Valley of the Queens: Complete Visitor Guide to Egypt’s Royal Necropolis

Valley of the Queens: Complete Visitor Guide to Egypt’s Royal Necropolis

The Valley of the Queens is a renowned archaeological site on Luxor’s West Bank, famous as the burial place of ancient Egypt’s royal wives and children. It offers visitors a unique look at beautifully decorated tombs, including the famous tomb of Queen Nefertari, and is a must-see for anyone exploring Egypt’s ancient wonders.

Key Takeaways

• General admission for foreign adults is EGP 220 and for foreign students is EGP 110, with all prices in Egyptian Pounds.
• The Valley of the Queens opens at 06:00 am, with last entry at 05:00 pm in summer and 04:00 pm in winter.
• Free entry is granted for children under 6, Egyptian seniors 60+, Egyptians with special needs, and orphaned children.
• Photography with a mobile phone is free of charge at the Valley of the Queens.
• Arrive at least one hour before closing time for the best experience.

What Is the Valley of the Queens?

The Valley of the Queens is an ancient necropolis located on the west bank of the Nile, near Luxor. It served as the final resting place for queens, princesses, and royal children during the New Kingdom period (1550–1070 BCE). Unlike the more famous Valley of the Kings, which is reserved for pharaohs and powerful nobles, the Valley of the Queens is dedicated to the women and children of the royal family. The tombs are renowned for their vivid wall paintings, hieroglyphics, and depictions of the journey to the afterlife.

Many travelers pair their visit with other nearby wonders, such as the Valley of the Kings, which is the burial site of Egypt’s most prominent pharaohs. Exploring both valleys provides a comprehensive picture of ancient Egyptian funerary practices.

Highlights: The Tombs of the Valley

The Valley of the Queens is home to over 90 tombs, though only a select few are open to the public at any given time. The most famous is the tomb of Queen Nefertari (QV66), celebrated for its vibrant colors and detailed artwork. Other notable tombs include those of Prince Amunherkhepshef and Queen Titi.

Each tomb in the Valley is unique, with scenes depicting the queen’s journey through the underworld, guided by gods and goddesses. The preservation of color and detail in these tombs is remarkable, offering a rare glimpse into ancient Egyptian beliefs about death and the afterlife. Visitors often combine their exploration with trips to nearby temples, such as Hatshepsut Temple, which honors the legendary female pharaoh.

Location and How to Get There

The Valley of the Queens is situated on Luxor’s West Bank, just a short drive from the city center and close to other major archaeological sites. Most visitors reach the site by taxi, private car, or as part of a guided tour. The road to the valley winds through the desert hills, offering scenic views of the Theban landscape.

For those planning a comprehensive visit to Luxor, joining a Luxor Day Tours package is a convenient way to see the Valley of the Queens along with other highlights like Karnak and Luxor Temples. These tours often include transportation, a guide, and admission to several sites.

Ticket Prices and Entry Information

Visitor Category	General Admission	Student Admission
Foreigners	EGP 220	EGP 110
Egyptians	EGP 30	EGP 10

All monument ticket prices are in Egyptian Pounds (EGP) per the Ministry's official ticketing service. Free entry is available for children under 6, Egyptian seniors aged 60 and above, Egyptians with special needs, and orphaned children. Students must present a valid ID and their age must not exceed 24 to be eligible for student tickets. Mobile phone photography is free of charge. Visitors are advised to arrive at least one hour before the site's closing time. Official fees and hours are revised periodically; always check the latest information before your visit.

If you’re interested in a multi-day experience, consider the 06 Days Cairo to Luxor Tour, which includes guided visits to Luxor’s most important archaeological sites, including the Valley of the Queens.

Opening Hours and Best Times to Visit

The Valley of the Queens operates on different schedules depending on the season. During the summer season, the site opens at 06:00 am with last entry at 05:00 pm. In the winter season, opening time remains at 06:00 am, but last entry is at 04:00 pm. During Ramadan, reduced hours are published per-site on the official ticketing portal.

To make the most of your visit, it’s best to arrive early in the morning when temperatures are cooler and the site is less crowded. Many travelers combine their trip with an early morning Hot Air Balloon Ride Luxor for breathtaking aerial views of the Theban Necropolis at sunrise.

Nearby Attractions: What Else to See

The Valley of the Queens is part of a rich archaeological landscape that includes several must-see sites. The Karnak Temple complex is one of the largest religious structures ever built and is located on the East Bank of Luxor. The Luxor Temple is another highlight, known for its grand colonnades and statues.

Many travelers also explore the Valley of the Kings, the resting place of Tutankhamun and other legendary pharaohs, as well as the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut. For a more immersive experience, luxury multi-day cruises and guided tours are available, allowing you to visit these sites in comfort and style.

Combining Your Visit with a Nile Cruise

Many visitors to the Valley of the Queens choose to combine their archaeological adventures with a Nile cruise. A 4 Day 3 Night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor is a popular choice, as it allows you to explore the treasures of Upper Egypt while enjoying the comfort of a floating hotel. These cruises typically include stops at Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan.

For those seeking an elevated experience, there are Luxury Nile Cruises that offer gourmet dining, spacious cabins, and personalized service. These cruises often feature guided tours of the Valley of the Queens as part of their itinerary.

Travel Packages and Guided Tours

Booking a travel package is a convenient way to ensure you see the best of Luxor and the Valley of the Queens. The 11 Days Private Guided Tour of Egypt​ with Dahabiya offers an in-depth exploration of Egypt’s top attractions, including the Valley of the Queens, Valley of the Kings, and major temples along the Nile.

For those seeking a luxury experience, the 10-Day Egypt Luxury Trip with Dahabiya Nile Cruise combines private guided tours with a boutique cruise, ensuring comfort and expert insight throughout your journey.

Essential Visitor Tips

To make the most of your visit to the Valley of the Queens, consider the following tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as the site involves walking in a desert environment.
• Photography with mobile phones is free, but commercial filming requires prior permission.
• Student tickets require a valid ID and age must not exceed 24.
• Free entry is available for children under 6, Egyptian seniors 60+, Egyptians with special needs, and orphaned children.
• Arrive at least one hour before closing time to ensure entry and ample time for exploration.
• Card payment is available for site tickets at Giza via self-service machines, but card acceptance is not guaranteed at every site.

Many travelers opt for organized tours, such as the Luxor Day Tours, to benefit from expert guides and seamless logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the opening hours for the Valley of the Queens?
  The Valley of the Queens opens at 06:00 am, with last entry at 05:00 pm during the summer season and 04:00 pm during the winter season, per the Ministry's official ticketing service.
• How much does it cost to enter the Valley of the Queens?
  General admission for foreign adults is EGP 220, and for foreign students is EGP 110. Egyptian adults pay EGP 30, and Egyptian students pay EGP 10. All ticket prices are in Egyptian Pounds.
• Is photography allowed inside the Valley of the Queens?
  Photography with a mobile phone is free of charge at the Valley of the Queens, but commercial or professional filming requires prior permission.
• Who is eligible for free entry to the Valley of the Queens?
  Free entry is granted for children under 6, Egyptian seniors aged 60 and above, Egyptians with special needs, and orphaned children, per the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
• How do I get to the Valley of the Queens from Luxor?
  The Valley of the Queens is located on Luxor’s West Bank and can be reached by taxi, private car, or as part of a guided tour from the city center.
• Can I combine a visit to the Valley of the Queens with other attractions?
  Yes, many tours and travel packages combine the Valley of the Queens with sites like the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and Luxor Temple, or as part of a Nile cruise itinerary.