Valley of the Kings in Luxor: Best Tombs, Tickets, and My Tour Experience
The Valley of the Kings was my favorite stop during my day trip to Luxor, Egypt. After flying from Cairo to Luxor early in the morning, I spent the day visiting several famous ancient sites, but the Valley of the Kings stood out the most.
This page focuses only on my experience inside the Valley of the Kings: the tombs I visited, which add-on tomb tickets I paid for, how much time I spent there, whether a guide was helpful, and whether I think the Valley of the Kings is worth visiting.
I visited as part of my larger day trip to Luxor from Cairo, which also included the Colossi of Memnon, Hatshepsut’s Temple, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple.
Is the Valley of the Kings Worth Visiting?
Yes, I thought the Valley of the Kings was absolutely worth visiting. In fact, it was my favorite attraction in Luxor and one of the most memorable ancient sites I visited in Egypt.
What made the Valley of the Kings so impressive was not just the age of the tombs, but how much color and detail still remained inside them. Before visiting, I expected dark stone chambers and faded walls. Instead, several of the tombs still had bright burial art, long passageways, decorated ceilings, and scenes that made the ancient world feel much closer than I expected.
If you are visiting Luxor for the first time, I would make the Valley of the Kings one of your top priorities. It is especially worth visiting if you are interested in ancient Egyptian tombs, King Tutankhamun, burial art, or the West Bank of Luxor.
Quick Answer: How to Visit the Valley of the Kings in Luxor
The Valley of the Kings is located on the West Bank of Luxor, not far from other major sites like the Colossi of Memnon and Hatshepsut’s Temple. I visited with a guide and driver as part of a full-day Luxor tour, which made the logistics easy because I did not have to figure out transportation, tickets, or timing on my own.
A standard Valley of the Kings ticket generally allows visitors to enter three regular tombs from the tombs open that day. Some of the most famous or best-preserved tombs, including Tutankhamun’s tomb and Ramesses V and Ramesses VI, require separate add-on tickets.
During my visit, I entered five tombs:
- Ramesses IV — KV2
- Tutankhamun — KV62
- Merenptah — KV8
- Ramesses I — KV16
- Ramesses V and Ramesses VI — KV9
Of those, Ramesses V and Ramesses VI was easily my favorite tomb.
Table of Contents
- Is the Valley of the Kings Worth Visiting?
- Quick Answer: How to Visit the Valley of the Kings in Luxor
- Do You Need a Guide for the Valley of the Kings?
- Updated 2025 Ticket Prices
- Visiting the Tomb of Ramesses IV — KV2
- Visiting the Tomb of Tutankhamun — KV62
- Visiting the Tomb of Merenptah — KV8
- Visiting the Tomb of Ramesses I — KV16
- Visiting the Tombs of Ramesses V and Ramesses VI — KV9
- How Much Time Do You Need at the Valley of the Kings?
- Photography Rules Inside the Valley of the Kings
- Tips for Visiting the Valley of the Kings
- Valley of the Kings and Luxor Tours
- More Things to Do Near the Valley of the Kings
- Final Thoughts: Would I Visit the Valley of the Kings Again?
- Support Buzzin’ Around the World – Visit Our Affiliates
- Earning Points and Rewards
- Related Content
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Do You Need a Guide for the Valley of the Kings?
I was glad I had a guide for the Valley of the Kings, but there is one important thing to know: guides are not allowed to go inside the tombs with visitors.
My guide for the day was Nermeen, and she explained what I was going to see before I entered each tomb. Then, after I came back out, she answered my questions and helped me understand what I had just seen. That setup worked well for me.
The tombs themselves are easy enough to walk through on your own. Most visits follow a simple route down into the tomb and back out again. However, having a guide helped me understand which tombs to choose, what made each one important, and how to fit the Valley of the Kings into a packed Luxor day trip.
You can visit the Valley of the Kings without a guide, especially if you already know which tombs you want to see. Still, I think a guide is helpful if it is your first time in Luxor or if you are visiting several Luxor sites in one day.
If you do not want to arrange transportation and tickets on your own, a Valley of the Kings tour in Luxor or a larger Luxor West Bank tour can make the visit much easier.
Valley of the Kings Tickets and Add-On Tombs
When planning your visit, it helps to understand how Valley of the Kings tickets work before you arrive. A standard ticket generally includes access to three regular tombs, while certain famous or especially well-preserved tombs require separate add-on tickets.
During my visit, Nermeen recommended Ramesses IV, Merenptah, and Ramesses I as my three standard tombs. I also paid extra to visit Tutankhamun’s tomb and Ramesses V and Ramesses VI.
I considered visiting Seti I, but the add-on cost was very high compared with the other tombs, so I skipped it. If I had unlimited time and money, I probably would have liked to see it, but on a one-day Luxor itinerary, I felt good about the tombs I chose.
Ticket prices, open tombs, and add-on tomb options can change, so I recommend checking the official Egyptian Monuments ticket site or asking your guide before choosing your tombs.
Best Tombs to Visit in the Valley of the Kings
Each tomb I visited added something different to the experience. Some were included with my standard ticket, while others required an add-on ticket. If you are trying to decide which tombs to visit at the Valley of the Kings, this is how I would describe the five tombs I saw.
| Tomb | How I Visited It | What Stood Out | My Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ramesses IV — KV2 | Included with my standard ticket | Colorful wall art and a strong first impression | A great introduction to the Valley of the Kings |
| Tutankhamun — KV62 | Add-on ticket | King Tut’s mummy and historical significance | Worth visiting for the history and the chance to see one of Egypt’s most famous tombs |
| Merenptah — KV8 | Included with my standard ticket | Long descending layout and classic royal tomb design | A worthwhile included tomb that added variety to my visit |
| Ramesses I — KV16 | Included with my standard ticket | Some of the strongest burial art among the included tombs | A smaller tomb, but one of my favorite standard-ticket stops |
| Ramesses V and Ramesses VI — KV9 | Add-on ticket | The best burial art, colors, and ceiling details I saw | My favorite tomb and the add-on ticket I would most recommend |
Visiting the Tomb of Ramesses IV — KV2
The tomb of Ramesses IV was the first tomb I visited inside the Valley of the Kings, and it made a strong first impression. Almost immediately, I could see why this is considered one of the most impressive ancient sites in Egypt.
Inside Ramesses IV’s tomb, the corridor widens in several places, and those wider areas had some of the best examples of colorful burial art I saw early in my visit. The walls were filled with hieroglyphs, decorated scenes, and artwork connected to the ancient Egyptian view of the afterlife.
The burial chamber includes the sarcophagus of Ramesses IV, and the sections beyond it continue with star patterns, royal names, and scenes from ancient Egyptian funerary texts. As my first tomb at the Valley of the Kings, Ramesses IV — KV2 was a great introduction to the color, detail, and symbolism inside the royal tombs.
Visiting the Tomb of Tutankhamun — KV62
The next tomb I visited was KV62, the tomb of King Tutankhamun. This was one of the add-on ticket tombs, and for me, it was worth visiting mostly because of the historical significance and the chance to see King Tut’s mummy in person.
I had seen photos of King Tut’s mummified body online before my trip, but seeing it in person was still surreal. King Tut’s tomb is not the most impressive tomb in the Valley of the Kings for burial art, especially compared with Ramesses V and Ramesses VI, but its history makes it one of the most memorable.
Inside the burial chamber, the walls show scenes connected to Tutankhamun’s journey into the afterlife, including the Opening of the Mouth ritual and other ancient Egyptian funerary imagery. The tomb is smaller than some of the others I visited, but standing inside one of the most famous tombs in the world was still a special experience.
Is King Tut’s Tomb Worth the Extra Ticket?
As a Global Studies teacher, I do not directly teach ancient Egypt because my classes focus more on the present day. Even so, it was still fun to stand inside a tomb connected to a story almost everyone has heard of.
If you are choosing tombs based only on decoration, I would prioritize Ramesses V and Ramesses VI. If you are interested in King Tut, ancient Egyptian history, or seeing the mummy, then I think Tutankhamun’s tomb is worth the add-on ticket.
Visiting the Tomb of Merenptah — KV8
The next tomb I visited was KV8, the tomb of Merenptah. This tomb felt different from the others because of its long descending layout and the way it led deeper into the burial space.
Inside, the artwork includes scenes from ancient Egyptian funerary texts, including imagery connected to the Sun Disk, Ra, and the journey through the Underworld. The burial chamber also features a ceiling of stars, which added to the atmosphere inside the tomb.
Merenptah’s burial included a series of nested stone sarcophagi, which helped make the burial chamber one of the more memorable parts of the tomb. I also remember this tomb as a good reminder to be cautious around restricted areas. Visitors should not follow guards into off-limits sections, even if they offer access for tips. Those areas are closed to protect the tombs from damage.
Merenptah was not the flashiest tomb I visited, but it added a lot to the overall experience because of its layout, burial chamber, and classic Valley of the Kings atmosphere.
Visiting the Tomb of Ramesses I — KV16
The tomb of Ramesses I was the third tomb included with my general entrance ticket. After walking down two steep staircases, I entered the burial chamber, which featured some of the best examples of Egyptian burial art I saw among the included tombs.
This tomb was smaller than some of the others, but that did not make it feel less worthwhile. In some ways, the smaller size made the artwork easier to take in. It was a shorter visit, but the burial art gave it a strong visual impact.
The artwork includes scenes of Ramesses I with ancient Egyptian deities, along with imagery connected to rebirth and the journey through the afterlife. Even though KV16 is not one of the biggest tombs in the Valley of the Kings, it is beautifully preserved and felt like an underrated stop.
As one of my three included tombs, Ramesses I was absolutely worth visiting. I would not choose it over an add-on tomb like Ramesses V and Ramesses VI, but among the included tombs I saw, it had some of the strongest burial art.
Visiting the Tombs of Ramesses V and Ramesses VI — KV9
The final tomb I visited was KV9, the tomb of Ramesses V and Ramesses VI, and it was easily my favorite tomb in the Valley of the Kings. This was an add-on ticket tomb, but for me, it was the easiest extra cost to justify. If you only want to pay extra for one tomb at the Valley of the Kings, Ramesses V and Ramesses VI is the one I would recommend.
Inside, the pillared chamber was overwhelming in scale and beauty. The walls are covered with colorful burial art and scenes from ancient Egyptian funerary texts, including imagery connected to Ra’s nightly journey through the Underworld.
The ceilings were some of the most impressive parts of the tomb. They were painted deep blue with golden stars and included scenes connected to the cycle of day and night. This was exactly the kind of burial art I had imagined before visiting the Valley of the Kings.
I spent more time inside this tomb than any of the others. The color, scale, ceiling details, and amount of artwork made it the clear highlight of my visit.
The Valley of the Kings has several incredible tombs, but Ramesses V and Ramesses VI — KV9 was the one that best matched what I hoped to see: colorful walls, detailed scenes, star-covered ceilings, and the feeling of walking through one of ancient Egypt’s most spectacular royal tombs.
How Much Time Do You Need at the Valley of the Kings?
I spent about two and a half hours at the Valley of the Kings and visited five tombs. That felt like the right amount of time for my visit.
If you are only visiting three standard tombs, you could probably see the Valley of the Kings in about one and a half to two hours. If you want to add add-on tombs like Tutankhamun or Ramesses V and Ramesses VI, I would allow closer to two and a half to three hours.
Nermeen recommended not spending more than about three hours there because I still had the rest of my Luxor day trip ahead of me. That made sense. The Valley of the Kings was my favorite stop, but Luxor has several other major sites worth seeing on the same day.
Photography Rules Inside the Valley of the Kings
During my visit to the Valley of the Kings in December 2022, I was able to take photos inside the tombs I visited. Photography rules in Egypt can change, and some tombs may have different rules than others, so I recommend checking the signs or asking before taking pictures.
Inside some tombs, guards may offer to take photos for you and then expect a tip. They can also let you know if you are doing something incorrectly, such as using flash or entering an area that is off-limits. Be careful, though. I have heard stories of guards demanding tips or allowing visitors to bend the rules in exchange for money.
Even when photos are allowed, avoid using flash and follow the posted rules. These tombs are ancient, fragile, and still filled with original artwork. I was glad I had photos from my visit because the color and detail inside the tombs were a major part of what made the Valley of the Kings so memorable.
Tips for Visiting the Valley of the Kings
If you are planning your own visit, these are the tips I would give based on my experience:
- Decide before you arrive whether you want to pay extra for special tombs.
- If you only choose one add-on tomb, I would pick Ramesses V and Ramesses VI.
- Visit King Tut’s tomb for the historical significance, not because it has the best artwork.
- Ask your guide which standard-ticket tombs are best on the day of your visit.
- Expect your guide to explain things outside the tombs, not walk through the tombs with you.
- Give yourself at least two hours, and closer to three if you are visiting add-on tombs.
- Check current ticket and photography rules before your visit.
- Do not try to see every tomb. Pick a few good ones and take your time.
Valley of the Kings and Luxor Tours
The Valley of the Kings is one place in Luxor where I was glad to have a tour guide. Guides are not allowed inside the tombs, but my guide helped me choose which tombs to visit, understand what I was about to see before entering each one, and fit the Valley of the Kings into a full Luxor itinerary. If you are planning your own visit, you can compare Valley of the Kings tours and larger Luxor tours on Viator, including West Bank tours, full-day Luxor tours, and tours that combine the Valley of the Kings with sites like Hatshepsut’s Temple, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple. I may earn a small commission if you book through my affiliate link, at no additional cost to you.
More Things to Do in Luxor and Nearby Attractions
The Valley of the Kings is usually visited as part of a larger Luxor West Bank tour. On the same day, I also visited the Colossi of Memnon and Hatshepsut’s Temple before continuing to the East Bank for Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.
That made for a long but incredible day. If you are staying in Luxor, you could spread these sites out over more time. Since I was visiting Luxor as a day trip from Cairo, I was glad I had a guide and driver to keep the day organized.
Final Thoughts: Would I Visit the Valley of the Kings Again?
The Valley of the Kings was my favorite attraction in Luxor and one of the highlights of my time in Egypt. I loved the combination of history, tomb architecture, burial art, and firsthand experience walking inside ancient royal tombs.
My favorite tomb was Ramesses V and Ramesses VI, and that is the add-on ticket I would most strongly recommend. I am also glad I visited King Tut’s tomb, but more for the historical significance and the mummy than for the artwork.
If you are visiting Luxor, I think the Valley of the Kings deserves a spot near the top of your itinerary. It is one of those places that feels famous for a reason, and for me, it lived up to the hype.
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