How Many tombs in the Valley of the Kings ?

The Valley of the Kings is one of the world's most famous archaeological sites. The pharaohs who governed Egypt from 1539 to 1075 BC have beautiful tombs at this royal burial place. Do you know how many tombs in the Valley of the Kings? Through this comprehensive guide, you will recognize the top tombs to see in the Valley of the Kings if you are thinking about traveling to Egypt.

5 facts about the Valley of the Kings

Before we start learning everything about the Valley of the Kings, let's learn the most important facts about it:

1. Many of the ancient Egyptian pharaohs' tombs, including Tutankhamun's, are located in the Valley of the Kings.
2. Despite never having been "discovered," the Valley of the Kings has been a popular tourist destination since ancient times.
3. Numerous intriguing artifacts were interred in the tombs of the pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings in order to grant them eternal life.
4. With more than 120 rooms and counting, Ramesses the Great's tomb is the largest in the Valley of the Kings.
5. Many of the 65 tombs have been ruined by floods, political unrest, tomb raiding, and mass tourism, despite the fact that some can be safely visited.

The Valley of the Kings is home to a remarkable collection of tombs, with 64 mapped burial sites. 

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History of the Valley of the Kings

The first tombs in the Valley of the Kings were strategically positioned in clefts that occurred naturally, securely concealed in the crags of rocks or limestone bluffs.

It would be simple to chisel away the worn or eroded limestone and the softer marl in these clefts to provide passageways for the deceased's remains. Deeper rooms were later constructed, or the nobility and royalty exploited caverns and natural tunnels as de facto crypts.

The Egyptian rulers stopped undertaking ambitious undertakings like constructing pyramids after 1500 B.C., and the Valley of the rulers was established as the primary site for burial.

The custom of building ornate tombs precedes the Valley's establishment as a Pharaoh's tomb by several hundred years. It is thought to have started immediately following the Hyksos' defeat and the ascent of Ahmose I, Amenhotep's father (1539–1514 BC).

Although the name of the valley is a little deceptive, the Valley of the Kings was utilized for the interment of Egyptian kings for more than five hundred years (1539 to 1075 BC). In actuality, there was no real "exclusivity" regarding the types of graves that were permitted inside the necropolis.

• Many of the tombs were not used by rulers, as is now recognized. Rather, some belonged to powerful individuals, including wives, close advisors, members of the royal household, nobles, and even some commoners.

The implementation of some sort of exclusivity for burial in the Valley did not occur until the Eighteenth Dynasty, to the extent that a "Royal Necropolis" was specifically constructed primarily for that purpose.

Although the rare common burial for royal servants and their like was reduced to simple rock-cut graves or niches, this gave rise to the extremely intricate and elaborate tombs that have come to be associated with pharaonic crypts.

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When was the Valley of the Kings built?

The Valley of the Kings was constructed during Egypt's New Kingdom, which spanned approximately from 1550 BC to 1070 BC. Since tombs were typically constructed during the pharaohs' lifetimes or shortly after their deaths, new ones were added over time. Since the first king was not buried until 1492 BC, it is reasonable to assume that the construction of the Valley of the Kings began in that year.

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Why was the Valley of the Kings chosen as a burial site?

This valley was not only discovered by the ancient Egyptians; they specifically picked it because of its special qualities that matched their values and security concerns. This is the reason:

• Natural Protection: El Qurn, a pyramid-shaped mountaintop, dominates the Valley of the Kings, a naturally remote desert valley. A certain amount of natural protection against tomb raiders was offered by this geographical feature. The valley was easier to monitor and more difficult to reach due to its remote location and rough terrain.
• Religious Significance: In ancient Egyptian mythology, the west bank of the Nile was connected to the land of the dead and the setting sun. The ancient Egyptians thought they were guaranteeing their pharaohs' successful transition into the afterlife by burying them on the west bank.
• Geology: The valley's geology was very important. Because it was relatively easy to dig into the limestone rock, ornate underground tombs could be constructed. By reducing water damage, the rock's quality also contributed to the preservation of the tombs and their contents.
• Shift from Pyramids: The pyramids of the Old Kingdom, while spectacular, had proven prone to plunder. The Valley of the Kings provided more covert options, where tombs were tucked away inside the rocks rather than becoming noticeable markers.

The Valley of the Kings was the perfect place for the New Kingdom pharaohs' royal burial ground because of its natural protection, religious significance, appropriate geology, and enhanced security.

Who was buried in the Valley of the Kings?

Nearly every significant Egyptian monarch who ruled during the New Kingdom was interred in the Valley of the Kings. The tombs of Seti I, Ramses V and VI, and the pharaoh Tutankhamun are some of the most significant. Ramesses VII, Ramesses II, Merenptah, Ramesses III, Seti II, and Siptah were among the other pharaohs interred there.

Many tombs were damaged due to years of erosion and looting, but some are still open for visits. King Thutmose, the third king of the Eighteenth Dynasty and ruler from 1504 BC to 1492 BC, was the first pharaoh to be buried in the Valley of the Kings.

You may also like to read about how many wives did King Ramses II have .

How do I get to the Valley of the Kings?

Crossing the Nile from Luxor to the more tranquil West Bank is necessary to get to the Valley of the Kings, but it is a fairly simple journey. The most popular methods for making the trip are as follows:

From Luxor:

• Ferry: Taking a local ferry over the Nile is the most popular and reasonably priced way to go to the West Bank. It takes only a few minutes to cross the river by ferry, which routinely leaves Luxor's east bank. To get to the Valley of the Kings, you can take a minibus or hire a cab once you are on the west bank.
• Taxi: To get to the Valley of the Kings and other West Bank sites like the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon, you can rent a taxi for the day. Before you go, decide on a fee with the driver and make sure they know you intend to spend time at each location.
• Tour Bus: Many organized tours in Luxor include transportation to the Valley of the Kings as part of a wider itinerary. This can be a convenient option, especially if you prefer a structured experience with a guide.

Embark on a fantastic 5-day Cairo to Luxor Tour Packages .

From other locations:

• Luxor Airport: Luxor International Airport (LXR) is the closest airport if you're arriving from elsewhere in Egypt or internationally. From there, you can take a taxi directly to the Valley of the Kings.
• Nile Cruise: Luxor and the Valley of the Kings are included in the itineraries of certain Nile cruises. With transportation and guided tours frequently included, this can be a leisurely way to visit the sights.
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A tiny tourist train takes guests from the main entrance to the tombs once they reach the Valley of the Kings. This spares you from having to walk in the sweltering heat, particularly in the summer when temperatures are high.

Regardless of the route you take, reaching the Valley of the Kings is an experience in and of itself. As you get closer to this historic and breathtaking location, the trip across the Nile and through the Theban highlands heightens your sense of expectancy.

• Explore more about our Egypt Classic Tours . 

How many tombs in the Valley of the Kings?

There are 64 numbered royal and private tombs in KV, ranging from massive labyrinths with more than 120 rooms and corridors (KV 5) to tiny pit graves (KV 54).  Most tombs had been opened and looted long ago; some in antiquity, soon after they were first sealed, and others in Graeco-Roman and Byzantine (Coptic) times. A small number of tombs have only been "discovered" in the last century or so (KV 62: Tutankhamen; KV 46: Yuya and Thuya; KV 36: Maiherperi; KV 5: Sons of Rameses II). And there might be more. A recent find in the West Valley, tentatively numbered KV 65, was made by Dr. Zahi Hawass and an expedition led by an Egyptian. Their work is still underway.

• It is important to emphasize that the East and the West are the two Valleys of the Kings. With the greatest number of tombs, the East Valley is the most popular tourist destination. The West Valley is the least visited and has a far wider area. There are just two royal tombs there: KV 23: Ay and KV 22: Amenhotep III.

How many tombs in the Valley of the Kings map?

John Gardiner Wilkinson created the current numbering scheme for the 65 tombs in the Valley of the Kings in 1827 for his map of Thebes. At the doorways of the graves that were then visible, Wilkinson painted the numbers 1 through 21. Geographically, the numbers were allocated from the Valley's entrance southward. Since Wilkinson's time, tomb numbers have been assigned according to the order in which they were found. The most recent are KV 62 (Tutankhamen), KV 63, and KV 64.

There are several tomb designation systems in the Valley besides Wilkinson's. As the chart below shows, several explorers gave them descriptive labels, numbers, or letters. The only system that is still in use, nevertheless, is Wilkinson's.

Remarks:

• Pococke: The designations shown on his KV plan are indicated by the letters in parentheses.
• Described: "Tombeau l'est" is represented by (E); "tombeau l'ouest" by (W); and "Commencement d'excavation ou grotte" by com.

Other names are also attached to several tombs:

• KV 9 = "Tomb of Memnon"
• KV 11 = "Bruce's Tomb" or "The Harper's Tomb"
• KV 17 = "The Tomb of Apis," "The Tomb of Belzoni,"  and "The Tomb of Psammis."

When is the best time to visit the Valley of the Kings?

Choosing the right time to visit the Valley of the Kings can greatly improve your experience. Below is a summary of the ideal times to visit:

Season by Season:

• Winter (October–April): With good reason, this is Luxor's busiest travel season. With normal temperatures between 15 and 25°C (59 and 77°F), the weather is nice and perfect for touring the tombs without feeling overheated. But be ready for more crowds, particularly in the middle of the morning.
• Summer (May–September): Luxor experiences sweltering summer temperatures that frequently surpass 40°C (104°F). The extreme heat can make touring the valley difficult and even dangerous, even though there may be fewer people there. Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon if you do go during the summer.

By Daytime:

• Early Morning: You can avoid the throng and the midday heat by getting there early, just after the valley opens. If you intend to visit well-known tombs, such as Tutankhamun's, which might grow crowded later in the day, this is especially beneficial.
• Late Afternoon: A few hours before closing time, in the late afternoon, is another ideal time to visit. The throng will have dispersed,, and the temperatures will have somewhat reduced. Additionally, the valley might have a lovely glow from the late afternoon light.

If you decide to visit Egypt and spend more than a week, the 10 Days Cairo, Aswan, Luxor & Hurghada Overland Tour will suit you.

Avoiding crowds:

Although it is impossible to avoid crowds during the busiest time of year, the following advice may help:

• Weekdays: When local tourism is higher, visit during the week rather than on a weekend.
• Avoid Tour Bus Times: Usually around the middle of the morning, try to avoid arriving at the same time as big tour groups.
• Less Well-Known Tombs First: Save the more well-known tombs for later, when the crowds may have thinned out, and instead explore some of the less well-known ones first.

You can arrange your trip to the Valley of the Kings for a more pleasurable and fulfilling experience by taking into account the time of day, season, and crowd trends.

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Tips for visiting the Valley of the Kings

Take into account some useful pointers to get the most out of your visit to this historic wonder:

Tickets and Timings: 

To prevent possible lines, get your tickets in advance, particularly during busy times. Opening hours can change according to the season; check the official website.

Tomb Selection: 

Give top priority to the tombs that most interest you if you have limited time. Do not miss the opportunity to see other remarkable tombs like KV9 (Ramses VI) and KV17 (Seti I), but Tutankhamun's tomb (KV62) is a must-see.

Dress Code: 

Given that this is a sacred location, please wear modest clothing and show respect. Dress comfortably so that you can stroll and climb stairs in the heat. Sunglasses and a hat are necessary, particularly in the summer.

Hydration and Snacks: 

If you are traveling during the hottest months, make sure to pack lots of water to stay hydrated. Since there are not many places in the valley to buy food, snacks are also a smart idea.

photographic: 

Keep in mind that different tombs may have different photographic limitations. While certain tombs may require a special photography permit, others may forbid flash photography.

Guided Tours: 

To learn more about the significance and history of the tombs, think about taking a guided tour. Any queries you may have can be answered and your understanding improved by a competent guide.

R espect the Environment: 

By following the approved routes, refraining from touching the walls or artifacts, and properly disposing of any trash, you can help protect this historic place for future generations.

The Valley of the Kings provides an enthralling historical voyage that unveils the magnificence and ideologies of ancient Egypt. Deeper respect for the pharaohs and the civilization they governed will grow as you explore the royal tombs and marvel at their elaborate décor.

A little preparation and these useful pointers can make your trip to the Valley of the Kings one to remember. Hence, get ready to be amazed by the wonders of this ancient necropolis. May your tour of the pharaohs' last resting place leave you feeling awed and inspired.

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Which tombs can I visit in the Valley of the Kings?

Not all of the at least 63 tombs in the Valley of the Kings are accessible to the general public. Some of the open tombs require separate tickets, and they rotate frequently for conservation reasons. Here are some of the most well-known tombs that you may be able to visit:

• KV62 – Tutankhamun: It is possibly the most well-known in the entire globe. Despite its modest size, Howard Carter's 1922 discovery of it created a stir because of the abundance of artifacts it held, including Tutankhamun's sarcophagus and golden mask. It is an absolutely amazing experience to see these artifacts in their original location.
• KV9 – Ramses VI: Scenes from the Book of Gates, a significant ancient Egyptian funerary literature, are among the exquisite decorations found in KV9, one of the valley's largest tombs. Its expansive chambers and lengthy passageway provide a window into the opulence that accompanies a strong pharaoh.
• KV11 – Ramses III: It is renowned for its elaborate and beautifully maintained wall murals that portray scenes from numerous mythical writings. It provides an intriguing look into ancient Egyptian ideas regarding the soul's journey and the afterlife.
• KV17—Seti I: This tomb is regarded as one of the valley's most exquisite tombs. Its vivid colors and intricate reliefs adorn nearly every surface. It is especially well-known for the burial chamber's astronomical ceiling.

These are but a handful of the stunning tombs that may be seen in the Valley of the Kings. Every tomb provides a different window into the beliefs, artistic endeavors, and lives of the pharaohs and aristocrats interred there. Consider buying tickets in advance, especially for well-known tombs like Tutankhamun's, and make sure to check which tombs are open when you visit.

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What are the tombs decorated with in the Valley of the Kings?

Stories of ritual and sorcery, high priests, and the Pharaoh's cooperation with the gods to guarantee a safe transition to the afterlife are told in every tomb in the Valley of Kings. The tombs are embellished with religious imagery and text. Scenes from Amduat (That which is in the Underworld), which tells the story of the sun god's journey through the twelve hours of the night, are used to decorate the early graves. The Book of the Gates, which depicts the sun god traveling through the twelve gates that separate the night and guarantee the tomb's owner's safe journey, was later added to tombs in the 19th dynasty. The Book of the Caverns, written during the Late 19th Dynasty, separated the underworld into expansive regions where the gods and the dead awaited the sun's passage to resurrect them.

Selecting Which Three Conventional Tombs to Visit

Ramses VII's (KVI) tomb 

This tomb dates from the late 20th Dynasty and has an entrance, a tunnel, a sarcophagus-containing burial chamber, and a smaller room at the end. Illustrations from the Book of the Gates and the Book of the Caverns adorn the corridor. In addition to a double image of the sky goddess Nut on the ceiling, the burial chamber is embellished with the Book of the Earth.

Ramses IV (KV2) 

Open since antiquity, this tomb from the late Twentieth Dynasty is heavily graffitied. It is said to have a straightforward design and is arranged along a straight axis. Three tunnels that gently slope downward lead to a burial chamber. There is another small hallway with three side chambers just beyond the burial chamber. Scenes from the Amduat, the Book of the Caverns, the Book of the Dead, and the Litany of Ra adorn the largely undamaged tomb. The big tomb was likely smashed in antiquity. On the right wall at the entrance, you may spot about fifty pieces of Coptic graffiti.

Ramses IX (KV6) 

This massive tomb, which extends 105 meters into the hillside, was constructed during the Twentieth Dynasty. It features two passageways with four side rooms each, although none of them are completed, and a short falling staircase leads to them. There are three chambers at the end of the hallway, one of which is embellished with There is another small hallway with three side chambers just beyond the burial chamber. Scenes from the Amduat, the Book of the Caverns, the Book of the Dead, and the Litany of Ra adorn the largely undamaged tomb. The big tomb was likely smashed in antiquity. On the right wall at the entrance, you may spot about fifty pieces of Coptic graffiti.

Ramses IX (KV6) 

This massive tomb, which extends 105 meters into the hillside, was constructed during the Twentieth Dynasty. It features two passageways with four side rooms each, although none of them are completed, and a short falling staircase leads to them. There are three chambers at the end of the hallway, one of which is embellished with room, which has four huge columns, is unadorned, whereas the first is embellished with the Opening of the Mouth rite. Images of the sky goddess Nut adorn the vaulted ceiling of the burial room. A depiction of Ramses in a boat with gods surrounding him is displayed on the distant wall. This chamber is unique in the KV since it is decorated with yellows, dark blues, and blacks. Look for the Coptic graffiti on the walls, as it was briefly used as a Coptic church.

Merenptah (KV8)  

This tomb, which dates to the Nineteenth Dynasty, is characterized by its lengthy and expansive hallway. The entrance is decorated with images of the sun deity flanked by Nephthys and Isis.  The first corridor is a room that has four huge columns and is unadorned, whereas the first is embellished with the Opening of the Mouth rite. Images of the sky goddess Nut adorn the vaulted ceiling of the burial room. A depiction of Ramses in a boat with gods surrounding him is displayed on the distant wall. This chamber is unique in the KV since it is decorated with yellows, dark blues, and blacks. Look for the Coptic graffiti on the walls, as it was briefly used as a Coptic church.

Ramses III (KV11) 

Since ancient times, this tomb from the Twentieth Dynasty has been accessible. At an impressive 617 feet long, it is one of the largest open spaces in the Valley. It has exquisite decorations. The majority of graves follow a straight path, but this one abruptly veered off course as it collided with another graveyard. Ramses III is regarded as the New Kingdom's final great ruler. At Medinet Habu, he also constructed a stunning Mortuary Temple. In the "harem conspiracy," a complex assassination plot, Ramses III's vast harem ultimately resulted in his death. A young woman had the king assassinated because she wished to place her son on the throne. According to Ramses III's mother, his throat was cut. Records reveal that the minor wife and son were tried, proving that the attempt to place the prince on the throne was unsuccessful. It is unclear how the law handled the queen, but the prince was compelled to end his life.

Setnakht Tausert (KV14) 

One of the biggest and most unique tombs in the KV is this one from the 19th and 20th centuries.  It began as a tomb for Queen Tausert, the final member of the 19th dynasty to ascend to the throne as Pharaoh. Eventually, during the 20th dynasty, King Setnakht enlarged the tomb. King Setnakht's addition, which includes two burial chambers, makes it one of the biggest tombs in the Valley thanks to King Setnakht's addition, which includes two burial rooms. Several of the images near the start of the tomb are redone in the king's likeness, but most are of the queen. With the king plastering over the queen's name, the ornamental scheme remained mostly unchanged. The first burial room features scenes from the Book of the Caverns, an astronomical ceiling, and eight pillars. Scenes from the Amduat adorn the hallways that lead to the second burial chamber. The second burial chamber features scenes from the Book of Gates, eight pillars, and an astronomical dome.

Siptah (KV47) 

Little is known about King Siptah, who was the son of Seti II. After his brother passed away, he inherited the kingdom, although during his brief life—he appears to have passed away in the sixth year of his reign—the land was administered by his stepmother Tausret. After being found in 1908, this tomb from the Nineteenth Dynasty underwent renovation in 1994 to make it accessible to the public. Images of the sun deity and Maat adorn the entrance, while scenes from the Litany of Re and the Amduat adorn the first two sections. Due to multiple floods, this tomb is unadorned after the second corridor. The corridor murals are in reasonably good condition. The burial room contains the sarcophagus, which is adorned with reclining jackals. The absence of storerooms makes the burial chamber unique. The fact that this tomb has two corridors instead of a corridor and stairway is another peculiarity. One was built after the hall with the pillars, and it has a side corridor that cuts after the antechamber but does not lead anywhere.

Seti II (KV15) 

His father, Merenptah, KV8, had a tomb constructed in the same general style as this one during the Nineteenth Dynasty. Instead of having steps cut beneath it, the entrance to this tomb is carved into the side of a cliff. KV 15 features a corridor decorated with the Amduat after two descending corridors decorated with the Litany of Re. A pillared hall featuring scenes from the Book of the Gates is reached by way of these passages. A corridor that was converted into a burial chamber is located beyond this. The room has Nut on the ceiling and is adorned with gods and goddesses. The fairly shoddy painting in the burial chamber and the pillared hall suggests that Seti may have passed away before the work was finished.

Best Valley of the Kings Tours

Taking a guided tour is the greatest way to experience this UNESCO-listed treasure. A qualified Egyptologist will offer comprehensive explanations of the art, history, and secrets of the tombs.

Top choices for the Valley of the Kings tour:

- Combine your visit to the Valley of the Kings with stops at the Karnak, Hatshepsut, and Luxor temples with a full-day tour of Luxor.

- Private Guided Tour: Take advantage of flexible scheduling and an exclusive tour catered to your interests.

- See the sunrise over Luxor before touring the tombs on the Hot Air Balloon plus the Valley of the Kings Tour.

- Multi-Day Egypt Tours: Incorporate the Valley of the Kings into a more comprehensive schedule that also includes the Red Sea, Cairo, Giza, and Aswan.

- Experience the historic treasures of Luxor at the most affordable costs by reserving your Egypt tour packages with us right now!

Where to Stay at the Valley of the Kings

The closest location to stay in to access the Valley of the Kings is Luxor, which has a wide range of hotels.  You may be confident that this energetic city has a variety of lodging choices to suit different tastes and price ranges. Alternatively, reserve this 7-day Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor package, which includes lodging, a Nile River cruise, and Egypt's sleeper train, to see this famous location without worrying about lodging.

There are several high-end hotels on the east bank of the Nile. Many provide convenient access to well-known sites like the Karnak and Luxor Temples, as well as stunning views of the river. In the middle of historic wonders, the West Bank is a tranquil haven. An intimate and genuine experience can be had at quaint guesthouses and boutique hotels. 

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Summary

A trip to Egypt's Valley of the Kings offers a unique chance to take in the magnificence of ancient Egyptian culture. Many Egyptian pharaohs, queens, high priests, and other nobles found their eternal resting place at the Valley of the Kings, a royal cemetery. Surrounded by a stunning desert scenery, it is located close to the ancient city of Thebes, or modern-day Luxor, on the western bank of the majestic Nile River.

A trip to the Valley of the Kings is an absolutely remarkable experience that will leave you in awe of Egypt's rich cultural heritage, regardless of whether you are a history buff, an enthusiastic traveler, or just interested in the ancient world's monuments. Let’s explore how to get the most out of your trip to the famous Valley of the Kings.

FAQs

What is the most expensive tomb in the Valley of the Kings?

Seti I

KV17, Seti I, is the most expensive tomb to enter in the Valley of the Kings but is considered the longest and deepest with a steep descent, seven corridors, and ten chambers, five of which are pillared.

Who Has the Largest Tomb in the Valley of the Kings?

The largest tomb in the Valley of the Kings is KV5, which was built for the sons of Pharaoh Ramesses II. Although it was initially explored in 1825, its true size was only revealed in 1995 by archaeologist Kent R. Weeks and his research team. Today, KV5 is recognized as the most extensive tomb within the royal burial site.

Are There Still Undiscovered Tombs in the Valley of the Kings?

Historians and archaeologists believe that some tombs remain undiscovered, including that of Pharaoh Ramesses VIII, who ruled during the late Ramesside period. Ancient Egyptian records suggest that several high-ranking individuals were granted elaborate burials, but their tombs have yet to be located within the valley.

Which Famous Pharaohs Were Buried in the Valley of the Kings?

Several notable pharaohs of the New Kingdom were laid to rest in the Valley of the Kings, including Hatshepsut, Thutmose I, Amenhotep I, and Tutankhamun. This burial site became prominent during the 18th dynasty, when Ahmose I reunified Egypt, marking the beginning of a new era of royal tomb construction in the valley.