Luxor/West Bank

The West Bank of Luxor in Egypt is also the gateway to the amazing Valley of the Kings, and a string of pharaonic mortuary temples vies with the richly-decorated Tombs of the Nobles and the workmen's village, Deir el-Medineh, for the visitors’ attention.

Understand

The West Bank is, archaeologically, the lushest paradise on this planet; the East Bank ties with Saqqara in second place, unanimously, among Egyptologists at least. The vast majority of visitors to Luxor tend to stay on the East Bank, which is the busy Egyptian city. The West Bank has a more relaxed vibe, and has a good selection of accommodations and restaurants.

Entrance and tickets

Most sights, tombs and areas have an entrance fee of LE40-80. And as usual, students get 50% off. If you intend to visit all archaeological sights, you would end up paying around LE1,000, not to mention the inexplicable LE1,200 for the Tomb of Nefertari, the LE1,000 for the Tomb of Seti II, and LE250 for Tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings (Jan 2019). Alternatively you can opt for a Luxor Pass costing US$200, which allows entrance to all Luxor sights during 5 consecutive days.

If you are on a tight budget, however, a fair share of sights can also be explored from the outside for free without entering them but still having a decent picture, namely when hiking around the area—see a potential itinerary below. There are many closed tombs in the Tombs of Nobles area that are interesting to see, because often they allow a sneak through the gate—just walk around. Furthermore, the hill between the Tombs of Nobles and the large mountain range offers great views of the area, Ramesseum and the Temple of Hatshepsut. You just have to get into the Tombs of Nobles area, either directly from Deir el Medineh, directly from Deir el-Bahari, somewhere along the main road or with a single ticket to any of its tombs from the dedicated carpark/entrance.

🌍 The major ticket office is on the left at the end of the straight main road coming from the ferry port, right when you enter the archaeological area. Except for the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens and Deir el-Bahari, you will have to get your tickets there.

Get in
See the Luxor page for getting to the Luxor area.

From the airport

Taxis are the only reasonable option. It is easy to find them when you arrive. If you are unused to bargaining, it is better to arrange a pick-up in advance with your accommodation. But this will most likely neither give you a better deal. Expect to pay LE50-100 depending on your bargaining skills for the 20-km ride.

From the train station

Taxis are available but, if on a budget and if you're reasonably mobile, it is a short walk to the ferry jetty from the railway station. Walk straight up al-mahatta and then round the tip of the Temple of Luxor to get there. A taxi ride from the station to the jetty should run to about LE10. Hotels on the West Bank are all within easy reach of the jetty.

By ferry from the East Bank

By far the quickest, most authentic and romantic manner of crossing the Nile to the west is by ferry or motor launch.

  • 🌍 National Ferry (baladi ferry) (It departs from its dock close to the ticket gate for the Temple of Luxor). There is no schedule. Ferries depart when they have filled up or until a decent period of time has passed. This should not take longer than 10 min. Be wary of the few high pressure salesmen who might be on board, hoping to snare you for a taxi fare or accommodation offers: these may or may not be bargain. LE5 for foreigners, LE0.5 for locals. (updated Jan 2019)
  • 🌍 Motor launches (No set dock, but close to the National Ferry. They set out from wherever they can pick up an agreeable customer.). The advantage of a launch being able to get going immediately. Prices vary widely, depending on your negotiation skills, LE20 per launch as of Oct 2018. (updated Oct 2018)

Get around

The West Bank's archaeological sites are spread out.

By taxi

In summer the temperature varies from hot to extremely hot. So, the easiest way to get around is by hiring a taxi for the day. This will set you back about LE250 from the West Bank, depending on your ability to haggle (Oct 2018). For a return trip to a particular site the price should not be more than LE100 for a minibus that takes up to 9 people. If your negotiation skills are reasonable, it is cheaper to hire a taxi by yourself, if not, you'll save yourself a lot of grief by asking your hotel to arrange one. In either event, bargain a bit because in Egypt the first price is always on the high side.

There are many tuk tuks as well, which charge a little less than standard taxis.

By tour

Many accommodations offer organised tours with a driver from the accommodation to and between the major archaeological sites. However, their schedule is quite tight and fixed. They will not appreciate any effort by their passengers to change the pre-defined tour, schedule and visiting times, mostly only 20 min at a site. They will also sometimes try to spend 30 min at a souvenir shop of their choice to get commission. In addition, you may be expected to visit and pay for a sight, even though you might not be interested in it. Such inexpensive tours start at LE50 per person. But if you find 4 people in your hostel or hotel, the taxi might be the more convenient option.

By bicycle

Bicycles are available for rent at hotels (LE10-20) and beyond the ferry jetty on the West Bank (LE30-40). In summer, be aware that the heat can be quite intense and the bikes tend to be primitive. Carry plenty of water. However, with a bicycle, you cannot walk much around, like between Deir el Medineh, the Valley of Nobles and the Temple of Hatshepsut.

By micro bus

Regular micro buses leave from the ferry to Gurna. If you can find your way onto one you'll get there on the cheap for LE2. The sites are usually 0.5 to 1 km away from the main road so you'll have to walk to get there.

On foot

Once you get to the archaeological area, by taxi or mini bus, it is possible, if likely tiresome, to hike the area at the foot of the mountains. There are small police stations along the hill tops. They should not hassle hikers.

If it is too much hassle to find transport from the ferry port area, walk the 3.5 km from there to Medinet Habu. In the early morning the weather is nicer and there will be many balloons flying over; you will pass green cultivation areas, and after them, the Colossi of Memnon and the remains of the Amenhotep III temple that once stood behind them, a pleasant and educative walk.

From the ticket office to the Valley of the Kings, you would rather use a taxi or tuk tuk.

It is no longer possible to hike up the mountain to the Valley of the Kings. Any such attempt will be prevented by the local police officers paying close attention.

See

It's a place of the Theban Necropolis, which was used for ritual burials for much of the Pharaonic period, especially during the New Kingdom. One of its most remarkable parts - the burial place of most of the pharaohs of Egypt of the New Kingdom - described in a separate article 🌍 Valley of the Kings.

  • 🌍 Medinet Habu (Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III) (the ticket office is 800 m northwest of this site, where the dirt road leads to Medinet Habu). A remarkable temple built by Ramses III that gets relatively few visitors. If you do not want to enter but simply walk around the temple and take a picture from the outside viewpoints, enter from the sealed road just southeast of the dirt road, which starts from the main road (between the ferry port and the archaeological area) just about 150 m before this main road turns right. The sealed road leads directly to the entrance of Medinet Habu, but without ticket you won't get in. LE80. (updated Jan 2019)
  • 🌍 Colossi of Memnon (right before entering the archaeological area along the main road towards it). Two massive stone statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III, who reigned in the 18th Dynasty. No admission, view from the roadside. (updated Jan 2019)
  • 🌍 Valley of the Queens. LE100, incl. entrance to all 3 available tombs, except for Nefertari one, which requires a separate ticket. LE300 for photo. (updated Jan 2019)
  • 🌍 Tomb of Nefertari (QV66). The Great Wife of Pharaoh Ramesses II's tomb was discovered by Ernesto Schiaparelli (the director of the Egyptian Museum in Turin) in 1904. It is often called the Sistine Chapel of Ancient Egypt. Often closed for restoration through long periods, as of 2022 the tomb is open to visitors. The Getty Conservation Institute monitors the tomb regularly. LE 2,000 (max 10 min), no discounts for students. (updated Dec 2022)
  • 🌍 Tomb of Amun-her-Khepeshef (QV 55). Amun-her-Khepeshef was the eldest son and appointed heir of Pharaoh Ramesses III. The tomb includes a sarcophagus, but the colors seem to be too strong to be thousands of years old. (updated Jan 2019)
  • 🌍 Tomb of Titi (No. 52). (updated Jan 2019)
  • 🌍 Tomb of Khaemwaset (QV 44). Built for a son of Pharaoh Ramesses III. (updated Jan 2019)
  • 🌍 Deir el Medina. Originally called Set Maat (the Place of Truth), the village was built to house the Royal tombs' workforce of literate priest-craftsmen (the "Servants in the Place of Truth"), on the reign of Amenhotep I, the community's patron, worshipped here along his mother Ahmose-Nefertari. Its abundant domestic and written remains (thousands of ostraca) make it the very best-studied Ancient Egypt community to date. LE100. (updated Jan 2019)
  • 🌍 Ptolemaic Temple. 
  • 🌍 Tomb of Ramose. The tomb of a famous Scribe in the Place of Truth. It consists of a court and a chapel. The chapel is decorated with scenes showing Amenhotep I, Ahmose Nefertari, Horemheb and Tuthmosis IV. Another scene shows King Ramesses II followed by the vizier Paser offering before the Theban Triad: Amun, Mut and Khonsu 
  • 🌍 Tomb of Senedjem. The burial place of Servant in the Place of Truth Sennedjem and his family. It was found undisturbed in 1886. 
  • 🌍 Tomb of Peshedu. The burial place of Servant in the Place of Truth Pashedu and his family 

Ozymandias of Egypt

I met a traveller from an antique land
Who said:—Two vast and trunkless legs of stone
Stand in the desert. Near them on the sand,
Half sunk, a shatter'd visage lies, whose frown
And wrinkled lip and sneer of cold command
Tell that its sculptor well those passions read
Which yet survive, stamp'd on these lifeless things,
The hand that mock'd them and the heart that fed.
And on the pedestal these words appear:
"My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:
Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair!"
Nothing beside remains: round the decay
Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare,
The lone and level sands stretch far away.
- Percy Bysshe Shelley (1818)
  • 🌍 Ramesseum (Mortuary Temple of Ramses II - the Great), Gurna. The site of the Ramesseum includes the fallen colossal statue of the pharaoh that inspired the sonnet Ozymandias by Shelley, now the focus of a major restoration project. It stood 17 m (69 ft) high, weighed in excess of 1,000 tons and was transported from Aswan in a single block. The pylons of the temple preserve depictions of the famed Battle of Qadesh waged by Egyptian forces under Ramses II against the Hittite Empire, the city of Qadesh lying in central Syria, then the contested boundary between the two great ancient empires. Behind the pylons, where visitors now enter the temple, the Second Court features a portico fronted by massive statues of Ramses II in the form of Osiris, the god of the underworld. A hypostyle hall occupies the centre of the temple, featuring a well-preserved and painted ceiling. The stone-built temple buildings are surrounded by the remains of a mud-brick royal palace and storage magazines. LE80. (updated Jan 2019)
  • 🌍 Temple of Merneptah, Gurna. Museum closed. Found immediately adjacent to the Ramesseum, the mortuary temple of Merneptah (the 13th son and eventual successor to the long-lived Ramesses II) was re-opened in 2002 as a new attraction after the careful and effective reconstruction of the temple foundations and lower courses by a Swiss archaeological team. (The temple was first excavated by the famous English Egyptologist Sir Flinders Petrie in 1904 and was the scene of his discovery of the so-called Israel Stela, featuring the earliest recorded mention of Israel in ancient sources, now to be seen in Cairo's Egyptian Museum). Although not featuring the inscribed wall reliefs and towering columns associated with many Egyptian temples, the Merneptah temple nonetheless now provides an unsurpassed impression of the layout of a 19th dynasty funerary temple with many interesting architectural details. A small partly-subterranean museum is also to be found on site, in which many of the magnificent painted reliefs and sculpture (many usurped by Merneptah from the nearby Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep III) are displayed. Sadly neglected by many visitors to the West Bank, the site and museum are nonetheless well worth a visit. LE40. (updated Jan 2019)
  • 🌍 Malkata ("the place where things are picked up" in Arabic). A palace that was built in the 14th century BC, whose ancient name was Per-Hay, "House of Rejoicing". Built mostly out of mudbrick, it was Amenhotep III's residence throughout most of the later part of his reign. Construction began around year 11 of his reign and continued until the king moved there permanently, around his year 29. Once completed, it was the largest royal residence in Egypt. The site also included a temple dedicated to Amenhotep III's Great Royal Wife, Tiy, which honors Sobek, the crocodile deity. (updated Nov 2019)

Tombs of Nobles

Tombs of Nobles (Sheikh Abd el-Gurna), Gurna. Named after the doomed tomb of the local saint. This is the most frequently visited cemetery on the Theban west bank, with the largest concentration of private tombs. Free admission to the grounds. 

  • 🌍 Tombs of Khonsu, Userhat and Benia. LE40. (updated Jan 2019)
  • 🌍 Tombs of Menna, Nakht, Amenemopet. LE60. (updated Jan 2019)
  • Tombs of Ramose, Userhat and Khaemhat. LE60. (updated Jan 2019)
  • 🌍 Tombs of Sennefer and Rekhmire. LE40. (updated Jan 2019)
  • Tombs of Neferenpet, Thutmose and Neferskheru (Khokha). LE40. (updated Jan 2019)

Deir el-Bahari

Deir el-Bahari. A complex of mortuary temples and tombs. The first monument built at the site was the mortuary temple of Mentuhotep II, it was constructed during the 15th century BCE. Amenhotep I and Hatshepsut also built extensively at the site. 

  • 🌍 Temple of Hatshepsut. One of the more impressive sights on the West Bank and different to most other temples in Egypt. Beautifully located at the foot of the mountain, making for a great picture. LE160, LE10 for the train to the entrance and back. (updated Dec 2022)
  • 🌍 Temple of Montuhotep II (right next to Hatshepsut). closed for renovation. Part of the Hatshepsut ticket. (updated Jan 2019)
  • 🌍 Tombs of El-Assasif. LE60. (updated Jan 2019)
  • 🌍 Tomb of Parennefer (TT188) (right next to El-Assasif). Unusual tomb, carved and decorated solely during the early years of the rule of Akhenaten. The tomb is decorated with sculpted scenes, some of which were painted. The scenes were all badly damaged and the name of Parennefer was carefully removed. Its scenes may be the first to show Queen Nefertiti. LE40. (updated Dec 2017)

Dra' Abu el-Naga'

The necropolis of Dra' Abu el-Naga'.  is just by the entrance of the dry bay that leads up to Deir el-Bahri, and north of the necropolis of el-Assasif. It was probably used as a royal Necropolis for the kings of the 17th Dynasty, and contains the possible tomb of Amenhotep I, Tomb ANB. It was also used as a cemetery for officials of the New Kingdom administration in Thebes.

  • 🌍 Temple of Seti I. The mortuary temple of Ramses the Great's father. The entire court and any pylons associated with the site are now in ruins, and much of the eastern part of the complex is buried under the modern town. LE60. (updated Jan 2019)
  • 🌍 Carter's House (at the bottom of the road, not up on the hill). A lonely, domed building on the hill above the intersection where the main road to the Valley of the Kings meets the road to the Temple of Seti I, the house in which Howard Carter lived for the years he spent searching for the tomb of Tutankhamun. LE80. (updated Jan 2019)
  • 🌍 Tomb ANB. It's the possible tomb of Amenhotep I. (updated Jan 2019)

Further away
  • 🌍 Temple of Isis (Deir el-Shelwit), Shalwit. A temple to Isis from the Greco-Roman period. First excavated by Karl Richard Lepsius in the mid-19th century, LE40. (updated Jan 2019)

Do
  • Hike the hills and area at the bottom of the mountains, between the temples, tombs and sights.
  • Hot air balloon rides over Valley of the Kings see Luxor.
  • If you are on a tight budget and just want to hike around and take some pictures (from the outside) consider the following route (6 km): Medinet Habu, Deir el Medineh, Tombs of Nobles (directly or with any single ticket to the tombs), Temple of Hatshepsut, Ramesseum (from the road).

Buy

Souvenirs, alabaster, perfume, etc.

Eat
  • 🌍 Tutankhamun Restaurant (200 m south of the ferry landing). Fixed menu, with a choice of mains that varies with what is in season. LE90 set menu, drinks LE15-25. Sometimes they play a trick of refusing to show a menu or bringing the one without prices and then overcharging you later. (updated Jan 2019)
  • 🌍 Sunflower Restaurant (very near the ferry dock, on your left if your back is to the river), ☏ +20 100 900 2234. Su-Su 11AM-11PM. Rooftop restaurant with a great view, very good food, and friendly staff. Very relaxed. Alcohol served. LE91 for a set menu of traditional Egyptian food, drinks LE20-30. (updated Jan 2019)

Sleep
  • 🌍 Amon Hotel, El Gezira (Follow the signs to Pharaoh's Stables from the ferry jetty), ☏ +20 952 310912, +20 122732754, fax: +20 952 311205. On a quiet side street this is an excellent mid-range choice. The hotel has a beautiful tropical courtyard garden and the owner, Ahmed, is a great source for all things in Luxor, including fair prices. Breakfast is included and a traditional Egyptian dinner available on request. Some rooms with AC, all with attached bath. LE25-50, AC Doubles LE200. 
  • 🌍 El Fayrouz Hotel, Gezira El Bairat (walking distance from the ferry), ☏ +20 10 931 036 44, +20 12 227 705 65, +20 95 2312 709, . Very popular with archaeologists and their crowd. 3 rooftop terraces, nice garden with local trees, restaurant and bar. Credit cards not acepted. (updated Apr 2024)
  • 🌍 Gezira Garden Hotel, el Gezira, West Bank (Near the ferry). El Gezira is family-owned and has 11 air-conditioned rooms LE60/80 single/double, breakfast included. 
  • 🌍 Marsam Hotel, ☏ +20 952 372403, . Rooms arranged around a charming courtyard restaurant overlooking the fields behind the Colossi of Memnon. One of the most peaceful spots on the West Bank. 
  • 🌍 El Phardous Home, ☏ +20 95 23 13 435, +20 10 60 93 076, . A peaceful oasis near the Valley of the Kings mountain on the West Bank of the Nile at Luxor in Egypt with 11 double and 2 single rooms and can provide full or half board. Owners are Norwegian and Egyptian, and the standard suits anyone looking for an inexpensive, clean, peaceful and friendly place to stay. Single/double LE120/230. (updated Jan 2019)
  • 🌍 Al Salam Camp (Bedouin-style hospitality), Ramlah Village, West Bank, ☏ +20 106 824 067 (Ahmed), . Peaceful, friendly family-run hutted camp ideal for independent travellers and close to all the sites. Children are welcome and will find many playmates. Very inexpensive, wonderful food, trips and activities, and a real taste of local life. LE15-30. 
  • 🌍 Hotel Sheherazade, El Gezira (West Bank) (As for the Amon Hotel. The Sheherazade is opposite the Amon), ☏ +20 10 558 2431. A delightful hotel with simple but perfectly adequate rooms around a courtyard. The staff are excellent. Breakfast is included and the restaurant is open most of the day serving a mixture of foods, including excellent Egyptian style food. LE100-200. 

Splurge
  • 🌍 Hotel al-Moudira, ☏ +20 123 251 307, fax: +20 123 220 528. 54 double rooms with a distinct Oriental feel: domed ceilings, latticework, hand-painted frescoes. Swimming pool and spacious grounds. US$150-200. (updated Dec 2017)
  • 🌍 Nile Valley Hotel, Gezirat el Bairat, West Bank (Near the ferryboat landing), ☏ +20 95 2311477, . Small family hotel with swimming pool, 21 rooms with attached bath, AC, TV, fridge, and a rooftoop restaurant with views of the Nile and the temple of Luxor. Airport/rail station pickup available. €15/22 single/double. 

Stay safe
  • Carry plenty of water, wear sensible shoes and a hat, strongly consider sunscreen. The West Bank is too amazing to be spent in pain and discomfort, and bring a torch as some of the tombs are quite dark.
  • Hiking up and down the mountain was an issue in the past and some travelers slipped along the way up or down the Valley of the Kings. This is not permitted anymore. However, take care when ascending any other things, which are far less solid than used to in Europe.
  • Do not use a credit card as some shops are masters at fraud. You may get your money back at home, but best to use cash and bargain.

Cope

The sites in Luxor are nothing short of spectacular. So, it is best to be organized.

  • A flashlight! It is dark in the tombs and the lights don't always work either because they don't or because the caretaker can't be bothered with turning them on.
  • Plenty of small notes and coins. Parting with LE1 notes/coins is almost the cost of being a tourist in Egypt and can magically open 'closed' tombs, light up dark chambers, or get rid of a particularly pesky tout.
  • Each of the tombs has a guardian who will let you in, show you around, tell you that photos aren't permitted, but he'll look the other way for a little bakhsheesh. Some will be happy if you slip them LE10 or 20, others will pester you for more if you "only" give them LE50. The guardians are paid very little as almost anybody in Africa, but tips are at your discretion.
  • Water is available outside most of the sites but not always readily available inside. However, it is advisable to take enough water with you. At the Temple of Hatshepsut, the cafe will gladly sell you a soft drink for LE50, but that also allows you to sit the only shade available. Drink sellers in the bazaar by the ticket office will charge LE20.
  • If you don't know Osiris from Anubis, it might be a good idea to read up a bit before you go. Otherwise, you'll wonder what the fuss is all about.


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