One final resting place for royal women of Egypt during the New Kingdom (1550–1070 BC), this ancient necropolis lies on the west bank of the Nile. More than 90 tombs can give all the clues one needs to understand the splendor that once was represented by the queens of ancient Egypt.
The valley must be a part of your itinerary while packing for a grand Luxor tour. In this detailed competitive guide, we will look at the location of the Valley of the Queens, its history and secrets, the exquisitely beautiful Tomb of Queen Nefertari, how to get there, and what makes it worth visiting compared to its counterpart, the Valley of the Kings.
The Valley of the Queens is located on the west bank of the Nile in Luxor, about 1.5 km southwest of the Valley of the Kings. Situated inside a harsh-looking desert cliff landscape, the undisturbed location was chosen to hide the royal tombs of Luxor from would-be tomb raiders and thereby provide a serene afterlife for the royal women of Egypt.
Being close to the other historic sites of Luxor, like the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon, numerous tour operators include the Valley of the Queens in their itinerary. Reaching the place by car, tour bus, or private guide is quite convenient, making it an ideal stop on any Day trip to Luxor or a Luxor day tour.
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Chat with a local expertDuring the New Kingdom (1550–1070 BC), the Valley of the Queens was used for burials of royal women, mainly queens, princesses, and some noblewomen. Whereas pharaohs were buried in the Valley of the Kings, their wives and children were buried in the Valley of the Queens.
The Valley houses more than 90 tombs, being the tombs of queens, princesses, and high-ranking royal women-many of them bearing exquisite paintings depicting ancient Egyptian mythology. These paintings were meant to guide the dead to the afterlife according to the rituals laid out in the Book of the Dead. Though some tombs were looted in antiquity, there remain others that are well preserved, offering considerable insights into the religious beliefs and mortuary practices of Egypt's royal women.
The Valley of the Queens presents some of the awe-inspiring and best-preserved royal tombs in Egypt. Of these, the Tomb of Queen Nefertari (QV66) is considered the most sumptuous and best known. Nefertari was the beloved wife of Pharaoh Ramses II, and her tomb is often counted among the very best in all of Egypt-a great new highlight for anyone embarking on a day tour of Luxor.
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Chat with a local expertElegant art: On the walls, there are majestic colorful murals, still bright as if just painted, depicting Nefertari's journey into the netherworld escorted by Egyptian gods and goddesses.
Hieroglyphic inscriptions: Some of the texts of the Book of the Dead are inscribed to help her journey into the afterlife.
Colorful and well-preserved: In contrast to many tombs, the colors in Nefertari's tomb have kept their color, making her tomb among the most spectacular sights in Luxor.
Due to the fine state of preservation of the paintings, Nefertari's tomb can be entered only under strict restrictions. It needs to be visited by purchasing a separate special ticket, thus rendering the occasion of their visit to the Valley of the Queens truly unique and intimate.
Planning a Day trip to Luxor? Here are essential details for a fulfilling visit:
Between October and April is considered to be an ideal time to visit, with the cool weather making for an enjoyable exploration of the Valley without getting too hot.
Curiously located just 4 km away from the Valley of the Kings, this site is often bundled into Luxor tours. You can get there by car, bus, or as part of a Luxor exploration tour. It is highly recommended that you hire an expert guide to bring out the hidden history and stories of the valley.
Normal tickets allow you to visit a number of royal tombs, but the Tomb of Nefertari requires an additional ticket for the dependent state of its fragile paintings. Also, bear in mind that inside there's almost a blanket ban on photography to preserve those vivid paintings.
Choosing between the Valley of the Queens and the Valley of the Kings can be a difficult dilemma for any traveler planning a day tour across Luxor. Both sites are highly historically valuable, yet they offer totally contrasting experiences.
The Valley of the Kings houses the tombs of famous pharaohs such as Tutankhamun and Ramses VI, and of course, Seti I. These tombs are very impressive in their construction, with long corridors, deep chambers, and the like. Over the centuries, tomb robbers and environmental hazards have somewhat endangered the preservation of their decorations.
Being somewhat modest in terms of areas and tombs, but quieter, the Valley of the Queens provides a calmer environment. There are fewer tombs in this area, but some of them rank among the most magnificently preserved in Egypt-and over and above, very famous is the tomb of Queen Nefertari, regarded for its bright colors and great artwork!
If your itineraries for Luxor allow you to visit both, do so without hesitation. But if you must select between them, go with your interests. If the grandeur of royal burial complexes and legendary kings intrigues you, the Valley of the Kings may be the place for you. However, if you desire finer arts and a relatively quieter environment to soak in, Nefertari's tomb in the Valley of the Queens is a must.
Often eclipsed by the more famous site of the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens surely deserves a definite place among the biggest must-dos in Luxor. With tombs set up for queens, princesses, and royal family members, the grounds provide a fascinating insight into the funerary practices and iconographic art of ancient Egypt today.
Among the major experiences in a Luxor adventure tour is a chance to witness the tomb of Queen Nefertari: By far one of the most beautiful tombs ever found! The detail, the preservation, and its artistic beauty surpass all, giving guests a never-before-seen chance to experience the history of Egypt's royal women.
Whether you are a history buff, keenly interested in ancient art, or simply looking for an enticement on your day trip to Luxor, the Valley of the Queens guarantees that you will stumble upon a deeply enriching experience. It is an inspiring yet calm spot where the silent desert echoes with royal lineage.
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