From the balloon you see the Theban hills that hide the royal tombs. An hour later you can be inside them. The Valley of the Kings holds more than 60 known tombs, but your standard ticket covers only a few, so choosing well makes all the difference. Here is how.
How tickets work
A standard Valley of the Kings ticket gives access to three tombs from those open that day. A few of the most famous tombs need their own ticket. Which tombs are open rotates for conservation, so check the board at the entrance. Prices change, so confirm them on the day.
Tombs on the standard ticket worth choosing
- Ramesses IV (KV2) — wide, bright and easy to walk, with vivid colours and a great sarcophagus.
- Ramesses IX (KV6) — a long corridor of well-preserved scenes.
- Merenptah (KV8) — a deep tomb with a huge granite sarcophagus lid.
- Ramesses III (KV11) — known for its side chambers and the famous harpist scenes.
- Thutmose III (KV34) — reached by a steep staircase in a cleft in the cliffs, with unusual stick-figure style paintings of the Amduat.
Tombs with separate tickets
- Tutankhamun (KV62) — small, but the king’s mummy remains in the tomb. The treasures are in the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza.
- Seti I (KV17) — the longest and one of the most beautifully decorated tombs in the valley. Expensive but unforgettable.
- Ramesses V and VI (KV9) — a spectacular astronomical ceiling.
Practical tips
- Go early. The valley heats up fast and fills with tour groups by mid-morning. After a sunrise balloon flight you are already on the West Bank at the perfect time.
- Allow two to three hours.
- Photography rules inside tombs change; check at the ticket office.
- Bring water and a hat. The valley floor reflects heat.
- Take the electric train from the visitor centre to the tombs if you want to save your legs.
From the air and on foot
From the balloon you see the necropolis as a whole: the hills, the paths over the mountain and the mortuary temples on the edge of the cultivation. Read what you see from the air. Then walk into it on our Hot Air Balloon + Valley of the Kings tour with an Egyptologist, followed by Hatshepsut’s temple and the Colossi of Memnon.
Frequently asked questions
How many tombs can you visit in the Valley of the Kings?
Three with the standard ticket, plus any you buy separate tickets for.
Is Tutankhamun’s tomb worth it?
For the experience of standing beside his mummy, many visitors say yes. If you want decoration, Seti I’s tomb is more impressive.
Can you see the Valley of the Kings from the hot air balloon?
You see the Theban hills that contain it and, on many mornings, the area around its entrance. The tombs themselves are underground.
