This is where the mightiest of the Kings were laid to rest and this is where surprises are churned out every now and then. The Egyptian Pharaohs may have died thousands of years ago; the treasure hunters may have combed this royal burial ground for ages, but the popularity of the Valley of the Kings hasn’t waned a bit. The royal tombs from the 16th to 11th century BC are stimulating for archaeologists and exciting for travelers.
Valley of the Kings History
The history of this place is fascinating and much different from the contemporary beliefs. That’s one reason why these discoveries are important in today’s world since they reflect the beliefs that Egyptians used to have about afterlife. This burial ground of the Pharaohs, which contained great treasure at some point in history, was looted only about a century and a half later and no one will probably ever know as to what those treasures were. Moreover, the reason why this site was chosen as the burial ground is still unknown. The Valley of the Kings was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
Valley of the Kings Tombs
Only 10 out of the 63 discovered tombs are open for the public to visit and explore because the rest undergo restoration in turns. Travelers are able to experience the local way of life while discovering the mysterious past of this place that used to be filled with wealth.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
The Peak of Al-Qurn – Closely resembling an Egyptian pyramid, Al-Qurn is a mountain peak west of the Nile and is clearly visible from the Valley of the Kings. Its pyramid-like shape is believed to be the reason why it was chosen as the site of the royal necropolis.
Hatshepsut Temple – One of the most beautiful temples in Ancient Egypt is The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut. It is situated at Deir el-Bahri. Dedicated to the Pharaoh Queen Hatshepsut – the stepmother of Thutmose III – the temple draws thousands of travelers every year.
The Colossi of Memnon – The Egyptian city of Luxor is home to grand ancient structures and the Colossi of Memnon is one of them. The two giant statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III are collectively known as the Colossi of Memnon. According to estimates, the statues are nearly 3,500 years old and have been standing ever since.
Luxor Temple – The Temple of Luxor is a vast and sprawling complex and a fine example of Egypt’s ongoing history. Construction is believed to have commenced under Amenhotep III during the 18th dynasty of Ancient Egyptian rule. Read More…
Other Places to Visit nearby are Valley of the Queen, Ramesseum and Luxor Museum of Ancient Egyptian Art
Valley of the Kings Location
The Valley of the Kings is situated on Kings Valley Road at Qesm Al Wahat Al Khargah in Luxor, Egypt.
Valley of the Kings Map
How To Reach?
By Air – The nearest airport to the Valley of Kings is the Luxor International Airport. It is 32 km from the valley. Close to a 50-minute drive is all it takes to get there.
By Train – The Luxor Railway Station is the nearest station from the Valley and is around 27 km away. A 45-minute drive from the station is enough to reach the Valley.
By Road – The city of Luxor is largely settled on the eastern bank of the river Nile, while the Valley of the Kings is situated on the western bank of the river. The Luxor Bridge connects the city with the Valley.
Valley of the Kings Facts
- The tombs were constructed between 1539 and 1075 BC.
- Over 9,000 travelers visit the site every day.
- Since the last 200 years, Egyptologists have been fascinated by this site.
- Around 63 tombs and chambers have been discovered from the valley thus far. Only 10 out of the 63 tombs are thrown open for public viewing.
- Tombs of the wives and children of the Nobles and the Pharaohs are also situated here.
- The tomb of Ramses IX is amongst the largest and the most visited tombs.
- The Valley of the Kings grew in prominence after the discovery of the ‘virtually intact’ tomb of the Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun.
Valley of the Kings Entrance fee
- Visitors can purchase a ticket for about $11 to visit three open tombs.
- Extra tickets to visit the tomb of Tutankhamun can be purchased at a cost of $15.
- The visit to the tombs of Ramses V and VI costs an extra $7.
Accommodations
The Hilton Luxor Hotel & Spa, Maritim Jolie Ville Kings Island, Estabe Luxor Hotel, and Sheraton Luxor Resort are a name to reckon with when it comes to offering luxury accommodations to the high-end travelers. The Al-Moudira Hotel, Iberotel Luxor, and Pyramisa Isis Hotel suit the mid-range travelers the best. The Cleopatra Hotel, Nefertiti Hotel, Amon Hotel, and El Mesala Hotel take care of the needs of budget travelers.
| Hotels Name | Website | Type | Address |
| The Hilton Luxor Hotel & Spa | www.ar.hilton.com | 5 star | Fondok Al Nile Helton, Luxor, Luxor Governorate 85511, Egypt reservation.luxor@hilton.com |
| Maritim Jolie Ville Kings Island | jolieville-hotels.com | 5 star | Awameya Road – Kings Island Luxor – Egypt resort@Lux-maritim-jolieville.com reservation@lux-maritim-jolieville.com |
| Sheraton Luxor Resort | sheratonluxor.com | 5 star | Al Awameya, P.O. Box 43 · Luxor, 83951 · Egypt shr.lxr@sheraton.com |
| Al-Moudira Hotel | www.moudira.com | 5 star | West Bank | Hager Al Dabbeya, Luxor 23502, Egypt |
| Iberotel Luxor | www.iberotel.de | 4 star | Gazirat Al Awameyah, Luxor, Luxor Governorate, Egypt luxor@jaz.travel |
| Pyramisa Isis Hotel | pyramisaegypt.com | 3 star | 60 Giza St., Dokki, Giza, Egypt info@pyramisaegypt.com |
| The Cleopatra Hotel | cleopatra.com.cy | 4 star | 8 FLORINIS STREET, 1065 NICOSIA, TEL. + 357 22 844000, FAX +357 22 844222 E-mail: info@cleopatra.com.cy |
| Nefertiti Hotel | nefertitihotel.com | 3 star | Nefertiti Hotel, El Sahabi Street, via Karnak Temple St, Luxor, Egypt.booking@nefertitihotel.com |
| Amon Hotel | amonhotel.com | 2 star | West Bank,Geziret Bairat, Al Bairat, Luxor, Luxor Governorate 99999, Egypt info@amonhotel.com |
| El Mesala Hotel | hotelelmesala.com | 3 star | Ramla West Bank, Luxor, Luxor, Al Bairat, Luxor, Luxor Governorate, Egypt info@hotelelmesala.com |
Restaurants
Jewel of the Nile, Sofra Restaurant & Cafe, Pizza Roma-it, Al-Sahaby Lane, and Esquire Restaurant & Bar, are the options one can try for Continental, Mughlai, Italian, or local cuisines near the Valley.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Egypt is from October to April. It is advisable to begin the journey at 7:30am. The travel guides lay bare their knowledge about Egypt’s past and answer any questions that you might have.
Things to Remember
Photography is not allowed inside the tombs.
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