Beni Hasan Tombs (Minya)

The short answer

Beni Hassan Tombs Entry Ticket is a 1 day admission covering the Middle Kingdom rock-cut tombs near Minya in the Nile region, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.

• Archaeology & history
• Cultural

Snapshot

Good to know

Destinations

Nile

Background

The facts

Suited to

Is this for you?

What lingers

• 01 Explore 39 Middle Kingdom tombs at Beni Hassan; our visit includes the site's standard entrance ticket.
• 02 Tombs of Khnumhotep II and Khety feature painted scenes; we allow 45–60 minutes for detailed viewing.
• 03 Located roughly 20 kilometres south of Minya on the Nile's east bank; approximately 250 kilometres from Cairo.
• 04 Our Egyptologists brief on tomb iconography and funerary texts; we point out hunting scenes and boat frescoes.
• 05 Unlike cruise-crowded stops, we visit early morning when lighting reveals wall pigments better, and fewer coaches.
• 06 Limited shade at midday and uneven stone floors; moderate mobility needed for close-up tomb access.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

1. 01 How long does a visit to Beni Hassan take?

   Allow 45–90 minutes to see the principal tombs at Beni Hassan. Time depends on how many tombs you enter and how much the guide pauses for paintings and inscriptions. Heat and light levels slow visits–early morning is cooler and quieter. Our Egyptologists typically plan 60–75 minutes for a private guided stop including walk time to the cliff tombs.
2. 02 Is Beni Hassan accessible for wheelchairs?

   Beni Hassan is not fully wheelchair-accessible; tombs are cut into rock with uneven stone ramps and low thresholds. There are steep approaches, loose sand and narrow doorways inside the burial chambers. The site has limited accessible facilities and no full ramps into most tombs. We can arrange a close viewpoint and assist with transfers, but entry into most tomb interiors will be difficult for wheelchair users.
3. 03 Can I take photographs inside the tombs?

   Photography is usually permitted inside the tombs but flash and tripods are often prohibited. Restrictions exist for conservation reasons–ancient pigments are fragile and staff may limit close access. If you need a formal photo permit we can check current site rules beforehand. Please remain at a respectful distance from painted surfaces and follow our guide's instructions.
4. 04 What should I wear for a visit to Beni Hassan?

   Wear lightweight, sun-protective clothing and sturdy shoes for uneven rock and sandy paths. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen and at least one litre of water per person for a short visit. Dress conservatively out of respect for local communities; temples and mosques nearby expect modest dress. Expect limited shade at midday and bring layers for cooler mornings.
5. 05 How do I get to Beni Hassan from Minya or Cairo?

   Beni Hassan is on the east bank of the Nile in Middle Egypt near Minya and requires a private car or organised transfer to reach. We arrange private transfers rather than large coach groups so we can time the visit for cooler hours and fewer visitors. From Minya it is a straightforward road transfer; from Cairo it is a long day and we recommend an overnight stop en route. Road and weather conditions affect travel time, so we confirm timings the day before.
6. 06 Which tombs at Beni Hassan should I prioritise?

   Prioritise the tomb of Khnumhotep II and the larger nomarch tombs with painted scenes. Khnumhotep II's tomb contains painted scenes of daily life and foreign traders and is a key example of Middle Kingdom provincial art. Many other tombs show hunting, warfare and funerary rites but colours are fading and lighting is low. Our Egyptologists focus on iconography and inscriptions to bring the scenes to life.