Valley of the Queens, Luxor
At a glance
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
Valley of the Queens Entry Ticket is a 1-day attraction ticket covering the Valley of the Queens necropolis in Luxor, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Luxor
Best time to go
The most comfortable months are generally October to April, when daytime temperatures in Luxor are milder and walking conditions are easier. Midday heat can be intense from May to September, so early arrival is usually best. During Ramadan and major public holidays, operating hours and crowd levels may vary, so checking current opening information before going is advisable.
02 Overview
A first look
The Valley of the Queens contains burial chambers for queens and royal children of the New Kingdom on Luxor's West Bank. The Theban Necropolis, which includes the valley, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Background
The facts
The Valley of the Queens is a New Kingdom necropolis on Luxor’s West Bank, used primarily for the burial of royal women and some members of the royal household. It lies near other major West Bank sites, including the Valley of the Kings and Deir el-Medina, and is associated with the 18th, 19th, and 20th Dynasties, roughly from the 16th to the 11th century BCE.
The best-known tomb in the valley is the tomb of Queen Nefertari (QV66), wife of Ramesses II, which is famous for its painted scenes and preserved color. Other important burials include Tausret and Setnakht, and access to decorated tombs is managed through conservation rotation, so the list of open tombs can change from day to day.
This admission ticket grants entry to the valley floor and to the specific decorated tombs open on the date of visit, subject to site management decisions. Standard site entrance fees are included in the ticket, while premium tomb access is not guaranteed unless explicitly stated for the chosen date and opening status.
Opening hours vary seasonally and may change for conservation or holiday schedules, so visitors should check current information before arrival and allow time for the security check at the entrance gate. Some tombs may have restricted photography rules, and the most practical approach is to confirm today’s openings at the ticket gate.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This ticket is suitable for independent travelers who want to visit one of Luxor’s key royal necropolis sites at their own pace. It also fits archaeology enthusiasts, history-focused visitors, and adults or older children who are comfortable walking on uneven ground in hot weather.
What lingers
- 01 Located on Luxor's West Bank, the Valley of the Queens sits adjacent to Deir el-Medina and Valley of the Kings.
- 02 Standard entrance covers general access; premium tombs such as Nefertari (QV66) require separate permits and additional fees.
- 03 We recommend an early start; morning entries reduce coach congestion and improve interior light for photography.
- 04 During visits, our Egyptologists point out funerary iconography and ritual scenes; ask if you want deeper detail.
- 05 Short walk across compacted desert sands; expect uneven ancient stone surfaces and minimal shade at midday.
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Valley of the Queens entry ticket, valid for the date stated on the ticket
- PDF ticket delivered by email after booking confirmation
Not included
- Professional Egyptologist or guided commentary, bookable separately if required
- Transport to or from the site
- Meals and refreshments
- Photography permit if required by the site
- Printed ticket requirement, which some entrances may insist on; bring a printed copy if in doubt
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
-
01 What are the opening hours for the Valley of the Queens?
Opening hours are usually 06:00–17:00, though seasonal changes and conservation closures occur. The Valley forms part of the Theban Necropolis UNESCO World Heritage Site. We recommend early morning or late afternoon visits to avoid heat and the limited shade at midday. -
02 Does the ticket include entry to the Tomb of Nefertari (QV66)?
Standard site tickets do not always include the Tomb of Nefertari (QV66). QV66 is treated as a premium tomb and normally requires a separate entry or special permission; it is often closed for conservation. We do not bundle premium-tomb tickets; we book them separately so clients can decide in advance. -
03 How long should I allow to visit the Valley of the Queens?
Allow 45–90 minutes to see the tombs currently open to visitors. If you add a licensed Egyptologist commentary or visit QV66, allow up to two hours. Compared with the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens is smaller in area but its tomb interiors are compact and detailed. -
04 Is photography allowed inside the tombs at the Valley of the Queens?
Photography with flash and tripods is generally prohibited inside tomb chambers. Non-flash handheld photography may be permitted in some tombs, while premium tombs often forbid all photography for conservation reasons. Always follow site guards' instructions; restrictions can change without notice. -
05 Is the Valley of the Queens accessible for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility?
Wheelchair access is very limited; terrain includes steep slopes, loose gravel and steps. Most tomb entrances require descending narrow stone steps and have uneven surfaces. We can arrange a gentler visit and advise which tombs are reachable, but some areas will remain inaccessible. -
06 How do I get to the Valley of the Queens from central Luxor?
The Valley of the Queens is on Luxor's West Bank, about a 20–30 minute drive from central Luxor depending on traffic. Visitors typically cross by car or organised private transfer; ferry crossings from the East Bank add time. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and can arrange private transfers and a licensed Egyptologist to meet you at the site.
Last updated 18 May 2026 Product ID: TKT-LUX-446384
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