The Best Tombs in the Valley of the Kings
The best tombs in the Valley of the Kings: Seti I's for the decoration, Ramesses V and VI's for the ceilings, Tutankhamun's for the story, and how to pick your three on the standard ticket (Oct 2026).
The finest tomb in the Valley of the Kings is Seti I’s (KV17), one of the longest, deepest and most beautifully decorated, at EGP 2,000; for less, Ramesses V and VI’s (KV9) has painted corridors and astronomical ceilings for EGP 220, and Tutankhamun’s (KV62) is small but the only royal tomb found nearly intact, EGP 700 (Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities). The standard EGP 750 ticket adds three tombs from those open that day. A tour with Tutankhamun’s tomb included is from $93 a person in current promotion (usually $98) from Hurghada (checked October 2026).
The tombs with their own tickets
| Tomb | Ticket | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Seti I (KV17) | EGP 2,000 | One of the longest, deepest and most beautifully decorated; the first in the valley decorated throughout |
| Ramesses V and VI (KV9) | EGP 220 | Straight corridors deep into the hill; well-preserved painted reliefs and astronomical ceilings |
| Tutankhamun (KV62) | EGP 700 | The only royal tomb found relatively intact, in 1922; small and modestly decorated |
Ticket prices and descriptions from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities’ monument pages, read in October 2026.
Seti I (KV17)
Seti I, father of Ramesses II, has a tomb that the Ministry calls one of the longest, deepest and most beautifully decorated in the valley, and the first to be decorated throughout, with the Litany of Re, the Amduat, the Book of Gates and an astronomical ceiling over the burial chamber. It is sometimes called Belzoni’s tomb, after its discoverer. At EGP 2,000 it is the dearest ticket in the valley, and the Premium Luxor Pass includes it.
Ramesses V and VI (KV9)
Begun for Ramesses V and enlarged for Ramesses VI, KV9 is a series of descending corridors in a straight line to the burial chamber, with exquisitely painted sunk reliefs, the Books of Gates and Caverns on the walls and astronomical scenes on every ceiling. At EGP 220 it is the cheapest of the three extra tickets.
Tutankhamun (KV62)
Tutankhamun’s tomb is famous because Howard Carter found it relatively intact in 1922, the only royal tomb in the valley found that way; the Ministry itself describes it as modest in size and decoration, since the king came to the throne young and reigned about nine years. Pay the EGP 700 for the story; for wall paintings, KV9 is the better tomb. Guests on the Hurghada day trips are divided: some call it the highlight, and one, in October 2026, wrote that you could skip it.
On the standard ticket
The EGP 750 ticket admits you to three of the tombs that are open that day, and which ones are open rotates. Tour listings name Ramesses III’s (KV11) and Merenptah’s (KV8) among those they visit. The Theban Mapping Project, the scholarly survey of the valley, describes KV11’s side chambers off the first corridors, decorated with unusual scenes, and the rows of protective deities in its rear rooms; it calls Merenptah’s KV8 one of the largest tombs in the valley.
Check dates for the day with Tutankhamun's tomb →
How to pick
- One extra ticket: Ramesses V and VI (KV9), for EGP 220.
- For the story: Tutankhamun (KV62).
- For the finest walls: Seti I (KV17), if EGP 2,000 is worth it to you.
- On the standard ticket: ask your guide which three are open that day, and go to the larger tombs first, before the coach groups arrive.
Luxor Day with King Tut
From Hurghada: three tombs plus Tutankhamun's, Karnak, the Colossi and lunch, tickets included.
Check dates →Hurghada Day, Three Tombs
Tickets included, with Tutankhamun's tomb or Ramesses V and VI's as your extra.
See the day →Both Banks and Tutankhamun
A private Egyptologist: three tombs with Tutankhamun's, the Valley of the Queens, Hatshepsut, Karnak and Luxor Temple.
See the private day →Prices and ratings from GetYourGuide (checked October 2026); operators change prices, so treat them as a guide, not a quote.
Tomb descriptions and ticket prices from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities’ monument pages; KV11, KV8 and KV2 from the Theban Mapping Project; tour inclusions and guests’ comments from the GetYourGuide listings and reviews, read on 29 October 2026. Tomb positions on the map from mapped tomb entrances, approximate.
A Day with Tutankhamun's Tomb Included
Ranco Travel's small-group day from Hurghada: three tombs on the standard ticket plus Tutankhamun's, Karnak, the Colossi of Memnon and lunch in Luxor, with the entry tickets included. On GetYourGuide in October 2026, free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Check Dates and Prices