Valley of the Kings
At first, when I arrived, it looked like nothing but desert and sandy mountains. It felt as though all the guards and pomp and circumstance were for show. But I guess that was the point. For when arriving here today, you know what lies beneath. And it may even be the very reason you decided to come to Egypt in the first place. But even still, I had no idea it would be one of the most spectacular things I would ever see.
So far 64 tombs have been discovered, tombs of Egypt’s most powerful Pharoah’s buried in elaborate tombs meant to be their journey to the afterlife. And though most of the gold and artifacts were looted or are now housed in the Cairo Museum, even just the vivid paintings and reliefs that remain on the walls and ceilings that look as if they were painted a few months ago let alone 4,000 years ago, are enough to make this place truly one of the greatest wonders of the world.
Must Do
There are around 10 tombs open at one given time and they rotate every so often to prevent the tombs from being overrun with humidity from the visitors. Most of the tombs are included in the entry pass, but a few of the more elaborate ones are not. I made sure I paid the extra fee to see Ramses V & VI and most importantly, Seti I’s tomb. Seti I’s tomb was by far the most impressive art work.
Ramses IV
Ramses III
Ramses IX
Tutankhamun
Ramses V & VI
“The Tomb of Seti I is probably the most amazing things I’ve seen in my life. The fact that this is 3000+ years old is remarkable.”
Must-See Tombs
Ramses IV
Ramses III
Ramses IX
Tutankhamun
Ramses V & VI
Seti I
Merenptah
Tausert & Setnakht
Seti II
Valley of the Queens
Valley of the Queens is worth going mainly for one reason these days: to see the tomb of Queen Nefartari. It’s an extra 1,200 EP to see it but it is more than worth it and it was closed to the general public for many years and has only been opened to try and bring back tourists to Egypt. The paint in the tomb is so vivid it looks as if it were painted last month, not 4,000 years ago. She was the favorite wife of Ramses II, who most consider to be the most successful Pharoah due to him ruling for 67 years. Interestingly, he is not even depicted once in her tomb’s drawings.
My Notes
Photo Pass is required to take photos with any camera other than your smartphone; the photo pass enables only photos at 3 tombs.
Paying the extra cost for Ramses V & VI (100 EP) and Seti I (1,000 EP) were totally worth it! I would have been impressed with Ramses IV but my impression of the VotK would not even be half of what it is now.
Inside the tombs, the guardians will show you around and try to take you into “closed” off areas and also take photos of you; if you go into each tomb accepting to give these guardians around 20 EP, you will have a much more enjoyable time. If they’re being extra extra helpful, 30-40 is the going rate. It was annoying at first, but once I “gave into” the concept, my trip was so much more enjoyable. And they were happy too…
Seti I
Valley of the Queens
Valley of the Queens is worth going mainly for one reason these days: to see the tomb of Queen Nefartari. It’s an extra 1,200 EP to see it but it is more than worth it and it was closed to the general public for many years and has only been opened to try and bring back tourists to Egypt. The paint in the tomb is so vivid it looks as if it were painted last month, not 4,000 years ago. She was the favorite wife of Ramses II, who most consider to be the most successful Pharoah due to him ruling for 67 years. Interestingly, he is not even depicted once in her tomb’s drawings.
