Egypt Discovery
AttractionNile

Tuna El-Gebel (Hermopolis) Guided Visit

Entry to Tuna El-Gebel’s necropolis and catacombs, with painted chapels and burial shafts; opening hours vary seasonally, so check before visiting.

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

Tuna El-Gebel Entry Ticket grants admission to the necropolis at Hermopolis Magna near Ashmunein, 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
Tuna El-Gebel
Includes
Entry to the Tuna El-Gebel site · PDF ticket sent by email after booking
Best for
Independent travellers · Ancient history enthusiasts · Visitors exploring Middle Egypt

Best time to go

October to April is generally more comfortable, with milder daytime conditions in the Nile Valley; summer can be very hot, so an early visit is preferable. Opening hours may change seasonally and during Ramadan or major public holidays, so check the official information before setting out.

  • Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
  • The ticket is booked and arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • The ticket is delivered as a PDF attachment by email after booking confirmation.
  • The ticket covers site entry; transport, meals and interpretation services are excluded.

02Overview

A first look

Tuna El-Gebel is the necropolis serving ancient Hermopolis (Khmun) on the Nile's west bank near Minya. The site contains the tomb of Petosiris, remains of a Khnum shrine and large catacombs used for ibis burials.

Background

The facts

Tuna El-Gebel is the necropolis of ancient Hermopolis Magna, near modern Ashmunein in Egypt’s Nile Valley. An entry ticket grants admission to the archaeological areas open to visitors on the day, subject to site rules and conservation restrictions.

The complex includes underground catacombs, burial shafts, painted chapels and rock-cut reliefs. It forms part of the wider archaeological landscape around Hermopolis Magna; no reliable visitor-route distances or walking times are specified for this ticket.

Hermopolis Magna was an important centre associated with the worship of Thoth. Tuna El-Gebel’s tombs and decoration span the Late Period and Ptolemaic eras, and include reliefs depicting ram-headed falcons.

Opening hours vary by season and may change for holidays or conservation work. Check current information before travelling or arrive early. Photography rules can vary, so check signage at the entrance. The ticket is delivered by email as a PDF; some entrances may require a printed copy, so print it if in doubt.

Named in this entry

Tuna El-Gebel·Hermopolis Magna·Ashmunein·Thoth·Nile Valley·Late Period·Ptolemaic era·Egypt

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This entry ticket suits adults and older children interested in archaeology, ancient burial practices and quieter sites in Middle Egypt. It is for independent visitors comfortable walking over uneven ground and entering low-light underground spaces.

Maybe not, if

  • Choose a more accessible site if you need step-free access or plan to use a pushchair. It may also be a poor fit for visitors who prefer fully interpreted visits, as interpretation is not included.

What lingers

  • 01Explore the Tomb of Petosiris – painted chapel and reliefs within Tuna el-Gebel necropolis, Hermopolis Magna.
  • 02See the ibis catacombs: long rock-cut galleries once used for millions of mummified ibises.
  • 03Greco-Roman funerary chapels and rock-cut tombs display bilingual inscriptions in Egyptian and Greek.
  • 04Less visited than Luxor sites – Tuna el-Gebel offers quieter study of tomb decoration and funerary practice.
  • 05Limited shade and uneven stone underfoot; allow sensible footwear and sun protection for a 60–90-minute visit.
  • 06Located on the west bank near Mallawi, Minya governorate; accessible by private car from Minya town.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Many archaeological-site tickets provide admission only; this ticket also includes no transport, meals or interpretation services. Unlike a guided visit, it leaves visitors to explore the areas open that day independently.

The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

Included

  • Entry ticket to Tuna El-Gebel

Not included

  • Professional interpretation services, book separately if required
  • Travel to and from the site
  • Food and drinks
  • Photography permits, if required; check the entrance signage
  • Gratuities

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Print the emailed PDF if you are unsure whether the entrance accepts tickets displayed on a phone.

  2. 02

    Check photography signage at the entrance before using a camera.

  3. 03

    Check current opening information before travelling, as hours vary seasonally.

  4. 04

    Arriving early can help you make the most of a visit when opening hours are limited.

Tailor it

Make it yours

This is an entry ticket only; transport, meals and interpretation are not included. The ticket is delivered as a PDF by email, and printing it is prudent if you cannot confirm that the entrance accepts a mobile display.

Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.

Where it fits

Tuna El-Gebel fits a Middle Egypt itinerary between Minya and Asyut, alongside visits to Tell el-Amarna and the remains of Hermopolis Magna. Allow time for the drive from Minya; this is not a site to add as a short stop on a Cairo day trip.

While you're here

Worth pairing

  • Hermopolis Magna at el-AshmuneinRight here
  • Tell el-AmarnaRight here
  • Beni HasanRight here

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

  1. 01

    Ticket arranged for the less-visited Tuna El-Gebel necropolis

  2. 02

    PDF admission ticket sent by email after booking

  3. 03

    Entry-only booking keeps transport and interpretation separate

·In summary

Tuna El-Gebel is the burial ground of Hermopolis Magna, near modern Ashmunein in the Nile Valley. Its archaeological remains include catacombs, painted chapels and tombs dating to the Late Period and Ptolemaic eras. The admission ticket is sent as a PDF by email after booking.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01What is Tuna El-Gebel?
    Tuna El-Gebel is the necropolis of ancient Hermopolis (Khmun), notable for the Ptolemaic tomb of Petosiris. The site also contains rock-cut burial shafts, the ram catacombs and a Greco-Roman cemetery with painted tombs. Our Egyptologists explain the inscriptions and animal-cult remains on private visits; the site is far quieter than Luxor’s necropoleis.
  2. 02How long should I allow at Tuna El-Gebel?
    Allow 60–90 minutes to see the main tombs, catacombs and the Petosiris monument. Walking is over uneven stone and sand and some chambers have low ceilings and limited light. We can extend the visit if you combine Tuna El-Gebel with other Minya-region sites.
  3. 03How do I get to Tuna El-Gebel?
    Tuna El-Gebel is reached by private car from Minya, Mallawi or nearby Nile stops; public transport is irregular. We arrange hotel or cruise-landing pickups and handle local permits and parking. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator we prefer private transfers rather than large coach groups because the site is small and sensitive.
  4. 04Is Tuna El-Gebel accessible to wheelchair users?
    No – Tuna El-Gebel has uneven terrain, rock-cut shafts and narrow steps that limit wheelchair access. A short flat stretch exists by the modern entrance but most highlights require steps or stooping. Tell us your mobility needs and we will plan the easiest viewing points and driver drop-off.
  5. 05Are visitors allowed to take photographs at Tuna El-Gebel?
    Yes – still photography for personal use is generally permitted, but flash and tripods may be restricted. Guards and signs set local rules and lighting inside tombs is often dim, so no‑flash images work best. Our Egyptologists will confirm the day’s restrictions and advise on conservation-sensitive areas.
  6. 06Are there toilets or refreshments at Tuna El-Gebel?
    Facilities are basic: a small ticket office and simple toilets; shops and cafés are very limited. Bring water, sunscreen and a hat–shade is scarce and midday heat is a real factor. On our private visits we supply bottled water and can schedule a shaded stop on request.

Editorial review

Reviewed by Khaled Mansour·Last reviewed 27 February 2026

Last updated 27 February 2026Product ID: TKT-NIL-507229

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