Egypt Discovery
AttractionNile

Beni Hassan Tombs Entry Ticket

Admission to Beni Hassan’s Middle Kingdom tombs, with painted scenes and inscriptions; seasonal opening hours and temporary closures may affect access.

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

Beni Hassan Tombs Entry Ticket grants admission to the rock-cut cemetery near Minya, booked and arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • Archaeology & history
  • Cultural

Snapshot

Good to know

Time to allow
Open hours vary seasonally
Travel style
Self-Guided Entry
Arranged by
Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt
Destinations
Beni Hassan Tombs
Includes
Entry to Beni Hassan Tombs · Access to principal decorated tombs, subject to site rules and conservation closures
Best for
Ancient history enthusiasts · Visitors interested in Middle Kingdom art · Independent travellers

Best time to go

October to April is generally more comfortable for walking, with daytime temperatures often around 20–30°C; summer days can exceed 35°C, so an early visit is preferable. Check current opening hours before setting out, as seasonal schedules and conservation closures can affect access. During Ramadan and major public holidays, hours and visitor numbers may change.

  • Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
  • The ticket inclusion is admission to the Beni Hassan Tombs.
  • The ticket is delivered by email as a PDF after booking confirmation.
  • Transport, meals and drinks are not included.
  • Any separately charged photography permit or special-access fee is excluded.

02Overview

A first look

Beni Hasan is a cemetery of provincial nomarch tombs from the Middle Kingdom (c.2055–1650 BCE). The best-known tomb is Khnumhotep II (BH3), famed for its painted scenes of daily life and foreign traders.

Background

The facts

Beni Hassan is a rock-cut cemetery on the east bank of the Nile near Minya in Middle Egypt. Its tombs are cut into limestone cliffs above the Nile Valley, and the entry ticket grants access to the cemetery and principal decorated tombs, subject to opening rules and conservation closures.

The tombs date mainly to the 11th and 12th Dynasties of the Middle Kingdom, in the early second millennium BCE. Painted scenes show hunting, wrestling, agriculture, boat processions and daily work. Biographical inscriptions identify local officials and administrative titles, offering evidence of provincial life beyond the royal court.

The number of tombs open to visitors can change with the season and conservation requirements. Opening hours also vary seasonally, so check current arrangements before travelling. Paths across the cliffside cemetery are uneven; visibility across the Nile Valley varies with conditions. Photography rules should be checked at the entrance.

Named in this entry

Beni Hassan·Minya·Nile·Middle Egypt·Nile Valley·Middle Kingdom·11th Dynasty·12th Dynasty·ancient Egypt

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This ticket suits adults and older children interested in Middle Kingdom art, tomb painting and provincial administration. It is a good fit for independent travellers who prefer a quieter archaeological site beyond the main Cairo and Luxor circuits and are comfortable walking on uneven ground.

Maybe not, if

  • Choose another site if you need step-free access or plan to use a stroller. Summer visits can also be uncomfortable for travellers who struggle with heat or outdoor walking.

What lingers

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

Worth knowing

How this compares

Many guided visits bundle admission with a guide; this product is an entry ticket only. Transport, meals and drinks are not included, and any separately charged special-access or tomb-interior fees are excluded.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Entry ticket to the Beni Hassan tombs

Not included

  • Professional Egyptologist guide, available to book separately
  • Transfers to and from the site
  • Food and beverages
  • Photography permit, if required
  • Any separately charged fees for special access or tomb interiors

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Arrive early to allow time for the cliffside paths before the warmer part of the day.

  2. 02

    Wear shoes with a firm grip for uneven ground along the cemetery paths.

  3. 03

    Check whether the entrance accepts a mobile PDF; print the ticket if requirements are unclear.

  4. 04

    Ask at the entrance which decorated tombs are open that day, as conservation closures can change access.

Tailor it

Make it yours

This is an entry ticket, not a guided visit; a professional Egyptologist can be booked separately if required. Transport, meals and drinks are not included, and any photography permit or special-access charge may be payable separately at the site.

All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.

Where it fits

Beni Hassan fits into a Middle Egypt itinerary based in Minya, alongside Tell el-Amarna and Tuna el-Gebel. It is a separate site visit, not an admission pass for those other locations.

While you're here

Worth pairing

  • Minya20 km
  • Tell el-Amarna60 km
  • Tuna el-Gebel40 km

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

  1. 01

    PDF ticket delivered by email after booking confirmation

  2. 02

    Admission arranged for Beni Hassan's decorated tombs

  3. 03

    Clear notice of separate site charges and exclusions

·In summary

Beni Hassan’s tombs date mainly to Egypt’s 11th and 12th Dynasties, in the early second millennium BCE. Their painted scenes and inscriptions document provincial life, including work, hunting and local administration. The number of decorated tombs open to visitors can vary with conservation needs.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01How 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. 02Is 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. 03Can 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. 04What 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. 05How 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. 06Which 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.

Editorial review

Reviewed by Khaled Mansour·Last reviewed 8 March 2025

Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: TKT-NIL-219072

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