The Valley of the Kings, on the west bank of the Nile at Luxor, holds the tombs of New Kingdom pharaohs, cut into the rock at the foot of a pyramid-shaped mountain. It is the best-known site in Upper Egypt and the main reason to go to Luxor from Hurghada. The trip is long: about four to five hours by road each way across the desert, with a very early start and a late return. It is therefore usually done in a group or in a private car with a driver, or over two days with a night on site. For the other classic stops of the day, see Karnak Temple and Hatshepsut's temple.
Highlights
The tomb entrances
The tombs open onto stairways cut into the limestone. The ticket gives access to three tombs of your choice among those open that day, because the openings rotate to protect the paintings.
The landscape
The valley is a bed of dry rock overlooked by the mountain of Al-Qurn. Take in the overall view before going down into the tombs, which are narrow, cool and sometimes very crowded.
The tombs with a surcharge
Some tombs, including those of Tutankhamun, Seti I or Ramesses V and VI, require an extra ticket. Decide before you go whether it is worth the price: the most heavily painted corridors are often among the paid tombs.
Practical info
Tips
- The entrance fee could not be confirmed by an official source: check with the ticket office of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. Some tombs (including Tutankhamun's) cost extra. For the excursion, TourRadar lists 2026 offers from 160 US dollars per person for a private trip from Hurghada; prices vary with the package. Bring water, a hat, sunscreen and something warm for the minibus air conditioning. Rules on photography in the tombs change: ask at the entrance.
How to get there
Luxor is about 280 km from Hurghada, through the desert and along the Qena road: allow four to five hours each way. Hurghada agencies offer day trips by minibus or private car, and two-day packages with a hotel (from 320 US dollars per person privately, according to TourRadar). See also getting around Hurghada and Hurghada in 3 days.
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