Discovery Tours Egypt
AttractionLuxor

Sheikh Abd el-Qurna Tombs, Luxor West Bank

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

Sheikh Abd el-Qurna Tombs Entry Ticket is a 1-day admission covering the New Kingdom private tombs of Sheikh Abd el-Qurna in Luxor, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • Archaeology & history
  • Cultural

Snapshot

Good to know

Destinations
Luxor

Best time to go

The most comfortable months for visiting Luxor are generally October to April, when daytime temperatures are milder and site walking is easier. In summer, heat can be intense by late morning, so early arrival is usually the best option. During Ramadan and major public holidays, service timing and visitor flow may differ, so checking official opening information in advance is advisable.

02Overview

A first look

Sheikh Abd el-Qurna is a necropolis on Luxor's West Bank, containing mainly New Kingdom private tombs from the 18th and 19th Dynasties. Notable examples include Menna (TT69), with well-preserved agricultural and funerary scenes.

Background

The facts

Sheikh Abd el-Qurna is a major necropolis area on Luxor’s West Bank, within the Theban burial landscape associated with the New Kingdom period, roughly 1550–1070 BCE. It contains a dense cluster of private tombs cut into the hillside near the Valley of the Kings sector, with decorated chambers, painted reliefs, and inscriptions that document funerary practice, administrative titles, and scenes from daily life. The site is part of the wider Theban Necropolis, one of the most important archaeological zones in Upper Egypt.

This entry ticket grants access to Sheikh Abd el-Qurna tombs that are open for visitation at the time of entry. Interior spaces are typically compact, with narrow passages, low ceilings, and chambers where wall decoration may be concentrated in limited areas. Because individual tomb availability can change, the exact set of accessible tombs may vary by season, conservation status, or site management decisions.

The ticket does not include transport, a private escort, audio guide, meals, or access to tombs that require a separate premium admission. Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise, but special categories such as premium tombs are not part of this admission unless explicitly mentioned in the booking. Tickets are arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt and delivered by email as a PDF after confirmation.

Opening hours and last-admission times can vary seasonally, so visitors should check the official site information before traveling and arrive early in the day when temperatures are lower. Photography policies also differ between tombs, and some smaller sites may require a printed copy of the PDF ticket at the entrance gate.

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This admission is suitable for visitors who want independent access to New Kingdom private tombs on Luxor’s West Bank, especially travelers interested in wall painting, inscriptions, and funerary archaeology. It suits adults and older children who are comfortable with uneven ground, short walks, and enclosed interior spaces.

What lingers

  • 01Located on Luxor West Bank, Sheikh Abd el-Qurna contains New Kingdom private tombs with painted daily-life scenes.
  • 02Unlike the Valley of the Kings, Sheikh Abd el-Qurna features private officials' tombs with domestic and agricultural scenes.
  • 03Includes TT69 (Menna) – well-preserved agricultural scenes: ploughing, harvest, and offering lists.
  • 04Short walk from the Luxor West Bank road; expect uneven stone, low doorways, and stepped entrances inside tombs.
  • 05Standard site entrance fee included; premium-tomb surcharges and camera permits may be extra.
  • 06We schedule early-morning visits to avoid coach arrivals and reduce West Bank midday heat exposure.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Sheikh Abd el-Qurna Tombs entry ticket (PDF emailed after booking)

Not included

  • Professional guiding (book separately if required)
  • Transport to and from the site
  • Meals and refreshments
  • Photography permit if required by the site authority
  • Any premium tombs or special-access areas that require additional tickets

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01Where are the Sheikh Abd el-Qurna tombs located?
    Sheikh Abd el-Qurna sits on the Luxor West Bank within the Theban Necropolis, opposite modern Luxor city. The site is part of the wider Theban Necropolis that includes the Valley of the Kings and Deir el-Medina. Many visitors combine it with other West Bank sites because they are within short driving distance of one another.
  2. 02How long does a typical visit to Sheikh Abd el-Qurna take?
    Plan 45–90 minutes to see the principal tombs most visitors want to view. Time varies by interest level, photography, and whether you hire an Egyptologist; researchers often spend several hours. If you add a guided walk linking Sheikh Abd el-Qurna to nearby tombs, allow half a day.
  3. 03Do I need a guide or can I visit Sheikh Abd el-Qurna on my own?
    You may visit independently, but we recommend a licensed Egyptologist for historical context and to locate specific tombs. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator we arrange private Egyptologists and avoid large group-bus visits for better access and timing. A guide also helps interpret wall scenes that are otherwise hard to read in dim light.
  4. 04Are the Sheikh Abd el-Qurna tombs accessible for wheelchair users?
    The site is not wheelchair-accessible: steep dirt paths, uneven ancient stone, and steps lead to most tomb entrances. Many tomb chambers have low ceilings and narrow staircases unsuitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters. We can suggest alternative visits on the West Bank with easier footing or arrange pickup/drop-off as close as possible to the site.
  5. 05Can I take photographs inside the tombs at Sheikh Abd el-Qurna?
    Photography is generally allowed but flash is usually prohibited to protect pigments. Lighting inside tombs is low, so a fast lens or good low-light camera helps; handheld flash will typically be refused. Some tombs may impose additional restrictions on tripods or professional equipment, so ask us in advance if you plan a shoot.
  6. 06What should I wear and bring for a visit to Sheikh Abd el-Qurna?
    Wear sturdy closed shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and modest clothing covering shoulders and knees. Bring water (bottled), sunglasses, and a small torch for low-light chambers; there is limited shade at midday. Early morning visits are cooler and avoid peak heat and crowds.
  7. 07Does this ticket include entry and site fees for Sheikh Abd el-Qurna?
    Standard site entrance fees are included with this ticket where stated. Premium or restricted-tomb access (for example Tutankhamun or Seti I elsewhere), special conservation closures, and gratuities are excluded unless we list them as included. If you want a private-tomb permit or extended access, we can arrange it in advance.

Editorial review

Reviewed by Khaled Mansour

Product ID: TKT-LUX-880447

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