Valley of the Kings
Stepping into the Shadows of the Pharaohs
There are few places on Earth where history feels quite as heavy—or as golden—as it does in the Valley of the Kings. Tucked away behind the limestone cliffs of Luxor’s West Bank, this sun-scorched wadi served as the final resting place for the New Kingdom’s greatest rulers for over 500 years.
If you’re planning a trip to Egypt, here is why this hallowed ground remains an absolute “must-see” on any itinerary.
A City of the Dead
Unlike the Old Kingdom pharaohs who built the high-profile Pyramids at Giza, the kings of the New Kingdom (such as Ramses II and Thutmose III) opted for discretion. They carved their tombs deep into the rock of a remote valley, overseen by the pyramid-shaped peak of Al-Qurn, hoping to protect their treasures from the tomb robbers of antiquity.
Today, archaeologists have unearthed over 60 tombs. While the gold may have been looted long ago, the real treasure remains: the vivid, breathtaking wall paintings that look as though the artists downed their brushes only yesterday.
What to Expect on Your Visit
A standard entry ticket typically allows you access to three tombs. However, it is well worth paying the additional supplement for the “premium” sites:
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KV62 (Tutankhamun): Small and modest compared to others, but iconic. It is the only tomb found nearly intact, and seeing the boy king’s mummy in situ is a surreal experience.
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KV17 (Seti I): Often cited as the most magnificent tomb in the valley, it stretches over 137 metres and is covered in exquisite, multi-coloured reliefs.
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The Descent: Walking down the long, sloping corridors (or ‘corridors of the sun’) is like descending into the Egyptian underworld itself, guided by the Book of the Dead illustrated on the walls.
Top Tips for the Modern Explorer
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Beat the Heat: The valley is a natural sun-trap. Aim to arrive at 06:00 when the gates open to avoid the midday glare and the largest crowds.
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Hydration is Key: There is a small “tourist bazaar” and a café near the entrance, but carry plenty of water for the walk between tombs.
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The Electric Train: Take the “Taftaf”—a small electric tram—from the visitor centre to the tomb area. It saves your legs for the steep steps inside the burials!
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Photography: Respect the rules. While mobile phone photography is now permitted in many tombs, professional kits and flash are strictly forbidden to protect the 3,000-year-old pigments.
The Valley of the Kings isn’t just a graveyard; it is a profound testament to the ancient Egyptian obsession with the afterlife and their mastery of art. Standing in the silent, cool darkness of a burial chamber, you realise that while the pharaohs’ names were nearly forgotten, their quest for immortality was, in a way, successful.
