Tombs You Can’t Miss in the Valley of the Kings, Egypt

Most travelers leave the Valley of the Kings impressed, but completely unaware they’ve only scratched the surface. I watched it happen during my first visit. Tour buses would pull up, groups would shuffle through two or three tombs, snap photos inside, and then head off to the next stop on their itinerary.

But here’s what I learned after spending an entire morning there, wandering at my own pace: those quick visits miss the whole point.

The tombs that most tour groups see are impressive, sure. But they’re also the most crowded, often the most faded, and frankly, they don’t give you the full picture of what ancient Egyptian tomb builders were actually capable of. The real treasures (the tombs with colors so vivid they look like they were painted last week, the ones where you can actually stand in silence and feel the weight of 3,000 years) require separate tickets that most organized tours skip entirely.

I made it my mission during my Egypt trip to figure out which tombs actually deserve your time and money. Not the ones that are “must-sees” because guidebooks say so, but the ones that genuinely took my breath away.

So let me walk you through what I learned: how the ticketing actually works, which tombs are worth paying extra for, how to time your visit to avoid the worst crowds, and honestly, whether any of this is worth the extra cost.

Tomb of Ramses VI (KV9)

Making Sense of the Ticket System

Let’s start with the part that confused me most when I first arrived: the tickets.

You can’t just show up and wander into any tomb you want. The Valley of the Kings has a tiered ticketing system that took me a solid five minutes of questions at the ticket window to fully understand.

Your basic entry ticket costs 750 Egyptian Pounds (around $15-16 USD as of 2026). This gets you into the valley itself and lets you choose any three tombs from a rotating list of what’s currently open. And I mean rotating. Egypt cycles which tombs are accessible to help with conservation, so the list changes periodically.

When I visited, the open list included tombs like Ramesses IV (KV2), Ramesses IX (KV6), Ramesses III (KV11), and several others. All legitimate pharaohs and genuinely interesting. But as I’d soon discover, none of them compared to the tombs that require extra tickets.

Tomb of Ramesses IV (KV2)

Some tombs are either so well-preserved, so historically significant, or so fragile that Egypt limits access and charges separately for them. We’re talking about:

Ramesses V & VI (KV9): around 220 EGP (~$4-5)

Tutankhamun (KV62): around 700 EGP (~$14)

Seti I (KV17): around 2,000 EGP (~$40)

Tomb of Ay (WV23): around 200 EGP (~$4)

Seti I’s tomb costs nearly three times your general admission ticket. And yes, you still have to buy the general ticket first even if all you want to see are the premium tombs. I know, it feels a bit like paying a cover charge and then paying again for the good seats. But stick with me, because I’m going to tell you which ones are actually worth it.

One more logistical note: the tombs are spread across the valley floor, and while it’s walkable, there’s a small electric tram that shuttles people from the entrance to the tomb area. It costs about 20 EGP and honestly, in the Egyptian heat, it’s worth it. Save your energy for actually exploring the tombs.

The Standard Ticket Tombs: Good, But Not Great

Your three-tomb general admission will likely include choices from this list:

• KV1: Ramesses VII
• KV2: Ramesses IV
• KV6: Ramesses IX
• KV8: Merenptah
• KV11: Ramesses III
• KV14: Tausert-Setnakht
• KV15: Sety II
• KV16: Ramesses I
• KV43: Thutmose IV
• KV47: Siptah

These aren’t bad tombs. Let me be clear about that. You’re still looking at elaborate hieroglyphics, funerary scenes, depictions of the afterlife journey, and craftsmanship that’s millennia old. But they’re also the tombs that have seen the most foot traffic, which means more wear, more fading, and more crowds.

Tomb of Ramses IV

KV2 (Ramesses IV)

KV2 (Ramesses IV) was one of my three choices, and it served as a solid introduction. The corridors descend at a comfortable angle, the walls are covered in scenes from the Book of the Dead, and you can still see traces of blue, red, and yellow pigment. The sarcophagus is impressive too, a massive granite piece still sitting in the burial chamber.

Tomb of Ramesses III (KV11)

KV11 (Ramesses III)

It’s one of the longer standard tombs with multiple side chambers branching off the main corridor. Some of these rooms show daily life scenes: boats, offerings, even what looks like the pharaoh receiving foreign delegations. The deeper you go, the better the color preservation, probably because less air circulation has occurred over the centuries. I spent more time here than in Ramesses IV’s tomb, and it felt more rewarding.

KV6 (Ramesses IX)

This tomb surprised me with its astronomical ceiling. The entrance corridor features this incredible depiction of the sun’s journey through the night, divided into hours. When the natural light hits it just right (which depends entirely on when you visit), it’s genuinely stunning. The downside? Because it’s a shorter tomb, people tend to bottleneck near the entrance and the burial chamber. I found myself waiting for space to even take a proper look.

Standing there in KV6, squeezed between tour groups, I thought about all the other ancient sites I’d visited in Egypt. The same patterns kept appearing: certain times were better, certain areas were quieter, certain tickets gave you access to experiences most people missed. After my trip, I compiled everything I learned into a guide to the best temples in Egypt so other travelers could make smarter choices about where to invest their time.

The Extra-Ticket Tombs: Where Things Get Interesting

Tomb of Ramses VI

KV9, Ramesses V & VI: Drama and Scale

This was the first premium tomb I visited, and honestly, it set the bar impossibly high for everything else.

This tomb is huge. The corridors are wider and taller than the standard tombs, giving them an almost cathedral-like feeling. As you descend, every single surface (walls, ceilings, pillars) is covered in hieroglyphs and painted figures. It’s visual overload in the best possible way.

What really got me was the progression. The tomb descends deep into the mountain, and each chamber seems more elaborate than the last. You walk through corridor after corridor, each one drawing you deeper into the underworld narrative that the ancient Egyptians believed the pharaoh would travel.

Tomb of Ramesses V and VI (KV9)

The burial chamber is what everyone talks about. The astronomical ceiling depicting the goddess Nut swallowing and rebirthing the sun is one of the most spectacular things I’ve ever seen. It’s massive, detailed, and tells this elaborate cosmological story about death and rebirth. There’s something about that ceiling that makes you forget where you are.

The tomb was mostly empty, as I expected for a premium ticket, maybe 15 to 20 people total. You could move at your own pace, find quiet corners, and really absorb what you were seeing.

At 220 EGP (around $4-5 USD), this is hands down the best value in the entire Valley. If you can only afford one extra tomb, this is the one I’d recommend. The combination of scale, drama, and that incredible ceiling makes it absolutely worth the extra cost.

KV1, Ramesses VII: A Pleasant Surprise

Ramesses VII’s tomb is smaller than Ramesses V & VI’s, but it has its own charm. The corridor is steep and descends quickly into the mountain, which gives it a more dramatic feeling than some of the gradual descents in other tombs. The walls are covered in well-preserved scenes from the Book of Gates and the Book of Caverns, showing the pharaoh’s journey through the twelve hours of the night.

What struck me most was the intimacy of the space. Because it’s smaller and not as famous as some of the other premium tombs, there were only four other people in the entire tomb when I visited. That kind of quiet access is rare in the Valley of the Kings, especially during tourist season.

The burial chamber has some beautiful ceiling decorations, though not as extensive as what you’ll find in KV9. However, the colors are vibrant, particularly the yellows and reds, and you can get quite close to the artwork (within the boundaries set by the barriers, of course).

KV17, Seti I: The One Everyone Talks About

I’ll be honest, I regret not visiting this tomb. Time and budget constraints meant I had to make choices, and Seti I’s tomb, at 2,000 EGP, was the most expensive option by far.

But from everything I’ve heard from other travelers and read in research since my visit, this is the tomb in the Valley of the Kings. It’s considered the most beautiful, with the best-preserved colors and the most elaborate artwork. The tomb descends over 100 meters into the mountain with corridor after corridor of reliefs carved deep into the limestone and then painted in vibrant colors that reportedly look almost fresh.

What makes Seti I’s tomb special isn’t just the preservation, it’s the quality of the artistry. The reliefs are deeply carved, creating a three-dimensional effect, and the astronomical ceilings are some of the most detailed in Egypt. Plus, because of the high cost and limited access, it stays much quieter than the standard tombs.

If you’re an art lover, a history enthusiast, or someone who wants to see ancient Egyptian tomb decoration at its absolute finest, this is apparently the tomb to prioritize. I plan to go back to the Valley specifically to see this tomb on my next Egypt trip. It’s one of those things I wish I’d splurged on the first time.

KV62, Tutankhamun & Tomb of Ay (WV23):

While I focused my time on Ramesses V & VI and Ramesses VII, there are a couple of other premium tombs worth knowing about, depending on your time and budget.

I didn’t visit King Tut’s tomb on this trip, partly because of the time, and I’d read enough to know that the tomb itself is quite small and most of the treasures are in museums. But it’s still one of the most popular premium tombs, and for good reason.

Here’s the thing about Tutankhamun’s tomb: you’re not going for the artwork. You’re going because this is where Howard Carter made one of the most famous archaeological discoveries in history. You’re going because the pharaoh’s mummy is still there, which is rare in the Valley.

The tomb is tiny compared to others in the valley. Tut died young and unexpectedly, so this was likely a quickly repurposed tomb. The artwork isn’t as extensive or refined as what you’ll see in the great royal tombs.

If you’re a history buff or someone who grew up fascinated by King Tut, it’s probably worth it for the experience alone. If you’re more interested in seeing the best-preserved artwork or getting the most value for your money, your 700 EGP might be better spent on other tombs.

Another option I didn’t make it to is the Tomb of Ay, Tutankhamun’s successor. His tomb is located in the Western Valley, a separate branch of the Valley of the Kings that requires additional travel time to reach.

At around 200-220 EGP, it’s one of the more affordable tickets. From what I’ve read, the artwork is interesting but not as spectacular as tombs like Seti I or Ramesses VI. The Western Valley is much less crowded than the main valley, and if you want a quieter, more remote experience, this could be appealing.

Tomb of Ramesses VI

How to Actually Plan Your Visit

Based on my experience and research, the Valley of the Kings deserves thoughtful planning, especially if it’s part of a longer Egypt trip. If you’re still mapping out your itinerary, I’ve put together a complete 10-day Egypt itinerary that balances major sites like this with less-crowded gems.

Here’s how I’d approach choosing Valley of the Kings tombs depending on your situation:

First-time visitor on a budget: Use your three general admission tickets on the best of the standard list (KV11, KV6, and one other that’s open). If you can spring for one extra tomb, make it KV9 (Ramesses V & VI). At around $4-5, it’s affordable and genuinely spectacular. That astronomical ceiling alone justifies the cost.

History and art enthusiast with a bigger budget: Choose three standard tombs, but don’t agonize over which ones. Save your energy and budget for KV17 (Seti I). From everything I’ve learned, this is the crown jewel of the Valley. Add KV9 for drama and scale, and KV62 (Tutankhamun) if you want to see the mummy.

Short on time but want quality: Be strategic. Pick one or two standard tombs that are known for good preservation (like KV11), then invest in premium tombs. KV9 is essential. KV17 if you can afford it. Quality over quantity, every time.

Photography enthusiasts: Check the current photography rules before you go. Officially, photography inside tombs is often restricted or requires a separate permit (which can be expensive). Some tombs have cameras monitoring, others rely on guards to enforce rules. In my experience, phone photography was ok while professional cameras weren’t. But this changes, so ask at the ticket window.

Rameses V_VI KV9

Timing Your Visit: Why It Matters More Than You Think

One of the biggest advantages of independent travel is control over your schedule, and at the Valley of the Kings, this makes a huge difference.

Most tour groups arrive between 9:00 and 11:00 AM. By 9:30, the standard tombs can feel like rush hour on a subway. I watched a group of about 40 people try to cram into Ramesses IX’s burial chamber at once. It was chaos.

I arrived when the site opened (around 6:30 AM), and for the first hour, I had tombs almost entirely to myself. Even the standard ones felt peaceful. By the time I finished my third general admission tomb around 9:00 AM, the crowds were arriving, so I shifted to the premium tombs. Even KV9, which was busier than I expected, never felt truly crowded because I was there before the main wave of tour groups.

If you can manage it, get there at opening time. The morning light is also softer, the heat is more bearable, and you’ll have a fundamentally better experience. The Valley opens around 6:00 to 6:30 AM, depending on the season, and those first few hours are golden.

Alternatively, if you’re not a morning person, arriving after 2:00 PM works too. Most tours have moved on by then, though you’ll have less time before the site closes (usually around 4:00 or 5:00 PM, depending on the season).

Tomb of Ramses VI (KV9)

Practical Tips I Wish Someone Had Told Me

Bring cash in Egyptian Pounds. Credit cards are becoming more common in Egypt, but the tram still prefers cash. Having small bills makes everything easier. I made sure to get change before heading to the Valley.

Guard your ticket. Every tomb entrance will hole-punch your general admission ticket. Lose it, and you’ll need to buy a new one.

Dress appropriately. Long pants or a long skirt, covered shoulders, and sturdy walking shoes. The valley floor is dusty and uneven, and you’ll be going up and down stairs inside tombs. It’s also worth bringing a light scarf or shawl.

Hydrate before you enter. No food or water is allowed inside the tombs (preservation rules), and there is just one facility inside the valley for food and drinks, which gets very crowded. Drink plenty of water before you start exploring, then hydrate again when you’re done. The heat can sneak up on you.

Don’t touch the walls. I know it’s tempting. You’re standing next to 3,000-year-old paint, and it looks so close. But oils from skin damage the artwork. There are ropes and barriers for a reason. Respect them. These tombs have survived millennia; let’s help them survive millennia more.

Weather matters. Summer months (June through August) can be brutally hot by midday, which makes the experience much less enjoyable. If you’re planning a trip, aim for late fall through early spring. The cooler weather makes a huge difference when you’re walking around the valley floor.

Plan for at least 3-4 hours. If you’re seeing premium tombs and want to take your time, don’t rush. I spent about four hours total in the Valley and still felt like I could have stayed longer. Give yourself enough time to actually absorb what you’re seeing.

author at Tomb of Ramesses VI

Final Thoughts

The Valley of the Kings can be whatever you want it to be. A quick stop on a packed itinerary or a day full of exploration. For me, it became the latter because I gave myself time and chose carefully. The premium tombs, particularly Ramesses V & VI, transformed what could have been a rushed tourist experience into something I’ll remember for years.

If you’re planning your visit, my advice is simple: arrive early, choose quality over quantity, and if you can afford even one premium tomb, do it. For the price of a decent meal, you can stand nearly alone in a 3,000-year-old masterpiece.