The Valley of the Kings, in the city of Luxor, is a major shore excursion for the passengers of Dahabiya cruises in Egypt. Many travelers, especially the history lovers, really want to know more about its history, architecture, what makes it special, and why it matters in Egyptian history. As travel agents, we have experienced travel guides that assist the explorer during their cruising itineraries.
So, travelers on Nile River cruise dahabiya around the world ask some questions, so through this informational content we are providing you an insight about a historically famous burial place in Egypt, which is known as the Valley of Kings in today’s time.
Why is the valley also called the Eternal City of Pharaohs?
Hidden deep within the golden cliffs of Luxor’s western desert in Egypt lies one of the most fascinating burial grounds of the early civilizations of human history. The Valley of the Kings, this ancient Theban necropolis, was not built for ordinary people but for Egypt’s greatest rulers’ souls, which would continue for them. It is believed that they also have a journey into the afterlife. Even today, it remains one of the world’s most mysterious and powerful archaeological sites.
What is the Valley of the Kings?
The Valley of the Kings is an ancient burial site where Egypt’s greatest pharaohs (god-like figures) were buried during the New Kingdom period (around 1539–1070 BCE). Instead of building large monuments called pyramids, rulers began carving their tombs deep into the desert rock to protect them from tomb robbers or invaders.
It is located on the west bank of the Nile near modern-day Luxor, which the ancient Egyptians considered the land of the dead, as the sun sets in the west. So, this is one of the major reasons why that area is being chosen as the place for tombs and burials.
Key Facts Regarding The Valley Of The Kings
| Key Fact | Details |
| Ancient Name | Part of ancient Thebes, known today as Luxor |
| Location | West Bank of Nile, Luxor, Egypt |
| Period of Use | Around 1539 BCE-1075 BCE |
| Historical Importance | Royal burial ground of the New Kingdom pharaohs and royal figures |
| Number of Tombs | More than 60 tombs have been discovered |
| KV5 | One of the largest tombs in the Valley, containing more than 120 chambers. |
| Most Famous Tomb | Tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62) |
| Discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb | Howard Carter, 1922 |
| UNESCO Status | Part of the ancient Thebes with its necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| Visitor Access | Only selected tombs are open to visitors |
Learn More: Valley of the Kings: Is It Worth Visiting, and Why Is It So Special?
List of pharaohs’ Egyptian tombs in the Valley of the Kings.
Thutmose I: One of the earliest kings to choose the Valley of the Kings for burial and also seen as the one who set the tradition of hiding royal Egyptian tombs inside the mountains for their protection.
Amenhotep II: He is the son of Thutmose III. He is famous for his athletic strength and powerful kingship, and during the research, his mummy was later found inside the Valley of the Kings in his tomb.
Amenhotep III: Ruled Egypt during a golden age of wealth and art, which is depicted by the tomb. His burial, or royal tomb, emphasized luxury, symbolism, and divine kingship in the Middle Egyptian civilization.
Tutankhamun: He was the most famous pharaoh of the valley. His tomb was discovered almost intact in 1922. The treasures from his burial revealed priceless insight into the royal life of ancient Egypt and their cultures.
Ramses I: He is the founder of the powerful 19th Dynasty. His reign was short, but his burial began a strong royal line that then continued for years to come.
Seti I: one of the famous pharaohs and the father of Ramses II. His tomb is considered one of the most beautiful in the entire valley. The royal burial monument is known for detailed wall art and spiritual texts around the tomb’s walls.
Ramses II (Ramses the Great): One of Egypt’s longest-ruling and most famous kings. Also the builder of many temples across Egypt, he was originally buried in the valley; later, his mummy was moved for protection from damage and invaders.
Ramses III: He is considered the last great pharaoh of Egypt, and he also defended Egypt from foreign invasions. His tomb is one of the largest in the Valley of the Kings, and many explorers visit and walk around the tomb.
Ramses XI: He is often considered the last ruler of the New Kingdom. His burial symbolizes the end of the era when pharaohs dominated Egypt’s power; with that, the culture of royal tombs in Egypt also starts declining. We are also placing some pictures of the Valley of the Kings for better understanding.
Best Tombs To Visit In The Valley Of The Kings
The Valley of the Kings is home to several ancient tombs, each with its own story, but a few stand out for their history and beautiful decorations.
Ramses I (KV16)
It was discovered by Giovanni Belzoni in 1817. This tomb is one of the smallest in the Valley of the Kings, with dimensions of 29 meters. It is famous because of its beautifully decorated burial chamber, which includes scenes from the Book of Gates.
| Tomb | KV16 |
| Pharaoh | Ramses I |
| Dynasty | 19th Dynasty |
| Discovered by | Giovanni Belzoni in 1817 |
| Length | About 29 meters long |
Tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62)
The Tomb of Tutankhamun, an 18th dynasty pharaoh, is the most famous tomb that is present in the Valley of the Kings. It was discovered by Howard Carter in 1922. The tomb is smaller than either royal tomb, but it is a must-see for many visitors because of its famous history. His tomb is famous for its well-preserved treasures and golden funerary work.
It is one of the few royal tombs that was found with the mummy in its original burial context. It also contains a large collection of funerary treasures, numbering around 5,000 objects.
| Tomb | KV62 |
| Pharaoh | Tutankhamun |
| Dynasty | 18th Dynasty |
| Discovered by | Howard Carter in 1922 |
| Length | Around 30.79 meters |
| Mummy | His mummy was found inside the tomb |
Tomb of Seti I (KV17)
KV17 is one of the most beautiful tombs in the Valley of the Kings, discovered by Giovanni Battista Belzoni. It has detailed, colorful paintings and impressive decorations. Seti I’s tomb is one of the longest and most elaborately decorated tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Its decoration makes it a great choice for visitors interested in ancient Egyptian art.
| Tomb | KV17 |
| Pharaoh | Seti I |
| Dynasty | 19th Dynasty |
| Discovered by | Giovanni Battista Belzoni in 1817 |
| Length | About 137 meters |
Tomb of Ramses V and VI (KV9)
KV9 is famous for its beautiful ceiling and colorful paintings. Its large and detailed designs make it one of the most impressive tombs to visit. It is a great choice for visitors who want to experience the artistic side of the royal tombs.
| Tomb | KV9 |
| Pharaoh | Ramses V and Ramses VI |
| Dynasty | 20th Dynasty |
| Length | Approximately 117 meters |
Tomb of Ramses III (KV11)
KV11 is a well-decorated tomb, with colorful wall paintings and many interesting scenes from ancient Egyptian beliefs. One of its memorable features is the depictions of harpists playing music, which offers a glimpse into the role of music and music inscriptions in the ancient Egyptian culture and funerary traditions. It is a perfect choice for visitors who want to see a richly decorated tomb without necessarily spending for one of the premium tombs.
| Tomb | KV11 |
| Pharaoh | Ramses III |
| Dynasty | 20th Dynasty |
| Length | Approximately 188 meters |
Tomb of Ramses IV (KV2)
KV2 has many colorful hieroglyphs and wall paintings. It is particularly suitable for travelers who want to see impressive artwork while keeping their visit straightforward. The tomb of Ramses IV also contains more than 650 Greek and Coptic graffiti, left by visitors and later occupants over the centuries. This provides evidence of how the tomb continued to attract people long after the reign of Ramses IV.
| Tomb | KV2 |
| Pharaoh | Ramses IV |
| Dynasty | 20th Dynasty |
| Discovered by | Edward Ayrton |
| Length | Approximately 90 meters |
How to Reach the Valley of the Kings?
The Valley of the Kings is located on Luxor’s west bank, and visitors can easily reach it by taxi, private car, organized tour, or guided excursion from a Nile cruise.
By taxi or private car: Many travelers prefer to travel by taxi or private car because it is a convenient option that allows them to travel directly from their hotel to the Valley of the Kings.
By guided tour: Many tours include the Valley of the Kings along with other popular attractions on the West Bank, such as the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
By ferry: If you are staying on Luxor’s East Bank, then you can take the public ferry across the Nile to the West Bank and then continue by taxi or private car to reach the Valley of the Kings.
Faqs
What do Valley of the Kings tours include?
On the shore excursion of a Swan Dahabiya cruise, a travel guide will assist the travelers on their exploration of the Valley of Kings. They will narrate facts, stories, and the significance of the place with how it shaped Egyptian history.
How many tombs have been discovered in the Valley of the Kings?
So far, archaeologists have identified over 60 tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Some are small and unfinished, while others are large and richly decorated. New discoveries are still possible because parts of the valley remain unexplored.
Can visitors go inside the Valley of the Kings tombs today?
Yes, tourists are allowed to enter several tombs in the Valley of the Kings. However, not all tombs are open at the same time. Authorities keep the access limited to protect the wall paintings and prevent damage from humidity, light, and large crowds.
What makes Tutankhamun’s tomb different from the others?
Tutankhamun’s tomb is special because it was found almost completely intact. Unlike most other tombs that were robbed in ancient times, his still contained furniture, jewelry, chariots, statues, and his famous golden mask, giving historians a rare, detailed glimpse into royal life.
Why are the tomb paintings so well preserved?
The paintings survived because the tombs were sealed for thousands of years, protecting them from sunlight, rain, and wind. The dry desert climate also helped preserve the colors, while the mineral-based paints used by artists were naturally long-lasting.
What symbols are commonly seen on the tomb walls?
Common symbols include the ankh (symbol of life), the scarab beetle (rebirth), the Eye of Horus (protection), the feather of Ma’at (truth and balance), and images of gods guiding the soul into the afterlife. These were meant to protect the pharaoh and ensure a comfortable eternal life.
Is the Valley of the Kings Older Than the Giza Pyramids?
No, the Valley of the Kings is not older than the Giza pyramids. The pyramids were built around 2600 BCE, about 1000 years before the Valley of the Kings began being used as a royal burial site around 1539 BCE.
Do you need a ticket to visit the Valley of the Kings?
The Valley of the Kings requires an entrance ticket, and its prices may vary depending on the tomb you want to visit. The standard tickets will allow you to visit three of the regularly included tombs. However, you may require additional tickets if you want to visit special tombs such as Tutankhamun and Seti I. Most of the premium or all-inclusive Nile cruise packages may include tickets, so it is recommended to confirm the inclusions and exclusions before confirming the booking.