Valley of the Kings

وادي الملوك

Across the Nile from Luxor, this narrow desert valley contains the rock-cut tombs of pharaohs including Tutankhamun and Ramses II, decorated with vibrant hieroglyphics and artwork. It remains the most significant royal burial ground in Egypt and essential to any visit to Upper Egypt.

Things to do

• Tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62) — Explore the burial chamber of the young pharaoh whose nearly intact treasures were discovered in 1922, featuring golden artifacts and hieroglyphic inscriptions on the walls.
• Tomb of Ramses II (KV7) — Visit one of the largest tombs in the valley with multiple chambers decorated with detailed reliefs depicting the pharaoh's journey through the afterlife.
• Tomb of Ramses VI (KV9) — Descend through a lengthy corridor lined with astronomical ceilings and religious texts to see the burial chamber with vibrant New Kingdom artwork.
• Valley of the Kings Museum — View mummified remains, canopic jars, and artifacts recovered from the tombs to understand pharaonic burial practices and daily life.
• Guided tomb walk — Hire a local Egyptologist guide to interpret hieroglyphic inscriptions, explain religious symbolism, and share discoveries about individual pharaohs.
• Sunset viewing from valley overlook — Position yourself at the higher elevations of the valley as the western cliffs glow amber and gold, the traditional direction of the afterlife.

Food to try

• Koshari — A beloved Egyptian street food combining lentils, rice, pasta, and chickpeas topped with tangy tomato sauce and spiced vinegar, available at vendors near the valley entrance.
• Ful medames — Slow-cooked fava beans seasoned with garlic, lemon, and olive oil, traditionally eaten for breakfast and commonly served at local restaurants in Luxor.
• Mezze platter — A selection of small dishes including hummus, baba ganoush, tahini, and fresh pita bread, ideal for sampling multiple flavors at lunch near the site.
• Grilled fresh fish from the Nile — Local tilapia or catfish seasoned simply with herbs and lemon, served at riverside restaurants across the Nile in Luxor.
• Turkish coffee — Strong, finely ground coffee brewed in traditional copper pots and served in small cups, available at cafés throughout the Luxor region.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress modestly and respectfully — Wear loose, long-sleeved clothing and cover your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect in this sacred ancient burial site.
• Hire an official guide — Using a licensed Egyptologist guide enriches your experience with accurate historical context and protects against misinformation from unofficial sources.
• Arrive early in the morning — Temperatures in the valley can exceed 40°C by midday, and morning visits offer cooler conditions and fewer crowds for a contemplative experience.
• Respect photography restrictions — Some tombs prohibit photography to protect delicate hieroglyphics and paintings from flash damage, so check signage and honor these restrictions.