Kv40

KV40 Luxor Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction to KV40 Luxor: Historical Context and Visitor Overview

KV40 is a significant yet less-publicized tomb within the Valley of the Kings, situated on the west bank of the Nile across from Luxor, Egypt. Dating to the 18th Dynasty of the New Kingdom (c. 1550–1292 BCE), KV40 was primarily used as a collective burial site for members of the royal family and high-ranking courtiers, rather than reigning pharaohs. Its multi-chambered design, funerary inscriptions, and assemblage of artifacts offer a rare glimpse into the social hierarchies, burial customs, and diplomatic relationships of ancient Egypt’s elite. The tomb is especially notable for accommodating royal children, princesses, and foreign court ladies, reflecting the cosmopolitan composition of the Egyptian court at the time (mrandmrsegypt.com; journeytoegypt.com; madainproject.com).

As of June 2025, KV40 remains closed to the public due to ongoing archaeological excavations and conservation efforts aimed at preserving its delicate wall plaster and invaluable artifacts. However, visitors to Luxor can explore other tombs and cultural landmarks nearby, with tickets and accessibility managed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. This guide presents an in-depth look at KV40’s archaeological significance, recent discoveries, visitor logistics, and practical tips for exploring Luxor’s extraordinary ancient heritage.

Introduction
Historical and Archaeological Significance of KV40
Tomb Architecture, Occupants, and Social Insights
Discoveries and Conservation Efforts
Visiting KV40: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Nearby Luxor Historical Sites and Travel Tips
Enhancing Your Visit: Visual and Virtual Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
References

Historical and Archaeological Significance of KV40

The Role of KV40 in the Valley of the Kings

KV40 is a multi-chambered tomb constructed during the 18th Dynasty and designed as a family mausoleum for royal relatives and high-status courtiers. Unlike the grand, elaborately decorated tombs of pharaohs such as Seti I (KV17) or Ramses II (KV7), KV40’s architecture consists of a central shaft and side chambers—a design intended to deter tomb robbers (mrandmrsegypt.com). The tomb’s communal burial function highlights the extended networks of the Egyptian royal household during the New Kingdom.

Archaeological evidence indicates KV40 held the remains of over 50 individuals, including women, children, infants, royal family members, and foreign court ladies. Inscriptions on canopic jars and pottery identify titles such as “King’s Daughter,” “King’s Son,” and “Royal Nurse,” illustrating the tomb’s function as a resting place for secondary wives, princesses, and royal offspring. The presence of foreign names points to diplomatic marriages and Egypt’s international alliances during the period (journeytoegypt.com).

Discovery and Excavation History

KV40 was initially excavated by Victor Loret in 1899, but systematic research began in 2014 by an Egyptian-Swiss team from the University of Basel. Their work uncovered mummified remains, canopic jars, funerary equipment fragments, and inscribed pottery reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of the 18th Dynasty court (world-guides.com). Later reuse of the tomb by priestly elites between the 22nd and 25th Dynasties further enriches its historical narrative (Wikipedia - KV40; NCBI PMC).

Notable Archaeological Finds

Funerary Goods: Despite ancient looting, artifacts such as wooden coffin fragments, faience amulets, beads, and canopic jars have been recovered. The jars confirm full mummification rites, and traces of star motifs on plaster reflect celestial themes (theartnewspaper.com).
Human Remains: Over 50 individuals were interred, including a high proportion of children under three, which is rare in Egyptian tombs. Evidence of common ailments and a high infant mortality rate among the elite has been documented (NCBI PMC).
Mummification Techniques: Studies have revealed advanced excerebration methods, including procedures performed on infants, indicating evolving embalming practices (ZORA UZH).

Conservation Efforts

Ongoing work focuses on stabilizing the tomb’s wall plaster, documenting inscriptions, and preserving artifacts. Conservation is essential to safeguard KV40’s contributions to reconstructing royal genealogies and understanding New Kingdom society (cnn.com).

Visiting KV40: Hours, Tickets, and Practical Information

Current Status and Accessibility

As of June 2025, KV40 is closed to the public due to ongoing research and preservation activities. Access is typically restricted to authorized archaeologists and research teams. Occasionally, special academic visits may be arranged through the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, but these are rare (madainproject.com).

Valley of the Kings Visiting Hours and Ticketing

Opening Hours: The Valley of the Kings is generally open daily from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry around 3:30 PM.
Ticketing: Standard tickets cost EGP 260 (approx. USD 13) and permit entry to three tombs from a rotating selection (bostontribetravels.com). Extra tickets are required for high-profile tombs such as KV62 (Tutankhamun), KV17 (Seti I), and KV9 (Ramesses V & VI).
KV40 Access: KV40 is not included in public ticketing. Always verify current tomb access in advance (egymonuments.gov.eg).

Transportation and Accessibility

Getting There: Reach the West Bank of Luxor by ferry, then take a taxi or organized tour to the Valley of the Kings.
On-Site Transport: Electric vehicles shuttle visitors from the visitor center to the tombs. The terrain is uneven and not fully wheelchair accessible (flashpackingfamily.com).
Visitor Facilities: The visitor center provides maps, restrooms, and basic amenities. No food is sold inside; bring water and snacks.

Nearby Luxor Historical Sites and Travel Tips

Alternative Sites and Experiences

Open Tombs: As of 2025, 11 tombs are open to the public, including KV1 (Ramesses VII), KV2 (Ramesses IV), and KV62 (Tutankhamun).
Temple of Hatshepsut: A monumental mortuary temple nearby at Deir el-Bahari (saltinourhair.com).
Karnak and Luxor Temples: Major religious complexes on the East Bank.
Museums: The Luxor Museum and Mummification Museum offer context and display artifacts from the Valley.
Other Activities: Consider sunrise hot air balloon rides or felucca sailing on the Nile for unique perspectives (saltinourhair.com).

Practical Visitor Tips

Visit Early: Arrive by 8:00 AM to avoid crowds and midday heat.
What to Bring: Water, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, sturdy shoes, and small-denomination cash.
Photography: Permits are required for photography inside tombs; flash is prohibited.
Dress Code: Modest clothing is recommended, both for cultural respect and sun protection.
Guides: Hiring a licensed Egyptologist guide is highly recommended for context and navigation (egyptplanners.com).

Enhancing Your Visit: Visual and Virtual Resources

To enrich your exploration, utilize official virtual tours and galleries from institutions such as the University of Basel’s KV40 excavation project, which offer detailed imagery and 3D reconstructions. Museums like the Luxor Museum display select artifacts from the Valley. Use images with descriptive alt tags—e.g., “KV40 tomb entrance in the Valley of the Kings” or “Inscribed pottery jars from KV40”—to enhance accessibility and search optimization.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I visit KV40 today?
A1: No, KV40 is closed to the public as of June 2025 due to ongoing archaeological work.

Q2: How do I buy tickets for the Valley of the Kings?
A2: Tickets are available at the visitor center or online through the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

Q3: What are the Valley of the Kings’ hours?
A3: Typically 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, with last entry at 3:30 PM.

Q4: Are guided tours available for KV40?
A4: No, but guides can discuss KV40’s significance during tours of the Valley.

Q5: Is the Valley of the Kings accessible for people with mobility challenges?
A5: Accessibility is limited; most tombs require descending stairs or sloped tunnels.

Conclusion

KV40 is a vital archaeological site that enriches our understanding of New Kingdom royal family dynamics, burial customs, and Egypt’s international relations. Although it remains closed to general visitors, ongoing excavations and conservation work continue to yield important historical insights. Travelers to Luxor can experience the Valley of the Kings through its many accessible tombs, museums, and virtual resources. For a rewarding and responsible visit, plan ahead, stay informed through official sources, and engage respectfully with Luxor’s living heritage.