Valley of the Queens Luxor: 2026 Guide, Tickets & Best Tombs

Last updated on October 24th, 2026 at 11:28 pm

Imagine stepping out of the bright desert sun into a narrow corridor cut into the rock. As your eyes adjust, the walls come alive: goddesses with outstretched wings, princes holding their father’s hand, and colours so fresh it’s hard to believe they were painted more than 3,000 years ago.

This is the Valley of the Queens on Luxor’s West Bank, the burial ground of Egypt’s royal wives and children. It’s smaller and far quieter than the famous Valley of the Kings, and for many travellers that’s exactly its charm.

The short answer: yes, it’s worth visiting, even though the famous Tomb of Nefertari has been closed since March 2024. A regular ticket costs around EGP 220 for foreign adults, you’ll need about 1–1.5 hours, and it fits perfectly into a West Bank day with Medinet Habu and the Valley of the Kings.

Below you’ll find which tombs you can actually see in 2026, how it compares with the Valley of the Kings, tickets, opening hours, an FAQ and our best local tips. Let’s explore!

The Valley of the Queens sits in the desert hills of Luxor’s West Bank, just south of the Valley of the Kings. The ancient Egyptians called it Ta-Set-Neferu, often translated as “the Place of Beauty”.

During the New Kingdom (around 1550–1070 BC), it became the burial ground for the great royal wives of the pharaohs, as well as princes, princesses and other members of the royal family. Around 80 tombs have been found here, although most are small, unfinished or closed to visitors.

What makes the valley special is the art. The tombs that are open have some of the brightest, best-preserved wall paintings in Egypt, showing the royal family being guided through the afterlife by the gods.

Only a few tombs are open at any time, and the selection can change. These are the ones visitors usually see:

Nefertari’s tomb used to need a separate, expensive ticket and allowed only a short visit inside. At the time of writing it has no announced reopening date, so don’t plan your trip around it. If it reopens, it will be a highlight of any visit to Luxor.

Most travellers have time for both valleys in a single West Bank day. Here’s how they compare:

If you only have time for one, the Valley of the Kings is the bigger experience. But the Valley of the Queens adds a calm, colourful contrast, and the painted tombs of the young princes are some of the most touching in Egypt.

The site is open every day from around 6:00 AM. Last entry is usually around 5:00 PM in summer and 4:00 PM in winter and during Ramadan.

Prices change often in Egypt, so treat these as a guide and check at the ticket office or with your tour operator before you go.

The Valley of the Queens is on Luxor’s West Bank. From the hotels and cruise boats on the East Bank, you can cross by road over the Luxor Bridge or take the local ferry and then a taxi. Most visitors combine it with nearby sites in a half-day or full-day tour.

The best months are October to April, when the West Bank is warm but comfortable. From May to September, temperatures in the valley can climb well above 40°C by midday.

Whatever the season, go early. Arriving in the morning means cooler air, softer light on the hills and fewer people inside the narrow tombs.

1. Dress for the heat and for respect: light, loose clothes that cover shoulders and knees, plus a hat and sunglasses.
2. Bring water: there’s little shade, and the walk between tombs is short but exposed.
3. Wear comfortable shoes: the paths are sandy, and tomb corridors slope down.
4. Don’t touch the walls: the paintings are fragile, and even sweat from hands can damage them.
5. Consider a guide: the tombs have little signage, and a good guide brings the scenes and the families’ stories to life.
6. Combine it with Medinet Habu: the huge temple of Ramesses III is only a few minutes away and is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt.

Is Nefertari’s tomb open in 2026?

At the time of writing, no. The Tomb of Nefertari (QV66) has been closed since March 2024, and no reopening date has been announced. Ask your guide or the ticket office for the latest status before your visit.

How much is the Valley of the Queens ticket?

In 2026 the regular ticket is around EGP 220 for foreign adults and around EGP 110 for students with an ISIC card. Prices change often, so check before you go.

Is the Valley of the Queens worth visiting without Nefertari’s tomb?

Yes. The tombs of Amenherkhepshef and Khaemwaset have some of the most colourful paintings in Egypt, and the valley is much quieter than the Valley of the Kings.

How long do you need at the Valley of the Queens?

Plan on 1 to 1.5 hours. That’s enough to see the open tombs without rushing, and it leaves time for nearby Medinet Habu.

Can I visit the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens on the same day?

Yes, and most travellers do. They’re only a short drive apart, so a West Bank day usually includes both valleys, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.

Do I need a guide?

You don’t have to have one, but it’s highly recommended. There’s very little information on site, and a guide explains who each prince or queen was and what the paintings show.

So, is the Valley of the Queens worth it?

Yes, especially if you love ancient art and want a calmer break from the busier sites.

The painted tombs of the young princes are small but unforgettable, and the quiet valley gives you time to really look at the details. Paired with the Valley of the Kings and Medinet Habu, it rounds out one of the best days you can spend in Egypt.

It’s probably not for you if you only have a few hours in Luxor or you were planning your visit around Nefertari’s tomb. In that case, prioritise the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut.

Seeing the West Bank properly takes good timing: early starts, the right order of sites and a guide who can explain what you’re looking at. Let Egypt Tours Info plan it for you, so you can simply enjoy the tombs and temples.

Ready to explore Luxor’s West Bank?

👉 Private Full Day Tour to Explore the West Bank of Luxor: from $50

👉 Luxor Day Tour from Cairo: from $185

👉 3 Nights Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan: from $440