valley_of_the_kings

luxor, egypt

The Valley of the Kings, located on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor, Egypt, is an ancient burial site where pharaohs of the New Kingdom (16th–11th century BCE) were laid to rest in elaborate rock-cut tombs. It is home to over 60 tombs, including the famous Tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62), which was discovered nearly intact by Howard Carter in 1922. Other notable tombs belong to Ramses II, Seti I, and Hatshepsut, showcasing intricate wall paintings and hieroglyphs depicting the journey to the afterlife. Visitors can explore a selection of tombs with an entry ticket (starting at 400 EGP (~$13 USD)), while access to special tombs like Tutankhamun’s requires an extra fee. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat, and nearby sites include the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.