Is the smallest royal tomb in the Valley of the Kings really the one everyone queues for? The Tutankhamun tomb (KV62) holds the boy king himself, though not his gold. Here is what you will see and how to decide.
KV62 in Ten Minutes: The Quick Facts
KV62 is a small, painted tomb that needs its own extra ticket. Most visits last just 10 to 15 minutes.
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Tomb number | KV62, Valley of the Kings |
| Discovered | November 1922, by Howard Carter |
| Visit time | 10 to 15 minutes |
| Ticket | Extra, not covered by the standard Valley ticket |
| Inside | Painted burial chamber, stone sarcophagus and the king’s mummy |
| Not inside | The gold mask and treasures, now in Cairo |
Why Robbers Walked Over the Boy King’s Door
Because they could not see it. Workers digging the tomb of Ramesses VI above KV62 dumped rubble across the entrance and built huts on top. The doorway vanished for more than three thousand years.
Thieves did break in soon after the burial, but officials resealed the tomb. Tutankhamun died around 18 or 19, so his tomb was modest and quickly finished. That modesty is exactly why Carter found it so complete.
What Will You See Inside the Tutankhamun Tomb?
You will see a short corridor, a painted burial chamber and the king himself. A descending passage opens onto a viewing platform beside the chamber.
- The golden-yellow walls show the king’s funeral and his journey among the gods.
- On the west wall, twelve baboons stand for the twelve hours of the night.
- On the north wall, his successor Ay performs the Opening of the Mouth ritual.
- A stone sarcophagus fills the centre of the room.
- Tutankhamun’s mummy rests in a climate-controlled glass case.
Our guides’ tip: guides cannot usually go inside with you, so they brief you at the entrance. Listen closely, then give yourself a quiet minute at the west wall.
Where Is the Gold Mask Today?
The golden mask and the tomb’s thousands of objects are now at the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza Pyramids. The museum opened in late 2025 and shows the full collection together for the first time.
Luxor gives you the place. Cairo gives you the things. Together they complete the story, and our 7-day Egypt itinerary links both. Planning the capital leg? See our Cairo page.
How Can You Avoid the Crowd at KV62?
Go early or go late. The tomb is small, so only a few people fit inside at a time, and queues grow as tour buses arrive in mid-morning.
- Enter the Valley at opening and head straight for KV62.
- See your standard-ticket tombs afterwards, once the tour buses arrive.
- Pack water and a hat, because there is little shade outside.
- Follow the inspectors’ instructions about photography and flash.
KV62 lies close to the main path, so it fits easily between other tombs in a morning on the West Bank.
Should You Pay for the Extra Ticket?
It depends on what moves you. The Tutankhamun tomb is small, and its art is lighter than the great Ramesside tombs.
| You are… | Verdict |
|---|---|
| A first-timer moved by the discovery story | Yes, the presence is the point |
| A tomb-art lover | Spend the money on Ramesses V/VI or Seti I instead |
| Travelling with kids who know King Tut | Yes, instant history connection |
| On a tight budget | Skip it, the three standard tombs give more art |
For a premium alternative, read about the tomb of Seti I. Buy your extra ticket at the Valley’s ticket office, and see our Luxor ticket prices guide for current costs.
Ready to meet the boy king without the stress? Explore our Valley of the Kings private tour and let our Egyptologists handle tickets and timing.
Curious about the original excavation? Carter’s notes, drawings and photographs are searchable at the Griffith Institute’s Tutankhamun Archive. For the wider site, start with our Valley of the Kings guide and the Luxor page.
Tutankhamun’s Tomb: Questions Travelers Ask
Why is Tutankhamun more famous than other pharaohs?
His tomb was found almost intact, with thousands of objects, while most royal tombs were looted long ago. The press coverage did the rest.
How did Tutankhamun die?
Nobody knows for sure. Studies point to a leg injury, infection or illness. He was about 18 or 19.
Is the Tutankhamun tomb ticket separate from the Valley of the Kings ticket?
Yes. KV62 needs its own ticket, bought at the Valley’s ticket office. The standard ticket covers three other tombs.
Who found Tutankhamun’s tomb and when?
Howard Carter found the first step in November 1922, backed by Lord Carnarvon. The burial chamber was opened in early 1923.
Final Word: Small Tomb, Huge Story
Tutankhamun’s tomb is tiny, but its story is enormous. Go for the presence of the boy king, then save the treasures for Cairo. Ready to plan your Luxor days? See our Valley of the Kings tour with El Sultan Travel.
