Egypt Discovery
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Attraction Luxor

Tomb of Ay, Valley of the Kings (Luxor West Bank)

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

Tomb of Ay Entry Ticket is a 1-day attraction admission covering the burial chamber and decorated chapel of Pharaoh Ay in Luxor West Bank, arranged through 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 walking between sites is easier. From May to September, heat can be intense, especially in the middle of the day, so early morning visits are usually preferable. During Ramadan and major public holidays, opening patterns and visitor volume may change, so it is wise to confirm hours in advance. Arriving early also helps reduce waiting time at the entrance gate.

02 Overview

A first look

The Tomb of Ay is a late 18th Dynasty royal burial in the Valley of the Kings on Luxor's West Bank. Its painted walls show funerary rites and scenes linking Ay with Tutankhamun.

Background

The facts

The Tomb of Ay is a rock-cut royal tomb on the West Bank of Luxor, within the Theban necropolis, the burial landscape used by New Kingdom rulers and elites. Ay ruled at the end of the Eighteenth Dynasty, around the late 14th century BCE, after the period of Tutankhamun, and his tomb reflects the funerary traditions of that era.

An entry ticket grants access to the tomb’s decorated burial chamber and associated painted surfaces, including scenes of royal ritual and funerary iconography. The monument is smaller than the major tombs in the Valley of the Kings, so the visit is usually brief and the interior space is compact.

The site is located among other West Bank funerary monuments, making it part of a broader archaeological zone rather than a standalone attraction. Visiting conditions can vary by season and conservation work, so access rules, opening hours, and ticket windows should be checked before travel.

As with many smaller tombs in Luxor, visitor flow is generally lighter than at the main Valley of the Kings entrances. This makes the Tomb of Ay suitable for travelers who want a shorter, focused stop on the West Bank with direct access to a historically important royal burial place.

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This is suitable for travelers interested in New Kingdom history, painted tomb decoration, and less crowded archaeological sites. It also suits adults and older children who can manage short steps, narrow passages, and a compact chamber visit.
  • It is a good fit for self-guided visitors who want a quick West Bank stop near other funerary monuments rather than a long museum-style visit.

What lingers

  • 01 See the Tomb of Ay on Luxor West Bank, part of the Ancient Theban Necropolis UNESCO site.
  • 02 Entrance ticket included; premium tombs (Tutankhamun, Seti I) and gratuities are excluded unless requested.
  • 03 Expect narrow passages, low ceilings and several uneven steps – typical physical demands on the West Bank tomb circuit.
  • 04 Short visit suitable for a Luxor half-day; we can combine with neighbouring tombs on the West Bank.
  • 05 Unlike cruise-operator schedules, we offer morning slots before the midday heat and peak coach arrivals.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Tomb of Ay entry ticket (single admission)

Not included

  • On-site professional commentary or narration; book separately if required
  • Transport to or from the site
  • Meals and personal expenses
  • Photography rules and permit fees, where applicable
  • Some venues require a printed ticket, check the PDF sent by email and print if in doubt

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01 Where is the Tomb of Ay located?
    The Tomb of Ay is on Luxor's West Bank, within the Valley of the Kings area. It sits among the West Bank burial landscape and is commonly visited on the same excursion as nearby tombs. You'll approach on foot from the Valley access road; there is limited shade around the tomb entrance.
  2. 02 How long does it take to visit the Tomb of Ay?
    We recommend 20–30 minutes to view the Tomb of Ay. The interior is compact with low ceilings and painted reliefs, so most visitors spend 15–30 minutes. Our Egyptologists usually schedule it alongside other West Bank sites to avoid repeated short transfers.
  3. 03 Is photography allowed inside the Tomb of Ay?
    Photography inside many Luxor tombs is restricted and rules are applied for conservation. Your guide will confirm the site policy on the day; if permitted, expect low light and narrow spaces and a prohibition on flash. Mobile-phone video may also be limited by the inspectorate.
  4. 04 Is the Tomb of Ay wheelchair accessible?
    The Tomb of Ay is not wheelchair accessible: it has steep, uneven descent and narrow, low‑ceiling passages. Visitors need to negotiate ancient stone steps and tight corridors with limited lighting. If you have reduced mobility we can propose an alternative West Bank programme with fewer stairs–please tell us at booking.
  5. 05 What should I wear to visit the Tomb of Ay?
    Wear sturdy shoes and dress modestly for the Tomb of Ay and other West Bank sites. Lightweight trousers or long shorts and covered shoulders suit tomb interiors and nearby temples. Also bring a sun hat and water for outside areas, and expect limited shade at midday.
  6. 06 Can I combine a visit to the Tomb of Ay with other West Bank sites?
    Yes – the Tomb of Ay is routinely combined with the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut and Deir el‑Medina. We typically include Ay as a short stop rather than the main focus, unlike major tombs such as KV62 (Tutankhamun). Combining sites avoids multiple transfers and fits a half‑day West Bank itinerary.

Last updated 18 May 2026 Product ID: TKT-LUX-084060

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