Valley of the Queens: Complete Guide to Luxor’s Royal Tombs

The Valley of the Queens is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites on Luxor’s West Bank.

Although it is often overshadowed by the nearby Valley of the Kings, this ancient royal cemetery offers a completely different experience. It was used as a burial place for queens, royal wives, princes, princesses, and other members of Egypt’s royal families during the New Kingdom.

The valley is especially famous for the extraordinary Tomb of Queen Nefertari, QV66, widely regarded as one of the most beautifully decorated tombs in ancient Egypt.

But Nefertari is only part of the story.

The Valley of the Queens also contains beautifully preserved tombs belonging to royal children and other important members of the Ramesside royal family.

This guide explains the history of the Valley of the Queens, the best tombs to visit, current information about Nefertari’s tomb, opening hours, tickets, and how to include the site in a Luxor West Bank itinerary.

What Is the Valley of the Queens?

The Valley of the Queens is an ancient royal cemetery located on the West Bank of Luxor in Egypt.

It lies near the Valley of the Kings, Medinet Habu, and Deir el-Medina.

During the New Kingdom, particularly in the 19th and 20th Dynasties, the valley became an important burial area for:

queens;

royal wives;

princes;

princesses;

other members of the royal family.

The site contains dozens of tombs, although only a limited number are accessible to visitors.

Valley of the Queens at a Glance

What Does QV Mean?

The tombs in the Valley of the Queens are identified with the letters QV followed by a number.

QV means:

Queens’ Valley

Examples include:

QV44 – Khaemwaset

QV52 – Queen Titi

QV55 – Amunherkhepshef

QV66 – Queen Nefertari

This numbering system allows archaeologists and visitors to identify each tomb easily.

Why Is It Called the Valley of the Queens?

The name comes from the large number of royal women buried in the area.

However, the name is slightly misleading.

The valley was not used exclusively for queens.

It also became an important burial place for children of the pharaohs, especially during the Ramesside period.

Several of the most interesting tombs actually belonged to princes.

When Was the Valley of the Queens Used?

The area contains tombs dating from different periods, but it became particularly important during the 19th and 20th Dynasties of the New Kingdom.

These dynasties included some of ancient Egypt’s most famous rulers, especially Ramesses II and Ramesses III.

Members of their families were buried in richly decorated tombs cut into the desert cliffs.

How Many Tombs Are in the Valley of the Queens?

Different archaeological inventories count the site slightly differently, but around 80 or more tombs are known in the Valley of the Queens and surrounding area.

Many are unfinished or undecorated.

Only a small number are open to tourists.

The tombs available for visiting can change because of conservation work.

Best Tombs in the Valley of the Queens

The tombs are generally smaller than the monumental royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings.

However, several contain beautifully preserved paintings and vivid colors.

The most important tombs include:

QV66 – Nefertari

QV55 – Amunherkhepshef

QV44 – Khaemwaset

QV52 – Titi

QV66 – Tomb of Queen Nefertari

The Tomb of Queen Nefertari is the most famous tomb in the Valley of the Queens and one of the greatest artistic treasures of ancient Egypt.

Nefertari was the Great Royal Wife of Ramesses II.

She held an unusually important position and was represented in temples, royal monuments, and religious scenes.

Ramesses II also dedicated the smaller temple at Abu Simbel to Nefertari and the goddess Hathor.

Her tomb, QV66, reflects her exceptional status.

Why Is Nefertari’s Tomb So Famous?

The tomb is famous because almost every available wall surface is decorated.

The paintings show Nefertari:

making offerings;

standing before gods;

being guided by deities;

playing the ancient game senet;

passing through stages of the afterlife.

The scenes are based largely on religious texts including the Book of the Dead.

The tomb is particularly famous for:

brilliant white backgrounds;

deep blue ceilings;

golden stars;

detailed hieroglyphs;

vivid red, green, blue, yellow, and black pigments;

elegant images of Nefertari.

The quality of the artwork makes QV66 one of the finest decorated tombs in Egypt.

Is the Tomb of Nefertari Open in 2026?

This is one of the most important things travelers need to know.

As of September 2026, the Tomb of Nefertari remains closed to normal public visits.

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities confirmed that QV66 was closed in March 2024 so specialists could monitor humidity levels and study how visitor traffic was affecting the tomb.

No official reopening date has been announced.

Visitors should therefore not plan their trip assuming the tomb will be accessible.

Always check the latest official information before your visit.

Why Was Nefertari’s Tomb Closed?

Ancient tomb paintings are extremely sensitive.

Visitors introduce:

humidity;

body heat;

carbon dioxide;

dust.

Over time, these environmental changes can affect pigments and plaster.

Because Nefertari’s tomb contains exceptionally valuable paintings, strict conservation measures are necessary.

The tomb has undergone major restoration and monitoring programs over the years.

QV55 – Tomb of Amunherkhepshef

The Tomb of Prince Amunherkhepshef is one of the best tombs currently associated with a standard visit to the Valley of the Queens.

Amunherkhepshef was a son of Ramesses III.

The tomb contains beautifully preserved paintings showing the young prince with his father and different gods.

Why visit QV55?

Strong colors

Well-preserved scenes

Royal family imagery

Beautiful religious decoration

Excellent example of a prince’s tomb

One of the most moving aspects is seeing the prince represented alongside Ramesses III as he is introduced to various deities.

QV44 – Tomb of Khaemwaset

QV44 belonged to Prince Khaemwaset, another son of Ramesses III.

The tomb contains colorful religious imagery and scenes showing the prince in the company of his father and ancient Egyptian gods.

Why visit QV44?

Attractive wall paintings

Strong Ramesside style

Interesting royal-family scenes

Good preservation in several sections

QV52 – Tomb of Queen Titi

The Tomb of Queen Titi is another important tomb in the Valley of the Queens.

The exact identity and royal relationship of Titi has been debated by Egyptologists, but she clearly held high royal status.

Her tomb includes scenes connected with the afterlife and divine protection.

Why visit QV52?

Royal female burial

Interesting funerary scenes

Compact layout

Good contrast with the princes’ tombs

Which Tombs Are Open in the Valley of the Queens?

The exact list can change.

Recent visitor information commonly lists several tombs such as:

QV44 – Khaemwaset

QV52 – Titi

QV55 – Amunherkhepshef

Historically, Nefertari QV66 was available with a special ticket, but it remains closed as of September 2026.

Because conservation schedules can change, check the available tombs at the ticket office on the day of your visit.

Valley of the Queens vs Valley of the Kings

The two sites are often compared, but they served different members of the royal family.

The Valley of the Kings is generally more monumental.

The Valley of the Queens, however, can feel more intimate and easier to explore.

The paintings in some of the royal children’s tombs are also exceptionally beautiful.

Is the Valley of the Queens Worth Visiting Without Nefertari?

Yes.

Nefertari’s tomb is certainly the most famous attraction, but the valley still has several worthwhile tombs.

QV55, in particular, is visually impressive and offers a different type of royal burial experience from what visitors see in the Valley of the Kings.

The site is also usually quieter.

For travelers who enjoy ancient Egyptian art, royal history, and tomb decoration, it remains a worthwhile stop.

Valley of the Queens Opening Hours

The Valley of the Queens generally follows the standard archaeological site schedule on Luxor’s West Bank.

A common visiting window is:

6:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Hours can change due to official schedules, holidays, or conservation requirements.

Always confirm locally before visiting.

Best Time to Visit the Valley of the Queens

The best time is early in the morning.

A good visiting window is:

6:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Advantages include:

cooler temperatures;

fewer visitors;

more comfortable walking conditions;

a quieter experience inside the tombs.

Late afternoon can also be pleasant if the site remains open.

How Long Do You Need at the Valley of the Queens?

Most travelers should allow approximately:

1 to 1.5 hours

This is usually enough to visit the available tombs comfortably.

Travelers particularly interested in archaeology and wall decoration may want to stay closer to 2 hours.

Tickets for the Valley of the Queens

Ticket prices can change.

The main entrance ticket usually covers the standard tombs currently open to visitors.

Historically, Nefertari required a much more expensive additional ticket when open.

Because QV66 is currently closed, visitors should check the current ticket structure at the official ticket office.

How to Get to the Valley of the Queens

The Valley of the Queens is located on Luxor’s West Bank.

Most visitors arrive by:

private car;

taxi;

organized tour;

private guided tour.

Travelers staying on the East Bank must first cross the Nile or reach the West Bank by road.

What to Visit Near the Valley of the Queens

Several major archaeological sites are located nearby.

Medinet Habu

Medinet Habu is one of the closest major attractions.

It is the mortuary temple of Ramesses III and contains some of the most impressive reliefs on Luxor’s West Bank.

This is particularly relevant because several princes buried in the Valley of the Queens were sons of Ramesses III.

Deir el-Medina

Deir el-Medina was the village of the workers and artisans who built and decorated the royal tombs.

Visiting it after the Valley of the Queens helps explain who actually created these extraordinary burial chambers.

Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is a short drive away.

It contains the tombs of famous pharaohs such as Tutankhamun, Ramesses IV, Ramesses VI, and Seti I.

Hatshepsut Temple

The Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari is another major West Bank attraction.

Its monumental terraces contrast dramatically with the underground tombs.

Colossi of Memnon

The Colossi of Memnon are two enormous statues of Amenhotep III.

They are often included as a quick stop during a West Bank tour.

Suggested Valley of the Queens Itinerary

A practical West Bank itinerary could look like:

6:30 AM – Hotel pickup

7:00 AM – Valley of the Kings

9:30 AM – Hatshepsut Temple

11:00 AM – Valley of the Queens

12:15 PM – Medinet Habu

1:30 PM – Colossi of Memnon

2:00 PM – Lunch or return to Luxor

Another good option is to combine the Valley of the Queens with Deir el-Medina and Medinet Habu as a quieter West Bank morning.

What Is Inside the Tombs?

The tombs often contain:

entrance corridors;

descending passages;

chambers;

painted walls;

religious texts;

gods and goddesses;

images of the deceased;

funerary symbolism.

Unlike large temples, the experience is highly intimate.

Visitors stand only a short distance from paintings created more than 3,000 years ago.

Religious Meaning of the Tomb Paintings

The wall scenes were not simply decorations.

Ancient Egyptians believed they helped the deceased safely enter the afterlife.

They often show the tomb owner:

meeting gods;

making offerings;

receiving divine protection;

moving through the underworld;

reaching eternal life.

Many scenes are connected with the Book of the Dead.

Why Are the Colors So Well Preserved?

Many tombs remained sealed or protected underground for long periods.

This reduced exposure to:

sunlight;

rain;

wind;

major temperature changes.

Ancient Egyptian artists also used durable mineral pigments.

As a result, some colors remain remarkably vivid today.

Photography in the Valley of the Queens

Photography regulations can change.

Always follow the instructions at each tomb entrance.

Do not use flash on painted surfaces.

Flash and intense light can contribute to deterioration over time.

Practical Tips for Visiting the Valley of the Queens

Wear comfortable shoes.

Bring water.

Use sunscreen.

Wear a hat, especially during warmer months.

Visit early in the day.

Check which tombs are open before purchasing tickets.

Do not assume Nefertari is open simply because older travel websites list a ticket price.

Allow time to study the paintings rather than rushing through each tomb.

Valley of the Queens or Valley of the Kings: Which Should You Choose?

If you only have time for one, the Valley of the Kings is usually the stronger choice for a first-time visitor because it has more open tombs and several monumental royal burials.

If you have enough time, however, the Valley of the Queens is highly recommended.

Choose the Valley of the Queens if you prefer:

fewer crowds;

smaller tombs;

detailed paintings;

royal family history;

a quieter archaeological experience.

Ideally, visit both.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Valley of the Queens

Where is the Valley of the Queens?

It is located on the West Bank of Luxor in Egypt.

Who was buried in the Valley of the Queens?

Queens, princes, princesses, royal wives, and other members of the royal family were buried there.

What is the most famous tomb?

The most famous is QV66, the Tomb of Queen Nefertari.

Is Nefertari’s tomb open in 2026?

As of September 2026, it remains closed to normal public visits, with no officially confirmed reopening date.

Why is Nefertari’s tomb closed?

It was closed for environmental monitoring and conservation, especially because visitor humidity can affect the ancient paintings.

What are the best tombs to visit?

QV55 Amunherkhepshef, QV44 Khaemwaset, and QV52 Titi are among the most important visitor tombs.

How long should I spend at the Valley of the Queens?

Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours is enough for most visitors.

Is the Valley of the Queens worth visiting?

Yes, especially for travelers interested in tomb paintings, royal families, and quieter archaeological sites.

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

Yes.

Both are located on the West Bank of Luxor and can easily be included in the same itinerary.

Final Thoughts

The Valley of the Queens is one of the most rewarding archaeological sites on Luxor’s West Bank.

While the Valley of the Kings tells the story of Egypt’s pharaohs, the Valley of the Queens reveals the lives and afterlife beliefs of queens, princes, princesses, and other royal family members.

Its smaller tombs create a more intimate experience, while colorful paintings in tombs such as those of Amunherkhepshef and Khaemwaset show the artistic skill of New Kingdom craftsmen.

The legendary Tomb of Queen Nefertari remains the valley’s greatest masterpiece, even while it is temporarily closed for conservation.

For anyone with enough time on the West Bank, the Valley of the Queens deserves a place alongside the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and Medinet Habu.