Hotels near Valley of the Kings

Tucked behind the limestone cliffs of West Thebes, the Valley of the Kings hides 65 known royal tombs cut between roughly 1539 and 1075 BCE. The standard ticket (750 EGP) covers entry to three tombs from the rotating open list, typically including Ramses III, Ramses IV and Ramses IX. Tutankhamun's tomb (KV62) requires the supplementary 500 EGP ticket and showcases the painted burial chamber and the king's reassembled mummy. Seti I's tomb (KV17) - the longest and most lavishly decorated at 137 metres - reopened on a 1,800 EGP supplementary ticket. The site is part of the UNESCO Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis world heritage area. Photography permits cost 300 EGP per camera. Open 6 AM to 5 PM; arrive at 6 AM in summer.

Pro Tip: Take the small electric tuk-tuk shuttle from the visitor centre rather than walk the 800-metre access road - it saves 15 minutes of sun and stamina you will need inside the tombs.