Tomb of Nefertari, Valley of the Queens – Luxor
At a glance
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
Tomb of Nefertari Entry Ticket is a 1 days attraction ticket covering the Tomb of Nefertari in Luxor’s Valley of the Queens, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Luxor
Best time to go
The most comfortable months for visiting Luxor are generally from October to April, when daytime temperatures are milder and outdoor sightseeing is easier. In summer, heat can be intense, so early arrival is advisable. During Ramadan and public holidays, opening patterns and visitor flow can change, so checking current site hours in advance is recommended.
02 Overview
A first look
QV66, the Tomb of Nefertari, lies in the central Valley of the Queens on Luxor's West Bank. Entry is restricted, requires a separate premium ticket, and photography inside is prohibited.
Background
The facts
The Tomb of Nefertari, also known as QV66, is one of the most important New Kingdom tombs on Luxor’s West Bank. It lies in the Valley of the Queens, the burial area used mainly for royal women and children during the 19th and 20th Dynasties. The tomb belongs to Queen Nefertari, the chief wife of Ramesses II, whose reign in the 13th century BCE produced some of Egypt’s best-known monumental art.
The tomb is famous for its painted burial chamber, where wall scenes and funerary texts preserve vivid polychrome decoration on plaster. The iconography includes deities, protective texts, and scenes associated with the queen’s journey through the afterlife. Because of conservation concerns, visits are tightly controlled and daily access is limited.
This entry ticket grants single admission to the Tomb of Nefertari only. It does not include any other tombs in the Valley of the Queens, site transport, or a guided visit. Visitors usually combine this entry with other West Bank sites such as the Valley of the Kings, Medinet Habu, or the Colossi of Memnon.
Opening hours can vary seasonally and by site administration, so it is best to check current hours before visiting and to arrive early. Photography rules vary; check at the entrance for the current policy before entering the tomb.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This ticket is best for visitors who want a focused, self-guided visit to one of Luxor’s most significant painted tombs. It suits history enthusiasts, art and archaeology travelers, and adults or older children who are comfortable with a short, site-based visit and stairs or uneven ground common at West Bank monuments.
What lingers
- 01 QV66 – Tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens, Luxor West Bank; noted for painted funerary reliefs.
- 02 Unlike standard Valley of the Queens tickets, QV66 access is tightly limited for conservation; separate reservations often required.
- 03 Flash photography prohibited inside QV66; our guides enforce rules to protect pigments and murals.
- 04 Combine QV66 with Deir el-Bahri (Hatshepsut) and the Valley of the Kings the same morning to avoid heat.
- 05 As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we handle permit applications and timed QV66 access when the tomb is open.
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Entry ticket to the Tomb of Nefertari (single admission)
Not included
- Professional Egyptologist guide (book separately if required)
- Transport to or from the site
- Meals and drinks
- Photography permit if applicable, check on arrival
- Printed copy of the PDF ticket if the venue requires paper presentation
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
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01 Can I visit the Tomb of Nefertari?
Yes – the Tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens is open to visitors on a limited, controlled basis. It is part of the Theban Necropolis UNESCO World Heritage Site and access is tightly managed to protect the wall paintings. Visits are brief and can be suspended for conservation; unlike large coach tours, openings here are often too limited for last-minute groups. We monitor availability and recommend booking in advance through a licensed Egyptian tour operator like us. -
02 How do I get tickets for the Tomb of Nefertari?
Tickets for the Tomb of Nefertari are sold separately from general Valley of the Queens entry and are strictly limited. Tickets may be purchased at the Luxor ticket office when available, or via authorised suppliers; we can attempt to secure tickets for you if you book ahead. Fees are set by the authorities and may not be included unless explicitly stated in your booking. Expect sell-outs in high season and occasional short-notice closures for conservation. -
03 Can I take photographs inside the Tomb of Nefertari?
Photography inside the Tomb of Nefertari is normally prohibited to protect fragile pigments and surfaces. Flash and tripods are banned and guards enforce the rule; occasional special-permit photography is possible but rare. If photography is essential, we can inquire about permits, but approval is at the discretion of the site authorities and often refused. Plan for guided interpretation outside the tomb instead of a photographic visit. -
04 How long can I spend inside the Tomb of Nefertari?
Visitor time inside the Tomb of Nefertari is strictly limited–typically a few minutes per group. Time limits are imposed to control humidity, light exposure, and visitor impact on the painted surfaces. Because the visit is short, we recommend combining it with other West Bank sites on the same day to make the most of your trip. Your guide will provide a detailed commentary before and after the entry to maximize the brief visit. -
05 Is the Tomb of Nefertari wheelchair accessible?
No – the Tomb of Nefertari is not wheelchair accessible due to narrow passages, steps, and uneven ancient stone. The tomb’s chambers were carved on a slope and include low ceilings and tight turns that prevent safe wheelchair access. We can arrange alternative West Bank visits with easier access, such as viewpoints and museums in Luxor West Bank, and provide detailed on-site explanations. Tell us your mobility needs and we will propose the best accessible options. -
06 Why is the Tomb of Nefertari occasionally closed?
The Tomb of Nefertari is periodically closed for conservation, humidity control, or restoration work. Closing the tomb reduces visitor impact on delicate pigments and allows conservators to stabilize surfaces and control environmental conditions. These closures can be short notice and are decided by the site authorities; they are in place precisely because Nefertari’s paintings are exceptionally fragile. We track closures for our clients and will advise alternatives if the tomb is unavailable on your dates.
Last updated 18 May 2026 Product ID: TKT-LUX-620603
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