Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is one of the most important tourist attractions that you must visit in Luxor, It is located on the western bank of the Nile River. Do not forget to visit the tomb of King Tutankhamun and the tomb of Ramses II.

History of Valley of the Kings

The kings of the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth dynasties of the New Kingdom (about 1550 - 1069 BC) were buried in a dry river valley on the west bank of the ancient city of Thebes (modern Luxor), from here comes the name "Valley of the Kings", but this name is not Quite accurate since some members of the royal family other than kings were buried there, as well as some non-royal, albeit high-ranking individuals.

This site for the burial of kings was carefully chosen; It is located on the western bank of the Nile, because the sun god descends (dies) on the western horizon in order to be reborn, and rejuvenate on the eastern horizon, and for this reason, the West was associated with funerary concepts and ancient Egyptian tombs were generally located on the western bank of the Nile for this reason. (Egypt tours)

The powerful kings of the New Kingdom were buried beneath the top of a pyramid-shaped cliff that surrounded the valley. The choice of the valley to carve royal tombs was not a coincidence. The pyramid was a symbol of resurrection and eternal life, and the pyramidal shape was considered a sign of the gods. This region and the summit itself were under the control of Hathor: "The Lady of the West".

The secluded nature of this valley was another reason for choosing it as the last resting place for kings. Tombs were stolen in antiquity, and to avoid that fate, as happened to the pyramids of the Old and Middle Kingdom, they chose hidden underground tombs in a secluded desert valley. The first ruler of the modern state whose burial in the Valley of the Kings was confirmed was Tuthmosis I (circa 1504-1492 BC), the third king of the Eighteenth Dynasty. According to Eni, the chief digger of his tomb: “I supervised the excavation of his [king] tomb in privacy, no one sees And nobody hears."

(Luxor day tours)

The Valley of the Kings is divided into the eastern and western valleys. The eastern part is the most famous between them, where the western valley contains a few tombs, and the Valley of the Kings in total contains more than sixty tombs in addition to twenty unfinished tombs that are no more than pits. (Egypt day tours)

 

 you can book a tour to Egypt, from Egypt tours gate of travel to enjoy the Pharaonic civilization.

 

 

Related Egypt Tours

Day Tour to East Bank of Luxor
Day Tour to East Bank of Luxor

1 Day

Luxor is the land of Egyptian history and civilization, during this journey you will be amazed by the greatness of Egyptian pharaohs. Start our day in Karnak temple to discover the sound and light show then head to Luxor temple by taking a unique Nile cruise tour

Day Tour to West Bank of Luxor
Day Tour to West Bank of Luxor

1 Day

First, our guide will lead you to the valley of the kings, to discover the Tutankhamun tomb, then head to Hatshepsut temple. She is considered one of the important female pharaohs in ancient Egypt. Discover her history and story. We will finish our day in the Colossi of the Memnon.

KOM OMBO AND EDFU DAY TOUR FROM LUXOR
Kom Ombo and Edfu Day Tour from Luxor

1 Day

If you are a historical person, book our Kom Ombo and Edfu day tour from Luxor. you will discover many interesting Egyptian mythology stories such as Isis and Osiris, and explore the story of the mummified crocodiles that existed in Edfu temple.

Hot Air Ballooning Over Luxor
Hot-air ballooning over Luxor

1 Day

If you like the high places, today we will let you explore Luxor but in a different way, in a Hot air balloon ride you will fly above the East bank of Luxor ( Karnak Temple and Luxor temple).

Attractions of Cairo in One Day Tour from Luxor by Plane
Attractions of Cairo in One Day Tour from Luxor by Plane

1 Day

You will fly from Luxor to Cairo to discover the most incredible attractions, such as the great pyramids. It is considered one of the seven wonders in the world. Then head to explore the Egyptian museum which contains the most famous and largest art collection in the world.

Dendera and Abydos Day Tour from Luxor
Dendera and Abydos Day Tour from Luxor

1 Day

Your private tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Luxor. Go and enjoy a day tour to Dendera and Abydos Temples. The drive is about 3 hours to Seti I Temple at Abydos