Valley of the Kings near Luxor

The Valley of the Kings near Luxor is a desert plain surrounded by steep hills. The Valley of the Kings is located on the west bank of the Nile river, near Thebes.

Here is where the famous tomb of King Tutankhamun was discovered and is just one of the 62 tombs discovered so far. It was opened in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter. Certainly a treasure trove, because all the other tombs in the valley had been found to be had been robbed but probably since ancient times. Ramses II and the last ruler of the Egyptian New Kingdom, had decided to build his tomb there.

In 1902, the American, Theodore Davis obtained permission from the Egyptian government to start excavations in the Valley of the Kings. He made copal for 12 winters and found significant tombs such as those of Tutmus IV, Sipta, Horemheb and found the coffin and mummy of the great "heretic Pharaoh" Amenhotep IV.

The best time to visit during the year of the Valley of the Kings near Luxor is in winter - from October to March due to the large heat in summer. The tombs are open to visitors from 6:00 in the morning but during the afternoon the flow of tourists are smaller.

To visit the Valley of the Kings you must buy a ticket. You can not take the ticket on the spot, but must obtain them prior from the Ticket office on the west coast. The best way to reach the Valley of the Kings is by taxi. It will take you through a 6-mile bridge connecting Luxor with the opposite bank of the Nile. The speedboat or ferry along the river are also appropriate options for transportation.