Valley of the Queens – Luxor West Bank
Admission to the Valley of the Queens necropolis includes access to tombs open under the current conservation schedule, which can change daily.
At a glance
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
Valley of the Queens Entry Ticket is an admission ticket for the Valley of the Queens necropolis in Luxor, booked and arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- Archaeology & history
- Cultural
Snapshot
Good to know
- Time to allow
- Open hours vary seasonally
- Travel style
- Self-Guided Entry
- Arranged by
- Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt
- Destinations
- Valley of the Queens
- Includes
- Admission to the Valley of the Queens · Access to the valley floor · Entry to decorated tombs open that day · Date-specific ticket · PDF ticket delivered by email
- Best for
- Independent visitors · Ancient Egypt enthusiasts · New Kingdom history readers · Visitors exploring Luxor's West Bank
Best time to go
October to April usually brings milder daytime temperatures in Luxor and more comfortable walking conditions. From May to September, midday heat can be intense, so arrive early; opening hours and crowd levels may also vary during Ramadan and major public holidays.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- The ticket is valid for the date printed on it.
- A PDF ticket is emailed after booking confirmation.
- The ticket provides access to the tombs open on the visit date, subject to site conservation schedules.
- The ticket is for admission only; commentary and transport are not included.
02Overview
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. It was used mainly for royal women and members of the royal household, from around the 16th to the 11th century BCE.
The site lies near the Valley of the Kings and Deir el-Medina. Its best-known burial is QV66, the tomb of Nefertari, wife of Ramesses II. The ticket grants admission to the valley and the decorated tombs open on the visit date; access can change under conservation schedules.
The necropolis was used during the 18th, 19th and 20th Dynasties. It forms part of Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage property. Other notable burials include those associated with Tausret and Setnakht. Entry to a particular tomb, including Nefertari’s, is not guaranteed unless specified for the date.
Opening hours vary by season and may change. Check current hours with the official site and check the ticket gate for that day’s tomb openings. Photography rules can vary, so confirm them at the entrance. The ticket is valid for the date printed on it; a PDF is emailed after booking, and printing it is prudent if mobile display is not accepted.
Named in this entry
Valley of the Queens·Luxor·Ancient Thebes and its Necropolis·The Kings’ Valley·Deir el-Medina·Nefertari·Ramesses II·Tausret·Setnakht·QV66·18th Dynasty·19th Dynasty·20th Dynasty
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This entry ticket suits independent travellers, archaeology enthusiasts and history-focused visitors who want to explore the Valley of the Queens at their own pace. It is a good fit for adults and older children comfortable walking on uneven ground in an open, dry site.
Maybe not, if
- Choose another option if you need step-free access or want guided commentary included. The open desert setting and Luxor’s summer heat can make a longer visit tiring.
What lingers
- 01Located on Luxor's West Bank, the Valley of the Queens sits adjacent to Deir el-Medina and Valley of the Kings.
- 02Standard entrance covers general access; premium tombs such as Nefertari (QV66) require separate permits and additional fees.
- 03We recommend an early start; morning entries reduce coach congestion and improve interior light for photography.
- 04During visits, our Egyptologists point out funerary iconography and ritual scenes; ask if you want deeper detail.
- 05Short walk across compacted desert sands; expect uneven ancient stone surfaces and minimal shade at midday.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Most operators sell Luxor West Bank excursions that combine admission with a broader visit. We arrange this as an admission-only ticket, so you choose your own pace and visit timing.
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Valley of the Queens entry ticket, valid on the date shown
- PDF ticket sent by email after booking confirmation
Not included
- Professional Egyptologist or guided commentary, available to book separately if required
- Transport to and from the site
- Food and drinks
- Photography permit, if required by the site
- A printed ticket may be required at some entrances; print a copy if unsure
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Check the ticket gate on arrival, because the list of open decorated tombs can change with conservation schedules.
- 02
Arrive early to allow time for entry and to check which tombs are open that day.
- 03
Print the emailed PDF if you are unsure whether the entrance accepts a mobile ticket.
- 04
Check current seasonal opening hours before setting out.
Tailor it
Make it yours
This is an admission-only ticket, so you can choose your own visiting time within the ticket’s validity date. Guided commentary can be arranged separately; transport, meals and refreshments are not included.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
Add the Valley of the Queens to a Luxor West Bank visit alongside the Valley of the Kings and Deir el-Medina. The tombs open on a conservation rotation, so check the available rooms at the ticket gate before planning your visit.
While you're here
Worth pairing
- The Kings’ ValleyRight here
- Deir el-MedinaRight here
- Mortuary Temple of HatshepsutRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Date-specific admission arranged without a guided excursion
02
PDF ticket sent by email after booking confirmation
03
Clear notice that tomb access changes with conservation schedules
·In summary
The Valley of the Queens was used for royal burials from around the 16th to the 11th century BCE. Admission covers the valley and the decorated tombs open on the visit date, with access managed according to conservation schedules.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What 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.02Does 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.03How much time should I set aside for a visit to 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.04Can I take photographs 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.05Is 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.06How should I travel from central Luxor to the Valley of the Queens?
The Valley of the Queens is on Luxor’s West Bank, roughly a 20–30-minute drive from the city centre, depending on traffic. Most travellers take a car or book a private transfer in advance; going by ferry from the East Bank takes longer. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we can arrange a private transfer and have a licensed Egyptologist meet you at the site.
Last updated 15 January 2026Product ID: TKT-LUX-446384
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