Valley of the Nobles – Luxor West Bank
At a glance
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
Valley of the Nobles Entry Ticket is a 1-day attraction ticket covering the tomb area of New Kingdom officials and nobles in Luxor, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
- Archaeology & history
- Cultural
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Luxor
Best time to go
The most comfortable months are generally October through April, when daytime temperatures in Luxor are milder and walking conditions are better. From May to September, heat can be intense by late morning, so early arrival is recommended. During Ramadan and major Egyptian holidays, opening hours and last admission may be adjusted, so checking official notices before travel is advisable.
02Overview
A first look
The Valley of the Nobles sits on Luxor's West Bank, adjacent to Deir el-Medina. Our Egyptologists select the best-preserved private tombs and explain the scenes, titles, and workshop connections.
Background
The facts
The Valley of the Nobles is a burial area on Luxor’s West Bank used mainly by officials, administrators, and aristocrats during the New Kingdom, especially from the 18th to 20th Dynasties. Unlike royal burial valleys, it contains tombs of non-royal elites whose decorated chambers preserve scenes of daily life, offerings, funerary rituals, and hieroglyphic inscriptions.
The site is located within the Theban Necropolis, west of the Nile from modern Luxor. It is reached from the West Bank road system and is usually visited together with other archaeological areas such as the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, and nearby temple sites; distances between major West Bank attractions are relatively short by road, but walking inside each site is limited to marked visitor routes.
This admission ticket grants access to the tomb area and the visitor route defined by the site authority. The exact tombs open to the public can change, and some chambers may be closed for conservation work, so the accessible tomb selection may differ by date. Visitors should expect security screening at the entrance gate and should keep their ticket available for inspection.
Opening hours and last admission can vary seasonally and may change during holidays or maintenance periods. The best visit times are typically early morning, when temperatures are lower and visitor numbers are lighter, especially between October and April. Summer visits require preparation for high heat, and during Ramadan or public holidays, hours may be shorter or adjusted.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This ticket is suitable for independent travelers who want to explore ancient tomb decoration at their own pace, especially visitors interested in New Kingdom art, funerary archaeology, and inscriptions. It also works well for adults and older children who are comfortable with walking on uneven ground and can manage sun exposure in an open archaeological setting.
What lingers
- 01Cluster of private Theban tombs on Luxor's West Bank – decorated New Kingdom reliefs and funerary scenes.
- 02Operated by a licensed Egyptian tour operator – entrance ticket included; our Egyptologist explains hieroglyphs and tomb architecture.
- 03Short drive from the Valley of the Kings and Deir el-Bahari; we recommend combining both in one half-day.
- 04Unlike large coach tours, we keep groups small or run private visits allowing extended time at selected tombs.
- 05Most tombs require stooping and walking on uneven stone; visits involve low light and narrow passageways.
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Valley of the Nobles entry ticket (as specified at booking)
Not included
- Professional guide, audio guide, or commentary (book separately if required)
- Transport to and from the site
- Meals and personal expenses
- Photography permit if required by the site authority
- Printed ticket, when required by the venue (check before arrival)
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What are the opening hours for the Valley of the Nobles?
Opening hours vary seasonally; most Luxor West Bank sites open around 6:00 AM and close late afternoon. The exact times change with summer/winter schedules and during Ramadan, so the ticket office posts daily hours. Early mornings are cooler and quieter, but note that conservation rules sometimes limit numbers at specific tombs.02How long should I plan to visit the Valley of the Nobles?
Plan about 1.5–3 hours to see the principal tombs at the Valley of the Nobles. If you want in-depth stops in Rekhmire (TT100), Kheruef (TT192) and Ramose (TT55), allow the upper end; walking is on uneven stone and sand. Unlike the Valley of the Kings, the Nobles requires more walking between tomb clusters, so factor in transfers and shade breaks.03Is the Valley of the Nobles included in the Luxor West Bank ticket?
Ticket inclusion varies; some West Bank passes include the Valley of the Nobles while others require separate entry fees. Individual tombs can also have extra charges or temporary closures. We confirm ticketing before travel and can pre-purchase or advise which sites your pass covers through our licensed Egyptian tour operator.04Are cameras allowed in the Valley of the Nobles?
Photography is generally permitted, but flash and tripods are usually prohibited inside tombs. Video policies vary and some tombs ban all photography to protect pigments and wall reliefs. The on-site ticket office displays current rules; we recommend checking on arrival and following conservation signage.05Is the Valley of the Nobles accessible for people with limited mobility?
The Valley of the Nobles is not fully accessible; expect uneven stone paths, sand, and steps into tombs. There are no formal ramps and many tomb thresholds are low and steep. We can arrange a shorter route, a local assistant, and a closer drop-off where permitted, but interior wheelchair access is typically not possible.06Do I need a guide to visit the Valley of the Nobles?
A guide is not legally required, but a licensed Egyptologist substantially improves interpretation. We provide licensed Egyptologists for private visits and do not run mass coach tours to this site. A guide also helps with ticketing, current conservation rules, and selecting which tombs to enter given light, time, and seasonal conditions.
Product ID: TKT-LUX-825379
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