’m afraid it’s sold out now.
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!
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!
The tomb of Horemheb is very well preserved. Seti I tomb is very expensive, therefore quiet with no groups – 1000 EGP.