April 3, 2024
Step into Luxor – a city established along the Nile and seated under a desert sun that is always adamant about fiercely kissing one’s skin. The bustling and dynamic city creates a dichotomy to what ancient wonders lurk in its corridors. Although the Giza Pyramids are the “poster boy” for Egypt, no trip to Egypt is complete without visiting Luxor – the home of multiple temples and tombs, including that of the famous King Tutankhamun.
Luxor hosts multiple tombs that are hidden amongst the desert valleys. The sites are Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, the Valley of the Workers, the Valley of the Artisans, and the Valley of the Monkeys.
Here’s the breakdown:
Valley of the Kings (East Valley)
Valley of the Kings is the most famous tomb site in Luxor. If you’re gonna go to any of the tomb sites, this is the one to go to.
After driving out into the desert, you will reach a parking lot where you will take an Indiana Jones-style buggy to escort you to the tombs’ entrances. With one ticket for 600 EGP per person, you’ll get to explore three tombs of your choice. The tombs that are open vary day by day. Many people buy multiple tickets if you want to see more! Though if you’re thinking about that, consider paying for the extra tombs:
Extras:
KV 62 – Tutankhamun 500 EGP per person. Honestly, if you wanna say you’ve seen King Tut’s mummy (yes, his real mummy) then go. Otherwise, it’s kinda underwhelming tbh. It’s one of the smallest tombs and most of the hieroglyphics inside are very worn.
KV 9 – Ramesses V & VI – 180 EGP per person aka roughly 4 USD. If you can only afford one extra this is the best one. One of the most golden tombs and def worth it.
KV 17 – Seti I 1,800 EGP per person, aka roughly 40 USD. If you can swing it, GO. Never in my life have I seen a more stunning place, and I doubt I will see anything cooler. Seti 1 died in 1279 B.C. AKA this tomb is old AF and still looks brand new. It’s also huge as we spent at least an hour in there and there are multiple levels. It’s also the only tomb I’ve seen that has engraved hieroglyphics.
WV 23 – Tomb of Ay (Valley of the Monkeys / West Valley) – 150 EGP per person
Valley of the Monkeys (West Valley)
Most of the tombs are in the East Valley, but this is where you’ll go to see the Tomb of Ay. The Valley of the Monkeys is adjacent to the Valley of the Kings. The name is given because they found mummified baboons in the valley.
Valley of the Queens
Valley of the Queens is small, but beautiful. The tombs are not as extravagant, but I liked seeing where the Queens were buried. As of right now, there are only four tombs open.
Home of Queen Nefertari. . Nefertari’s tomb is gorgeous and the paint looks new despite it being built around 1250 B.C. However, it is tiny, and you are only allowed 10 minutes inside. However, the guardian working there told me he’d give me an extra 5 minutes inside because I’m Egyptian… so maybe say you’re Egyptian if you go?
Valley of the Nobles
Wondering how non-Pharoahs and non-Royalty lived their lives in Ancient Egypt? The Valley of the Nobles meticulously details Ancient Egyptian life from the Nobles and commoners perspective. An absolute must-see that no one seems to know about. The day this place goes viral (on TikTok presumably) god speed because the quietness of the place makes it even better.
Valley of the Nobles houses my personal favorite tomb, TT96 – “The Tomb of the Vineyards” for Sennefer and Sentnay,. I mean they had their own vineyard back in the B.C.-day, so to honor them, the artisans painted vines around the walls of their tomb.
Valley of the Artisans
Biggest takeaway though – don’t go if you’re claustrophobic bc these tombs are built inside tight and deep corridors
Some of the most colorful tombs are in the Valley of the Artisans. The Artisans were those who built and painted the tombs in the Valley of the Kings. The hieroglyphics here are mostly just depictions of people rather than stories from the Book of the Dead like at the other Valleys.
