Tomb of Tutankhamun
"Wonderful things" was how Howard Carter described his first glimpse inside in November 1922. The Tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62) in the Valley of the Kings was the first royal tomb found almost intact, packed with more than 5,000 objects including the legendary golden mask – the most famous archaeological discovery among Egypt tourist attractions.
Tutankhamun came to the throne as a boy around 1332 BC and died about nine years later, aged around 19. Born Tutankhaten, he changed his name as the country returned to the worship of Amun after the religious upheaval of Akhenaten's reign. His tomb escaped the large-scale robbery that emptied almost every other royal burial, partly because debris and workmen's huts from the later tomb of Ramesses VI covered its entrance. Carter, funded by Lord Carnarvon, spent around ten years clearing and recording its contents.
Why visit the Tomb of Tutankhamun?
The tomb is small by royal standards, but its burial chamber is painted with the young king's funeral and journey to the afterlife, and Tutankhamun's mummy still lies here in a climate-controlled case – the only royal mummy remaining in the valley.
Its modest size suggests that the king died unexpectedly and was buried in a tomb perhaps intended for someone else. A major conservation project completed in 2019 installed new ventilation, lighting and viewing platforms to protect the paintings from the humidity and dust brought in by visitors. The small brown spots on the walls are ancient microbial growth, dating back to when the tomb was sealed.
Getting there and around
KV62 is in the heart of the valley on Luxor's West Bank, a short walk from the shuttle stop. A visit lasts 15 to 20 minutes.
The tomb consists of a short entrance stairway and corridor, an antechamber, an annexe, the burial chamber and a treasury; only the burial chamber is decorated. Visitors view the burial chamber from a raised platform, while the treasury and annexe are seen through openings.
Highlights not to miss
- The mummy: The boy king's face in his original resting place, displayed in the antechamber.
- Wall paintings: The opening-of-the-mouth ceremony, performed by his successor Ay, and baboons representing the hours of the night.
- Quartzite sarcophagus: Still in situ, with protective goddesses carved at its corners.
- The treasures: Now displayed at the Grand Egyptian Museum, which you can visit on the tour to the Giza Pyramids and Grand Egyptian Museum.
Practical tips
Entry needs its own ticket on top of the valley ticket; camera rules change, so check on the day.
To understand what the tomb looked like when it was found, visit Howard Carter's house near the valley entrance, where an exact facsimile of the burial chamber has been installed.
Best time to visit
The first hour after opening is the quietest.
The anniversary of the discovery on 4 November is a popular time for Egyptology enthusiasts, so expect extra visitors around that date. Winter months are the most comfortable for exploring the valley.
Accommodation and food
The West Bank's small hotels allow an early start before the crowds cross the river.
Several are within walking or cycling distance of the valley road, and some have rooftop terraces with views of the Theban hills.
How does it compare to other Egypt tourist attractions?
Other tombs are grander, but none carries this story. Complete it with the Egyptian Museum and the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
If you have to choose, the tombs of Seti I or Ramesses VI offer more spectacular decoration, but standing beside Tutankhamun himself is an experience of its own.
In summary
A pilgrimage for every Egyptology fan: stand before the boy king himself – or follow his whole story on the King Tut from Birth to Glory tour.
