Valley of the Nobles – Luxor West Bank
Admission to decorated New Kingdom tombs on Luxor’s West Bank, with painted scenes and inscriptions from the 18th to 20th Dynasties.
At a glance
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
Valley of the Nobles Entry Ticket is an entry ticket granting admission to the Valley of the Nobles tomb area in Luxor, booked and arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- Archaeology & history
- Cultural
Snapshot
Good to know
- Time to allow
- Self-paced
- Travel style
- Self-Guided Entry
- Arranged by
- Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt
- Destinations
- Valley of the Nobles
- Includes
- Valley of the Nobles entry ticket, as specified at booking · Access to the tomb area · Access to the visitor route · Access to surviving decorated tombs included in the ticket category
- Best for
- Independent travellers · Ancient Egyptian history enthusiasts · Visitors exploring Luxor’s West Bank
Best time to go
October to April is generally more comfortable for walking, with milder daytime temperatures in Luxor; arrive early to avoid stronger heat and midday sun. From May to September, temperatures can rise sharply by late morning. Opening hours and last admission may change during Ramadan and major Egyptian holidays, so check official notices before visiting.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- The ticket is arranged as a standalone entry product, not bundled with a West Bank visit.
- The ticket grants access to the tomb area and visitor route defined by the site authority.
- The ticket is delivered by email as a PDF after booking.
- The product information identifies transport and commentary as excluded.
02Overview
A first look
The Valley of the Nobles contains New Kingdom tombs of officials and craftsmen on Luxor’s West Bank. It forms part of the Theban Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 1979.
Background
The facts
The Valley of the Nobles is a burial area on Luxor’s West Bank, within the Theban Necropolis. Its tombs were used mainly by officials, administrators and aristocrats rather than royalty during Egypt’s New Kingdom, particularly the 18th to 20th Dynasties.
The site lies west of the Nile from modern Luxor and is reached via the West Bank road system. Nearby archaeological areas include the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens and temple sites. The ticket grants admission to the tomb area and the visitor route set by the site authority; distances and journey times depend on the starting point.
Decorated chambers preserve painted scenes of daily life, offerings and funerary practices, as well as hieroglyphic inscriptions. The tombs provide evidence about the lives and burial customs of non-royal elites during the New Kingdom. The exact tombs open to visitors can change, including during conservation work.
Opening hours vary by season, and temporary closures may affect access. Check the official site information before travelling and consider arriving early. Expect security screening. Photography rules vary, so check at the entrance. The ticket is delivered by email as a PDF; confirm whether a printed copy is required and print it if uncertain.
Named in this entry
Valley of the Nobles·Luxor·Theban Necropolis·Nile·New Kingdom·18th Dynasty·19th Dynasty·20th Dynasty·Valley of the Kings·Valley of the Queens
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This ticket suits independent travellers interested in New Kingdom tomb art, funerary archaeology and inscriptions, particularly adults and older children who are happy to walk on uneven ground. It allows you to explore the marked route at your own pace, without a bundled West Bank visit.
Maybe not, if
- Choose another site if you need step-free paths or want transport and commentary included. The open archaeological setting can be difficult in Luxor’s summer heat, especially later in the morning.
What lingers
- 01Valley of the Nobles (Luxor West Bank) – open-air necropolis of private tombs including Sheikh Abd el-Qurna sector.
- 02Our Egyptologists recommend an early-morning visit to avoid heat; limited shade and steep, uneven stone steps in tombs.
- 03Entrance ticket covers general necropolis access; premium tombs with extra fees are excluded unless explicitly requested.
- 04Photography is usually permitted inside tombs; flash is prohibited and low light can affect picture quality.
- 05Unlike cruise-ship stopovers, we allocate 90–120 minutes here so you can study painted reliefs without rushing.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Many West Bank visits combine the Valley of the Nobles with other sites. We arrange this ticket separately, so visitors can choose when to visit and set their own pace. The ticket does not include transport or commentary.
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Valley of the Nobles entry ticket, as specified at booking
Not included
- Professional guide, audio guide or commentary, which can be booked separately if required
- Transport between your starting point and the site
- Meals and personal spending
- Photography permit, if required by the site authority
- Printed ticket, if required by the venue; check before arrival
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Check which tombs are open on your visit date, as conservation work can change public access.
- 02
If you are unsure whether a mobile ticket is accepted, print the PDF before leaving for the site.
- 03
Check photography rules at the entrance rather than relying on policies from another Luxor site.
- 04
Confirm seasonal opening hours close to your visit, especially around public holidays.
Tailor it
Make it yours
This is an independent entry ticket, not a guided visit; commentary or an audio guide must be arranged separately if available. Transport, meals and personal expenses are also separate, and you can plan the visit around the site’s current opening hours. Check the site authority’s notices for seasonal hours, temporary closures and photography rules before you travel.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
This ticket fits into a Luxor West Bank visit alongside the Ramesseum, Medinet Habu and the Valley of the Kings. Check the site’s seasonal opening hours before planning your route.
While you're here
Worth pairing
- RamesseumRight here
- Medinet HabuRight here
- Valley of the KingsRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Visit independently, without a bundled West Bank tour
02
Receive your ticket by email as a PDF
03
Choose your own pace along the marked visitor route
·In summary
The Valley of the Nobles contains tombs used by non-royal officials and aristocrats, mainly from Egypt’s 18th to 20th Dynasties. Its decorated chambers preserve scenes of daily life, offerings and funerary practices; the tombs available to visit can vary with conservation work.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the Valley of the Nobles?
The Valley of the Nobles is a group of New Kingdom private tombs on Luxor's West Bank. The site lies within the Theban Necropolis, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis" (1987). Tomb decoration emphasises daily life, religious texts and funerary rites; notable tombs include Rekhmire, Ramose and Nakht, among others.02How long should I allow to visit the Valley of the Nobles?
Plan 1.5–3 hours for a meaningful visit, depending on how many tombs you enter. Walking between clusters of tombs and stopping to read wall scenes takes time; a private visit with one of our Egyptologists is paced to your interest. We do not compress this site into a 60–90 minute bus stop like many shore excursions.03Which tombs are open to visitors at the Valley of the Nobles?
Open tombs vary; Rekhmire, Ramose and Nakht are commonly available to visitors. The Antiquities authorities rotate openings for conservation, and individual tombs may close without long notice. We check the day's openings before travel and adjust the itinerary or suggest alternatives on the West Bank.04Are entrance fees and guides included?
Standard site entrance fees are included unless we state otherwise on your booking confirmation. Guided visits with one of our Egyptologists are usually included for private bookings; specialist interiors or conservation-access areas can carry separate charges. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator we arrange tickets, timing and local logistics to minimise queueing.05Can I take photos inside the tombs?
Photography without flash is generally allowed in most tombs; flash and tripods are often prohibited. Restrictions change per tomb for conservation reasons, so our guide will confirm the rules on arrival. Professional equipment may need an additional permit from the Antiquities authorities.06Is the Valley of the Nobles suitable for guests with limited mobility?
The site has uneven stone paths, steps and some steep slopes; it is not fully wheelchair accessible. Short distances can be managed with a sturdy mobility aid and assistance, but many tomb entrances and interiors are inaccessible to wheelchairs. Tell us in advance so we can plan shorter routes, alternative viewpoints or arrange extra assistance.07What should I wear and bring for a visit to the Valley of the Nobles?
Wear sturdy walking shoes and sun protection; shade is limited across the site. Bring a water bottle, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen and light layers for changing temperatures; modest dress is recommended at archaeological sites. Also carry a small torch or use your phone for low-light tomb interiors if allowed by the site rules.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: TKT-LUX-825379
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