Valley of the Queens – Luxor West Bank
At a glance
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
Valley of the Queens Entry Ticket is a 1-day attraction ticket covering the Valley of the Queens necropolis in Luxor, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- Archaeology & history
- Cultural
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Luxor
Best time to go
The most comfortable months are generally October to April, when daytime temperatures in Luxor are milder and walking conditions are easier. Midday heat can be intense from May to September, so early arrival is usually best. During Ramadan and major public holidays, operating hours and crowd levels may vary, so checking current opening information before going is advisable.
02Overview
A first look
The Valley of the Queens lies on Luxor's West Bank opposite the modern city and contains about 90 catalogued tombs. The site forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing 'Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis' (1979).
Background
The facts
The Valley of the Queens is a New Kingdom necropolis on Luxor’s West Bank, used primarily for the burial of royal women and some members of the royal household. It lies near other major West Bank sites, including the Valley of the Kings and Deir el-Medina, and is associated with the 18th, 19th, and 20th Dynasties, roughly from the 16th to the 11th century BCE.
The best-known tomb in the valley is the tomb of Queen Nefertari (QV66), wife of Ramesses II, which is famous for its painted scenes and preserved color. Other important burials include Tausret and Setnakht, and access to decorated tombs is managed through conservation rotation, so the list of open tombs can change from day to day.
This admission ticket grants entry to the valley floor and to the specific decorated tombs open on the date of visit, subject to site management decisions. Standard site entrance fees are included in the ticket, while premium tomb access is not guaranteed unless explicitly stated for the chosen date and opening status.
Opening hours vary seasonally and may change for conservation or holiday schedules, so visitors should check current information before arrival and allow time for the security check at the entrance gate. Some tombs may have restricted photography rules, and the most practical approach is to confirm today’s openings at the ticket gate.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This ticket is suitable for independent travelers who want to visit one of Luxor’s key royal necropolis sites at their own pace. It also fits archaeology enthusiasts, history-focused visitors, and adults or older children who are comfortable walking on uneven ground in hot weather.
What lingers
- 01Admission includes standard Valley of the Queens entry; premium tombs (Nefertari) excluded or booked separately.
- 02Part of the Theban Necropolis (UNESCO World Heritage site); located on Luxor's West Bank near the Valley of the Kings.
- 03Many tomb corridors are narrow and descend uneven stone; we advise an early start to avoid midday heat.
- 04Our Egyptologists explain funerary scenes and queen identities, including Queen Nefertari's iconography when access permits.
- 05Unlike rushed West Bank combo tours, we allow at least 60–90 minutes for substantive tomb exploration and photography.
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Valley of the Queens entry ticket, valid for the date stated on the ticket
- PDF ticket delivered by email after booking confirmation
Not included
- Professional Egyptologist or guided commentary, bookable separately if required
- Transport to or from the site
- Meals and refreshments
- Photography permit if required by the site
- Printed ticket requirement, which some entrances may insist on; bring a printed copy if in doubt
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01Can I visit Nefertari's tomb in the Valley of the Queens?
Access to Nefertari's tomb (QV66) is frequently restricted and often requires a separate permit. Egyptian authorities limit entries to protect the wall paintings; the tomb is commonly closed or available only on special-authority excursions. We request permits early when possible and will confirm feasibility at booking.02How long should I allow to visit the Valley of the Queens?
Plan 60–90 minutes to see the main tombs at a measured pace. That allows time for several decorated tombs; adding Nefertari or extra tombs will extend the visit. We usually arrange early-morning visits to avoid heat and crowds, which improves visibility inside painted chambers.03Is photography allowed inside the tombs at the Valley of the Queens?
Photography is permitted at the site but flash and tripod use are often prohibited inside tombs. Rules are set by Egypt's antiquities authorities and enforced by guards; some tombs prohibit photography entirely to protect pigments. We advise a telephoto lens and will brief you on which tombs allow photography.04How do I get to the Valley of the Queens from Luxor?
The Valley of the Queens is on Luxor's West Bank; transfers by car from central Luxor typically take 15–25 minutes depending on pickup point. Your pickup may use the small West Bank ferry or road bridge depending on hotel location. Unlike large coach groups, we provide private transfers and flexible pickup times tailored to your schedule.05Are the tombs at the Valley of the Queens accessible for people with limited mobility?
Accessibility is limited: the site has uneven paths, steps, and narrow tomb entrances. Tomb chambers usually require steep stone staircases and low doorways; wheelchairs cannot enter most tombs. We can adapt the visit (viewing from entrances, nearby shaded seating) and recommend contacting us in advance to plan the easiest route.06Are entrance fees to the Valley of the Queens included?
Standard site entrance fees are included unless we state otherwise at booking. Premium tombs or special permits (for example QV66 Nefertari) often carry extra fees or limited-entry permits and are frequently excluded. We will confirm exactly which tombs are covered and any additional costs before travel.07What is the Valley of the Queens?
The Valley of the Queens is part of the Theban Necropolis on Luxor's West Bank and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It contains New Kingdom royal women's tombs, including decorated burial chambers such as QV52 and QV66 (Nefertari), and lies close to Deir el-Medina. Conservation work and site management by Egypt's antiquities authorities mean access varies by tomb.
Product ID: TKT-LUX-446384
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