Valley of the Kings, Luxor — Attraction in New Al Qarnh City

Another fabulous tour today with Abdullah and Moses our driver.

Today we headed to the Valley of the King's and visited four tombs of the once rulers of the fair land. Getting to see these tombs is another step back in time! You get to walk the final steps of the Great Pharaoh's. The steps to what was their final resting place.

We paid the little extra to visit King Tutankhamens tomb. this is THE only tomb with a Mummy still inside, that is until the discover more.

This still has some of The most vibrant and colourful art of the tombs available to visit today. This was a must for myself.

Again as you enter the main entrance to the site, there is a model displayed on the right. This shows the epic proportions of the site as well as the efforts put into the designing of tombs and the great lengths they went too to protect themselves and their wealth in the afterlife.

It was hard to believe as well that one Pharaoh took it upon himself to erase his step mother from History from the point that she became a Ruler. Before this, the story of her conception and birth remained as well as her growth into a young lady but once she was accepted as a Ruler of Egypt, from this point onwards, Is erased even her Name from the Cartouche!

This was later seen at the Temple of Hapshetsut! Again another impressive piece of architecture.. It was so nice to see these impressive displays of work up close in person as well as their beautiful details both sculpted and painted.

It was also impressive to see a chaple dedicated to the great Anubis! It is unfortunately that he also has been attempted to be erased at some points in history due to religious beliefs. Hatsheptsut had a tomb erected for her Boy friend who actually designed her Temple. This can be seen to the right of her Temple as you look at it.

The view from the Temple itself is also something to appreciate and take in as you can see the lush greenery and the towns below.

The Ancient Egyptians definitely knew The best places to place their monuments and secure their Place in history. Earth quakes, floods, fire, tomb robers Explorers and even the Sands of time could not destroy or keep their fantastic history and stories for forever being told.

If you have dreamt of visiting Egypt, then Luxor needs to be a stop on your list! As impressive as the Pyramids are to see and behold in Cairo, Luxor has so much to offer when it comes to places to appreciate and adore.

This is my first visit to Egypt and definitely won't be my last. It has opened my eyes and my heart to so much. I never expect to Catch feelings for this great wonder of the world. But I have. Staying on the Nile is a...

Valley of the Kings – An Unforgettable Site with a Disappointing Start

My wife and I recently visited the Valley of the Kings during our trip to Luxor. The site itself is breathtaking and unlike anywhere else in the world, but I want to share both the highlights and the downsides of our experience so others know what to expect.

Let’s start with the positives, because they truly are remarkable. The Valley is carved into the desert cliffs, hiding the tombs of Egypt’s most legendary pharaohs—Tutankhamun, Ramses II, Seti I, and many more. Walking into the tombs with my wife felt like stepping into another era. Some descend deep underground, and inside, the walls are covered in incredibly preserved hieroglyphs and paintings that tell stories of gods, rituals, and the afterlife. Despite the harsh desert environment, the colors are still vivid, and a few of the tombs (particularly Ramses V/VI and Seti I) left us in absolute awe.

Unfortunately, what let the experience down was the staff at the ticket counters and entrances. We found them rude, unhelpful, and, frankly, pushy. Several tried to charge us extra for things that were already included or pressured us into paying for things we didn’t need. It felt more like dealing with scammers than with staff at one of the world’s most important heritage sites, which really put a sour note at the start of our visit. Considering the price of entry and the global significance of this place, we expected a more professional and respectful experience.

That said, once inside the valley itself, the magic takes over. Standing in those chambers with my wife, surrounded by history that’s thousands of years old, was surreal and moving. The site is absolutely worth visiting, but I’d advise other travelers to be cautious and double-check tickets and what’s included to avoid unnecessary frustration.

Tips We Found Helpful • Go early in the morning to escape both the heat and the bulk of the crowds. • Bring water and wear comfortable shoes – the desert climate is unforgiving. • Be prepared for extra tickets for certain tombs like Tutankhamun and Seti I. They cost more but are worth it. • If you want to take photos inside, buy the camera pass upfront—don’t let anyone at the gates upsell you incorrectly.

In the end, despite the poor service at the counters, the Valley of the Kings is a place I’ll never forget. It’s not just another sightseeing stop—it’s a journey into the heart of ancient Egypt. For the history, the artistry, and the sense of wonder, it’s still a must-visit. Just go prepared, and don’t let the staff spoil what is otherwise a...

The Valley of the Kings: A Journey into Ancient Egyptian Royalty

Nestled on the west bank of the Nile River, just opposite modern-day Luxor, lies the Valley of the Kings—a place where pharaohs and powerful nobles found their eternal resting place. Here, amid the arid desert landscape, history unfolds in the form of rock-cut tombs and intricate hieroglyphs.

A Royal Necropolis:

The Valley of the Kings served as the principal burial ground for Egypt’s New Kingdom rulers during a span of nearly 500 years—from the Eighteenth Dynasty to the Twentieth Dynasty.

Over 65 tombs and chambers dot this ancient wadi, each revealing glimpses of opulence, power, and religious beliefs.

The East and West Valleys:

The valley splits into two main sections:

The East Valley: Home to most of the royal tombs, including the famous Tutankhamun’s Tomb (KV62). The discovery of Tutankhamun’s intact burial in 1922 captured the world’s imagination.

The West Valley (Valley of the Monkeys): Less explored but equally intriguing, it holds secrets waiting to be unveiled.

Architectural Marvels:

The Great Hypostyle Hall within some tombs stands as a testament to ancient engineering. Its towering columns depict scenes from Egyptian mythology.

The Avenue of Sphinxes, flanked by ram-headed sphinx statues, leads visitors toward the heart of the valley.

Preserving the Past:

The delicate wall paintings inside the tombs have suffered from humidity caused by countless visitors. To protect them, tombs open and close in rotation.

Despite centuries of looting, the Valley still offers glimpses of the afterlife beliefs and rituals of pharaohs.

Exploration and Discovery:

Since the late 18th century, Egyptologists and archaeologists have delved into the Valley’s mysteries.

Recent discoveries, such as new chambers and tomb entrances, continue to fuel research and fascination.

Visiting Tips:

Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the vast terrain.

Arrive early to beat the crowds and witness the sunrise casting shadows on ancient stones.

Consider hiring a guide to unravel the stories hidden within the tombs.

In summary, the Valley of the Kings is more than a burial ground; it’s a portal to Egypt’s past. As you walk among the sun-scorched cliffs, imagine the pharaohs’ journey to the afterlife—a journey immortalized in these timeless...