Egypt Discovery
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Attraction Luxor

Sheikh Abd el-Qurna Tombs – Luxor West Bank

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

Sheikh Abd el-Qurna Tombs Entry Ticket is a 1-day admission covering the New Kingdom private tombs of Sheikh Abd el-Qurna in Luxor, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.

Snapshot

Good to know

Destinations
Luxor

Best time to go

The most comfortable months for visiting Luxor are generally October to April, when daytime temperatures are milder and site walking is easier. In summer, heat can be intense by late morning, so early arrival is usually the best option. During Ramadan and major public holidays, service timing and visitor flow may differ, so checking official opening information in advance is advisable.

02 Overview

A first look

Sheikh Abd el-Qurna is one of the principal hills of the Theban Necropolis on Luxor's West Bank. The site contains private tombs with painted scenes dating mainly to the 18th and 19th Dynasties.

Background

The facts

Sheikh Abd el-Qurna is a major necropolis area on Luxor’s West Bank, within the Theban burial landscape associated with the New Kingdom period, roughly 1550–1070 BCE. It contains a dense cluster of private tombs cut into the hillside near the Valley of the Kings sector, with decorated chambers, painted reliefs, and inscriptions that document funerary practice, administrative titles, and scenes from daily life. The site is part of the wider Theban Necropolis, one of the most important archaeological zones in Upper Egypt.

This entry ticket grants access to Sheikh Abd el-Qurna tombs that are open for visitation at the time of entry. Interior spaces are typically compact, with narrow passages, low ceilings, and chambers where wall decoration may be concentrated in limited areas. Because individual tomb availability can change, the exact set of accessible tombs may vary by season, conservation status, or site management decisions.

The ticket does not include transport, a private escort, audio guide, meals, or access to tombs that require a separate premium admission. Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise, but special categories such as premium tombs are not part of this admission unless explicitly mentioned in the booking. Tickets are arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt and delivered by email as a PDF after confirmation.

Opening hours and last-admission times can vary seasonally, so visitors should check the official site information before traveling and arrive early in the day when temperatures are lower. Photography policies also differ between tombs, and some smaller sites may require a printed copy of the PDF ticket at the entrance gate.

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This admission is suitable for visitors who want independent access to New Kingdom private tombs on Luxor’s West Bank, especially travelers interested in wall painting, inscriptions, and funerary archaeology. It suits adults and older children who are comfortable with uneven ground, short walks, and enclosed interior spaces.

What lingers

  • 01 Visit Sheikh Abd el-Qurna Tombs on Luxor West Bank – painted New Kingdom private tombs including Menna (TT69) and Nakht (TT52).
  • 02 Entrance ticket included; premium tombs elsewhere (Tutankhamun, Seti I) and pyramid interior entries are excluded.
  • 03 We schedule early-morning visits to avoid heat and coach arrivals; shaded seating and facilities are limited on-site.
  • 04 Expect uneven stone, short steep ramps and narrow corridors; mobility-impaired visitors may need assistance on-site.
  • 05 Unlike the Valley of the Kings, Sheikh Abd el-Qurna often has fewer visitors and a quieter, local atmosphere.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Sheikh Abd el-Qurna Tombs entry ticket (PDF emailed after booking)

Not included

  • Professional guiding (book separately if required)
  • Transport to and from the site
  • Meals and refreshments
  • Photography permit if required by the site authority
  • Any premium tombs or special-access areas that require additional tickets

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01 What is Sheikh Abd el-Qurna?
    Sheikh Abd el-Qurna is a hill on the Luxor West Bank containing a cluster of private New Kingdom tombs. It forms part of the Theban Necropolis within the UNESCO World Heritage listing 'Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis' (inscribed 1979). The tombs belonged to officials rather than pharaohs and are generally smaller than Valley of the Kings tombs. Visits involve low ceilings, painted reliefs and narrow passages; our Egyptologists explain the iconography and conservation status.
  2. 02 How much time should I allow to visit Sheikh Abd el-Qurna tombs?
    Allow 45–90 minutes to see several open tombs at Sheikh Abd el-Qurna. Time depends on mobility, interest in detailed reliefs and how many tombs are open for conservation. Some tombs close unpredictably; our guide selects the best available options. Early morning visits reduce heat and usually mean fewer other visitors.
  3. 03 Can I take photos inside the Sheikh Abd el-Qurna tombs?
    Photography policies vary; many tombs permit photos but flash and tripods are commonly prohibited. Flash damages pigments, so site authorities often ban it – your guide will confirm current rules at the ticket desk. Small camera fees may apply at some tombs; bring small change in Egyptian pounds. Expect low light; a wide-aperture lens or a phone with good low-light performance helps.
  4. 04 Are the Sheikh Abd el-Qurna tombs wheelchair accessible?
    No – most tombs at Sheikh Abd el-Qurna have steep, narrow stairs and uneven paths, so wheelchair access is not available. The hillside has loose stone and sandy tracks; visits require steady footing and some stooping in tomb interiors. We can arrange nearby viewpoints and advise which West Bank sites offer easier access. Please tell us about mobility needs when you enquire so we can plan accordingly.
  5. 05 How do I get to Sheikh Abd el-Qurna from central Luxor?
    Sheikh Abd el-Qurna sits on the Luxor West Bank, typically a 10–20 minute drive from Nile-side hotels on the East Bank. Reaching the West Bank requires a short road transfer or a local boat crossing; total time depends on crossing method and local traffic. We pick you up by private car and park within a short walk of the main tomb cluster. Bring sun protection – the approach has limited shade.
  6. 06 Do I need a guide to visit the Sheikh Abd el-Qurna tombs?
    A licensed Egyptologist guide is strongly recommended because signage is limited and tomb openings change frequently. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we provide Egyptologists who choose the accessible, open tombs and explain iconography, dating and conservation matters. We do not run coach-load group tours here; we arrange private guided visits so timing and pace suit you. Guides also advise on exact ticketing and photography rules at each tomb.

Last updated 18 May 2026 Product ID: TKT-LUX-880447

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