Understanding the Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s West Bank became the principal burial place for many New Kingdom rulers. Tombs were cut into the desert rock and developed different plans and decorative programmes over time.

Why this valley?

Its position within the western Theban landscape offered separation from the cultivated valley while remaining connected to the wider system of royal memorial temples and ritual activity.

Tomb decoration

Royal tombs preserve funerary compositions concerned with the king’s passage through the night, regeneration and relationship with the gods. Programmes changed across the New Kingdom, so not every tomb tells the same story in the same way.

Access changes

Not all tombs are open at the same time, and some require additional tickets. Tombs also differ in stairs, slopes, corridor length, heat and physical effort. A responsible itinerary should choose among currently open tombs rather than promise a fixed permanent list.