5 Best Tombs in the Valley of the Kings to Visit (+ Map)

Narrow down your planning and choose between these best tombs in the Valley of the Kings that you need to visit when in Luxor, Egypt.

The Valley of the Kings is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the world. This valley confines the ancient resting grounds of the great pharaohs of dynastic Egypt. It’s a place where visitors can thoroughly explore elaborate tombs via an underground network of tunnels and beautifully preserved burial chambers.

However, when I visited the valley it was beyond confusing. That’s because there are over 65 tombs excavated in this tiny area! And, archeologists are still unearthing more.

What’s worse is that the standard entrance ticket only allows access to three tombs out of 14 currently open, with additional fees to visit additional tombs. To help you prepare, I’ve written this guide to the 5 best tombs in the Valley of the Kings, one of Egypt’s greatest landmarks.

Update: Prices and rules change constantly in the Valley of the Kings. I’ll continue to update this post but if you notice any changes, please leave a comment so I can update accordingly.

How Many Tombs Are in the Valley of the Kings?

In total, there are 65 royal tombs so far discovered in the Valley of the Kings. As far as Egyptologists are aware, there is only one remaining tomb yet to be discovered; that of Ramses VIII, who only ruled Egypt for a single year at most.

This is likely why the late pharaoh's tomb remains undiscovered– since the construction of royal burial tombs only commences at the beginning of their rule. It is then only completed upon their death, meaning the longer the reign, the larger and more elaborate the crypt.

This is the reason why many historians believe that Tutankhamun's tomb remained hidden for so long. The boy king's reign lasted less than 10 years and was very untimely, which meant his tomb was relatively small and therefore more difficult to find in this considerable valley.

Which Tombs Can I Visit?

The majority of the tombs in the Valley of the Kings are closed off to the public for restoration works and to avoid damage from overtourism.

However, there are currently 14 tombs that visitors can explore.

• KV1 - Ramesses VII
• KV2 – Ramesses IV
• KV6 - Ramesses IX
• KV8 - Merenptah
• KV9 - Ramesses V & VI - extra 180 EGP ticket required
• KV11 - Ramesses III
• KV14 - Tausert-Setnakht
• KV15 - Seti II
• KV16 - Ramesses I
• KV43 – Thutmose
• KV17 - Seti I - extra 1,800 EGP ticket required
• KV47 - Siptah
• KV62 - Tutankhamun - extra 500 EGP ticket required
• WV23 - Tomb of Ay – extra 150 EGP ticket required

Tip: This list is updated after my last visit. However, it's important to know that the best tombs in the Valley of the Kings close periodically and are swapped out with another tomb. Remember, if there are any changes, please let me know in the comments and I'll continue to update this post.

About the Entrance Tickets & Extra Tomb Passes

To enter the Valley of the Kings, tourists are required to pay an entrance fee of 600 EGP, payable at the entrance. This does not include a tour guide but does include transport from the entrance to the valley via a small electric golf cart-style bus.

Valley of the Kings Entrance Price: 600 EGP per person

The standard entrance ticket includes entry to three tombs only. There are guards waiting at the entrance to all of the tombs who will stamp your ticket.

However, visitors can also buy a special ticket to enter additional tombs, which I've listed below. Note that these tombs are not included on the standard ticket, which is required regardless.

• KV9 - Ramesses V & VI - 180 EGP
• KV17 - Seti I - 1,800 EGP
• KV62 - Tutankhamun - 500 EGP
• WV23 - Tomb of Ay – 150 EGP

If you're interested in visiting these special tombs, of these three, I recommend Seti I and Tutankhamun (more details in the below list of best Valley of the Kings tombs).

Photography Passes

After reading a few older blogs, it seems that it used to be the case that visitors would need to purchase a special "photography pass" to take photos inside the tombs, even with a phone camera.

However, as of now, visitors are free to take photographs with their phones or cameras without purchasing this pass.

I took my large R5 mirrorless camera in and was never asked once to pay a fee. I asked my guide about this and he told me not to worry about this extra pass anymore as this has ended.

Map Showing the Tombs In the Valley of the Kings

Below is a useful map that will help you orientate yourself within the archeological site.

Note that the tombs I recommend visiting below are all luckily, quite central. This is good news because it can get very hot in this valley!

My Recommended Tombs to Visit in the Valley of the Kings

Below I've recommended 5 tombs to visit, the last of which will require additional entrance tickets. Remember, tourists can only visit three out of the 10 tombs included in the standard ticket.

Of course, you'll definitely have a great time if you only visit three tombs in the Valley of the Kings. However, the additional tombs are well worth the extra costs in my opinion.

1. Tomb of Ramesses IX

The first tomb I recommend exploring is that of Ramesses IX, designated as archeological site KV11. The tomb entrance is located just north of the rest area, quite close to the entrance and opposite the tomb of Tutankhamun and Ramesses. This tomb is included in the general ticket.

Ramesses IX (also written as Ramses or Rameses) was initially named Amon-her-khepshef Khaemwaset and ruled Egypt between the years 1129-1111 BCE.

His eighteen-year reign placed him as the third longest-serving ruler of the 20th Dynasty, resulting in quite an impressive tomb. Nevertheless, it was clear that his death was untimely since his tomb was only roughly half-finished. This is evident by the presence of large incomplete sections further into the tomb.

Ramesses IX is one of the most popular tombs to visit in the Valley of the Kings, primarily due to the magnificently decorated burial chamber at the end of the tunnel. Here, you'll see an amazing vaulted ceiling with well-preserved imagery of Nut, the goddess of the sky.

The corridor leading down to the main chamber is also beautifully adorned but protected by a sheet of glass. While much of the paint is missing on the corridor walls, you'll see impressive astronomical ceilings and lintels with immaculately preserved paint.

Tip: If you want to get sneaky to try to get into more tombs on the general entry ticket, you could try to get the guard to stamp your ticket from another site in Luxor such as the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut since they look identical.

2. Tomb of Ramesses III

The second Valley of the Kings tomb worth visiting on the general ticket is that of Ramesses III, designated as KV11. You'll find this one west of the rest area opposite Ramesses V & VI and Tutankhamun.

Ramesses III ruled the New Kingdom between 1186-1155 BC, which is an impressive reign of over 31 years. During his time, Ramesses III faced many political and military struggles but managed to defend successfully against many invading threats including the Sea Peoples and the Libyans.

Ramesses III's tomb is one of the best-preserved tombs in the Valley of the Kings. It's absolutely massive, with a steep staircase covered in deep and detailed reliefs and leading down to broad corridors embellished with beautifully decorated hieroglyphs.

Furthermore, the main corridor leading to the large columned hall has one of the most magnificent ceilings out of all the best tombs in the Valley of the Kings. This astronomical ceiling is very well preserved with very little damage.

3. Tomb of Merenptah

The final tomb you should consider entering on the general ticket is that of Merenphtah, with the designation KV8. This tomb is located directly opposite the rest area down a small path, passing Tutankhamun's tomb.

Pharaoh Merenptah ruled during the Nineteenth Dynasty and was likely already around seventy years old when he ascended to the throne. His father was Ramses II or Ramses the Great, perhaps the most celebrated Pharaoh in ancient Egypt, and to whom the great temple of Abu Simbel is dedicated.

Although Merenptah's reign didn't last nearly as long as his father's, he was still credited for several military campaigns, as well as for moving the administrative capital back to Memphis. Due to his old age, he died just 10 years into his rule. Surprisingly, his burial site is remarkably immense and credited as being the second-largest tomb in the Valley of the Kings.

Merenptah's tomb features a steep staircase and a long, 160-meter corridor. There is a large pillared chamber leading down to the main burial chamber. This room features illustrations from the Book of Gates, as well as a beautiful winged Ma'aat on the lintel.

What makes this tomb unique are the several huge stone sarcophagi within. The main one is located in the enormous burial chamber, which is a huge pillared hall with a vaulted ceiling. On the walls are depictions from the Book of Caverns and the Book of Earth.

4. Tomb of Seti the First

Extra cost: 1,800 EGP

By far, the best tomb in the Valley of the Kings to visit is that of Seti the First, or Seti I, designated as KV17. This one is located on the path leading east after passing the rest area. Yes, the tomb of Seti the First is the most expensive tomb in the Valley of the Kings, but it is well worth the extra cost.

Seti the First ruled Egypt for roughly 15 years between 1294 or 1290-1279 BCE (the dating is disputed). He was the father of Ramses II and is best known for his remarkable building works during his rule.

Seti I was responsible for many grand temples including the temple of Seti at Abydos, the temple of Gurna, the temple of Elephantine, and the continued construction of the great hypostyle hall at the Karnak Temple.

It's no wonder then why his tomb is so incredible. This is a 137-meter-long masterpiece with very well-preserved reliefs in most of the eleven chambers and side rooms. The colors on the walls are some of the most vibrant in the necropolis and the carvings are magnificent.

5. Burial Chamber of Tutankhamun

Extra cost: 500 EGP

Finally, the last tomb you should visit in the Valley of the Kings is that of Tutankhamun– the boy king. This tomb costs an additional 500 EGP to enter. Visitors will find this one directly opposite the rest area.

King Tut's tomb is the most famous tomb due to the fact that its discovery was quite recent and that it remained completely unmolested by grave robbers for thousands of years. Howard Carter's discovery of the tomb in 1922 resulted in several invaluable treasures, including his famous golden headdress. All of these have now been moved to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

King Tutankhamun ascended to the throne at the age of just eight years old and ruled for less than a decade from the years 1332-1323 BCE. While he was very young, he is credited for restoring the Ancient Egyptian religion after his father Akhenaten's dissolution.

Most likely due to an untimely death, Tutankhamun's resting place is very small and unimpressive compared to the rest of the amazing tombs in the Valley of the Kings. There is not much more than a short, undecorated passageway leading to a narrow burial chamber lacking many carvings.

However, the highlight for almost everybody is the fact that Tutankhamun's mummy still lies resting inside the tomb.

How to Get to the Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is located in Upper Egypt on the west bank of the Nile River, approximately 45 minutes from modern-day Luxor (ancient Thebes).

Below are the best ways to get to the valley from Luxor.

2. By Taxi

If you're intent on making your own way to explore the best tombs in the Valley of the Kings, you can do so by taxi.

The journey takes approximately 45 minutes and will cost between 200-300 Egyptian pounds. Alternatively, you can take a ferry across the Nile to the west bank, which costs 5 EGP for tourists. This departs from near the Luxor Museum.

From here, the journey will be closer since you won't need to cross the Luxor Bridge.

Tip: Note that if you're taking the taxi you will need to try to get one back too. This isn't always the easiest and good luck bartering for a fair price on the return journey! Otherwise, I've been told that it is also possible to hire a taxi for the day, but it'd likely be cheaper to book a tour (above).

Where to Stay in Luxor

More Egypt Travel Inspiration

I hope that this guide revealing the 5 best tombs in the Valley of the Kings has helped prepare you for one of the most incredible experiences in Egypt!

I'll continue to update this guide to make sure it stays relevant. However, tombs open and close regularly. So, in order to help me and future readers out, please let me know in the comments if things have changed during your visit.

For now, check out some of my other Egypt travel guides and blogs to get you inspired for the trip of a lifetime!